klaffbladens

Klaffbladens is a small coastal locality situated in the northern part of the province of Västerbotten, Sweden. The name derives from the Swedish words “klaff” (meaning “flap” or “hinge”) and “blad” (meaning “leaf” or “blade”), a reference to the distinctive shape of the surrounding cliffs that resemble overlapping leaves when viewed from the sea. The settlement lies at the mouth of the Klaff River, which empties into the Gulf of Bothnia, and is administratively part of the Skellefteå Municipality.

The area was first recorded in tax registers of the late 16th century, when a handful of fishing families established seasonal cabins on the shore. By the early 19th century, permanent dwellings had been built, and Klaffbladens developed a modest timber‑lumber industry that supplied nearby towns. The locality’s population peaked in the 1960s at roughly 800 residents, but has since declined to an estimated 320 inhabitants, reflecting broader rural depopulation trends in northern Sweden.

Klaffbladens is known for its well‑preserved wooden architecture, including a 19th‑century chapel that serves as a cultural landmark. The surrounding landscape features mixed coniferous forests, rocky outcrops, and a network of small islands that attract birdwatchers and hikers during the summer months. An annual “Klaffbladens Sea Festival” celebrates the community’s maritime heritage with boat races, traditional music, and local cuisine. The locality is accessible via a regional road that connects it to Skellefteå, and it is served by a modest public transport link to the neighboring villages.