Discover Vilhelmina: cultural history and trails

Explore Vilhelmina through the history of its church town and settler era, as well as its trails and recreational areas. This gives you a range of interests to choose from when planning your trip: museum exhibits, church art, walks and seasonal activities. You can focus your stay on the topics that interest you most.

Church town, museum and Sámi culture

The Vilhelmina Museum is housed in an old vicarage dating from the 1890s in the church town. It presents the history of the municipality from prehistoric times to the present day; tools from the settler era and Sámi objects are among its exhibits. In its prehistoric section, the museum displays the Maksjö find, a rich grave find from the 8th century. The collection spans everything from early finds to a broad account of the municipality’s history.

Today’s Vilhelmina Church was built on Kyrkberget between 1835 and 1840. Inside the church is an altar wall painting by Marcus Jonsson Blomqvist, created in 1840 and later placed on the east wall. The Kyrkstadsrummet offers another glimpse into local history: farmers built cottages around the first church, built in the late 18th century, so they could stay overnight during church festivals.

Samevistet is an open-air museum featuring traditional Sámi buildings in their original size and natural surroundings, as well as buildings from the settler era. Sámi language, crafts, food and myths are also part of the cultural experience there. Courses, festivals, cultural events and public guided tours are also held at Samevistet. If you would like to plan for one of these activities, check the dates in advance.

Walks and trails in the local area

The Strandleden offers a walking trail along Lake Volgsjön in the Vilhelmina area. Baksjön offers a different experience: this local recreation area is considered peaceful, and motorized traffic is prohibited there year-round. This gives you a choice between a lakeside walking trail and an area with year-round traffic restrictions for spending time outdoors.

The Sagostigen Vilhelmina starts on Kyrkberget, next to Samevistet. At about one kilometre long, it is an easy walk suitable for the whole family. Fairytale characters line the trail, and there is a barbecue shelter at the starting point. Its length and themed route make it different from a walk along Lake Volgsjön, so you can choose the kind of trail that suits your interests.

For winter sports, the ski stadium in Vilhelmina has a 2.5-kilometre floodlit loop and another loop of 5 kilometres. Lighting and operating details may change; check them when planning your visit.

Seasonal activities and practical information

In summer, you can use a rowing boat, canoe or kayak at Baksjötjärn in Vilhelmina. The swimming pool at Folkets hus has a 25-metre pool, a heated pool, a hot tub and a children’s pool. This gives you a choice of different pool facilities as well as activities on the water.

You can rent the Bagarstuga in the local area to bake tunnbröd. Rental arrangements may change, so check them in advance if you would like to include baking in your plans. In summer, the Vilhelmina Tourist Information Centre is based at Volgsjöstugan in Vilhelmina church town. You can get personal tips and inspiration there, and guided tours are also offered.

Nybyggarveckan is an annual cultural week about the settler era, held in Vilhelmina among other places. Dates and programme vary from year to year. The Wilhelmina Winter Weekend (WWW) is a winter festival featuring activities around snow, ice and cold during a packed weekend. The programme includes lights, ice sculptures, dance, musical entertainment, competitions and market squares; individual activities may vary from one edition to another. Check the event dates for the period of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Mark, Kittelfjall, Dikanäs, Marsliden, Saxnäs, Klimpfjäll, Storseleby

Return to the main travel overview: Vilhelmina.