Arvidsjaur is about 100 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle in Norrland, Sweden. The region was originally occupied by Sami reindeer farmers, who are commemorated at Lappstaden, Sweden's largest preserved Sami church town. It has over 80 traditional buildings from the 18th century, still owned by the original Sami families.
There is over 50 kilometres of cross country skiing nearby, so rent a car from Arvidsjaur Airport and go to Vittjåkk Mountain Resort for ski slopes, dog sledding and snowmobile tours. Alternatively, enjoy the wildlife at Harrejaure nature reserve or head to Moskosel for exhilarating white water rafting on the Pite River.
In the summer you can enjoy hiking in the Vittjåkk-Akkanålke nature reserve. There is a road almost to the peak of Akkanålke with spectacular views over neighbouring Vittjåkk, and the mountains to the east. Or visit Renvallen, where you can walk with reindeers in the stunning subarctic winter forests.
Hire a car from Arvidsjaur Airport and you can also enjoy some peaceful boating or fishing on one of the region's 4,000 lakes and four rivers. Just make sure that if you decide you want to catch your own dinner, you get the appropriate fishing licence from the Tourist Office.
