A walk along the Österdalälven, traces of forestry and trails on Fulufjället represent different sides of Särna. When planning your accommodation, consider which experiences you want to shape your trip: riverside paths and local history, nature or winter activities. Each focus offers practical points to consider—from a signposted riverside route to routes to the national park.
Fulufjället: Naturum, summer trails and how to get there
Naturum Fulufjället offers exhibitions about Fulufjället, various activities, talks and guided tours. Many of Fulufjället’s summer trails start at Naturum. If you want to hike there, it is therefore a useful reference point for planning. From Särna, you can reach the national park’s main entrance by car via National Road 70, then take the road towards Mörkret and Gördalen.
The bus connection also offers a practical option for planning: Dalatrafik route 785 serves both Särna kyrkan and Fulufjället Njupeskär. Check the timetable before you travel. The information about driving refers to the main entrance; the bus information names these two stops. This lets you tailor your accommodation search to your planned outings without making assumptions about journey times.
Riverside paths, waterfalls and forest nature
The signposted Strandpromenaden trail runs from Gammelkyrkan along the shore towards the large Östomsjönsbron. Broarna runt continues this riverside walk and is 8.3 kilometres long. That gives you a specific distance for your walk. Särnas Playa is a long sandy beach next to the campsite, with a small spit of land extending into the Österdalälven.
Fjätfallen is seven kilometres from Särna and is easy to reach by car or bicycle. The area includes several waterfalls and a fish ladder. For a different natural highlight, there is Njupeskär, a waterfall with a free-fall height of 93 metres.
The forest areas also differ in their characteristics. Krakelandet consists of an extensive mire surrounded by low, forested moraine ridges. Old and dead trees provide habitats for several rare and endangered species. Endangered lichens and wood-decay fungi are associated with the abundant deadwood at different stages of decomposition. In the Tvärhugget nature reserve, towering pines grow to around 300 years old.
In clear weather, the observation tower at Mickeltemplet offers views as far as Norway and Härjedalen. The Barmarktider are used both as a walking trail and as a popular mountain biking route; this use is seasonal. If you are weighing up walks, a measured riverside route and views from the tower, you will find different options for outdoor activities.
Church, forestry and regional traditions
The present-day Särna Gammelkyrka was started in 1684 and completed in 1697. The open-air museum Lomkällan displays cabins from across the era of forestry. The grounds also include a large battalion fortification with, among other features, trenches and anti-tank obstacles. Särna skans is a well-preserved defensive structure dating from 1940. These places offer insights into different periods in local history.
Skogshalla hosts exhibitions about the period of military preparedness and the railway era; the exhibitions may change. Another cultural thread is the Särnalåtar: rooted in Norwegian folk fiddling, they date back to the 17th century. A regional dish is Kolbotten from Särna, made with fried bacon and Messmörduppa and cooked over an open fire.
Crafts and festive traditions are also part of the region. Shaping butter into a Julgås in a carved wooden mould is a living tradition in Särna, Idre and Härjedalen. Midsummer has been celebrated in the traditional way at Gammelgården in Särna for many years. Everyone can dance around the Midsummer pole during the celebration; check the current programme details locally.
Winter activities and finding the right accommodation
Winter offers different options: Särna has wide, well-maintained snowmobile trails running in all directions. The well-maintained cross-country ski tracks are kept up through the work of Särna SK and Älvdalen Municipality. Both are seasonal offerings. Visitors can also book a dog-sledding tour; availability and providers may change, so it is worth checking before your trip.
Narrow down your search for a hotel in Särna according to whether riverside paths, cultural heritage, nature excursions or winter activities are your priority. For practical planning, check the timetable, seasonal offerings and current Midsummer programme against your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Storsätern, Evertsberg, Foskros, Idre, Älvdalen.
Back to the main travel overview: Älvdalen.
