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Härjedalen
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Explore Härjedalen's Swedish mountains, forest valleys, Sámi culture, national parks and year-round outdoor adventures from Sveg to Funäsfjällen.

Härjedalen occupies a broad, sparsely populated landscape in central Sweden, stretching from the forested valleys around Sveg to the high mountains along the Norwegian border. The region is defined by long distances, clear rivers, extensive woodland and open uplands rather than by large urban centres. Its principal settlements include Sveg, the administrative and commercial centre, and a chain of mountain villages and resorts such as Funäsdalen, Tänndalen, Ramundberget, Bruksvallarna, Vemdalen and Lofsdalen. Each area has a different character: the western mountains offer high plateaux and alpine walking, while the eastern districts are more closely associated with forests, lakes and traditional farming landscapes.
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The mountains of western Härjedalen are among the region's defining features. Sonfjället National Park protects a distinctive massif rising above the surrounding forests and is known for hiking, wildlife and broad views across the valleys. Around Funäsfjällen, marked trails, cross-country ski routes and mountain roads connect a group of communities with strong outdoor traditions. The high Flatruet road, when conditions permit, provides one of Sweden's most memorable upland drives, crossing an exposed plateau between Ljungdalen and the mountain settlements of Härjedalen; weather can change quickly, and seasonal access should always be checked.
Härjedalen's cultural identity has been shaped by small-scale agriculture, transhumance, forestry and mountain travel. Historic farmsteads, hay meadows and fäbodar, seasonal cattle settlements once used during summer grazing, reveal how communities adapted to short growing seasons. Sámi livelihoods and reindeer herding remain important in the western mountain country, particularly around the Mittådalen and Ruvhten Sijte areas. Visitors should remember that these are living cultural landscapes rather than staged rural scenery, and should follow local guidance around reindeer, private land and seasonal activities.
Winter brings dependable opportunities for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sled excursions and snowmobile touring where permitted. Summer is suited to hiking, fishing, cycling, canoeing and wildlife watching, with golden autumn foliage adding another reason to explore the forests and mountain valleys. The region's food reflects its environment: game, freshwater fish, berries, mushrooms, locally produced meat, dairy products and traditional baked goods appear in restaurants, cafés, farm shops and seasonal markets. Evenings are generally quiet outside the principal resorts, with dining, traditional pubs and accommodation-based social life taking precedence over urban nightlife.
Travel in Härjedalen rewards careful planning. Public transport links the main settlements but is limited in remote mountain districts, and many trailheads and nature areas are most easily reached by car. Distances are substantial, mobile coverage can be intermittent and mountain weather is changeable even in summer. The result is a destination for visitors who value space, outdoor activity and a close reading of northern inland landscapes, with each season revealing a different relationship between forest, mountain, community and weather.

When is the best time to visit Härjedalen?

Best: June–August · 18–20°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-540
February-435
March135
April735
May1345
June (best)1850
July (best)2060
August (best)1960
September1550
October845
November140
December-340

Getting to and around Härjedalen

How to get there

Sveg Airport is located in Härjedalen and provides a local air gateway, although services are limited and should be checked before booking. Many visitors arrive by road from Östersund, Mora or other Swedish centres, with Sveg serving as an important inland junction. The western mountain districts are commonly reached by road from Östersund or via routes through the interior; nearby Røros Airport in Norway is outside Sweden and outside Härjedalen but may be relevant for some western itineraries, subject to current connections and border-travel requirements. Long-distance buses and regional public transport reach the principal settlements, while rail access is generally more useful through neighbouring towns than for direct access to the mountain resorts.

Transportation

A car is often the most practical way to explore Härjedalen because settlements, trailheads and outdoor attractions are widely dispersed. Roads are generally quiet but distances are long, winter conditions can be demanding and fuel planning matters in remote districts. Buses connect larger settlements and some mountain communities, but services are less frequent in rural areas and may not serve every trailhead. Cycling is suitable on selected roads and routes, while walking is the main way to experience the mountain country itself. In winter, use only permitted snowmobile routes and follow local regulations; do not assume that every track or marked trail is open to motorised travel.

Top city travel guides in Härjedalen

The cities of Härjedalen, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Härjedalen

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Härjedalen

Härjedalen's attractions are rooted in open space and outdoor access rather than a concentration of large museums or urban sights. Sonfjället National Park provides marked walking routes through birch woodland and upland terrain, with opportunities for wildlife observation and far-reaching views. Funäsfjällen, including Funäsdalen, Tänndalen, Ramundberget and Bruksvallarna, is a major year-round base for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking and cycling. Vemdalen and Lofsdalen offer further networks of pistes, trails, lakes and family-oriented mountain activities. Around Sveg and the river valleys, visitors can explore local history, traditional farm environments and forest landscapes. Fäbodar, old farmsteads and seasonal cultural sites explain how communities managed livestock and food production, while fishing, canoeing, snowshoeing and guided wildlife tours provide quieter ways to experience the countryside. The region's Sámi heritage is best approached through respectful, locally led interpretation rather than through assumptions about traditional life. Long-distance routes and high roads such as Flatruet are attractions in their own right, but access is seasonal and weather dependent. The variety lies in moving between forest, agricultural valley, open plateau and mountain resort, with each landscape suited to different activities and seasons.

