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Group of riders on horseback crossing open mountain terrain near Jorm in Jämtland Härjedalen, Sweden – a scenic area close to the Wilderness Road.
Riding in Jämtland Härjedalen
Horseback riding in Jämtland Härjedalen is a scenic way to explore the mountain landscape – here in Jorm, near the Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen).
Photo credit: Darren Hamlin/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

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

Jämtland Härjedalen blends natural beauty, deep-rooted traditions and a thriving local food scene into a destination that shines year-round. From scenic hiking trails and snowy ski slopes to cultural treasures and flavourful regional produce, there’s always something new to discover.

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.

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Ice skating on Lake Storsjön

Jämtland Härjedalen is a snow lover's dream, with crisp, cold winters.

Photo: Håkan Wike/imagebank.sweden.se

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People ice skating on the pre-made tracks on Lake Storsjön on a sunny winter day in Östersund.

Ice skating on Lake Storsjön

Photo: Håkan Wike/imagebank.sweden.se

Two women are hiking next to a small lake. It’s autumn and the nature is all yellow and orange.

Hiking in Vålådalen

Photo: Ulrika Larsson

A person with skis is standing at the top of a mountain looking at a beautiful view over the mountains.

Alpine skiing in Åre

Photo: Niclas Vestefjell/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

A wide waterfall surrounded by spruce forest. A person stands on a viewing cliff on the left side of the waterfall.

Tännforsen waterfall, Jämtland

Photo: Lukasz Warzecha/Epic Trails

Two men and a dog in a small boat on a lake are fishing in the midnight light. The orange sky is reflecting in the lake.

Fishing at night

Photo: Sandra Lee Pettersson

Overlooking Östersund at night. The sky is full of northern lights.

Northern Lights over Östersund

Photo: Göran Strand/Visit Östersund

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.

Biking in Åre
Biking in Åre
Åre is the largest ski resort in Sweden and Northern Europe. In addition to great skiing, biking, hiking, and paragliding, there are a variety of restaurants offering culinary experiences.
Photo: Niclas Vestefjell/imagebank.sweden.se

When to visit Jämtland Härjedalen?

  • Winter: Peak season for snow sports, whether you're into alpine skiing or après ski, this is the place to be. Åre hosts the Alpine World Cup and Östersund the Biathlon World Championships.
  • Spring: Locals call it the fifth season – 'vårvinter' – when warm sun meets lingering snow. Ideal for Nordic skiing, snowshoe walks or soaking up the rays with a fika in a snow sofa.
  • Summer: Endless daylight brings flea markets, festivals and fresh local produce. Don’t miss the strawberries, slowly ripened under the northern sun and bursting with flavour.
  • Autumn: The mountains ignite in colour. Crisp air and mosquito-free hikes make it a top time for trail adventures and cycling. Åre’s lift-served downhill biking season ends in October.
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Jamtli open-air museum, Östersund

Step back in time at Jamtli’s open-air museum in Östersund – where historical buildings, period costumes and lively storytelling bring Swedish heritage to life.

Photo: Darren Hamlin/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

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People dressed in historical clothing outside a vintage shop at Jamtli open-air museum in Östersund, Sweden – a living history experience with traditional settings.

Jamtli open-air museum, Östersund

Photo: Darren Hamlin/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

Traditional wooden buildings on a green hillside surrounded by forest and mountains.

Härjedalens Fjällmuseum, Funäsdalen

Photo: Lasse Johansson/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

A red wooden house with tiled roof in a meadow of wildflowers, under clear blue sky.

Sommarhagen, Frösön

Photo: Heike Lippertz/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

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.

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Cloudberries in Jämtland Härjedalen

In Jämtland Härjedalen, nature offers up rich flavours – like wild cloudberries, forest herbs and mushrooms.

Photo: Sandra Lee Pettersson/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

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Close-up of a Nordic appetiser with wild cloudberry on crispbread, served on moss in the forest – highlighting foraged flavours in Jämtland Härjedalen.

Cloudberries in Jämtland Härjedalen

Photo: Sandra Lee Pettersson/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

Lena Flaten at Flammans Skafferi cooking at a stove with tall flames, wearing braids, apron and cap in a mountain setting.

Flammans Skafferi, Storlien

Photo: Flammans Skafferi

A small plate with wooden décor at Åre Nature Studio.

Dinner at Åre Nature Studio

Photo: Anne Adsten/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

Interior of Fävikens Lanthandel in Undersåker, Sweden – a cosy farm shop with a bakery and charcuterie, offering local produce, baked goods and deli items.

Fävikens Lanthandel, Undersåker

Photo: Fävikens Lanthandel

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.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION BEFORE YOUR TRIP TO JÄMTLAND HÄRJEDALEN

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The Wilderness Road

A scenic stretch of the Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen), Sweden’s highest paved and one of the most dramatic roads through the mountain landscapes of Jämtland.

Photo: Darren Hamlin/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

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Aerial view of the Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen) crossing open mountain terrain and winding past rivers in Jämtland, northern Sweden.

The Wilderness Road

Photo: Darren Hamlin/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

View of the wooden walkways crossing the rocky terrain at Döda fallet in Ragunda, Sweden – a dry waterfall emptied by mistake in 1796, now part of Geopark Indalsälven.

Döda fallet, Ragunda

Photo: Anne Adsten/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

A lighted mountain hotel, at wintertime. There is snow on the ground, a campfire is burning and people are moving in front of the building. Behind it you can see the mountains towering.

Fjällnäs, Tänndalen

Photo: Mikael Bertmar/Fjällnäs

Indoor lounge area at Storhogna Högfjällshotell & Spa with leafy trees, soft lighting and wooden furniture surrounding a tranquil stream.

Storhogna Högfjällshotell & Spa, Vemdalen

Photo: Storhogna Högfjällshotell & Spa

Warmly lit hotel restaurant with flower-decorated tables, wine bottles and guests dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

Hotell Klövsjöfjäll, Vemdalen

Photo: Hotell Klövsjöfjäll

Moose

Moose

Photo: Fredrik Broman/imagebank.sweden.se

Muskox lying on mossy ground next to three calves grazing in a forest enclosure at the Muskox Centre in Sweden.

The Muskox Centre, Härjedalen

Photo: Nisse Henriksson/Myskoxcentrum