Every design for Arvidsjaur

The name itself carries something gentle: Arvidsjaur means roughly the generous lake, a compound Sámi word that lodges in the memory. Here, in central Lapland south of the Arctic Circle, wide country, forest and a Sámi culture that lives on through the district's three forest Sámi communities all meet. Lappstaden, with its huts and timbered buildings, is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind — a place that keeps the memory of old church weekends alive.

It is a district with two faces. In winter Europe's car industry rolls in to test its vehicles in the cold, while snowmobile trails, fishing waters and hiking routes draw visitors. At Prästberget and Vittjåkk you ski, and in the town there is the Hembygdsmuseet, Sámi handicraft to be found and viewpoints where the eye travels far across the landscape.

Arvidsjaur is also the base of the Norrland dragoon regiment, part of the town's backbone. For anyone who grew up here, or left and never quite let go, the lines of the map sit deeper than you would think. Keeping it close is a small way of carrying that feeling of home with you, however far south the road has taken you.