Discover Vilhelmina: Culture, Nature and Sámi Traditions

Vilhelmina combines cultural history, Sámi traditions and a variety of experiences around lakes and trails. Families planning a trip can choose between museum visits, a short fairytale trail, walks by the water and winter events. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Vilhelmina is therefore particularly appealing to travellers who want to organise their days flexibly between discoveries, outdoor activities and more relaxing pursuits.

Discover Cultural History and Sámi Life

A good place to start is the Vilhelmina Museum. It is housed in an old vicarage dating from the 1890s in the church town and presents the history of the municipality from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibits include tools from the settler period and Sámi artefacts. The prehistoric section also features the Maksjöfyndet, a rich grave find from the 8th century.

The Vilhelmina kyrka on Kyrkberget also offers insight into the history of the town. The present church building was constructed between 1835 and 1840; inside, there is an altarpiece painting by Marcus Jonsson Blomqvist dating from 1840. The Kyrkstadsrummet also explains how farmers around Vilhelmina’s first church, built in the late 18th century, constructed huts for overnight stays during church festivals.

The Samevistet complements these historical impressions with Sámi culture. The open-air museum features traditional full-size Sámi buildings in their natural surroundings, as well as buildings from the settler period. Sámi language, crafts, food and myths are presented here. Courses, celebrations, cultural events and public guided tours are also part of the programme. The annual Nybyggarveckan is dedicated to the settler period and takes place, among other locations, in Vilhelmina.

Trails, Water and Activities for Different Days

For a walk along the water, the Strandleden in the Vilhelmina built-up area on Lake Volgsjön is a good choice. Baksjön is a peaceful local recreational area within the built-up area, where motorised traffic is prohibited year-round. Those who enjoy being on the water in summer can explore Baksjötjärn by rowing boat, canoe or kayak.

Sagostigen Vilhelmina starts on Kyrkberget next to the Samevistet. The approximately 1-kilometre-long trail is easy to walk and suitable for the whole family. Fairytale characters accompany visitors along the trail; there is also a barbecue shelter at the starting point. This makes it possible to combine a manageable excursion with a cultural visit without spending the entire day in the museum.

Further options include the swimming hall at Folkets hus, with a 25-metre pool, a warm-water pool, a whirlpool and a children’s pool, as well as the ski stadium with a floodlit 2.5-kilometre loop and a 5-kilometre loop. In winter, Wilhelmina Winter Weekend brings together lights, ice sculptures, dancing, musical entertainment, competitions and market squares.

The Right Accommodation for Planning Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Vilhelmina, you can first decide which experiences should be the focus of your trip. Those interested in culture can include the museum, church, church town and Samevistet in their plans. For families with different interests, Sagostigen, the swimming hall and walks by the water can be combined with these visits. In summer, it is also worth checking out the Vilhelmina Tourist Information Office in Volgsjöstugan in Vilhelmina kyrkstad, where personal tips, inspiration and guided tours are offered. Vilhelmina Hembygdsmuseum is only open in summer.

For further orientation, you can also discover Mark. Other places to include in your travel plans are Saxnäs, Kittelfjall, Storseleby, Dikanäs, Klimpfjäll and Marsliden.

To the overarching travel overview: Vilhelmina.