Good to know 2021

For additional information, we recommend that you also read “Good to know – For temporary For long stays!” or “Good to know – For those who visitors! wish to start a company!” This chapter provides information for those who are planning to visit our region Welcome to Skellefteå Älvdal! Discover our beautiful region, which extends inland from the coast all the way to the mountains and the Norwegian border.

This brochure contains a lot of valuable information that will help you, both before and during your visit, such as recommendations for accommodation, where you can hire a car, or where you can find free WiFi.

You will find out about the behaviour that is expected of visitors to our natural surroundings, as well as about other things the area has to offer. For example, do you know what is meant by the black bin bags that you may see hung up along the roadside?

Plan your visit and, if there’s anything else you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to contact the tourist information office in the relevant municipality

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS 2 Content

Planning 4 What is not permitted? 10 Nordic citizens 12 Before you travel 4 Natural protection areas 10 Citizens of other countries 12 Passports 4 Wild animals 10 Dental care 12 Medicines 4 Protected animals 10 Insurance 4 Reindeer 10 In the event of an accident 13 Vaccinations 4 Mosquitoes 10 Car accidents 13 Packing 4 Fires 13 Booking accommodation 4 Practical considerations 11 Accidents involving wild Booking transport 5 Language 11 animals 13 Accommodation 6 Climate 11 Mountain rescue 13 Short term pitches 6 Mobile telephones 11 Water 6 WiFi 11 Latrines & refuse 6 Currency 11 Gas and LPG 6 Payment 11 Nature camping 6 Euros 11 Banks 11 At your destination 6 Drivers licences 11 Transport 7 Public transport 7 In the event of illness or injury 12 Trains 7 Emergency services Cars 7 number 12 Fuel 7 Medical care 12 Traffic disruptions 7 Arjeplog 12 Food 8 Arvidsjaur 12 Restaurants 8 Malå 12 Grocery stores 8 Norsjö 12 Nature 9 Sorsele 12 The freedom to roam Skellefteå 12 (Allemansrätten) 9 Cost of medical care 12 Privacy zone 9 Citizens of the EU, EEA What is permitted? 9 or Switzerland 12

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS CONTENTS 3 Planning

Before you leave home to visit our region, it is a good idea to make sure that you have made sufficient plans and preparations. Here, we provide you with some useful advice.

Before you travel European health insurance cards • Diphtheria without problem. In , the process of A European health insurance card provides digitalisation is at an advanced stage. • Polio Passports EU citizens with access to medically neces- Certain organisations will only accept Make sure that your passport is valid for at sary (public) healthcare during temporary • Tetanus payment by bank card. If you plan to make least 6 months after your planned return visits to any of the 28 EU member states, as any online payments during your trip (e.g. • Measles journey. well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and for admission tickets or for a fishing permit), Switzerland. The same terms and prices make sure that your card can be used for Medicines apply as those for insured local residents. Packing online purchases before you leave. ATMs for Remember to pack all necessary medicines The card is issued by your local healthcare withdrawing cash are available in the main Clothing or prescriptions. authority, and must be presented in the towns of each municipality. This part of Sweden has four distinct event of any hospital visit. Find out more seasons, and temperatures and weather Make sure that your medicines have been about how to obtain a European health Plug adapters conditions can vary greatly compared to approved for bringing into, and using in, insurance card here information available The electrical plugs used in Sweden comply other European countries. Find out about Sweden. Ask your doctor for advice. in several languages). with the central European standard (types C the likely climatic conditions that will apply Remember that the EU health insurance or F). If you have any device fitted with a Insurance during your stay, and plan which clothes card is not an alternative to regular insur- different type of plug, you will need an Make sure you have appropriate insurance and equipment to bring with you according ance. adapter. These can be bought at most to the forecast. that will protect you during your trip. electrical stores. Vaccinations Find out more about northern Sweden’s If you are planning to take part in extreme climate on page 11. There are no special requirements for Booking accommodation sports or high-risk activities during your travelling to Sweden. However, travellers It is a good idea to book your accommoda- stay, you should also arrange supplementa- Currency are generally recommended to be vaccina- tion before you arrive. ry insurance. Contact your insurance The currency used in Sweden is Swedish ted against: company for assistance. kronor (SEK). Bank cards from Visa, Master- card and Maestro can generally be used

