Jämtland Härjedalen – a twin province of majestic landscapes and authentic culture

Jämtland Härjedalen, part of northern Sweden but geographically located in the central-west, is where majestic landscapes meet deep-rooted traditions and modern outdoor living. Technically, two provinces, Jämtland and Härjedalen, are so intertwined in spirit and geography that they’re affectionately referred to as one.

With its lakes, mountains and forests, the region offers a scenic escape into nature and a haven for wildlife lovers. Jämtland Härjedalen is a true year-round destination, where summer’s stillness gives way to snowy adventures in winter.

This corner of Sweden has been welcoming travellers for centuries. Pilgrims once crossed its terrain along the thousand-year-old St. Olavsleden, and by the late 1800s, spa destinations like Fjällnäs drew visitors in search of fresh air and healing treatments – a tradition that lives on today.

On the shores of Lake Storsjön, you'll find Östersund – the vibrant hub of the region. Designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2010, the town is a culinary beacon serving innovative cuisine rooted in local ingredients and old-time know-how. The region’s biggest draw? Åre – Sweden’s top ski resort and a beloved destination for year-round mountain experiences.

Below is a curated selection of top experiences in outdoor activities, culture and cuisine in Jämtland Härjedalen. For travel tips in Åre and Östersund, visit our Åre and Östersund destination page.

A natural playground for outdoor adventurers

Jämtland Härjedalen is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, offering countless ways to explore its awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether hiking, biking, skiing or simply soaking in the views, there’s always a trail to follow. Alpine paths wind through mountains and forests, with STF’s network of mountain cabins providing rustic yet comfortable overnight stops for multi-day treks.

For classic hiking, try the well-trodden Jämtland Triangle (Jämtlandstriangeln) or the slightly more secluded Vålådalen Square Trail (Vålådalsfyrkanten). Both routes combine natural beauty with cultural highlights and are suitable for beginners and experienced hikers. For those seeking deeper reflection, the region is also home to the world’s northernmost pilgrimage trail: the historic St. Olavsleden. Stretching from the Bothnian Sea in eastern Sweden to the Atlantic Ocean in western Norway, around 250 kilometres of the trail pass through Jämtland and Härjedalen.

If you’re craving a scenic bike tour or a peaceful road trip, the Panoramic route deserves a spot on your itinerary. Snaking its way from Järpen in Jämtland to Trondheim in Norway, this round trip takes you through lake-studded valleys and rolling mountain landscapes.

When snow blankets the land, the region transforms into a winter sports playground. Åre is Sweden's largest and most renowned ski resort – a hotspot for alpine skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer. But the area also boasts a collection of smaller, characterful ski resorts:

• Vemdalen: A family-friendly year-round destination with three ski areas, cross-country trails, dog sledding, fishing, horseback riding and golf.
• Lofsdalen: A peaceful ski resort free from lift queues, known for its excellent cross-country skiing. In summer, enjoy downhill biking, trail running and glamping.
• Funäsfjällen: A collection of nine ski resorts connected by a shared lift system. In winter, you’ll find everything from ice climbing to snow kiting; in summer, hiking, biking and fishing await.
• Storlien: A charming ski resort near the Norwegian border, ideal for both alpine and cross-country skiing. The Swedish royal family owns a cottage here.
• Trillevallen: A hidden gem offering mountain adventures year-round – alpine, cross-country and touring skiing in winter, and gravel cycling and kayaking in summer.

Nature in Jämtland and Härjedalen also means dramatic waterfalls. The area is home to some of Sweden’s most spectacular cascades, including the mighty Tännforsen, which puts on an awe-inspiring show of nature’s power during the spring flood.

Discover the region’s culture and history

Jämtland Härjedalen has a strong cultural identity, shaped by its history and its place within Sápmi – the traditional homeland of the Sámi people. In summer, you can visit Lopme Laante in Funäsdalen, an open-air Sámi park where storytelling, traditional crafts, local food and reindeer encounters offer a glimpse into Sámi life, past and present.

Also in Funäsdalen, you'll find Härjedalens Fjällmuseum, which explores the region’s mountain culture – from Sámi heritage to the stories of settlers and miners, their daily lives, hardships and celebrations. The museum is a sister site to Jamtli in Östersund, a beloved open-air museum and cultural centre.

Over on Frösön island, music lovers can visit Sommarhagen, the summer home of celebrated Swedish composer Wilhelm Peterson-Berger. His piano still stands here, surrounded by the natural beauty that inspired much of his work. While on Frösön, don’t miss the historic Frösö Church – his final resting place – offering panoramic views over Lake Storsjön and the mountains beyond.

The culinary identity of Jämtland Härjedalen

Jämtland Härjedalen is a gastronomic treasure trove, where bold flavours meet deep-rooted traditions. Thanks to long summer days, mineral-rich soils and a cooler climate shaped by the Gulf Stream, crops and wild ingredients like cloudberries, lingonberries and chanterelles thrive here.

This is Nordic cuisine at its best – seasonal, locally sourced and full of character. Many chefs and producers in the region work with organic farms or forage directly from the forest. Highlights include the Sámi-inspired menus at Hävvi i Glen and Hävvi Elaine, where reindeer, elk and traditional techniques take centre stage.

Just outside Åre, Åre Nature Studio offers an intimate tasting menu experience in a forest setting, run by a hunter-chef and sommelier couple. Booking in advance is essential.

Over in Storlien, Flammans Skafferi combines creative cooking with workshops and themed food excursions, using local produce that’s often smoked, dried or preserved on site.

For edible souvenirs, stop by Fävikens Lanthandel in Undersåker – part bakery, part farm shop and part charcuterie producer – or stock up on tea from Brunkullan, cheese from Skärvångens Bymejeri and craft beer from breweries like Härjebrygg and Svartberget.

For more tips on where to eat and drink in Åre and Östersund, visit our Åre and Östersund destination page.

To round off your journey through Jämtland Härjedalen: no matter the season, this region offers a rich mix of experiences in stunning natural surroundings – from snowy adventures and serene hikes to deep cultural roots and bold local flavours.