Discover Åsele: Nature, Culture and Trails

Åsele combines a lively local history with diverse landscape experiences. In the heart of the town centre lies the Hembygdsområdet open-air museum area, with 17 buildings and 50 exhibitions. Several exhibitions are also devoted to the history of the Sámi in Åsele Municipality and present an extensive collection of information and artefacts. The journey therefore begins not only outdoors in forest and marshland, but also with an insight into the region’s culture.

Culture and special experiences

A striking landmark in the town is the large mural on one of the gable ends of Åsele Kulturhus. The work by Q, Anya Blom, has adorned the building since summer 2019. Åsele’s first church is part of its older history: Queen Christina financed the wooden building, which was erected in 1648. Those interested in local traditions will encounter another highlight at Åsele Marknad. The four-day summer market dates back to the 17th century and takes place every year on the third weekend of July in the centre of Åsele. Around 200 traders usually take part, sharing approximately 900 market stalls.

Forest trails for different day plans

Kyrkstigen begins in Norrstrand at Gamla Lyckselevägen and leads through open pine forest to Älgsjö. The terrain is flat; on some sections, hikers cross marshland on boardwalks. This makes it possible to enjoy a day in nature in a different way than on more challenging trails. The Åslia Magical Forest Trail offers hikes for both experienced hikers and families. Its lookout point provides views of the mountains and forests around Åsele. Along the trail there are several wind shelters with fire pits.

Those looking for a route with a more pronounced difference in elevation will find one at Bergvattenberget. The route to the summit is equipped with boardwalks across sections of marshland and has an elevation difference of 120 metres, as well as some steeper stretches. The summit is popularly called Offerhällan and is a viewpoint in Sörnoret. According to tradition, this place is said to have been sacred to the Sámi. On Vispsjöberget, a 3-kilometre hike leads to the summit. There you will find a barbecue area, a wind shelter and a barbecue hut; the view also extends over the Ångermanälven.

Lakes, swimming areas and protected landscapes

Stamsjöbadet is located approximately 4 kilometres from the centre of Åsele and offers a gently sloping bathing area with a sandy beach. Another excursion destination is Vitterhuset in the village of Östernoret, about 12 kilometres outside the town centre. From Östernoret bathing area, it can be reached via an easy hike through marshland and forest. In the landscape of Stenbithöjden, a hiking trail leads through the nature reserve to a viewpoint overlooking forests and lakes. Many of the small lakes there contain self-sustaining trout populations; perch, roach and occasional pike are also found.

Historic sites can also be combined with physical activity. At Torvsjö Kvarnar, a hiking trail leads to the mill complex and the mill stream. Torvsjö Kvarnar was declared a legally protected historic building of national interest in 1972. Another landscape destination is Stockholmsgata, an impressive canyon formation 50 metres deep and 1.5 kilometres long.

Winter and active days

Åslia has several ski slopes of varying difficulty, from children's slopes to more challenging descents, as well as a cross-country ski trail. Åsele’s central illuminated exercise and ski trail system is groomed in winter for both classic cross-country skiing and freestyle. In summer, you can walk, Nordic walk, jog or run there. Those who also want to combine golf and fishing will find a challenging 9-hole course at Åsele Golfklubb. Fishing is possible in the Ångermanälven 100 metres from the clubhouse.

Choose Åsele as your base

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Åsele, you can consider which experiences will be the focus of your trip. For culture and market activities, staying near the town centre is a good choice. If you want to combine different trails, the swimming area and landscape destinations, you should include the respective distances and journeys in your daily planning. Access to Kyrkstigen begins from the centre of Åsele: At the roundabout, turn right onto Road 90 towards Junsele.

The Angsjön main entrance to Björnlandet National Park is also accessible from Åsele. The route follows Road 92 towards Umeå; after 47 kilometres, take a turn-off, followed by approximately 24 kilometres on a gravel road to the main entrance. If you are travelling with a dog, keep it on a lead and do not disturb any reindeer. Åsele lies within the reindeer-herding area, and consideration is particularly important during the calving period in spring.

You can also include Hälla and Fredrika in your destination search.

For the higher-level travel overview: Åsele.