Nordmaling: Sea, Rivers and Culture

The natural landscape of Nordmaling Municipality is shaped by its proximity to the sea, two untamed rivers and forest. The municipality is home to around ten large and small nature reserves with nature worthy of protection. The varied landscapes include bogs, coast and river valleys—and offer many different reasons to spend time outdoors.

Hiking, paddling and bird migration

Kronören Nature Reserve has two marked hiking trails; the area is also suitable for sea kayaking. If you want to get out on the water, check the water conditions and local rules in the protected area beforehand. In spring, autumn and winter, birdwatchers gather at Långroudden to follow the bird migration. These seasonal observations offer a different focus from hiking or kayaking.

Torsmyran Nature Reserve combines a bog landscape with archaeological heritage. The entrance is north of Nordmaling, directly off the E4; a ramp provides access to the bog. Check the access infrastructure before setting out. The area is suitable for stargazing because there is very little light from nearby buildings. The reserve is also home to a 370-metre-long system of twelve trapping pits.

Coastal landscapes and maritime traces

In the Örefjärden-Snöanskärgården area, land is rising by 85 centimetres per century. On the skerry island of Snöan, old stone arrangements in the form of compass roses and circular labyrinths lie among the cobblestone fields. At Järnäs udde, a 19th-century pilot station stands beside the guest harbour on Storklubben.

Near the mouth of the Öreälven, Örsten has a vast sandy beach. Örsten is accessible by boat; water conditions and local restrictions should be observed. If you plan to visit the beach, check these conditions in advance. This helps distinguish the special coastal locations from the natural areas you can explore on foot.

Church and industrial history

Nordmaling Church was built around 1480 and is one of the few medieval churches in Upper Norrland. The church museum is housed in the old mortuary chapel and contains objects from the church’s long history. The combination of the church building and museum offers a distinctive way to explore local cultural history.

Olofsfors Bruk ironworks dates back to the 1760s. The industrial heritage site, dating from 1762, is one of the best-preserved in Sweden. Guided tours are available on site, and the industrial museum is open to visitors; schedules may vary by season. Check the dates before your visit.

Hiking along the Lögdeälven

The 113-kilometre Lögdeälvsleden runs along the Lögdeälven through the municipalities of Bjurholm and Nordmaling to Fredrika in Åsele Municipality. The full route is sometimes also called Tempelleden. In Ålidberget Nature Reserve, the trail follows the western bank of the Lögdeälven and is often used by sport anglers and nature-loving hikers.

Along the trail are overnight cabins, wind shelters, suspension bridges, terrain steps, boardwalk sections and equipped rest areas. This infrastructure is useful when planning your hike; check it before setting out. The Lögdeälven is one of Norrland’s most important salmon and sea trout rivers. If you want to fish, check the applicable rules and access options.

Another reason to hike is Tjuv-Ante’s Cave, one of Sweden’s largest tunnel caves. From there, a hiking trail continues to a summit 131 metres above sea level, offering exceptional views. Trail conditions and safety requirements may vary and should be checked before the hike.

Winter activities and getting there

At Lusberget near Ålidberget, there is a five-kilometre cross-country ski trail with barbecue shelters. Ålidberget has two drag lifts and two groomed downhill runs; seasonal operation depends on snow and opening conditions. At the turning area on Åkervägen, another cross-country ski trail is 3.3 kilometres long, completely flat, unlit, and suitable for both classic and skating styles. By the school in Lögdeå, there are two trails measuring 1.5 and 2.2 kilometres, respectively, designated exclusively for classic skiing. Snow conditions and operating conditions are key for these winter activities.

Nordmaling station is on the Botnia Line. A Norrtåg service connects to Sundsvall, Örnsköldsvik and Umeå; check the current timetable before travelling. Nordmaling’s market takes place every year in July, but the exact date varies. If you want to plan your trip around it, confirm the date for the year in question.

Discover more destinations: Nordmaling, Norrfors, Bäcknäset, Järnäs, Lögdeå

Return to the main travel overview: Västerbotten.