The town’s history can be traced through Åre gamla kyrka and the Åre Bergbana; hikes on Åreskutan and cycling options offer different experiences. You can tailor your stay to focus on culture, mountain activities or a mix of both. Åreskutan is directly accessible from Åre.

Church, Art and Local History

Åre gamla kyrka is centrally located in town. Built at the end of the 12th century, it remains a medieval stone church. The church houses a medieval wooden sculpture of Saint Olof. The building’s history and the sculpture give a visit a clear cultural focus. The church is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00.

Åre’s development can also be placed in a historical context: In the second half of the 19th century, the town changed from a farming village into an international tourist destination. This is a different chapter from the church’s medieval history and helps distinguish the town’s various periods.

Mountain Railway and Museum

The Åre Bergbana is a historic monument that was inaugurated in 1910. Its two station buildings are dark-brown, two-storey wooden structures in the National Romantic style. They were designed by the architect Otto Sigfrid (Sigge) Cronstedt. The Bergbana is an 800-metre-long funicular railway running from Åre-Torg to Hotel Fjällgården, at 556 metres above sea level.

The Åre Museum is located on the slope of Åreskutan, beside the mountain railway’s upper station. Its opening hours match those of the Åre Bergbana and are usually between 10:00 and 16:00. For planning your day, it is useful to note the difference from the church’s opening hours: the museum has a shorter opening window. Check the current hours before your visit.

Hiking on Åreskutan

Hiking trails in Åre start at Åre-Torg; lifts also provide access to higher starting points. Lift operations are seasonal and weather-dependent. Hikes in Åre and on Åreskutan range from short routes for the whole family to more challenging hikes for experienced hikers. This gives you different options for choosing the level of challenge you want for your hike.

One route to the summit of Åreskutan can start at Åre-Torg, follow trail 212 to Fjällgården, and continue from there on trail 214. If you plan this route, bear in mind that lift access and trail conditions vary by season. Another option is to experience the S:t Olavsleden on horseback, by bicycle or on foot; Åre is a town along this route.

Cycling and Winter Sports

Åre Bike Park has 40 cycling trails, with up to 853 metres of vertical descent. Ratings range from easy green connector trails to red and black freeride trails. This means easy connections and freeride trails with different difficulty ratings are available.

Björnen offers a dedicated cycling area: Åre Trail Park has purpose-built, wide, easy-to-ride trails for beginners and experienced cyclists alike. Åre Skill Park has a pump track and practice areas for children and beginners. There, riders can practise balance, cornering technique, pumping and flow. Summer activities in Åre also include cycling lessons for children, teenagers and adults; lessons are available seasonally.

For winter sports, information about SkiStar Åre offers another point of reference: three ski areas are included in one SkiPass. Operating details may vary by season. Cycling options and ski areas therefore cater to different seasonal interests, while the hiking trails offer another way to experience Åre and Åreskutan.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Åre railway station is in the heart of town, and European route E14 leads directly to the centre. When choosing accommodation, you can first consider whether local history, hiking or cycling will be the main focus of your stay. Then check the location of the specific property against your plans. Seasonal details about lifts, trails and cycling lessons are especially relevant if your trip is centred on a particular activity.

For the broader travel overview: Åre.