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS PLANNING 4 Booking transport Trains This part of Sweden is accessible by both You can use SJ (the Swedish state railway) train and airplane. to travel by train from Gothenburg or Stockholm to Bastuträsk in Norsjö The most convenient way is to book your municipality or Jörn in Skellefteå munici- tickets directly via the travel company’s pality. During weekends, it is also possible own websites, or via a travel agent. to disembark at Älvsbyn. Railway stations are also served by bus connections, but Flights you need to make sure that you check There are airports served by connecting departure times carefully. flights to/from Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Arvidsjaur, Skellefteå, , Gällivare, The Inland Line (Inlandsbanan) is trafficked Luleå and Umeå. During the winter, by trolley buses during the summer. The Arvidsjaur Airport also has direct flights to/ Inland Line also offers package tours – e.g. from Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt/Hahn in combination with Hurtigruten in and Hanover. Norway.

• Skellefteå: SAS • SJ

• Umeå, Luleå: SAS, Norwegian • Inlandsbanan • Lycksele: Amapola

• Arvidsjaur, Gällivare: Nordica

• Direct flights from Germany: FlyCar, ProSky

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS PLANNING 5 At your destination

Sorsele Accommodation Water *Primagaz H11 cylinder. Here, a click-on The region is served by a good and diverse Petrol stations and certain short term pitch • Sorsele camping och vandrarhem valve of Norwegian/Danish model. range of accommodation options. You will facilities will provide water for caravans Retailers of Primagaz include: Circle K, Byggmax, Skellefteå bränslen and find information and contact details for and motorhomes. It is a good idea to make Skellefteå Granngården in Skellefteå; Ingo in Malå; hotels, hostels and campsites under the sure you have the following: • Skellefteå Camping Lidéns Järnhandel in Sorsele; and Granns destination websites for each town (see Järn & Bygg in Arjeplog. Please note that • Water hose with a Gardena connector below). • Boviken Camping och havsbad we cannot guarantee that these retailers • A number of different tap connectors will stock this exact type of cylinder. Many of the accommodation options can • Byske Havsbad See the Primagaz range here (Swedish) • Key to water outlet also be booked via online booking plat- • Byske Ställplats Nature camping forms. Latrines & refuse • Byske, trafikverkets rastplats AC9 The setting up of tents is permitted as long • Arvidsjaur: visitarvidsjaur.se Search for sites here, or see Trafikverkets as it is in accordance with the freedom to map of rest sites. Be aware that camp�- • Rastplats Tjärn • Arjeplog: arjeploglapland.se roam right (allemansrätten – see page 9) or sites may charge a fee for the emptying • Rastplats Ljusvattnet, Bureå within the specific regulations of the site in • Malå: visitmala.se of latrines. • Bureå Camping question. Contact the relevant tourist infor- • Norsjö: visitnorsjo.se mation office for advice or recommenda- Arjeplog • Rastplats Marsjön, Lövånger tions. • Skellefteå: visitskelleftea.se • Rastplats Polcirkeln, väg 95 • Burträsk Camping • Sorsele: visitvindelalven.nu • Kraja camping Gas and LPG Short term pitches Arvidsjaur There is a difference between the Swedish At a short term pitch, you can park your and European standards for gas and LPG caravan or motorhome for just a few days. • Camp Gielas Fritidsby & Camping (liquid petroleum gas) cylinders, so you Contact the local tourist information office should make sure you have spare cylinders Malå or visit the websites listed below to find and purchase an adaptor, as it is not out where these pitches are located. • Malå Camping possible to refill your own cylinders in the Information not available in English. region. Empty cylinders can often be Norsjö • Norrbotten: exchanged for new (Swedish standard) Arjeplog, Arvidsjaur • Fromhedens camping cylinders at a discounted price. Gas and LPG are often sold at petrol stations and • Västerbotten: • Fridfulla Rännudden hardware stores. Malå, Norsjö, Skellefteå, Sorsele

