It lends its name to the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Europe, totaling 562,772 ha (approx.

Since it is partially located within the reserve, it is permanently protected from hydroelectric development.

Downstream from Vännäsby, where Vindelälven merges with Umeälven, Sweden's largest hydropower plant is located.

The source of the river is in the mountains close to the border with Norway.

Sorsele and Vindeln are the two biggest localities on the banks of the Vindel.