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Best landmarks in Härjedalen

Sonfjället is Härjedalen's most recognisable natural landmark, a broad mountain massif rising distinctly above surrounding forests and protected within Sweden's national-park system. In the west, the open uplands around Flatruet create a powerful sense of scale, with the high road crossing exposed terrain between mountain communities when seasonal conditions allow. The Härjedalen valleys are marked by traditional farm clusters, timber buildings, hay meadows and fäbodar, physical reminders of a livestock economy adapted to a short growing season. Sveg's position at the meeting of roads and river landscapes gives it regional importance as a service and transport centre, while the mountain villages of Funäsdalen, Tänndalen, Ramundberget and Bruksvallarna express the settled edge of the high country. The Ljusnan river and its associated valleys have shaped farming, forestry, settlement and travel through the interior. Sámi cultural landscapes in the western mountains are also significant, although their importance cannot be reduced to a single monument: reindeer-herding routes, seasonal use and contemporary community life remain part of a living landscape that visitors should approach with care.

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Explore Härjedalen on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Härjedalen

Dining in Härjedalen reflects the resources of a northern inland region, with menus often drawing on game, freshwater fish, locally reared meat, potatoes, root vegetables, berries and mushrooms. Reindeer and elk may appear in restaurants and shops, while trout and other freshwater fish are associated with the region's lakes and rivers. In the mountain resorts, restaurants and cafés range from relaxed daytime venues to more ambitious dining rooms, with winter visitors particularly well served in Funäsfjällen, Vemdalen and Lofsdalen. Sveg provides the broadest everyday choice of cafés, bakeries and practical restaurants, while rural inns and accommodation-based dining are important in smaller communities. Look for cloudberries, bilberries, lingonberries, regional cheeses and traditional breads in farm shops or seasonal food outlets. Local markets and producers can offer a more direct connection to the landscape, but availability changes with the season. Swedish coffee breaks, known as fika, remain an easy way to sample pastries and baked goods between outdoor activities.

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Best bars in Härjedalen

Härjedalen's evening life is modest and dispersed, with the strongest seasonal activity found in the mountain resorts. In Funäsfjällen, Vemdalen and Lofsdalen, visitors can find hotel bars, pubs, après-ski settings and occasional live music during the winter season, although opening arrangements and entertainment vary from year to year. Sveg has the region's most substantial permanent selection of pubs, restaurants and social venues, but it is not a major late-night clubbing centre. In smaller mountain and forest communities, evenings generally revolve around restaurants, cafés, accommodation common rooms and local gatherings rather than dedicated nightclubs. Breweries, spirits and regional drinks may appear on drinks lists, yet alcohol is not central to every visitor's experience. Those seeking a quieter evening can choose a fireside meal, a sauna, a winter-sky excursion or a summer sunset in the mountains, subject to local access and weather conditions.

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Best nightclubs in Härjedalen

Härjedalen's evening life is modest and dispersed, with the strongest seasonal activity found in the mountain resorts. In Funäsfjällen, Vemdalen and Lofsdalen, visitors can find hotel bars, pubs, après-ski settings and occasional live music during the winter season, although opening arrangements and entertainment vary from year to year. Sveg has the region's most substantial permanent selection of pubs, restaurants and social venues, but it is not a major late-night clubbing centre. In smaller mountain and forest communities, evenings generally revolve around restaurants, cafés, accommodation common rooms and local gatherings rather than dedicated nightclubs. Breweries, spirits and regional drinks may appear on drinks lists, yet alcohol is not central to every visitor's experience. Those seeking a quieter evening can choose a fireside meal, a sauna, a winter-sky excursion or a summer sunset in the mountains, subject to local access and weather conditions.

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Best shops in Härjedalen

Shopping in Härjedalen is practical and locally focused, with the widest everyday choice in Sveg and smaller selections in the mountain settlements. Funäsdalen and neighbouring resort villages have shops selling outdoor clothing, equipment, souvenirs, locally made crafts and supplies for hiking or skiing. Farm shops, bakeries and seasonal producers are good places to look for berry preserves, smoked or cured foods, cheeses, honey and other regional products, although opening arrangements can be seasonal. Craft traditions may include woodwork, textiles, leather goods and mountain-inspired designs, while galleries and small studios sometimes provide locally made alternatives to mass-produced souvenirs. Markets and food events vary by place and season, so visitors should check locally rather than rely on a permanent weekly schedule. In remote districts, stock up on essentials before travelling into the mountains, where retail choices may be limited and focused on outdoor equipment and accommodation needs.