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS AT YOUR DESTINATION 6 Transport Sweden is home to a quarter of a million Norsjö Fuel reindeer, with a similar amount of elk, so it At petrol stations, you can purchase petrol, • Rotarium, Industrivägen 1, Norsjö Public transport is important to pay attention when driving diesel and ethanol. Charging points for Visit the Länstrafiken website for Norr- in this region. Black binbags hung along the Sorsele electric and hybrid cars are available in botten or Västerbotten, or download the roadside act as a warning for freeroaming Skellefteå, Boliden, Lycksele, Arjeplog Tabussen.nu app so that you can view time- reindeer. If you where to collide with an • Karlssons Bilservice, Långgatan 9, and Arvidsjaur. Map of charging points tables and travel routes on your mobile animal, you are obliged to report this to the Sorsele device. police (tel. 114 14). Your car insurance will Traffic disruptions Skellefteå compensate the owner of the reindeer. In the northern regions of Sweden and • Norrbotten: www.ltnbd.se • Hertz, Skellefteå Airport, Tjärnvägen 1 , extensive roadworks are often • Västerbotten: www.tabussen.nu/ Many visitors like to take photographs of conducted in the summer months, with the • Avis, Skellefteå Airport, Hammarvägen 1 NB: Information in English is limited. wild reindeer and elk. If doing so, make sure process being unlike that of roadworks in that you do not represent any danger to • Circle K, Kågevägen 37, Skellefteå the rest of Europe. Plan your journey in Trains other road-users – do not stop on bends, advance. If possible, select an alternative • r, Skellefteå Airport, Tjärnvägen 6 All passenger train lines in Skellefteå Älvdal and turn on your hazard lights. Europca route. For more information about ongoing run in a North-South direction. Find out • Mabi, Skellefteå Airport, Hammarvägen 3C disruption, visit Trafikverket’s website. whether your intended destination is Renting a car Map of traffic disruption • Tidy, Verkstadsvägen 18, Skellefteå accessible by train by visiting: In order to rent a car, the driver must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid drivers • SJ – Sveriges järnvägar license. • Norrtåg Arjeplog • Inlandsbanan • OKQ8, Lappvallsvägen 17, Arjeplog Cars Cars are a common form of transport, as Arvidsjaur this part of Sweden is characterised by long • Avis, Arvidsjaur Airport distances with limited public transport. In Sweden, cars drive on the right-hand side of • Hertz, Arvidsjaur Airport + Storgatan 81, the road. For more information about road Arvidsjaur In Sweden, fuel is sold by the rules and traffic signs, etc., please visit • Europcar, Arvidsjaur Airport Transportstyrelsen’s website. litre, so payment Malå is made after the For information about road signs in English: car has been • Frendo, Storgatan 11, Malå Road signs filled! • Bil & Maskin, Sorselevägen 2, Malå

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS AT YOUR DESTINATION 7 Food Grocery stores Northern Sweden boasts an exclusive In addition to selling food and household range of food that has a close connection items, grocery stores often also provide to the expansive natural landscapes. Find services, such as parcel collection or a out more about the region’s special food postal service. culture here: Return deposits • Visit Västerbotten When buying a beverage sold in a plastic or • The taste of Swedish aluminium container, the value of the return deposit is added to the price. This is Local tourist information offices will also usually 1 or 2 kronor per container. This be able to give you some recommenda- premium is repaid to you when you recycle tions. Don’t forget that the tap water in the container in the deposit machine found Sweden is of a very high standard – it is in most grocery stores. Payment of the both clean and delicious! refunded premium is not optional.

