Waterfalls in Sweden – from thunderous cascades to fairytale trickles

Dotted along the length and breadth of the country, you’ll find a variety of accessible waterfalls in Sweden’s national parks and nature reserves. Year-round destinations, waterfalls change significantly throughout the year, according to fluctuating water levels and season. In Wintertime, cascades typically transform into vertical sheets of ice, frozen in time – making it possible to walk under a waterfall or tour hidden caves, normally out of reach.

As the warmer months beckon and spring floods burst forth, waterfalls are often at their most impressive. In summer, enjoy a spot of wild swimming or hiking, but remember to always take extra care near waterfalls as the terrain can be slippery. If you’re in a national park or nature reserve, be sure to follow the park rules, both for your own safety and to protect the biodiversity of these special environments.

Listen to the soothing – or invigorating – sound of water and take in the views.

Here is a selection of accessible waterfalls in Sweden and how to visit them, from north to south.

Silverfallet Waterfall – dramatic falls in Swedish Lapland

A gentle 1,5-kilometre walk from the nearest town of Björkliden and 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle lies Silverfallet, one of Sweden’s most northerly waterfalls. Beautiful all year round, Silverfallet is a wild-bathing paradise during the warmer months, perfect for refreshing dips in the small pools that form along its undulating falls. Take your time, pause on a rock and watch the 30-metre-high waters flow past – but do take extra care as there is no protective fencing. Also known as ‘Rakkasjohka’ in Sámi (meaning ‘love stream’), legend has it that you’ll be lucky in love if you say “I love you” in Sámi (“mon ráhkistan du”) by the falls.

Hällingsåfallet Waterfall – a majestic canyon in northern Jämtland

Off the iconic Vildmarksvägen route (literally ‘Wilderness Road’) you’ll find Hällingsåfallet, one of Sweden’s tallest falls, plunging 40 metres into Sweden’s longest water-filled canyon, an awe-inspiring 800-metre-long gorge. Experienced hikers will enjoy the medium-difficulty, 5-kilometre-long trail around the canyon towards the waterfall. Alternatively, walk the accessible 150-metre-long footpath from the parking place to reach the falls and take in the view – waterfall rainbows are a common sight in this magical landscape. And if you’re a bird-lover, you’re in luck, with birds of prey such as the merlin – a small falcon species – circling the sights.

Ristafallet Waterfall – cinematic cascades in Jämtland

About 18 kilometres from Åre, Ristafallet is one of Sweden’s most famous waterfalls, having featured in a popular Swedish film, “Ronia: The Robber’s Daughter”, based upon Astrid Lindgren’s iconic book. Although only 14 metres high, Ristafallet owes much of its impact to its unique 50-metre-wide flow, split in two by an islet in the Indalsälven River below. Visit the islet for a guided cave tour when the waters freeze in winter. In spring and summertime, fishing is popular, both upstream and downstream. Follow one of the easy hiking trails and admire the cascades – depending on the season, anything from 100 to 400 cubic metres per second gush past. Combine your hike with a visit to nearby Ristafallet Camping & Café and enjoy views of the falls 24/7.

Tännforsen Waterfall, Jämtland – Sweden’s largest waterfall

At 60 metres wide, with a magnificent drop of approximately 38 metres, Tännforsen is considered Sweden’s largest waterfall. It’s certainly one of the most dramatic, particularly when the spring floods generate thunderous flows between 300 and 791 cubic metres of water per second. Stand on one of the many vantage points in May and June and immerse yourself in the power of nature – you’re likely to see a rainbow or two in the spray. Thanks to the continuous humidity, fauna and flora thrive, with as many as 21 lichen species growing around the falls. June to August – do the 30-minute loop from Tännforsen Tourist Station, and tuck into a generous plate of waffles upon your return.

Njupeskär Waterfall – Dalarna’s legendary falls

Set in Dalarna’s Fulufjället National Park, Njupeskär is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Sweden, despite being one of the tallest – 93 metres high, with a 70-metre plunge. The two-kilometre Lavskrikeleden trail is accessible by wheelchair and starts from the park’s ‘Naturum’ visitor centre. The steeper 3,9-kilometre Njupeskär ‘loop’ (Njupeskärsslingan) is still considered relatively easy as it includes gravel paths and boardwalks. After 1,5 kilometres you’ll reach a rest stop with breathtaking views and a fire pit area. But beware, these are summer trails only as it becomes very slippery in winter, so be sure to follow the park’s signs and safety regulations. Experienced ice climbers may want to navigate the frozen waterfall from 1 December to 31 March.

Älgafallet Waterfall – a southern gem on the Norwegian border

In Tanum, on the border between Norway and Sweden, you’ll find Älgafallet waterfall, in the province of Bohuslän. At 46 metres high, Älgafallet is the region’s highest waterfall, flowing through the Enningsdalsälv river and forming a scenic boundary with Norway. The best time to visit is during the ‘wet’ periods in spring and autumn, when the cascades are at their most bountiful. During summer, the waters reduce to a small, but magical trickle. Cross the footbridge into Norway, right below the waterfall, and delight in the magical landscape. If you’re an experienced walker, consider doing the 23rd section of the legendary Bohusleden Trail, running between Nornäs and Vassbotten – Älgafallet waterfall is a key attraction on the 13-kilometre trail.