Dorotea: Nature, Culture and Hotels

Dorotea Municipality offers great opportunities for hiking, cycling and paddling. The landscape and attractions range from a lit circular trail around Bergvattensjön to wetlands, protected areas and historic sites. You can choose which side of Dorotea to explore based on the activity and the length of your trip.

Hiking and wildlife watching

The easy Sjöslingan is a circular trail about 3.3 kilometres long, lit and running around Bergvattensjön in central Dorotea. Along the lake, you’ll find a rich variety of birdlife, several swimming spots and rest areas. Check the seasonal trail and lighting conditions before your visit. Fishing licences for the lake can be purchased by mobile phone or online.

Blaikfjället is home to one of the largest wetland areas in the country. The area is also known for its birdlife; in autumn, there are plenty of cloudberries, although their availability varies by season. From Dorotea, you can reach Blaikfjället via Route 1052 towards Borgafjäll. From there, hiking trails lead into the nature reserve. Check road and trail conditions before setting off.

Gitsfjället Nature Reserve is a Natura 2000 nature reserve spanning the municipalities of Dorotea and Vilhelmina. The reserve has a hiking trail, a snowmobile trail, and a rest and overnight cabin; check local information for seasonal access. In the Rapksvuome area, wetlands, birch-covered moraine hills and ridges shape the landscape. Rapksvuome is also an important breeding area for waders.

Cycling and paddling routes

Mörttjärnsrundan is an easy 11.5-kilometre cycling loop in Dorotea. About half of it runs on gravel roads and the other half on paved roads. Its length and surface make it easy to compare with the shorter Sjöslingan, which is designed for walking by the lake.

Björnlandsleden starts just west of the town of Dorotea and is about 50 kilometres long in total. The paddling route includes some portages and easy rapids; it is suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. There are rest areas, suitable places to camp overnight, and opportunities to swim and fish along the route. Its length gives you an idea of the scale of the route, but does not on its own indicate how much time you should allow for your own trip.

Hiking routes also offer varied experiences. The trail to Toppstugan in Lajksjö leads from the community centre in Lajksjö up Hemberget. On clear days, views extend across Lajksjön to the mountains on the horizon. At Fjällån, the Lillbergforsen hike has a wind shelter, a barbecue area and fishing opportunities. High water levels may affect access to the wind shelter. You may also spot forest birds, moose and bears along the hike; sightings are not guaranteed.

Culture and history in Dorotea

Konstvägen Sju Älvar is a 350-kilometre-long art exhibition along a route from Holmsund on the east coast to Borgafjäll in the South Lapland mountains. Four of the 13 artworks are in Dorotea. The route offers a cultural perspective on the area, distinct from its nature and activity attractions.

The churches also tell stories of different periods. The present-day Dorotea Church was inaugurated in December 1934, after the previous church burned to the ground in August 1932. The current church houses two sculptures by a world-famous artist. In the past, residents of Avaträsk used Kyrkstigen to reach the church in Dorotea. Risbäck Church was built in 1858–1859 by twelve farmers from the municipality. The building has been preserved and was later used as a small school and a museum; check locally whether a visit is possible.

The local heritage area of Kullerbacken has older buildings, including a bakehouse, a loggers’ cabin, a Sámi hut and a njalla storage hut. The Husvagnsmuseet, opposite the Polar factory in Dorotea, displays caravan curiosities and the third Polar caravan ever built. It is open in summer; check opening hours before visiting.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Borgafjäll, Dorotea, Risbäck, Storuman, Skellefteå, Nordmaling, Norsjö, Lycksele.

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