Messlingen: Water, Ravines and Winter Trails

The landscape offers several clearly distinct themes: Lake Messlingesjön, geological ravines, trails through cultural landscapes, and cross-country ski trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels.

Lake, Ravines and Traces of the Landscape

Lake Messlingesjön lies at the foot of Messlingen and is an unregulated lake. On its southern shore are the Anådalen Nature Reserve and Anåfjället. You can go out on the lake by boat or canoe. On the south shore are a dilapidated mountain dairy hut, grassy meadows and old house foundations. Water-based activities and traces of earlier settlement offer different reasons to explore the landscape around the lake.

Evagraven is about 800 metres long, up to 25 metres wide and 15 metres deep. It formed during the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, when meltwater cut through the mountain. Its present dimensions can thus be linked to a geological process. Fiskhålsgraven, just north of the village of Messlingen in Härjedalen, is a geologically unique ravine. It is known for an isolated population of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), a protected fish species.

Hiking and Cultural Landscapes

The Anådalen–Messlingen hiking section leads to the outflow of Lake Messlingesjön. There, you can cross the Mittån on a suspension bridge. The combination of the lake outflow and river crossing is a practical point of reference if you would also like to take in waterways while hiking. The Baggården–Fiskhålsgraven hiking route is 9.5 kilometres long, rated moderate, and starts at Baggården in Messlingen. Its length and rating can help you assess the route; conditions may vary.

Other named routes also pass traces of the cultural landscape. The Ruvallsrundan runs past Baggården’s red log cabins and barns; the oldest of these buildings date from the 18th century. The Stadsåsrundan passes some privately operated mountain dairy huts, or summer farms, in the Funäsfjällen region. The Ruvallen car park is a starting point for the Hällmålningsrundan. Parking and road conditions may vary by season.

Winter Activities Around Messlingen

The Kappruet ski area is right next to Messlingen. Kappruet has cross-country ski trails and is also connected to the Funäsfjällen snowmobile trail network. Winter access and trail status may vary, and trail grooming depends on conditions. Messlingen’s trail centre has several circular ski trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. They run through sheltered woodland and open mountain landscapes with far-reaching views. Half-day and full-day guided snowmobile tours in the mountains around Messlingen can be booked.

Fishing and Leisure

In the Messlingen fishing area, you can fish in mountain ponds, flowing waters and lakes. There are two different types of fishing permits; permits and local regulations apply. As permit arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the local fishing association’s information before setting off. Fish species found here include trout, Arctic char, brown trout, perch, burbot and stocked brook char. The species composition may change over time and is subject to local fishing regulations.

The pump track in Messlingen is designed for all ages and experience levels. Right next to it is a wind shelter with tables, benches and a barbecue area; facilities may change. Alongside hiking trails, water and winter activities, there is also a dedicated leisure area and a sheltered place to relax.

Getting There

From Funäsdalen, you can reach Messlingen via Mittådalsvägen and Flatruetvägen. Flatruetvägen is Sweden’s highest public road. When planning your trip, bear in mind that road conditions and seasonal restrictions may change.

Discover more destinations: Funäsdalen, Tänndalen, Hede, Ljusnedal, Lillhärdal, Hedeviken, Vemdalen, Bruksvallarna.

Back to the main travel overview: Härjedalen.