Discover Älvdalen: Porphyry, Culture and Nature

In Älvdalen, a trip can take in everything from the history of porphyry quarrying to hiking and cycling routes. The Österdalälven flows through forests and the area’s vast wilderness. There are also cultural sites, a striking rocky landscape and seasonal activities on the water.

Rocky landscapes and trails

One striking feature of the landscape is Hykjeberget: its summit lies 594 metres above sea level, and the mountain drops away below in an almost vertical, 100-metre-high cliff. The south-facing mountain is known for its local climate: the cliff retains heat, creating conditions in which demanding plant species grow. A steep, rocky hiking trail leads to a wind shelter at the summit.

In the Blyberget Nature Reserve, a circular trail of about 1.5 kilometres starts at the entrance. The area around the porphyry quarries there is of great cultural and historical importance; a small exhibition focuses on the demanding work involved in quarrying stone. The old quarry was in use from 1788 until the beginning of the 1940s and is now protected as an ancient monument. The Vasaloppsleden also runs through Älvdalen and includes several scenic, easy-to-manage stages.

The Romboleden through Älvdalen Municipality connects nature with local history. Along the trail there are huts and wind shelters where pilgrims can rest; their locations are marked in the Naturkartan app. Both the route itself and its rest stops can help you find your way along the trail.

Porphyry, churches and local history

Älvdalen Church is protected as an ecclesiastical cultural heritage site under Chapter 4 of the Swedish Cultural Heritage Act. Its oldest parts date from the 1580s. In the 1810s and 1820s, it took on its present size and basic form in the Neoclassical style. If you would like to visit the church, check access in advance. To the east lies Kyrkhärbret, in the area of the former parsonage; it can be experienced as part of Älvdalen’s church village.

Rots Skans combines fortress history with an open-air museum: the ramparts and well remain from the fortification built in 1677. The museum showcases settlements, ways of life and crafts from the late Middle Ages to around 1900. Guided walks at Rots Skans can also be booked in advance. The Slöjdstugan café near Rots Skans serves fika, ice cream and waffles.

Porphyry production offers several insights too. The Porphyry and Hagström Museum has a permanent exhibition about the craft. The original production environment has been preserved at Nya Porfyrverket, where porphyry was made until 1984. Families and groups can book private guided tours there in advance, outside regular visiting hours.

The operation of a long-settlement summer farm (långfäbod) in Hedbodarna has been documented since the 17th century, and many distinctive, well-preserved historic buildings remain there. Hedbodarna is one of Sweden’s best-preserved long-settlement summer farms and is considered nationally important for cultural heritage conservation. In summer, visitors can experience traditional life with livestock. Butter, messmör and fika can be ordered in advance. Älvdalska, an ancient language with roots in Old Norse, is also spoken in Älvdalen.

A historical walk called “Vandring i de häxanklagades fotspår” (“Walking in the footsteps of those accused of witchcraft”) leads to Mimmikulle. According to tradition, the first executions of people accused of sorcery took place there. May 19, 1669, is regarded as a historical reference point: on that day, the first six people were convicted and executed in the witch trials in Älvdalen.

Cycling routes for different abilities

The cycling area by the ski stadium has several routes, including short trails for children and longer routes with technical sections. Älvis is two kilometres long and runs over a bark track, scenic paths and a gravel road. Mtb-kåsan is longer, at ten kilometres, and includes steep climbs and descents as well as technical sections. The 12-kilometre Gröntjärnsrundan starts in the stadium area and follows forest roads and trails towards Näset and the porphyry dam. Route length, surface and profile offer different ways to choose a ride.

Fishing and experiencing the water

Älvdalens FVOF offers fishing permits for waters in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. The flowing waters are home to trout and grayling; lake fish include perch and pike, as well as occasional char and trout. Ice fishing normally begins once the waters freeze over in November and continues until the end of April. The start date depends on ice conditions.

Älvdalen also offers numerous opportunities for canoeing on rivers and waterways. Check separately which waters and providers are suitable. If you are interested in a larger water engineering structure, visit Trängsletdammen: at 120 metres, it is Sweden’s highest dam. The reservoir above it is 70 kilometres long and holds 880 million cubic metres of water. From central Älvdalen, drive along the RV70 towards Idre and then take the turn-off for Trängslet; check road conditions before setting out.

Getting there

Regular public transport buses run to Älvdalen and are operated by Dalatrafik. There is no passenger rail service in Älvdalen Municipality. One possible route is to take the train to Mora and continue by bus into the municipality. As timetables and connections are important when planning your journey, check current services before departure.

Discover more destinations: Fjätervålen, Grövelsjön, Bräcke, Berg, Strömsund, Östersund, Åre, Krokom.

For the main travel overview: Jämtland.