Bjurholm: River Valleys, Hiking Trails and Art

River valleys, long hiking trails and art shape travel ideas in Bjurholm. The Öreälvens vandringsled is about 50 kilometres long between Örträsk and Agnäs in the municipality. The Lögdeälvens Vildmarksled is around 85 kilometres long in total, of which 32 kilometres lie within the municipality. The figures refer to different areas: for the first trail, the stated distance is the route between two places; for the second, it is the municipal section of a longer trail. When planning, you can therefore start by considering which of the two river landscapes you would like to explore more closely.

Hiking along the Öreälven and Lögdeälven rivers

The Öreälvens vandringsled follows the unregulated forest river Öreälven through deeply incised valleys. Steep riverbanks and meandering stretches shape the landscape along the trail. Along the way, there are many overnight cabins and wind shelters, as well as swimming beaches, barbecue areas and outdoor toilets. The river landscape and practical places to rest are equally characteristic of this long hiking route.

One special section is near Lagnäset. The hay meadows there may stand out for their golden-yellow globe flowers; a pedestrian suspension bridge also crosses the Öreälven at Lagnäset. The interplay of river, valley formations and meadows gives this part of the trail its own distinctive character. Those interested in the natural landscape will find specific features here that reveal what makes the Öreälven valley special.

The Lögdeälven is characterised by canyon landscapes, steep riverbanks and caves. Drakryggen is one of the most striking steep riverbanks along the river. There are 19 wind shelters in the municipality of Bjurholm, 17 of which are along the Lögdeälvens Vildmarksled. There are also nine overnight cabins.

Balberget and views across Bjurholm

In the Balberget Nature Reserve, the summit stands 439.8 metres above sea level and offers wide-ranging views across the landscape of Bjurholm. A marked trail leads to Balklinten at the summit of the reserve. There is a rest area there with a barbecue and wind shelter. This offers a named destination with a viewpoint and rest area in addition to the longer river trails.

Balberget can be reached via the road between Umeå and Åsele. A few kilometres before Balsjö, signs point to the reserve; there is a car park at the entrance.

Art and local history

Artworks also add distinctive touches to the area. In the village of Balsjö, Oh Du härliga land consists of eight sculptures on eight iron posts, each with its own story. Vägabstraktion is a sculpture made from road signs in various colours, located by the rapids on the Lögdeälven, 23 kilometres west of Bjurholm. Both works can be seen in a broader artistic context: the approximately 350-kilometre-long Konstvägen Sju Älvar art exhibition comprises 13 works of art, two of which are in the municipality of Bjurholm. In Karlsbäck, Konsthall Väst på Fjället hosts exhibitions, opening receptions and various performances.

The Hembygdsgården is situated on high ground by the Öreälven, where the first settlement in Bjurholm was established in 1752. The site includes just over ten buildings in a 19th-century setting, furnished with objects from the region. Bjurholm Church offers a different perspective on local history: it was consecrated in 1935 as the parish’s third church, on the centrally located site of earlier churches. The altarpiece was also created by Hildur Haggård in 1935. The church is one of the best-preserved churches designed by Kjell Wretling.

More activities and seasonal ideas

For exercise away from the river trails, Bjurholm has ski and exercise trails in the town centre that can be used in both summer and winter. The Agnäsbacken alpine ski area has three lifts and about ten runs. Paddling on the Öreälven can range from gentle to more challenging, depending on the section you choose. Rivers, lakes and waterways also offer fishing opportunities in both summer and winter.

The swimming pool in Bjurholm offers lap swimming or exercise swimming, public swimming, and family and toddler swimming. In summer, Balfors Gård hosts craft courses and café days, often alongside changing exhibitions. You can shape your trip around your interests: longer trails through the river valleys, an art and history programme, or seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations: Bjurholm, Storuman, Nordmaling, Åsele, Dorotea, Norsjö, Malå, Umeå

For the main travel overview: Västerbotten.