Welcome to Älvsbyn, Norrbotten’s Gem

City

About

Welcome to Älvsbyn, Norrbotten's Gem

Discover the beautiful nature, mountains, lakes and the magnificent grand rapids. Meet the friendly people, experience our culture. Stay at a hotel or rent a cottage. The options are many for a pleasant stay in Älvsbyn. Explore the shops in Älvsbyn, of high quality with personal service.

History

Älvsbyns History

According to the Census Book from 1543, 19 farmers lived in six villages - Manjärv, muskus, Vistträsk, Korsträsk, Övrabyn and Norrabyn (currently Älvsbyn). Historically, Älvsbyn background is from Piteå. In 1894, Älvsbyn became its own parish. In 1808, started the church construction which wasn't finished until 1813, when there were 575 inhabitants, of which 150 lived in the Village (old name of Älvsbyn). In the second half of the 1800s, began the influx of merchants and craftsmen to the village. It contributed to a change in the structure from a farming village to crafts. The commercial and industrial center saw an ever-increasing influx which led to the formation of the municipality in1933 and city in 1948. Villages and rural areas became communities. 1968/69 the city and communities came together and since then Älvsbyn has functioned as the center of the district.

See and Do

Family Activities

Dog Sledding

One of the best outdoor experiences available is a trip on a dogsled through the snowy landscape. You are more than welcome to participate on an unforgettable trip.
www.connexion-boreale.com

Kanisområdet

In Kanisområdet area there is a winter sports facility for downhill and cross-country skiing. Summertime downhill biking, gliding, dog races, and more.
www.kanisactioncenter.se

Fishing

Fishing Waters

Take the opportunity to fish in our beautiful waters when you are visiting Älvsbyn. A fishing map of Älvsbyn can be ordered from the tourist office and you can get more tips on activities and more information from the website. Good luck fishing!
www.pitealv.se

Museum

Bakery Museum

The building dates back to the 1920s and houses the bakery with a cafe and has a 20's decor. The so-called 10-penny cake, the forerunner of today's Polar cake, was baked here back in the 1920s. The museum and cafe are open during the summer.

Gas Museum

The museum is Sweden's largest exhibition of gas stations from the 1920s to the 1960s, and other curiosities such as spare parts, promotional gear and motor magazines. The museum is open during the summer, but can book groups all year round.
www.caltex.nu

Storforsens Forestry and Timber Floating Museum

Here, one can form a picture of the forest and floating workers methods and living conditions. The museum consists of tools, huts, stables, etc. Daily guided tours of the rapids and Forestry Museum during the summer.

Nature

Fällforsen (Waterfall)

Two miles Northwest of Älvsbyn the Pite River roars and Fällforsen provides an 11 meter drop. Rest area with fireplace along the falls.

Nature Reserves in Älvsbyns Municipality

Älvsbyns Municipality has eight natural reserves. Besides Storforsens Nature Reserve, Rackberget is well worth a visit. From the top of Rackberget there is a wonderful view over the valley. Contact Älvsbyns Tourist Office for more information.

Storforsen (Rapids)

The Grand Storforsen! Europe's largest free falling rapids can be found in Pite River, one of Sweden's four national rivers. At a distance of five kilometers, the river falls 82 meters. The strongest rapids are the last two kilometers, with a height difference of 60 meters. The biggest and the grandest rapids are during early summer when the mountain brings down huge masses of water. You can come breathtaking close and see the natural scenario. At the foot of Grand Rapids is a chapel with rapids as an altarpiece. Adjacent to the chapel there is a new footbridge over Varjisån River where you can go up to the rapids and the nature reserve.

Storforsens Nature Reserve

The area around the Grand Rapids is set aside as nature reserves and adjacent rapids can create paths that can make the whole area easily accessible. Parts of the reserve offers handicap facilities. In addition to a coffee house, there are many barbeque and picnic areas. In the middle of the area is "The Dead Falls", which is the upper part of a deep canyon with a natural swimming pool. Sround the Dead are also potholes, formed by grinding stones over the course of many centuries. In the nature reserve are many different plants and animals. Storforsens Nature Reserve is also the site of many major events. In the old älvfåran is a stage for concerts and other entertainment.

The nature reserve also has Storforsens Forestry and Timber Floating Museum. Here, one can form an idea about the forest and floating worker's methods and living. The museum consists of tools, huts, stables, etc. Guided tours daily of the rapids and Forestry Museum during the summer.
Other services in the nature reserve:
Storforsens Information Center
Serving
Crafts Sale
Hotels and Camping
For more information contact Älvsbyns Tourist Office.

Worth Seeing

Kyrkmalmen (Church)

Besides the church and the church cottages, there is a bakery museum, art house, monument and a memorial.

Lavergruvan Mine

On the outskirts of Älvsbyn, hides a piece of mining history. During World War II, a copper mine, where mining took place during the years 1936-1946. This built up a society which was described as Sweden's most modern of its time. Today, only street system, the foundations, mining bench and dam remains from Lavers greatness.

Manjärv Cultural Village

The area around Manjärv is rich in antiquities. The village was the venue for Swedish and Sami culture for over 300 years. Manjärv was the center of the battle for the forest in the 1800s.
www.manjarv.com

Memorial

The stone was erected to commemorate the royal visit in 1927.

Monument - The Galaxy

In 1978, the Galaxy was erected in memory of the author and astronomer Knut Lundmark 1889-1958.

The Church

The cross church in Österbottniska style was built in 1808-1813.

The Church City

In conjunction with the church, about 30 church homes were built to facilitate villagers' visits for the big weekend. Most of the cottages were built during the 1800s.