From the forest country in the east to the mountain massifs in the west, Härjedalen changes its character. Protected areas, pilgrimage routes and vibrant cultural landscapes offer different ways to explore the region: from nature watching and hiking to Sámi culture and mountain farming.
Forests, mountains and distinctive landscapes
Sonfjället National Park protects a natural forest and mountain landscape with coniferous and deciduous forests, wetlands and open heathland above the tree line. The national park and its surrounding forests are among Scandinavia’s most important bear habitats. In Rogen Nature Reserve, the landscape is shaped by branching lakes, winding, stony moraine ridges, rocky mountains and very old pines. Animals found there include bears, wolverines, lynxes and otters, as well as golden eagles, arctic skuas and ospreys.
Helagsfjället reaches 1,797 metres and is home to Sweden’s southernmost glacier. Hamrafjället is nicknamed Blomsterfjället, or “Flower Mountain,” because of its more than 400 plant species. The forests at Hede Kyrkoherdeboställe also have a distinctive natural character: a trail leads through old-growth forest, where some of the pines are more than 500 years old. Capercaillies, Siberian jays, black woodpeckers and three-toed woodpeckers can be found in the area.
Trails and activities for different interests
At the entrance to Sonfjället National Park at Nyvallen, there is a working mountain farm where several trails begin. One is a 2.5-kilometre family loop. In the Helags area, multi-day trails wind through the mountain landscape between mountain huts. The Lill-Rånden hiking trail runs through Lill-Rånddalen Nature Reserve; a mountain-farm trail passes along the reserve’s eastern boundary. Fishing is also one of the activities enjoyed there.
The hiking options vary considerably in scale: the 2.5-kilometre loop starts at Nyvallen, while Lofsdalen has over 150 kilometres of hiking trails in a mountain landscape. In the Helags area, multi-day trails run between mountain huts. At Lake Lofssjön, you can swim, go boating, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Rogen Nature Reserve is suitable for paddling; hiking can be difficult in some areas.
Cultural history and living traditions
Mountain farming was practised on Hamrafjället for centuries. After the last mountain farm was abandoned in 1971, haymaking and grazing were resumed in parts of the area. Lillhärjåbygget is also a working mountain farm with livestock. The cultural reserve is in southwestern Härjedalen, has been in existence since 2002 and is in a roadless area. Visits must always be booked in advance.
The old Romboleden pilgrimage route runs through Härjedalen towards Nidaros in Norway. Rombovallen is a medieval burial site for pilgrims, including people who died of cold or hunger on their journey to Nidaros in Trondheim. A reconstructed pilgrim hut offers a place to rest, reflect and cook over an open fire.
Fjällmuseet presents the lives of mountain farmers, Sámi people and industrial workers. Lopme Laante Cultural Park is dedicated to Sámi culture and reindeer herding; Sámi-inspired food and fika are served there. You can reach Lopme Laante by taking the Funäsgondolen gondola and then walking about 0.5 kilometres. Guided tours are offered at the musk ox enclosure in Tännäs.
Summer, winter and getting there
Funäsfjällen offers six alpine ski areas, 300 kilometres of groomed trails, 610 kilometres of snowmobile routes and two freeride areas. In summer, activities include high-mountain hiking, paddling, fishing, and cross-country and downhill cycling on trails. Tännäs offers summer cycling routes and fishing advice from Tännäs Fiskecentrum. Vemdalen has three ski areas and offers summer activities including hiking, fishing, golf, horseback riding, paddling and cycling.
Funäsfjällen is accessible by car, bus, train and plane. Regional buses run daily between the villages within the area. You can travel by train via Östersund and then take a bus to Funäsdalen; direct Härjedalingen buses run from places including Stockholm, Uppsala and Ljusdal. Check the timetable before travelling. Tourist information for Sonfjällsbygden is available from the local heritage centre in Hede.
Discover more destinations: Funäsdalen, Hede, Hedeviken, Ljusnedal, Lofsdalen, Sveg, Tänndalen, Vemdalen, Vemhån, Messlingen, Ytterhogdal, Bruksvallarna, Tännäs, Lillhärdal, Älvros.
For the broader travel overview: Jämtland.
