Arjeplog

Arjeplog stands amid the lakes of Pite Lappmark, a Sámi homeland of forest, water and mountain routes. Its Sámi name was recorded in 1636, and by 1640 the place was a church and market centre. People gathered here from a wide surrounding country, bringing the life of the interior into contact with Swedish officials and traders.

The discovery of silver at Nasafjäll in 1634 brought a new and demanding enterprise to the region. Mining began the following year, and reindeer carried ore to the smelter at Silbojokk. Arjeplog parish was formed in 1640. In 1659 a Norwegian force crossed the border and destroyed the mine and smelter. A second period of mining began in 1770, with a new smelter at what became Adolfström, but long transport routes and difficulties obtaining labour limited its profitability.