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Vilhelmina

Welcome to Vilhelmina, a modern community in southern Lapland with much to offer those in search of authentic experiences of nature and culture. Go on a journey of discovery in the charming church town area or travel to the mountains and admire the magnificent views and cascading torrents. Vilhelmina can cater for a wide variety of tastes, be it for comfortable accommodation or excursions and activities. Vilhelmina has also become known for its locally produced food so stay for a while and feed both your body and soul. Contact the tourist information office for advice or help with hire cars and bus connections.     

 


Wide variety of excursions

Vilhelmina church town is located up by the church. The area dates back to the 1800s and was originally used by the local population during religious festivals. Today the 27 remaining church cottages are used for accommodation, handicrafts, a shop selling local produce, a Sami gallery and a museum. The area presents a pretty contrast to the modern townscape. The forests around central Vilhelmina have several halting places and after the stretch of the Vojmån river there are strategically placed shelters in places of natural beauty, often next to majestic torrents.
If you choose to visit one of Vilhelmina’s two mountain valleys, you will find gems dotted around. In the Kultsjö valley there are the Dimforsen and Trappstegsforsen rapids, or why not continue up towards Stekenjokk, one of the country’s highest motor roads. Stop by Ricklundgården in Saxnäs and Norgefarargården in Klimpfjäll. In Vojmådalen valley you might be tempted by the Kittelfjäll mountain, or the trail along Sagavägen towards Norway. If you want to go for a hike there are many hiking trails. Maybe you want to hike up to Marsfjället? Or hike to Klitvallen, which is located outside Dikanäs. There are a number of easy fairytale trails for families!

Fatmomakke
Northwest of central Vilhelmina lies Fatmomakke, the ancient meeting place of the Samis. It is a unique area on the shore of Lake Kultsjön, with more than 100 different buildings gathered together around the church and churchyard. There are around 80 Sami tepees and other buildings of historic interest, adding indescribable charm to the area. Visitors also gain an insight into how the Samis lived and worked in the past. The area is still in use today, so don’t be surprised if there are people living in the tepees when you visit.
The church is open all summer.


Culture week
The second week of July is a special week of culture, culminating in the Hembygdsdagarna local heritage celebration. The culture week features Sami culture and history via exhibitions, performances, concerts, excursions, storytelling evenings, film performances and various lunchtime activities, and also includes birdwatching and flower walks. The Hembygdsdagarna local heritage celebration brings the week of culture to a close with traditional activities such as market stalls, amusements, folk musicians, and a traditional wedding. A programme to attract both young and old alike.

 

Did you know that ...
… on 13 December 1941 the temperature fell to -53 C near the village of Malgovik in Vilhelmina.
… until 1804 the town was known as Volgsjö. In 1804 the town changed name to Vilhelmina after the Queen at that time, Queen Fredrika Dorotea Vilhelmina Sofia Ulrika von Baden.
… Vilhelmina municipality covers an area of 8,700 km2 and has around 7,200 inhabitants. Which amounts to less than one inhabitant/ km2.

Don't miss:

Is it the calm of a fishing lake, where the fish lurk just below the surface? Or a hike in the mountains, where the water tastes best out of a kåsa drinking vessel when you’re hot from walking? Is it the light that is as bright at night as in the daytime? Is it the people, the stillness or simply the magnificent view that brings you here? We’ve got it all!