Nattavaara

Nattavaara combines a long history with surroundings shaped by cultivated land and older buildings. Routes and nature reserves also help with trip planning: you can explore local history, landscapes, and seasonal activities as different aspects of the destination.

History and local character

Traces of human activity near Nattavaara date back to the 8th century. During the historic ore transports, Nattavaara was the only settlement along Malmens väg and an important transport hub. This role is part of the area’s history; the route’s current use is a separate matter.

The buildings are varied. The upper part of the village is home to several older, well-preserved Parstugor and a number of single-room cottages. Different types of houses therefore contribute to the village’s character, rather than one type defining it on its own.

The cultivated land also characterizes the surroundings: it slopes down toward the Venetjoki, a tributary of the Råneälven. About fifteen hay barns stand on former marshland cultivation areas north and northwest of Nattavaara. Their location and the former use of these areas add to the picture of the cultural landscape.

Nature, routes, and activities

The Pellokielas Nature Reserve is nearby. It is home to pine trees up to 550 years old, as well as a dry pine heath that visitors can easily walk through. Pellokielas thus combines a distinctive landscape with a particularly old stand of trees.

Malmens väg has both historical and present-day significance. Today, the route is used for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Along the way, there are shelters and picnic huts with indoor fire pits, as well as prepared outdoor barbecue areas. Seasonal use may vary; check current conditions before setting out.

Malmens väg is about 200 kilometers long and connects a network of ski and snowmobile trails with rest shelters, fishing lakes, viewpoints, and wind shelters, including in the Nattavaara area. This information refers to the route and its trail network as a whole, and is distinct from the specific shelters, huts, and barbecue areas along the way.

The Råneälven flows through the Nattavarabygden, where sport fishing for salmon, grayling, and trout is available. Check fishing regulations and permits separately. The Venetjoki is a tributary of the Råneälven.

Nature reserves nearby

To reach Ainavarto, drive about 14 kilometers north from Nattavaara, then turn east onto a forest road that runs through the nature reserve. Granlandet is accessed via county road 810 from Nattavaara toward Murjek and Vuoddas. South of Siekavaara, several suitable access roads lead to the reserve in the east.

Pellokielas is about 25 kilometers southeast of Nattavaara, in the southern part of Gällivare Municipality. The road between Polcirkeln and Nattavaara runs through the reserve. This location information adds a specific point of reference to the description of the pines and dry heath at Pellokielas.

Naulajärvi-Kirvesvuoma Nature Reserve is about five kilometers northeast of Nattavaara. Road 818 to Purnu runs along its northern boundary; road 817 to Sarvisvaara lies along its southern boundary. Päivävuoma is about 15 kilometers southeast of Nattavaara. The road between Polcirkeln and Nattavaara passes by this nature reserve.

Discover more destinations: Gällivare, Ritsem, Puoltikasvaara, Koskullskulle, Malmberget, Skaulo.

Back to the main travel overview: Gällivare.