Sulitjelma: Mining history and local tours

For a stay in Sulitjelma, mining history and local tours offer a range of different experiences. The Sulitjelma gruvemuseum and the Sulitjelma besøksgruve showcase different aspects of the area's industrial heritage, while art in the town adds another perspective. Hiking options range from a loop around a lake to challenging mountain terrain. These differences can help you match your planned activities to the time you have on site.

Mining history and guided tours

The Sulitjelma gruvemuseum is located in Sulitjelma's first industrial area, by the old copper smelter from 1899 and the power station from 1893. These dates provide a specific timeframe for the industrial history of the museum site. Another important stop is the Sulitjelma besøksgruve, located at the entrance to Grunnstollen, part of a large mine network. Work there began in 1900.

At the visitor mine, guests travel 1.6 kilometres into Sulitjelmafjellet on an original mine locomotive. Experienced guides talk about mining and the lives of miners in the 20th century. Regular mine tours are offered in spring, summer and autumn. Tours by reservation are available year-round, provided the mine is not iced over. Check booking arrangements and seasonal availability before your trip.

The museum offers a different focus: it provides year-round guided tours of its collections for groups. The approximately one-hour tour covers the history of the mining community as well as minerals, the labour movement, transport history and sport. It is offered in Norwegian and English. The two experiences therefore differ in both content and format: at the visitor mine, the journey into the mine is the main attraction; at the museum, the focus is on a themed tour of the collections.

Art, collections and leisure

The mineral exhibition at the Sulitjelma gruvemuseum showcases shapes, colours and natural sculptures made from local rocks and minerals. Public art also explores the area's history: artworks on old industrial buildings engage with the past and creative ideas. Sulitjelma is also a destination for international street art. As part of the Up-North Festival 2015, street-art artists created works in the area.

The Sulitjelma kirke is listed by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage as a particularly valuable church. Another specific option is Sulitjelma Bad, with a 12.5-metre pool and three lanes. If you plan to visit, check the seasonal opening hours.

Hiking around Sulitjelma

Near Sulitjelma, the route from Jakobsbakken to Sagmo passes historical traces of mining. It is considered relatively easy and can be walked year-round. Also nearby is the approximately 1.2-kilometre Hellarmovatnet rundt loop around the lake. There is a shelter roughly halfway along the route. The two trails offer different points of interest: one focuses on traces of mining, while the other is a loop beside the water.

Further afield in the region is Vardetoppen, a challenging mountain hike in the Sulitjelma massif with spectacular views and partly rugged terrain. Also further afield is the section of the Nordlandsruta from Lomi to Ny-Sulitjelma in the Sulitjelma mountains. This hike is described as scenic and relatively undemanding. The two mountain hikes therefore differ mainly in the stated level of difficulty and terrain. Check current access conditions before setting out, as they may vary.

Getting there

For road access, Fylkesvei 830 runs from Finneid to Sulitjelma. This allows you to combine your journey with your choice of activities in the area, from the mining museum and mine railway to hikes nearby or further afield.

Discover more destinations: Brekke, Tverrå, Valnesfjord, Straumsnes.

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