Sandträsk was established as a village in the late 1700s and consisted of a few small farms. During the 19th century, when the ore railway between Boden and Gällivare was built, the village became strategically interesting. To efficiently transport food to the workers in the Gällivare mine via the railroad, industrialist C.O. Bergman established a model farm here. From a small crown estate, he created a large, modern farm that kept 80 cattle, 14 horses and many other animals. He also built a grand mansion with a kitchen garden and greenhouse. Exotic crops such as grapes and melons were grown here. In 1907 the property was bought by the county council who wanted to use the beautiful, protected environment to build a sanatorium. Between 1913 and 1964, 26 000 patients were treated here; the hospital was an important employer for many professions. After its closure, a home for people with cognitive disabilities was established instead. A health home then took over, followed by a rehabilitation center. Since its closure in 2002, the buildings remain, empty and decaying, but endlessly fascinating. Guided tours can be booked for those who want to know more about the history of the site.

Sandträsk has no public transport and most residents commute to work. The long-standing substandard road 750 to Boden is now being rebuilt and will be completed by 2025.