Åskilje: River Estuary and Building History

Åskilje is located on the E12 between Lycksele and Storuman. The place’s clearly identifiable features include Åskilje kyrka, the mouth of the Juktån where it flows into the Umeälven, and ski trails run by a local association. Buberget Nature Reserve is also in the area and can be reached from the E12 at Åskilje. This offers a choice of different points of interest: building history, river scenery and cross-country skiing. When planning your trip, you can decide which of these matters most for your stay.

The Juktån as a river and fishing destination

The Juktån rises in Lake Överst-Juktan in the mountains between Tärnaby and Ammarnäs. From there, it flows southeast to its mouth at the Umeälven in Åskilje. The river can therefore be identified by two notable points: its source in the lake and the confluence at the village. The Juktån is also considered a classic fly-fishing river. If fishing is part of your trip, check local fishing regulations and access arrangements before your visit.

Åskilje kyrka and its building phases

Construction of Åskilje kyrka began in 1925 and was completed in 1927–1928; it was consecrated in 1928. It was originally designed as a simple chapel with a rectangular nave. On the northwest side was a lower, narrower entrance porch, and on the east side a small sacristy. The original design thus included both the rectangular main space and smaller sections of the building in different locations. The nave is the main part of the church building; the entrance porch and sacristy can be distinguished by their location and size.

In 1936, a bell tower was added on the northwest side, after the entrance porch had been demolished. The plans were drawn up by Einar Lundberg, an architect with the Swedish National Board of Public Building. The tower was therefore part of a later alteration, rather than the chapel’s original design. Eight years separate the consecration in 1928 and the tower’s addition in 1936; the dates mark two distinct building phases.

A report from 2013 names the bridges in Åskilje as having placed second, with 1,264 votes.

Ski trails and getting your bearings in the area

Åskilje has ski trails run by a local association; they are a local point of interest for travelers interested in cross-country skiing. Buberget Nature Reserve is geographically distinct: it lies in the area around Åskilje and can be reached from the E12 at Åskilje. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between an attraction in the village and a nearby protected area.

The tourist information center for the eastern area from Åskilje to Umnäs is at Storumans Camping. It provides information for a larger regional area. Åskilje Camping & lodge has 34 powered camping pitches. Check availability before booking.

Discover more destinations: Tärnaby, Storuman, Slussfors, Gunnarn, Hemavan, Grannäs

Return to the main travel overview: Storuman.