When is Åsele market?

Always the third weekend in July. In 2026 it was held on 17–20 July 2026; the dates for next year are published by the organiser at aselemarknad.se.

Is it light around the clock in Åsele in summer?

In practice yes, around midsummer. Formally it is not midnight sun, Åsele lies at 64°10′ north and the Arctic Circle runs further north, but the sun sets so briefly and shallowly that it does not get dark in June and early July.

What about the mosquitoes?

As in the rest of the interior: most at the end of June and in July, especially near bogs and still water. By the river it is more often windy. Bring repellent and long sleeves, and expect Björnlandet to be at its most pleasant in August and September when most of the mosquitoes are gone.

Can you get to Åsele without a car in summer?

Yes, by bus on route 44 from Umeå or Dorotea. For Björnlandet and Torvsjö you need a car. During the market weekend the bus is a good option, as the car parks in the town are full. See the Getting here page.

June to August

Summer

Summer in Åsele has one weekend that everything else revolves around. But before and after the market it is the river, the fishing, swimming at Stamsjön and a national park that is only snow-free a few months a year. And it never gets dark.

What to do in summer

The market

The third weekend in July, Thursday to Sunday. Around 200 stallholders on about 900 market pitches, a funfair, a stage, folkrace and auctions in the heritage area and the streets around it. Book accommodation a year in advance.

Fishing in the river and the lakes

20 fishing conservation areas, the Ångermanälven and Gideälven rivers and lakes such as Stamsjön and Viskasjön. Pike, perch, brown trout and grayling in different waters. Permits and a map at ifiske.se, guiding and boats from Lappland Pro Natur in Gafsele.

Björnlandet without snow

The national park is snow-free roughly June to September. Six trail loops from 2.6 to 12 kilometres through old-growth pine forest with trees over 450 years old, two overnight cabins and Björnbergsutsikten. 20 km south-west of Fredrika.

Swimming

Stamsjöbadet, 3.8 kilometres from the centre, has a sandy beach, beach volleyball, a playground and barbecue areas. In Fredrika you swim at Sandudden on lake Viskasjön, next to the campsite.

Torvsjö mills

Six small horizontal-wheel mills, a threshing barn, a sawmill and a small power station on the Skarpsjöbäcken stream, the oldest from 1752. A listed building about 25 kilometres north-west of the town, with an exhibition and events in summer.

The heritage area

Seventeen buildings and fifty exhibitions, from the church cottages moved here during the war to the postal museum. Guided tours in summer, Kaffestugan and Bagarstugan for hire.

Canoes and dogs

In summer Huskykennel Lappland runs canoeing, hiking and kennel visits, with the dogs as company in the forest rather than in front of the sled.

Light nights

Åsele lies at 64°10′ north, south of the Arctic Circle. The sun sets around midsummer, but only briefly and shallowly. It does not get dark, and the river lies still in the middle of the night.

Before and after the market

The week in July fills the town, and it has a page of its own. For the rest of the summer Åsele is a quiet place by a big river. The hotel and the campsite have space, the heritage area is open, and Björnlandet, 20 km beyond Fredrika, is at its best in August, when the mosquitoes have gone and the old pine forest stands dry and warm.

Common questions

When is Åsele market?: Always the third weekend in July. In 2026 it was held on 17–20 July 2026; the dates for next year are published by the organiser at aselemarknad.se.
Is it light around the clock in Åsele in summer?: In practice yes, around midsummer. Formally it is not midnight sun, Åsele lies at 64°10′ north and the Arctic Circle runs further north, but the sun sets so briefly and shallowly that it does not get dark in June and early July.
What about the mosquitoes?: As in the rest of the interior: most at the end of June and in July, especially near bogs and still water. By the river it is more often windy. Bring repellent and long sleeves, and expect Björnlandet to be at its most pleasant in August and September when most of the mosquitoes are gone.
Can you get to Åsele without a car in summer?: Yes, by bus on route 44 from Umeå or Dorotea. For Björnlandet and Torvsjö you need a car. During the market weekend the bus is a good option, as the car parks in the town are full. See the Getting here page.

Where to stay

A hotel by the river, a campsite two kilometres from the centre, a hostel in Gafsele, a hotel and a campsite in Fredrika. See all accommodation.

Information last checked 21 september 2026.