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Härjedalen essentials

Currency and Payment
Härjedalen uses Sweden's national currency, the Swedish krona (SEK). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants and larger visitor facilities, and Sweden is highly accustomed to cashless transactions. Cash can nevertheless be useful at small seasonal businesses, unattended facilities or in remote areas where connectivity is limited, so check payment arrangements before setting out. Exchange rates vary, and visitors should choose carefully between paying in Swedish kronor or accepting a card terminal's currency conversion.
Safety
Härjedalen is generally a calm destination, but outdoor conditions require more preparation than urban travel. Mountain weather can change rapidly, trails may be wet or snow-covered outside summer, and distances to assistance can be considerable. Tell someone your route, carry appropriate clothing, water, navigation equipment and a charged phone, and check avalanche or winter conditions where relevant. Take care on remote roads, watch for wildlife and allow extra stopping distance on snow and ice. In forests and open country, follow local fire restrictions and take sensible precautions against ticks and changing weather.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 in Sweden for urgent police, fire, ambulance and rescue assistance. Give your exact location, and use a recognised trail name, road number, cabin, map reference or GPS coordinates where possible; this is particularly important in the mountains and forest. For non-urgent police matters, call 114 14, while healthcare advice is available through 1177. Mountain and other rescue responses are coordinated through the national emergency system, so visitors should not rely solely on mobile reception or assume that a remote trail can be reached quickly.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect Sweden's right of public access while remembering that it brings responsibilities: leave no waste, avoid damaging vegetation and keep clear of private homes and cultivated land. Do keep dogs under control, especially where reindeer, livestock or wildlife may be present, and follow signs in protected areas. Do ask before photographing people, private activities or culturally significant situations. Do not approach reindeer or block their movement, and do not light fires when restrictions apply. In restaurants and cafés, queue politely, follow local payment arrangements and remember that tipping is optional rather than a strict obligation.
Local Tips
Use Sveg for supplies and practical services before heading into more remote districts, and allow extra time for mountain roads rather than treating the region as a compact circuit. The western villages of Funäsfjällen are useful bases for combining hiking, skiing and local cultural visits, while Sonfjället and the valleys around Vemdalen offer a different balance of forest and mountain scenery. Ask accommodation providers about current trail conditions, seasonal road access, fishing permissions and local events. In autumn, berry and mushroom foraging can be rewarding, but identify species with confidence and respect protected land and local guidance.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHej[Hay]
GoodbyeHej då[Hay daw]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNej[Nay]
Please/You're welcomeVarsågod[Var-sho-good]
Thank youTack[Tack]
Excuse me/SorryUrsäkta[Ur-sek-ta]
How are you?Hur mår du?[Hur mohr doo]
Fine. And you?Bra. Och du?[Bra. Ohk doo]
Do you speak English?Talar du engelska?[Tah-lar doo eng-els-ka]
I don't understandJag förstår inte[Yahg for-stor in-teh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJag skulle vilja se menyn, tack[Yahg skool-leh vil-ya seh meh-nun, tack]
I don't eat meatJag äter inte kött[Yahg eh-ter in-teh shutt]
Cheers!Skål![Skawl!]
I would like to pay, pleaseJag skulle vilja betala, tack[Yahg skool-leh vil-ya beh-tah-la, tack]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjälp![Yelp!]
Go away!Gå bort![Gaw bort!]
Call the Police!Ring polisen![Ring po-lee-sen!]
Call a doctor!Ring en läkare![Ring en leh-ka-reh!]
I'm lostJag är vilse[Yahg air vil-seh]
I'm illJag är sjuk[Yahg air shook]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Jag skulle vilja köpa...[Yahg skool-leh vil-ya shur-pa...]
I'm just lookingJag tittar bara[Yahg tit-ar bar-ah]
How much is it?Hur mycket kostar det?[Hur my-ket kos-tar deh]
That's too expensiveDet är för dyrt[Deht air fur deert]
Can you lower the price?Kan du sänka priset?[Kan doo sen-ka pree-set]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Vad är klockan?[Vad air klok-an?]
It's one o'clockKlockan är ett[Klok-an air ett]
Half past (10)Halv (10)[Halv (ten)]
MorningMorgon[Mor-gon]
AfternoonEftermiddag[Ef-ter-mid-dahg]
EveningKväll[Kvell]
YesterdayIgår[I-gore]
TodayIdag[I-dahg]
TomorrowImorgon[I-mor-gon]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Var är en/ett...?[Var air en/ett...?]
What's the address?Vad är adressen?[Vad air a-dress-en?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du visa mig (på kartan)?[Kan doo vee-sah may (poh kar-tan)?]
When's the next (bus)?När går nästa (buss)?[Nair gor nes-ta (boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)En biljett (till ...)[En bil-yett (til ...)]

