Ljusnedal: Village and Industrial Heritage

Ljusnedal is an agricultural village at the foot of Anåfjället, on the Ljusnan River. Its cultural landscape, traces of the ironworks, and seasonal activities shape the character of the place. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Ljusnedal, you can plan your trip around whether you are particularly interested in local history, activities on the lake, or cross-country ski trails. What you can do varies considerably depending on the season.

The lake and ski trails throughout the year

In summer, Ljusnedalssjön is used for swimming. After the lake freezes over, long-distance ice skating takes place there. The lake therefore offers two seasonal perspectives: swimming in the summer months and skating longer distances in winter, once ice has formed.

The ski trails are another option for winter plans. Ljusnanleden is a 28-kilometre cross-country ski trail between Ljusnedal and Ramundberget; check before your trip whether it is currently groomed. The illuminated Ljusnedalspåret cross-country ski trail network is marked as route 311 and starts in Ljusnedal. Its seasonal status should also be checked in advance. For Ljusnanleden, the route and endpoints are specified; for Ljusnedalspåret, the starting point in Ljusnedal and the lighting are specified.

History of the ironworks

The industrial history began with the discovery of copper ore: copper ore was found near Mittåkläppen in 1685. A copper smelter was subsequently established in Ljusnedal. It became the starting point for Ljusnedals bruk, after which the village was named. The signposted Bruksturen walking tour explores this history. It is 800 metres long and focuses on the 200-year history of Ljusnedals bruk.

Further traces of the former operation can be found where the Ljusnan flows into Ljusnedalssjön: among other things, the remains of a charcoal house can be seen there. Together with the history of the copper smelter, they give the village name and the development of the ironworks a tangible connection to the landscape.

Church, cultural landscape, and local traditions

Ljusnedals kyrka is a wooden church built in 1797 for the ironworks. It replaced an older church dating from 1757. The church is usually locked; to visit, you can contact the parish office and arrange an appointment. The cultural landscape is also an important part of the village’s history: the Ljusnan Valley and Ljusnedal are jointly designated as being of national interest because of their cultural landscape.

The local Midsummer celebration takes place every year. Since the exact dates and programme may be important for your trip, check them in advance. Mejeriet offers guided tours on Midsummer Eve or by arrangement; confirm tour arrangements before your trip. You can rent Bagarstugan for a day to bake tunnbröd or other traditional foods. Booking details should be confirmed in advance.

Golf and cycling tour

Funäsfjällens Golfbana in Ljusnedal has 18 holes. The course’s so-called “seaside holes” are located by Ljusnedalssjön. This describes both the course format and its named area by the lake, without implying a general schedule for a visit.

Another way to experience the area by bike is the Röstberget Gravel tour. It descends to Ljusnedal, passes through Sörmon, and follows Funäsdalssjön to the centre of Funäsdalen. The route thus connects several named places and landscape features in a set order.

Discover more destinations: Lofsdalen, Hedeviken, Tänndalen, Vemhån, Hede, Messlingen, Älvros, Tännäs

For the main travel overview: Härjedalen.