Härjedalen: Forests, Mountains and Cultural Landscapes

From the forested east to the mountain ranges in the west, Härjedalen’s landscape stretches out before you. Protected forests, vast mountain areas, lakes and ancient cultural sites give the region its varied character. When planning your trip, you can focus on the experiences that interest you most: mountain hikes, time on the water, winter activities or insights into local history and traditions.

Forests, Mountains and Wildlife

Sonfjället National Park protects a natural landscape of coniferous and deciduous forests, wetlands and open heathland above the tree line. The national park and surrounding forests are among Scandinavia’s most important bear habitats. The Rogen Nature Reserve offers a different landscape: branching lakes, winding, stony moraine ridges, rocky mountains and ancient pines form a vast mosaic. Wildlife in the reserve includes bears, wolverines, lynx, otters and various birds of prey. Rogen is suitable for paddling; hiking can be difficult in some parts of the area.

At Helagsfjället, the mountains reach 1,797 metres; Sweden’s southernmost glacier is located there. Hamrafjället is known for its diversity of plant life: more than 400 plant species have earned it the nickname Blomsterfjället, or “Flower Mountain.” The natural scenery ranges from forests and lakes to high-altitude mountain areas.

Hiking Trails and Activities

At the entrance to Sonfjället National Park near Nyvallen, there is an active mountain pasture where several trails begin. These include a 2.5-kilometre family loop. In the Helags area, multi-day trails wind through the mountain landscape between mountain huts. The old pilgrimage route Romboleden passes through Härjedalen on its way to Nidaros in Norway. These options vary considerably in length, from a designated loop to multi-day mountain hikes.

The Lill-Rånden hiking trail runs through the Lill-Rånddalen Nature Reserve; a mountain pasture trail passes along the reserve’s eastern boundary. Fishing is also a popular activity there. Lofsdalen offers 150 kilometres of hiking trails in a mountain landscape. At Lake Lofssjön, you can swim, go boating, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding—a different way to spend time outdoors.

The changing seasons also shape what’s on offer in Funäsfjällen. There are six alpine ski areas, 300 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, 610 kilometres of snowmobile trails and two freeride areas. In summer, the focus is on high-mountain hikes, paddling, fishing, and cross-country and downhill mountain biking on trails. These activities provide a practical comparison for planning: winter trails and snow sports on the one hand, and mountain hikes, water activities and cycling on the other.

Cultural History and Local Insights

Mountain farming was practised at Hamrafjället for centuries. After the last mountain pasture was abandoned in 1971, haymaking and grazing were resumed in parts of the area. Högen tells a different story of architecture: it is one of only two fully preserved four-sided farmsteads of the northern Swedish building style in Jämtland. Its buildings date from the 17th century to the early 20th century.

Rombovallen is a medieval burial ground for pilgrims who died of cold or hunger, among other causes, while travelling to Nidaros in Trondheim. A reconstructed pilgrim hut offers a place to rest, reflect and cook over an open fire. The Fjällmuseet, meanwhile, presents the lives of mountain farmers, Sámi people and industrial workers.

Lillhärjåbygget in southwestern Härjedalen has been a cultural reserve since 2002. It is an active mountain farm with a mountain pasture in a roadless area. Visits must always be booked in advance. The Lopme Laante Cultural Park is dedicated to Sámi culture and reindeer herding; Sámi-inspired food and fika are served there. You can reach the park by taking the Funäsgondolen and then walking about 0.5 kilometres. Guided tours are offered at the musk ox enclosure in Tännäs.

Getting There and Getting Around

For Sonfjällsbygden, tourist information is available at the local heritage centre in Hede. Funäsfjällen can be reached by car, bus, train and plane; regional buses run daily between the villages within the area. You can travel by train via Östersund, then continue by bus to Funäsdalen. Direct Härjedalingen buses run from destinations including Stockholm, Uppsala and Ljusdal. Check the timetables for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Funäsdalen, Hede, Hedeviken, Ljusnedal, Lofsdalen, Sveg, Tänndalen, Vemdalen, Vemhån, Messlingen, Ytterhogdal, Bruksvallarna, Tännäs, Lillhärdal, Älvros.

For the broader travel overview: Jämtland.