Restaurants Tobacco and soft beverages In order to buy tobacco products or low Tips alcohol beverages (up to 3.5 % in In Sweden, a service charge is included in strength), you must be at least 18 years of the price, so there is no expectation that a age. The sale of tobacco or low alcohol customer should pay more than the sum beverages to anyone below 18 years of age stated on the bill. is forbidden. Allergies and dietary requirements Alcohol Gluten-free, milk-free and vegetarian Systembolaget is the only distributor that alternatives are available at many cafés and restaurants. If you have any specific is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages that dietary requirements, it is recommended are stronger than 3.5 %. To shop at that you ask the staff. Systembolaget, you must be at least 20 years of age. Low alcohol beveragess (up to Serving of alcohol 3.5 %) can be purchased at grocery stores At restaurants and bars, you can purchase to customers aged 18 years. It is prohibited alcohol if you are aged 18 years or above by law to buy, offer or give alcoholic and can present a valid form of ID. beverages to anyone who is underaged.

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS AT YOUR DESTINATION 8 Nature

The region has wonderful natural assets, interesting wildlife and unforgettable experiences to offer. The natural environment is also the workplace of the indigenous reindeer-herding Sámi people. The majority of northern Sweden is reindeer-grazing territory. For the sake of the Sámi, the animals and other nature lovers, it is therefore important that anybody who spends time in the nature treats it with respect. If you should encounter any reindeer or other wild animals, keep your distance.

The freedom to roam What is permitted? (Allemansrätten) • You can anchor, temporarily moor and The freedom to roam entitles everybody to disembark a boat on shores that do not experience the natural environment in belong to privately owned land or that accordance with the maxim “do not are protected (e.g. to protect birdlife). disturb, do not destroy”. • You may pitch a tent. Mind the privacy Privacy zone zone, and only stay for a night or two. All activities conducted in the nature must • You may take loose-lying twigs, branches respect a privacy zone. This zone is the area and cones that have fallen to the ground in immediate proximity to somebody’s for firewood. residence. The extent of the zone is not strictly defined, and will largely depend on • You may drive motorized vehicles on the formation of the landscape. The basic forest roads and private roads, as long rule is that residents must not be dis- as the road does not become damaged. turbed by your activities. Even if you are Landowners have the right to prohibit not physically present inside the privacy the use of motor vehicles. They may not, zone, you must still consider the amount of however, prohibit walking, cycling or noise you make. riding on these roads, as long as consid- eration is shown to the privacy zone.

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS NATURE 9 • Of course you may take your dog with Natural protection areas Reindeer uncommon to come into contact with you when visiting the natural environ- In nature reserves or other protected areas, Reindeer are sensitive to disturbances from reindeer along the region’s roads. If you ment. Between 1 March and 20 August, the right to roam freely may be restricted. other people and predators. Make sure should encounter a reindeer, you must slow the wild animals are particularly sensi- Information about the applicable rules will therefore to keep your distance, and do not down, but do not stop unless this is tive, so it is not permitted to let your dog usually be posted close to such areas. disturb or frighten the reindeer if you necessary, as doing so could represent an run free during this period. During the should encounter them. This is particularly increased risk for other road-users. rest of the year, your dog must remain Wild animals important during the calving season in the Mosquitoes under your supervision to ensure that it Our region is home to a rich and diverse spring, when the reindeer are herded and During parts of the summer, there are lots does not disturb or harm either the wildlife – reindeer, elk, foxes and bears are driven to reindeer enclosures for the of mosquitoes in the area. These can be irri- wildlife or other people. In certain parts just some of the creatures with which we marking or separation of calves, but the tating, but they are not dangerous. of the country, dogs must always be kept share our wonderful forests. Therefore, reindeer must also be left in peace when They can be deterred by the use of mosqui- on a lead. when spending time in the nature, show resting or grazing during migration. Find out more here! to-repellents, which can be purchased at • You may temporarily use a landing jetty respect and savour your surroundings! pharmacists, petrol stations and grocery located outside privately owned land. The Reindeer on the road stores. Make sure to choose clothing owner of the jetty always has prece- Protected animals Reindeer are attracted to the salt and appropriate to the situation. The most dence, and you are obligated to move if • All wild bird species minerals that are spread on the roads intense period for mosquitoes is normally the owner wishes to use the jetty. • Brown bears during the winter months, so it is not between mid-June and mid-July. • You may pick berries, flowers and • Arctic foxes mushrooms, as long as they are not protected species. • Wolverines

