Gråträsk: Cultural Landscape, History and Activities

Gråträsk is a composite cultural landscape shaped by both Sámi culture and settler culture. Archaeological finds, the history of the chapel, and activities on the lakes offer various thematic starting points for a trip.

Cultural Landscape and History

The Gråträsk Treasure is the largest find of its kind discovered anywhere in Norrbotten. It was found at Lake Tjautjer in 1898. The treasure includes jewellery, coins, metal fittings, and glass objects. The sacrificial site associated with the Gråträsk find was used over several generations; the objects date from 700 to 1300 AD. The two dates refer to different things: 1898 is the year the treasure was found, while 700 to 1300 AD is the period the objects date from.

During the Nasafjäll silver era, from 1635 to 1659, Gråträsk was an important transshipment point on the route between the Nasafjäll silver mine and the port of Piteå. The present-day Gråträsk Chapel was built in the 1930s as a free reconstruction of an old wooden chapel from the 1640s. This distinguishes the period of the historical model from that of the present-day building. Part of the Gråträsk cultural landscape is included among the cultural environment conservation areas of Norrbotten County and is designated number 50.

Lakes, Swimming and Fishing

Gråträsk is surrounded by many beautiful lakes and also has lovely berry-picking areas. Gråträsk is a swimming spot in Piteå Municipality, with good opportunities for swimming and fishing. In Gråträsket and Metträsket, whitefish, perch, pike, grayling, trout, and burbot are listed as sport fish.

Fäbodarna lies on the north side of Gråträsket and is an excursion destination best visited in summer. The season is a specific planning consideration here: summer is the preferred time to visit Fäbodarna, while other trails and an observation point can be used year-round.

Trails and Activities in Different Seasons

The Fornminnesstig trail between Metträsket and Tjautjer can be used in every season. An observation tower for birdwatching between these two bodies of water can also be used year-round. The Trolleden trail passes through Gråträsket, Metträsket, Lilla Lappträsket, and Pjeskerån, continuing to Pjeskersjön.

A 15-kilometre paddling route runs along Trappån and Kilisån to the Byske River. In winter, snowmobile trails are available in Gråträsk, including Nasaleden; skiing is also possible. This gives you a choice of year-round trails and opportunities for observation, as well as explicitly seasonal excursions and winter activities when planning your trip.

Directions to the Chapel

From Långträsk, follow Road 373 towards Arvidsjaur for 26 kilometres, then turn towards Gråträsk to reach the chapel. Check local road conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Rosvik, Koler, Storsund, Sjulsmark, Lillpite, Altersbruk, Sikfors, Piteå.

Return to the main travel overview: Piteå.