History of Härjedalen

Early hunting, fishing and seasonal movement

People have used Härjedalen's forests, lakes and mountain plateaux since prehistoric times, following seasonal patterns of hunting, fishing and gathering. The region contains traces of ancient settlement and extensive systems of hunting pits, which illustrate organised use of woodland and upland environments over long periods. Rather than forming a densely settled agricultural landscape, early Härjedalen was shaped by mobility and detailed knowledge of rivers, grazing grounds and wildlife. The surviving archaeological evidence provides an important context for understanding the region's later farming, Sámi and mountain economies.

Medieval settlement and Christian influence

Permanent farming communities expanded in Härjedalen during the medieval period, especially in the river valleys where soils and hay meadows supported livestock. Christianity brought parish organisation, churches and new connections with neighbouring settlements in Norway and Jämtland. Farms remained scattered and communities were constrained by a short growing season, making hay production and animal husbandry more important than grain cultivation alone. Medieval and later settlement patterns can still be read in several valleys, where traditional farm buildings and open meadows contrast with the surrounding forest.

Härjedalen under Norwegian rule

For centuries Härjedalen was politically connected to Norway, although the population maintained local economic and social relationships across the mountain border. The region's position between Norwegian and Swedish spheres influenced trade, administration and church connections. The Treaty of Brömsebro in 1645 transferred Härjedalen, together with Jämtland, to Sweden. This change did not erase older links across the mountains, and cross-border movement, family connections and seasonal economic relationships continued to shape local life.

Farming, fäbodar and mountain communities

Traditional agriculture in Härjedalen depended heavily on livestock, haymaking and the seasonal use of fäbodar. During summer, animals were moved to outlying grazing settlements so that meadowland near the main farms could be conserved for winter fodder. Women often played central roles in the work of these seasonal settlements, including dairying and food preservation. The system declined as agriculture modernised, but surviving buildings, meadow management and local traditions preserve an important record of how people made a living in a demanding inland climate.

Forestry and the timber economy

From the nineteenth century onwards, forestry became increasingly important to Härjedalen's economy. Timber extraction, river transport and later mechanised haulage connected remote forests with sawmills and wider Swedish markets. Forestry brought employment and infrastructure but also altered landscapes and settlement patterns. Sveg developed as a regional service and transport centre, while roads and rail connections helped integrate the interior with the national economy. Forest management remains a major part of the region's contemporary identity, alongside growing tourism and outdoor recreation.

Sámi life and reindeer herding

Sámi communities have long used the mountain and forest landscapes of Härjedalen, and reindeer herding remains a living part of the region's cultural and economic life. The Mittådalen and Ruvhten Sijte communities are associated with reindeer husbandry in the western part of Härjedalen. Their presence reflects land-use systems that extend across administrative and national borders and coexist with tourism, forestry and other activities. Visitors encounter a contemporary culture with its own rights, knowledge and institutions, not simply a historical theme.

Railways, mountain tourism and the modern region

Improved roads and rail connections in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries made Härjedalen more accessible to visitors, workers and goods. Mountain tourism developed gradually around skiing, hiking and summer health travel, later expanding into the resort areas of Funäsfjällen, Vemdalen and Lofsdalen. New infrastructure brought employment and seasonal economies while leaving much of the region sparsely populated. Today Härjedalen combines older forestry and farming traditions with a tourism sector based on outdoor recreation, protected landscapes and mountain accommodation.

Härjedalen in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Härjedalen

Discover Härjedalen like never before with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Comprehensive hotel, tour, ticket, and experience booking
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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Explore Härjedalen with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. Discover top attractions, famous landmarks, best restaurants, and book hotels, tours, and experiences, all in one app.

  • History of Härjedalen and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Härjedalen, a mesmerizing region in Sweden known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your travel experience is elevated to a whole new level. Imagine having detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities right at your fingertips. The app offers rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it effortless to plan and organize your trip.

Explore famous attractions like the Sonfjället National Park, renowned for its majestic mountain and wildlife. Don't miss the Härjedalen Church, a historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. For a culinary delight, visit restaurants like Vålkojan, known for its traditional Swedish cuisine, or enjoy a cozy meal at Fjällnäs Dining Room.

Evendo also allows you to easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, eliminating the hassle of searching for what to see and do. The app's user-friendly interface ensures you can navigate through Härjedalen with ease, using features like the 'Near Me' function to discover nearby attractions and curated local tips to experience the region like a local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

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