What is not permitted? • Lynx

• You may not disturb or destroy. • Otters

• You may not cycle across plantations, • Wolves gardens, plant nurseries, park planta- • Muskoxen tions, forest plantations or other sensi- tive areas (e.g. fields with growing crops). It is prohibited by law to:

• You are not permitted to saw or cut down • Kill, injure, catch or in any other way trees or bushes. collect animals that are protected

• You are not permitted to take branches, • Remove or damage eggs, nests or roe twigs or bark from living trees. • Deliberately disturb certain animal • You are not permitted to use windfall as species. firewood.

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS NATUR 10 Practical considerations

Language Mobile telephones Payment • The licence must be valid. Cash payments are accepted at the major- Swedish is the official language in the In our region, the Telia, Tele2 and Telenor • The licence must include a photograph of ity of places. However, a few stores do not region, and English can be considered to networks have the best coverage. the person in question, or can be verified accept cash, which means that you will need Swedes’ second language, as the majority of Top-up cards for pay-as-you-go mobiles are by another valid form of ID containing a to have a bank payment card with you. the population can both understand and sold at the OKQ8 chain of petrol stations, as photograph. make themselves understood in English. well as at certain grocery stores and electrical shops. Euros • If the licence is issued in any language Climate At Systembolaget alcohol stores and a other than Swedish, German, French or handful of other stores (mainly in the larger English, it must be accompanied by a In northern Sweden, the climate varies Check the coverage map before choosing a towns), payment in Euros is accepted. Any certified translation. wildly during the four distinct seasons; network. change, however, will be given in Swedish winter temperatures can fall below -30° kronor. Euros can be exchanged for kronor Celsius, whilst the summers can be ex- WiFi at Svea Exchange in the centre of Skellefteå. tremely hot and dry. Contract phone customers travelling within the EU do not pay any extra roaming Banks The winter season lasts for six months, with charges. Each municipality has at least one staffed an average temperature of -11° Celsius. branch of a bank – usually Handelsbanken, Spring usually begins in May, with summer The WiFikartan.se mapping site provides Swedbank or Sparbanken Nord. It is not turning into autumn at the end of August. information about where in the region you possible to exchange Euros at these banks. Activities such as hiking, or travelling by can find free WiFi. snowmobile or dog sled are greatly affected by the weather, so be prepared to change Please note that there may be additional Drivers licences your plans in the event of changing weather places with availability that are not included In order to drive a car in Sweden, you must conditions. Seek the advice of the tourist on the map. Ask the staff at your accommo- be at least 18 years of age and have a valid information office or a local guide before dation or at restaurants you visit. driving licence. Drivers licences issued in venturing onto the hills. EU/EEA countries or Switzerland are valid in Currency Sweden, as long as the criteria below are At SMHI or other similar meteorological The currency used in Sweden is Swedish fulfilled. platforms, you can find information about kronor (SEK). For updated information current weather conditions. about current conversion rates, visit Drivers licences issued in countries outside valuta.se Also, see the Currency section the EU/EEA may be used in Sweden for up to under point 1.1.5, Packing. 1 year, as long as the following criteria are fulfilled:

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 11 In the event of illness or injury

