Historic pasture trails, routes across marshes and mountain forests, kayaking on Lake Ottsjön and ski trails give Ottsjö several travel highlights. If you are looking for accommodation in Ottsjö, you can choose where to stay based on whether you are more interested in summer pasture farm history, varied landscapes, time by the lake or winter sports.
Hållvallsleden and summer pasture farm history
The Hållvallsleden runs along a route of about four kilometres from the village of Ottsjö to the Hållvallen summer pasture farm. It is used for hiking, running, horseback riding and cycling. The Hållvallen summer pasture farm was built in 1824 and used as spring and autumn pasture until 1940. The two dates have different meanings: 1824 marks its construction, while 1940 marks the end of the stated grazing use. If you are interested in summer pasture farm culture, this route combines a specific trail with a glimpse into former grazing practices over a defined period.
More trails through the landscape
The Fäbodrundturen passes the weathered summer pasture farms of Norra and Södra Bottenvallen. Together with Hållvallen, this offers a clear route comparison: the Hållvallsleden leads to the Hållvallen summer pasture farm, while the Fäbodrundturen passes the two Bottenvallen farms. The Bäckåsleden has a different focus. It crosses marshes and stretches of mountain forest over Högåsen, with views in every direction. At its junction with the Hållvallsrundan, there are four rest stops or benches. This lets you distinguish between a trail featuring summer pasture farm sites and their history, and one whose description focuses on terrain and views.
Historic crossing on Lake Ottsjön
The Ridvadet crossing of Lake Ottsjön is just over 500 metres long. In the past, people travelled this crossing on horseback on their way to Härjedalen. While the history of the Hållvallen summer pasture farm concerns seasonal spring and autumn grazing, the Ridvadet is associated with the former horseback crossing. It thus offers another historical connection to the landscape around Ottsjö.
Shoreline and kayak tours
On the north shore of Lake Ottsjön, there is a small sandy beach and a boat landing; both are easy to reach from the village of Ottsjö. For kayak tours on the lake, Fjällkajakcenter offers trips lasting from two hours to a full day. The starting point is the centre at the Storåstranden swimming area. You can experience the lake both from the shore and on a kayak tour; the stated range of tour durations is a useful reference when planning.
Ski trails and other tours
Ottsjö has a total of six different trails for cross-country and touring skiing. The Lyckoleden connects Ottsjö with the ski trails in Trillevallen and Edsåsdalen. The trails in Ottsjö are the local options; the Lyckoleden adds a connection to the specified ski trails in the two other villages. Another activity is dog-sledding tours with Wild Spirit Dog Sledding and Bushcraft against the wilderness backdrop of Ottsjö.
Discover more destinations: Ånn, Åre, Storlien, Hallen, Järpen, Bydalen, Duved, Undersåker
Return to the main travel overview: Åre.
