Your guide to the hidden gems you can visit in the summer season

Have you already explored all the nooks and crannies of Sara Cultural Center? Does Bjuröklubb seem like too easy a challenge? Are you looking for a new perspective? Don't worry - we have the solution to all that. Let our guide, Johan Seger, introduce you to some of Skellefteås most amazing but perhaps lesser known destinations.

HIKING IN KALVTRÄSK

Experience a beautiful and hilly forest environment with a total of 50 kilometers of hiking trail in Kalvträskbygden. Start at Kvarndammen and walk the 3-mile loop, over hills, streams and rivers with fantastic views of lakes Holmträsket and Vitträsket. Visit the bear cave or climb up to the viewing tower on Vitberget for an incredible view of the treetops. Along the trail you can see wildlife such as hare, moose and birds, and with a lot of luck also golden eagle, fox or lynx. There are also shorter circular trails of 2 to 10 kilometers and an accessible route by Lake Kalvträsket.

AVANÄSET NATURE RESERVE

Offers an undisturbed and scenic coast and archipelago experience. There are beautiful rocky outcrops, pine trees over 200 years old, sandy beaches and natural forests to explore. The rocky areas are great for a walk, and in sheltered areas you will find richer vegetation, including yellow alder and reed canary grass. A tip is to hike around Avanäsberget and Oxberget, where you can enjoy the fantastic view of the sea. Other tips worth exploring are Gammelhamnen, a beautiful natural harbor, or Vitsanden, a long sandy beach that stretches through the northern part of the reserve. At Tackelkammarviken there is also a smaller sandy beach to relax on. The nature reserve is located about 7 kilometers south of Lövånger. Turn off the E4 towards Avan and then the reserve can be reached via smaller roads.

PEDAL BOAT AT BURTRÄSKET

Burträsk Camping and Stugby offers something absolutely fantastic: the possibility to rent pedal boats that can accommodate four people in each boat. Sit back and let your feet do the work while you glide along on the calm water. With the pedal boat, you can easily navigate Burträsket and discover secret coves and picturesque beaches. Whether you bring your family, friends or just want a relaxing moment to yourself, a day on the pedal boat will be a memorable experience. Have a picnic in the boat and enjoy a sunny day on the water.

LOBERGSGROTTAN

Explore Lobergsgrottan in Bygdsiljum, Skellefteås largest and longest cave. The entrance can be a bit tricky to spot and is quite narrow but once inside the cave, a large cave hall opens up. You don't have to crawl to explore this cave, but you will need a flashlight as it is pitch black further in. A tip is to bring some candles to light inside the cave to create a cozy authentic cave experience. The cave is located at N64.332498°, E20.574719° and the entrance is on the eastern side of Loberget, next to a cliff. Entering a cave is always a risk, so it may be advisable to bring both a helmet and a friend on this adventure.

JÄTTUNGSMYRAN

Explore Jättungsmyran, one of Skellefteås most fascinating and unique natural treasures. This vast and untouched bog offers a unique opportunity to experience the Swedish wilderness in its purest form. Hike and be enchanted by the silent beauty, with only the wind and birdsong for company. Here you can also witness amazing animal and plant life. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare and shy bird species that nest in the area, and be fascinated by the magnificent flora of orchids, mosses and other vegetation. As always when visiting a nature reserve, it is important not to disturb the wildlife. Also remember to bring shoes that can withstand wet terrain and an extra pair of socks. Jättungsmyran is located 35 kilometers west of Burträsk.

NASALEDEN

Nasaleden is a fantastic hiking trail that stretches from Forsbacka (Krångfors) to Glommersträsk. The trail offers varied terrain and beautiful scenery through many small villages. In total, the trail measures 82 kilometers with eight sections and the height difference is 250 meters. During your hike, you will also encounter cozy rest areas where you can take a well-deserved break, grill a sausage or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The Nasa Trail is a tough trail that takes an average of 22 hours to walk. But for backpacking, bird watching and camping, it's a perfect trail to explore. If you want to continue the hike, you can walk from Glommersträsk to Avaviken in Arvidsjaur municipality. Pack your backpack, strap on your hiking boots and let the adventure begin!

FURUBERGET NATURE RESERVE

Furuberget is a fantastic place with a lovely primeval forest feel. The nature reserve is located about 15 kilometers northeast of Jörn. The forest on Furuberget has hardly been affected by forestry at all and here you will find spruces that are up to 300 years old and pines that are 350 years old. Here, the spruces on the steep northeastern slope are covered in twig lichen. In small stream ravines along the eastern and western sides there is a fantastic primeval spruce forest with lots of dead wood. The nature reserve is located about 15 kilometers northeast of Jörn. You can reach the area via a forest road that runs north of the reserve. Welcome to an experience that gives you a unique insight into the wonderful diversity of nature.

Text and photo: Visit Skellefteå