Åre, Sweden Travel Guide

Discover Åre, Sweden's premier destination for year-round adventure, from alpine skiing in the winter to hiking and biking in the summer.

Nestled in the heart of Sweden, Åre is a charming village known for its world-class ski slopes, making it a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The area offers a variety of activities, from downhill skiing and snowboarding to cross-country trails that wind through serene, snow-covered forests. With modern lifts and well-maintained pistes, both beginners and advanced skiers will find something to enjoy. During the summer months, Åre transforms into a haven for outdoor adventurers. The lush, green landscapes become perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The Åreskutan mountain offers breathtaking views from its peak, accessible by either a scenic hike or a ride on the cable car. Beyond its natural beauty, Åre is rich in culture and history. The village features charming wooden houses, local artisan shops, and cozy cafes. Visitors can explore the historical Åre Church, which dates back to the 12th century, or take a tour of the old copper mines. Food lovers will appreciate the local cuisine, with restaurants offering traditional Swedish dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Åre.

Visit during the winter months for the best skiing conditions, typically from December to April.
In summer, bring sturdy hiking boots to explore the numerous trails.
Take the cable car up Åreskutan mountain for stunning views, regardless of the season.
Try traditional Swedish dishes at local eateries for an authentic culinary experience.
Book accommodations early during the peak winter season to ensure availability.

Explore Åre: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Åre

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Best Attractions

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Skansen

Step into Sweden's living past at the world's first open-air museum, where historic homes, Nordic wildlife, and festive traditions unfold amid island greenery and city vistas.

4.5

Vasa Museum

See Vasa — a colossal, beautifully carved 17th‑century warship preserved and displayed in a dramatic purpose‑built museum on Djurgården.

4.8

Åre Bikepark

Scandinavia's premier downhill haven: 50 km of gravity-fueled trails dropping 853m through alpine forests on Åreskutan.

4.6

Övre kabinstation

Ascend to 1274 meters via Sweden's unique cable car for breathtaking Åreskutan views, skiing thrills, and mountaintop cafés in this alpine icon. (162 characters)

5.0

Best landmarks in Åre

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Åre ski resort

Discover the beauty of Åre Ski Resort, Sweden's premier destination for skiing, snowboarding, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

4.2

Tyresta National Park and Nature Reserve

Escape Stockholm's hum into southern Sweden's primeval forest paradise: ancient pines, shimmering lakes, and 55 km of trails in a 5,000-hectare wilderness haven.

4.7

Uppsala Castle

Majestic hilltop fortress blending royal history, art museums, and sweeping Uppsala vistas in a Renaissance masterpiece.

4.3

Åreskutan

Scale Sweden's iconic 1,420m ski mountain for epic hikes, ski thrills, and 360° views from Toppstugan, the nation's highest café.

4.7

Best restaurants in Åre

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Buustamons Fjällgård, Hotell & Restaurang

Cozy ski-in/ski-out mountain lodge in Åre's Ullådalen, blending rustic charm, local cuisine, and alpine relaxation for unforgettable fjäll escapes.

4.5

Imilla

Intimate Åre gem where seasonal Jämtland flavors shine in a six-course tasting menu, blending passion, local produce, and cozy hospitality without culinary constraints.

5.0

La’ Gårn fd Torvtaket

Åre's premier wood-fired pizzeria with cozy vibes, innovative pizzas, and breathtaking Åreskutan views—perfect for unforgettable evenings in Jämtland's mountains.

4.7

O'Learys Åre

Vibrant American sports bar in Åre's heart: burgers, bowling, live sports, and games for unforgettable après-ski fun with family or friends by the lake.

3.3

Best bars in Åre

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Åre Ölkafé

Historic station gastropub brewing its own beers and serving Swedish mountain classics in cozy Åre.

4.3

Boqueria Åre

Intimate tapas and cocktails in Åre — Spanish flavours, local touches and a convivial evening atmosphere.

4.1

Skistar Lounge

Cozy après-ski lounge in Åre Björnen with firelit charm, craft drinks, and sweeping mountain vistas for perfect slope-side unwinding.

3.0

Verandan

Cosy timber-bar in central Åre with live après-ski bands and a buzzy late-afternoon to late-night atmosphere.

3.8

Best nightclubs in Åre

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Bygget

A multi‑room winter nightclub in Åre with late‑night DJs, themed rooms and a vigorous après‑ski to small‑hours party rhythm.

2.1

Best shops in Åre

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Nordic Wedding Store & Outlet

Discover the Nordic Wedding Store & Outlet in Årjäng, a premier destination for brides and grooms seeking exquisite wedding attire and unbeatable deals.

4.5

Dala Shop

Discover hand-painted Dala horses and Swedish crafts in Gamla Stan's charming gift shop, where you can even create your own souvenir.

4.8

Åre Chokladfabrik

Handcrafted chocolates and fika bliss at Åre's iconic factory—watch pralines take shape, sample bold flavors, and unwind by the water in Jämtland's sweet escape.

4.5

Hanson Concept Store

A central Åre concept shop where technical ski kit meets curated mountain style — practical, seasonal and service-focused on Åre Torg.

4.3

Explore Åre on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Åre, mapped for you.

