Samí village, Farmers' town, Tradesmens' town
Lappstaden (Samí village), Farmers’ town, Tradesmens’ town
In the early 17th century the first churches were built in the vast regions of Lapland, and the church in Arvidsjaur was completed in 1607.
The church was to bring to the Saami Christianity and Christian teachings. A so-called church attendance law stipulated a minimum level of attendance, but this was difficult for the nomadic Saami to fulfil. Since the road to church was long, overnight gåhties were built and nearby the settlers built their church cottages.
The site of the first church was some way from the present Lappstaden and was moved to its present site in the early 19th century.
In addition to Lappstaden for the Saami there is also a farmers’ section, where the permanent dwellers of the parish has their church cottages and a section where tradesmen owned houses. This last section has had to make way for present-day Arvidsjaur, but Lappstaden lives on!
Lappstaden
Borgargatan
933 31 Arvidsjaur
Open:
All day, year around
Free entrance
Guided tours 15/6-15/8:
Mon-Sun.......18.00 (Swe/ eng)
Price 100 SEK
For booking of group please call the Tourist office
+46 (0)960 175 00