Nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Arvidsjaur is a picturesque village renowned for its nature activities and winter pursuits. It plays an important role in the European car manufacturing industry, with companies using the area as a base for their Arctic trials.
One of Arvidsjaur’s most popular attractions is Lappstaden, which recreates a traditional Sami settlement from times gone by. When the first church was built here in 1607, pyramid-roofed cottages were constructed to enable the nomadic Sami to meet the imposed church-attendance laws. Directly across from Lappstaden is Arvidsjaur’s modern church with its soaring spire.
Directly west of Arvidsjaur is the ski resort of Vittjåkk, which encompasses five kilometres of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. In the summer months, it’s a popular destination for hiking and berry picking, with regular sightings of reindeer and moose. Visit between September and March to see the Northern Lights.
Getting there
Arvidsjaur Airport is a 10-minute drive from the village centre and has daily flights to Stockholm. Regular trains connect to the Arvidsjaur railway station and the village centre is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.