Helgum: Discover Water, Trails and Culture

Helgum is situated by the Faxälven and Helgumssjön. The proximity to the water shapes the area and gives a trip several dimensions: you can explore the river landscape, plan a longer hike, visit cultural sites or set out on a cycling loop. If you are looking for an apartment or holiday home, you should therefore first consider which experiences you want to define your stay.

Water Landscapes and Special Nature Experiences

At Faxälven, Meåforsen is the river’s last stretch of rapids that has not been developed for hydropower. This gives the landscape a clear connection to the river’s natural dynamics. Helgumssjön is also an integral part of the local landscape. There is also a wetland around Visjön with a diverse birdlife. If you would like to observe birds or experience different water landscapes, you can make this natural area a separate focus when planning your days.

For a cycling trip, the Helgumssjön runt loop is a good option. It is 42.9 km long and is easiest to start in Helgum. The route is therefore a specific option for anyone who wants to experience the lake by bicycle and choose accommodation in a place with a documented starting point for this loop.

Hiking on Historic Trails

Finnåleden, also called Flottarleden, follows the old log-driving route from Runeåberg on the border with Jämtland to Visjön in Helgum. The hiking trail is 23 km long and connects various landscape sections. Some parts are easy to walk, while others pass through very hilly terrain. These differences are important when planning your day: you can consider the route in terms of the type of trail you prefer, but you should also take its length and hilly terrain into account as part of your planning.

There are many wind shelters along Finnåleden. Signs provide information about various historic buildings and other attractions. In this way, the trail combines nature, physical activity and local history, without all the impressions being alike. The Helgumer Elljusspår offers a trail with a different character: it leads through forest and across a clear-cut area. At the football pitch, the route ends at a car park with a picnic table. If you want to keep different daily rhythms open when looking for accommodation, you can include these different types of trails in your considerations.

Church and Local Architectural History

One of the notable cultural highlights is Helgums kyrka, a stone church built by Pål Pehrsson. It was completed in 1795. The construction work could have been completed as early as 1790, but the church was not considered fully completed until 1795. Helgums kyrka is open in connection with services and concerts. For those interested in culture, this is a reason not to plan the trip solely around landscapes and trails.

Helgums Hembygdsgård also adds to the character of the area. The buildings were constructed between 1866 and 1870. Together with the signs along Finnåleden, they provide access to various historic architectural styles and the region’s past. Those travelling with several generations can thus combine active trail sections and cultural discoveries in the same trip, without limiting themselves to just one type of excursion.

Which Base Suits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for holiday accommodation in Helgum, you can use the order of your planned experiences as a guide. For a trip focused on the river, lake and birdlife, Faxälven, Helgumssjön and the wetland around Visjön are the main attractions. If you would like to hike, the length and changing character of Finnåleden are important points to consider when planning your days. For a culturally focused trip, Helgums kyrka and Helgums Hembygdsgård take centre stage. The Helgumssjön runt cycling loop, in turn, offers a clearly named starting point for a longer bike excursion.

If you would like to extend your search to other places, you can also include Långsele, Sollefteå, Junsele, Edsele, Ramsele and Näsåker in your wider travel planning.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Sollefteå.