Emergency services number Norsjö Byske hälsocentral: costs for medical care upon providing of In the event of an emergency, call 112. Tel. 090-785 91 16 Tel 090-785 91 18 their personal details and their home Serious illness or injuries will be treated at Storgatan 33, Norsjö Ringvägen 8, Byske address. a hospital. In non-emergency situations, Morö backe hälsocentral: Citizens of other countries you must visit a healthcare centre instead. Sorsele Tel. 090-785 91 71 Tel. 090-785 91 15 Citizens of countries that are not in the EU/ You can call 1177 for medical advice. EEA or the Nordic region must pay their Burevägen 13, Sorsele Höjdgatan 14, Morö Backe own medical fees. Medical care Skellefteå Lövångers hälsocentral: The Swedish healthcare system uses an Tel. 090-785 91 20 Dental care Skellefteå hospital automated booking system. When making Skogstorpsvägen 12, Lövånger For necessary or emergency dental care, Tel. 090-785 00 00 a call to seek medical assistance, use the the same conditions apply as for medical Lasarettvägen 29 D. Skellefteå keypad on your telephone to make a Cost of medical care care in general. telephone appointment, and they will call The cost of care may vary depending on Anderstorps hälsocentral Children and young people on temporary you back at a stated time. If you call from a where you have a citizenship. Tel. 090-785 91 14 visits to Sweden who require emergency non-Swedish telephone number, you must For more information, visit the 1177 Anderstorpsleden 1, Skellefteå dental care are entitled to receive treat- add the international dialling code for medical advice service. ment without charge until the December Sweden (+46) to the telephone number. In Erikslids hälsocentral 31 of the year of their 22 nd birthday. the event of an emergency, call 112 or visit Tel. 090-785 91 10 Citizens of the EU, EEA your nearest healthcare centre or hospital: Annastigen 8, Skellefteå or Switzerland Citizens who are insured in another EU Arjeplog Heimdalls hälsocentral country, or in the EEA or Switzerland, are Tel. 0961-14801 Tel. 090-785 91 11 entitled to receive medical care on the Dr Wallqvist väg 3, Arjeplog Köpmangatan 15, Skellefteå same terms as Swedish citizens when presenting a European health insurance Arvidsjaur Bureå hälsocentral card. You can order a European health Tel. 0960-575 02 Tel. 090-785 91 12 insurance card from your local healthcare Sjukstugegatan 3, Arvidsjaur Nygatan 9, Bureå authority. See page 4, European health insurance cards. Malå Burträsk hälsocentral Tel 090-785 91 19 Tel. 090-785 91 73 Nordic citizens Storgatan 2, Malå Björnåkersgatan 10, Burträsk Nordic citizens are entitled to pay the same

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS IN THE EVENT OF ILLNESS OR INJURY 12 In the event of an accident

Use the 112 emergency number when immediate attendance by an ambulance, the fire & rescue service or the police is urgently required.

Car accidents Accidents involving wild The organisation provides an essential Keep yourself updated with regard to Call 112 if there is serious damage, if animals service to society, and its services may weather forecasts, and do not expose someone cannot be removed from the car, You are legally obliged to inform the police only be used in the event of genuine yourself to any unnecessary risks. Contact or if the position of the car could represent (by calling 114 14) if you are involved in a danger. Anyone who misuses the service your local tourist information office or the a risk for other road-users. Place warning collision with: may be required to pay compensation. staff at your accommodation for advice. triangles (often kept in the car’s luggage Bear in mind that the thawing of snow and • Elk compartment) at an appropriate distance In recent years, the number of rescues ice continues until as late as July. If you find from the site of the accident so that other • Eagles performed has increased. Ensure that you that you are lost or suddenly fall ill, contact road-users have sufficient time to see, plan well, and take extra clothing with you. the mountain rescue service. • Reindeer slow down and safely pass the site. • Lynx

Fires • Roe deer Before lighting any fire, it is your responsi- bility to make sure that there is no prohibi- • Wolves tion on lighting fires currently in place. It is also advisable to inform the police if You can find information about current the accident involves smaller animals. fire-lighting bans here or on the website of The police can help to move or euthanise the relevant municipality. Be aware that the injured animal. the prohibition on lighting fires may also apply to barbecues. Mountain rescue Call 112 in the event of a serious fire, or if a Call 112 if you require emergency help in fire looks like it will spread quickly. Attempt mountainous areas. The mountain rescue to extinguish the fire as best you can with- service provides assistance with: out exposing yourself or others to danger. • Personal injury

• Landslides

• Dangerous weather conditions

GOOD TO KNOW – FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT 13