Sorsele on the Vindelälven: Church, Railway and Nature

The Vindelälven flows alongside the walking paths in Sorsele, and the Sorsele kyrka stands on its banks. The town thus brings together a river landscape and a striking historic building. The Inlandsbanan is also the subject of its own museum. Your stay can therefore take in a range of highlights, from a walk by the water to the history of the church and railway.

Church and Railway History

The Sorsele kyrka was built in 1859 in just seven months and inaugurated in 1860. It is one of the best-preserved Neoclassical churches in Upper Norrland. Much of its original interior has been preserved, including the altarpiece, altar rail, altar table, pulpit and gallery. In the cemetery, you will find hand-hewn stone monuments, as well as Anders Fjellner’s memorial stone and commemorative tree.

The Inlandsbanemuseet is housed in the old freight shed at Sorsele railway station. There, you can learn how the Inlandsbanan was built. The original Älvkungen is on display at the Sorsele Local Heritage Museum; the new Älvkungen was completed in 2004. Sorsele thus brings together different aspects of local and railway history.

Another place of cultural history is Benstampen, an old mill and bone mill dating from the late 19th century. It is about 3.5 kilometres from Sorsele and is open to visitors. Access arrangements may vary by season, so check them before your visit.

Riverside Paths and Nature Reserves

The Hälsans stig loop is approximately 5 kilometres long, with signs marking each kilometre. This gives you a rough distance to factor into your day’s plans without assuming a walking time. Trail conditions may change seasonally, so check conditions before setting out. A hiking trail starts at the tourist information office in central Sorsele.

Stensundsforsen is a rapid on the Vindelälven known for grayling fishing. It is only a short walk from central Sorsele. The river area thus offers both walking paths and a specific rapid as different ways to experience the local landscape.

The Gimegolts Nature Reserve is about 15 kilometres outside Sorsele. Its ravine is 1.5 kilometres long, with vertical walls up to 25 metres high. The Nalovardo Fjäll Forest Reserve is also approximately 15 kilometres from the town centre; conditions there vary by season. These distances give you an idea of where the reserves are, while Gimegolts is also distinguished by the stated dimensions of its ravine.

Practical Places to Visit

Sorsele’s swimming pool offers lane swimming, water aerobics and swimming for the whole family. Opening times may change, so check the current schedule before your visit. The visitor centre at the Inlandsbanan station offers public Wi-Fi; availability may change. The Sorsele Local Heritage Museum also has a café that sells home-baked bread.

Mobile coverage is also useful to keep in mind when travelling: 4G coverage is fairly good along the E45 and Road 363. It can vary depending on your provider and local conditions. This makes it possible to consider nature, local history and practical stops when planning, without combining the different routes and attractions into a single outing.

Discover more destinations: Råstrand, Sorsele, Ammarnäs, Blattnicksele, Gargnäs, Storuman, Vännäs, Nordmaling.

Back to the regional travel overview: Västerbotten.