Discover Åsele: Culture, Hiking Trails and Nature

Åsele combines Sámi history and architectural history with a long-standing summer market and a variety of routes through forests, marshes and uplands. Cultural sites, seasonal activities and hikes each offer a distinct focus. When planning your trip, you can choose among these options depending on whether you are more interested in local history, outdoor activities or nature.

Culture and history

At the heart of the town centre is Hembygdsområdet, with 17 buildings and 50 exhibitions. Several exhibitions present the history of the Sámi in Åsele Municipality through an extensive collection of information and objects. Local history and Sámi history are thus presented side by side in different exhibition settings.

Since summer 2019, a large mural by artist Q (Anya Blom) has adorned one gable end of Åsele Kulturhus. The story of Åsele’s first church also goes back a long way: Queen Christina funded its construction, and it was built of wood in 1648. In Sörnoret, the summit of Bergvattenberget is a viewpoint popularly known as “Offerhällan.” According to local tradition, this place is said to have been sacred to the Sámi.

At Torvsjö Kvarnar, a hiking trail leads to a mill complex and millstream that visitors can explore. In 1972, the site was declared a legally protected historic building of national interest. The combination of the mill complex, stream and designated heritage status gives this destination a different historical focus from the exhibitions at Hembygdsområdet.

Hiking trails with different features

Kyrkstigen begins in Norrstrand at Gamla Lyckselevägen and runs through the forest to Älgsjö. Open pine forest and flat terrain define the route; boardwalks cross marsh sections in places. To get there from central Åsele, take the road from the roundabout by turning right onto Route 90 towards Junsele.

The Åslia Magic Forest Trail offers hikes for both experienced hikers and families. Its viewpoint offers views of the mountains and forests around Åsele. Åslia lies just outside the central area; there are several wind shelters with fire pits along the trail. Kyrkstigen is characterised by flat terrain and marsh boardwalks, while Bergvattenberget has boardwalks across marsh sections, an elevation gain of 120 metres and some steeper stretches.

Another hike leads to the summit of Bergvattenberget. On Vispsjöberget, the trail to the summit is 3 kilometres long. There is a barbecue area, a wind shelter and a barbecue hut, and the view extends to the Ångermanälven. The trails described therefore differ in their route features and facilities at the destination; no single walking time applies to all of them.

Summer, winter and activities

Åsele Marknad is a four-day summer market dating back to the 17th century. It takes place every year on the third weekend in July in central Åsele. Typically, around 200 traders take part, sharing approximately 900 market stalls. Since dates and programmes may vary, it is worth checking the specific market dates before your trip.

Winter sports also offer distinct options: Åslia has several ski slopes of varying difficulty, from children’s slopes to more challenging runs, as well as a cross-country ski trail. Åsele’s central, illuminated exercise and ski trail system is groomed in winter for both classic and freestyle cross-country skiing. In summer, it can be used for walking, fitness walking, jogging or running. Grooming and conditions may vary by season.

Åsele Golfklubb has a challenging 9-hole course. Fishing is possible in the Ångermanälven, 100 metres from the clubhouse. For a day of swimming, Stamsjöbadet is a gently sloping bathing area with a sandy beach, about 4 kilometres from central Åsele. Check the current conditions at the bathing area before visiting.

Nature and trip planning

Stenbithöjden is a nature reserve with a hiking trail leading to a viewpoint over forests and lakes. Many of its small lakes support self-sustaining trout populations; perch, roach and, occasionally, pike are also found there. The nature trail thus connects a viewpoint with a landscape inhabited by several fish species.

Vitterhuset is in the village of Östernoret, about 12 kilometres outside Åsele town centre. From Östernoret bathing area, it can be reached via an easy hike through marshland and forest. Another destination, the Angsjön main entrance to Björnlandet National Park, can be reached from Åsele via Route 92 towards Umeå. After 47 kilometres, take a turn-off; from there, about 24 kilometres of gravel road lead to the main entrance. Road conditions and winter access may vary, so check conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Fredrika, Hälla.

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