Åre Essentials

Åre is located in Jämtland County in Sweden. The nearest major airport is Åre Östersund Airport, approximately 90 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Åre, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train directly to Åre from Stockholm, which takes about 6-7 hours. There are also long-distance buses that operate between major cities and Åre.
Åre is a compact town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses and taxis are readily available. Renting a car is another convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. During the winter season, ski buses operate frequently to transport visitors between ski resorts and accommodation.
The official currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Åre, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Contactless payments and mobile payment options like Swish are also common. ATMs are available in the town, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments.
Åre is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, but it is still advisable to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid leaving valuables unattended. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always wise.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Åre has a local health center for non-critical medical issues, and pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress warmly and in layers, especially during the winter months. Avoid overly casual clothing in fine dining restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Although Sweden is largely secular, be respectful when visiting any religious sites. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful of other passengers. Don't talk loudly or play music on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hej' (hello). A firm handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like reindeer meat and cloudberries. Don't forget to say 'Tack' (thank you) when served.
To experience Åre like a local, visit the local markets and try traditional Swedish dishes. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Åre's natural beauty by hiking, skiing, or taking a scenic ride on the Åre Bergbana funicular. Additionally, visiting during the off-peak seasons can offer a more relaxed and authentic experience.

When is the best time to visit Åre?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Åre

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Åre. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHej
  [hey]
- GoodbyeAdjö
  [ad-yoo]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNej
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeTack
  [tahck]
- Thank youTack
  [tahck]
- Excuse me/SorryUrsäkta mig
  [oor-sak-ta me]
- How are you?Hur mår du?
  [hur mor doo]
- Fine. And you?Bra. Och du?
  [bra oh-sh doo]
- Do you speak English?Talar du engelska?
  [tah-lar doo eng-els-ka]
- I don't understandJag förstår inte
  [yag fur-stor in-te]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJag skulle vilja se menyn, tack
  [yag skool-le vil-ya se me-nun, tahck]
- I don't eat meatJag äter inte kött
  [yag a-ter in-te shut]
- Cheers!Skål!
  [skol]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJag skulle vilja betala, tack
  [yag skool-le vil-ya be-ta-la, tahck]
- Help!Hjälp!
  [yelp]
- Go away!Gå därifrån!
  [go der-if-ron]
- Call the Police!Ring polisen!
  [ring po-lee-sen]
- Call a doctor!Ring en läkare!
  [ring en le-ka-re]
- I'm lostJag är vilse
  [yag air vil-se]
- I'm illJag är sjuk
  [yag air shoo-k]
- I'd like to buy...Jag skulle vilja köpa...
  [yag skool-le vil-ya shoo-pa]
- I'm just lookingJag tittar bara
  [yag tee-tar ba-ra]
- How much is it?Hur mycket kostar det?
  [hur my-ke ko-star det]
- That's too expensiveDet är för dyrt
  [det air fur deert]
- Can you lower the price?Kan du sänka priset?
  [kan doo sain-ka pree-set]
- What time is it?Vad är klockan?
  [vad air klok-an]
- It's one o'clockDen är ett
  [den air ett]
- Half past (10)Halv tio
  [halv tee-oh]
- MorningMorgon
  [mor-gon]
- AfternoonEftermiddag
  [ef-ter-mid-dag]
- EveningKväll
  [kvel]
- YesterdayIgår
  [ee-gor]
- TodayIdag
  [ee-dag]
- TomorrowImorgon
  [ee-mor-gon]
- 1En
  [en]
- 2Två
  [tvo]
- 3Tre
  [tre]
- 4Fyra
  [fy-ra]
- 5Fem
  [fem]
- 6Sex
  [sex]
- 7Sju
  [shoo]
- 8Åtta
  [at-ta]
- 9Nio
  [nee-oh]
- 10Tio
  [tee-oh]
- Where's a/the...?Var är en/the...?
  [var air en/the]
- What's the address?Vad är adressen?
  [vad air ad-dres-sen]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du visa mig (på kartan)?
  [kan doo vee-sa me (po kar-tan)]
- When's the next (bus)?När går nästa (buss)?
  [nair gor nes-ta (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)En biljett (till ....)
  [en bil-yet (til)]

History of Åre

Åre's roots can be traced back to the Viking era, around the late 8th to early 11th centuries. The region, known for its strategic location, served as a vital trade route. Artifacts from this period, such as tools and jewelry, have been discovered, providing a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Norse people who once inhabited this area.
In the medieval period, Åre gained significance as a stop on the pilgrimage route to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. Pilgrims would travel through Åre, stopping at the Åre Old Church, built around 1150, which still stands today as one of the oldest churches in Sweden. This period marked Åre's development as a community with inns and services catering to weary travelers.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Åre experienced a mining boom, particularly with copper and iron ore extraction. The mining activities brought an influx of workers and contributed to the economic development of the region. The remnants of old mines and mining equipment can still be found in the area, serving as historical markers of this industrious era.
Åre's transformation into a premier ski resort began in the late 19th century. In 1882, the first hotel, 'Åre Fjällstuga,' was established, attracting tourists seeking winter sports and mountain air. The construction of the Åre Funicular in 1910 further cemented its status as a ski destination, making it easier for visitors to access the slopes. This period laid the foundation for Åre's modern identity as a world-class ski resort.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Åre has continued to evolve, hosting numerous international skiing and snowboarding competitions, including the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1954, 2007, and 2019. The village has grown to accommodate a diverse array of hotels, restaurants, and shops, while still preserving its historic charm. Åre's blend of rich history and modern amenities makes it a unique and attractive destination for travelers from around the globe.