Åreskutan is a destination for a summit hike; the ski resorts offer another way to experience Åre’s mountain landscape. Nature reserves and preserved sites from the history of copper mining show that Åre Municipality has more to offer than winter sports.
Skiing and hiking
The alpine ski area in Åre comprises around 200 runs across a total of seven ski areas. Åre itself has almost 90 ski runs and about half as many lifts of various types. The more than 100-year-old Bergbanan is also part of the area and starts right in the middle of Åre torg. The ski school in Åre offers lessons for different levels, both privately and in groups.
There are also various hiking options: the extensive trail network includes short walks for children, easy trails for inexperienced hikers, and longer, more challenging routes. The hike to the summit of Åreskutan reaches an elevation of 1,420 metres above sea level. Åreskutan and the surrounding area are grazing land for the reindeer of Kall sameby; please respect this area.
Waterfalls and mountain scenery
Tännforsen waterfall is 38 metres long and 60 metres wide, and forms part of the Indalsälven river. The area around Tännforsen has been a nature reserve since 1971 and is also a Natura 2000 site. A well-marked, easy walking trail leads from Tännforsens Turiststation to the waterfall.
In Vålådalen Nature Reserve, the landscape is shaped by high mountains, deep valleys, crystal-clear waterways and extensive forests. The reserve offers both long hikes through pristine, dramatic mountain scenery and safe, accessible nature experiences for a wide range of visitors. Naturum Vålådalen has exhibitions about the surrounding natural environment, as well as various activities and guided tours.
Mining history and culture
Fröå Gruva was a key site during the heyday of copper mining, from 1744 to 1919. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved site, with its many historic buildings and remains. Guided walks are offered at Fröå Gruva in summer, when visitors can see the impressive waterwheel and descend into the dark mine.
The Huså Gruv- och Bruksmuseum tells the story of copper mining in the region through old objects, documents, photographs and models. Its exhibition includes working models of waterwheels, ore carts, pumps and a rod-driven power transmission system. Visitors can try out aspects of the hard work of mining in a hands-on way. The same building also houses a mineral museum, with a large collection of local minerals as well as minerals from distant countries.
The medieval church in Åre also tells of a long history: it was built in the late 12th century by farmers from Åre parish, which at the time belonged to Norway. Today, it is the only surviving medieval stone church in the Scandinavian mountain region.
Cycling and pilgrimage route
The cycling options vary by discipline. Björnen has a cross-country cycling arena with numerous easy-to-ride trails and a family-friendly area with pump tracks, flow trails and technical routes. Åre Bike Park offers downhill cycling trails: 50 kilometres across 39 trails; it is considered Scandinavia’s largest bike park.
S:t Olavsleden passes through Åre Municipality and is described as the world’s northernmost pilgrimage route. The trail is about 580 kilometres long in total, running from Selånger in the east to Trondheim in the west. The route therefore passes through the municipality as part of a much longer connection.
Getting there and getting around
You can reach Åre Municipality by train, plane or car; transfer options to various destinations are available locally. Train journeys can be booked with SJ, Snälltåget or Norrtåg. Länstrafiken Jämtland serves the municipality with regular bus services. During the winter season, SkiStar ski buses connect the various ski areas in Åre. When planning, check the timetables for the connections that suit you, especially for seasonal ski buses.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Duved, Hallen, Handöl, Huså, Storlien, Undersåker, Åre, Ånn, Ottsjö, Mörsil, Bydalen, Järpen, Vålådalen, Mattmar.
Back to the main travel overview: Jämtland.
