Norsjö: Nature, History and Winter Trails

The Vajsjön nature reserve lies about one kilometre from the town of Norsjö. Its birdlife is considered unique in inland Västerbotten. Historic sites, paths through cultural landscapes and seasonal activities add their own highlights. You can tailor your stay to whether you want to focus on wildlife watching, regional history or outdoor activities.

Birdlife at Vajsjön

Vajsjön is known for its distinctive birdlife and a clear visitor rule: from 15 April to 15 August, you must stay on the marked paths. Plan your wildlife watching along the marked paths during this period. Norsjö bus station is also close to the nature reserve; the distance of one kilometre refers to the town of Norsjö.

The Svansele dammängar offer a different perspective on the landscape. Parts of the area are managed each year through flooding and mowing. The area has significant conservation value from both a biological and a cultural-historical perspective. This management and designated value bring together natural and cultural history, although they are not experienced in the same way as the birdlife at Vajsjön.

Historic sites and regional heritage

The Hembygdsområdet in Norsjö includes buildings dating from the mid-19th century. These include a forge, a barn, a bakehouse, a forest hut and a tar kiln. The different types of buildings offer insight into various aspects of historic everyday life. The grounds also include a café selling pastries, drinks and ice cream.

The Jaktmuseum has a different focus: it showcases local wildlife and the historical importance of hunting to the region. Its exhibits include historic hunting weapons, traps and snares, as well as animals from the region, including bears, wolves, wolverines, beavers and various birds. Thus, the Hembygdsområdet focuses on buildings and everyday history, while the Jaktmuseum centres on hunting and wildlife.

The Church Trail also tells the story of life in the past. Norsjö’s first inhabitants used it for church duties and burials. The trail can be cycled. A hike covering a total of 60 kilometres can start in Bastuträsk, Norsjö or Åmliden.

Trails, ski tracks and activities

The Romantiska stigen runs through cultural landscapes and over ridges of glacially formed boulders. Both the use of the landscape and its geological features shape the route. If you would rather plan an activity with offerings available throughout the year, several companies and associations offer horse riding in Norsjö Municipality. There is also a disc golf course near Norsjö Arena.

In winter, the cross-country ski trails differ in lighting and length: two lit trails are 2.5 and 4 kilometres long. An unlit trail has longer sections of about 5 and 10 kilometres. The trails are free of charge. Lengths and grooming may change, so check these details before setting out.

You can light a fire and grill Bastuträskkorv at a rest area. In summer, beach volleyball is one of the seasonal highlights: Norsjö Beach is a beach volleyball tournament held every year on the first weekend in August. The NVK also runs a three-day beach volleyball school every summer. If you want to plan your trip around the tournament, check the exact event date in advance.

Getting there and choosing your stay

Bastuträsk is the only railway station in Norsjö Municipality. The nearest airports are Falmark near Skellefteå, Lycksele and Arvidsjaur.

Cultural and historical sites and the birdlife at Vajsjön offer further points of interest. Choose your travel dates and the experiences that interest you before looking for suitable accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Bastuträsk, Norsjö, Amliden, Gisträsk. Vilhelmina, Skellefteå, Åsele, Dorotea.

Back to the main travel overview: Västerbotten.