The Tor Crater, Jamtland Travel Guide

4.1 (76)

Discover Harjedalen's enigmatic iceberg crater: a postglacial pit encircled by benches, blending geological intrigue with serene mountain tranquility near Funäsdalen.

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The Tor Crater

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Harjedalen near Funäsdalen, The Tor Crater captivates with its dramatic circular depression, once thought to be a meteor impact but now recognized as an iceberg pit from postglacial times. This geological curiosity offers serene benches for reflection amid Sweden's mountainous terrain, ideal for hikers seeking natural wonders. Free access reveals a story etched in ice age drama, surrounded by benches for picnics and contemplation in crisp mountain air.

A brief summary to The Tor Crater

THORBYGGET 135, Funäsdalen, 840 95, SE
Click to display
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Bring insect repellent in summer, as mires attract midges; opt for long sleeves during peak season.
Pack a thermos for tea on the benches— the site's tranquility enhances simple pleasures.
Visit at dawn or dusk for optimal light and fewer disturbances from passing hikers.

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Explore The Tor Crater on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Tor Crater, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Funäsdalen village center, drive northwest via local roads to Thorbygget 135; 15-20 minutes, gravel sections possible in wet weather, free parking at site, watch for reindeer.
Bus

Take regional bus from Östersund or Hede to Funäsdalen station, then taxi 10-15 minutes to site; buses run 4-6 times daily in summer, SEK 200-300 one-way from Östersund.
Hiking

From Funäsdalen trailheads near gondola base, follow marked paths northwest through forests; 1.5-2 hours one-way, moderate terrain with boggy sections, sturdy boots essential.
Taxi

Taxi from Funäsdalen hotels or bus stop direct to Thorbygget; 10-15 minutes, SEK 250-400 depending on group size, available on demand but confirm return pickup.

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Discover more about The Tor Crater

Geological Enigma Unveiled

The Tor Crater stands as a striking circular depression in the flat expanse of northwest Harjedalen, its form a testament to the dramatic retreat of ancient glaciers. Measuring roughly 100 meters across and up to 15 meters deep, this feature draws the eye with its sharp rim and bowl-like interior, contrasting the surrounding mires and gentle hills. Long celebrated as a geological oddity, it invites visitors to ponder the forces that sculpted Sweden's postglacial landscapes.Initial studies in the 1990s proposed a meteorite impact origin, citing shocked minerals and structural anomalies. However, recent analyses favor a grounded iceberg calving into a glacial lake around 10,260 years ago, as the ice sheet withdrew. This reinterpretation aligns with numerous similar pits across Härjedalen, remnants of chaotic meltwater dynamics during deglaciation.

Postglacial Formation Story

Formed during the early Holocene, Tor emerged when a massive iceberg, stranded in a proglacial lake, melted unevenly, collapsing into the pit we see today. Surrounding sediments bear traces of this event: fine-grained varves layered with dropstones from floating ice. The crater's preservation stems from the stable, boggy terrain, shielding it from erosion over millennia.This origin ties Tor to broader Ice Age narratives in Scandinavia, where retreating glaciers left hummocky landscapes, eskers, and such enigmatic depressions. Nearby, similar structures dot the valley floors, hinting at a landscape once dominated by vast ice-dammed waters.

Natural Setting and Surroundings

Located at Thorbygget 135 near Funäsdalen, Tor resides at about 620 meters elevation in Jämtland County's alpine zone. Encirled by coniferous forests of pine and spruce, with birch woodlands transitioning to open mires, the site embodies Harjedalen's wild beauty. In summer, wildflowers carpet the rims; autumn brings golden hues; winter cloaks it in snow, transforming the crater into a natural bowl for cross-country skiing.Wildlife thrives here: reindeer graze the fens, ptarmigan nest on heaths, and moose frequent twilight hours. The air carries scents of damp earth and resin, with distant peaks of Funäsdalsberget framing panoramic views.

Visitor's Path to Discovery

Approaching Tor, the terrain shifts from gravel roads to soft paths winding through meadows. Several wooden benches encircle the crater, perfect for pauses to absorb the vista. The site's intimacy rewards quiet observation, where wind whispers through grasses and ravens call overhead.Seasonal changes enhance the experience: spring thaw reveals greening edges, while frozen surfaces in winter offer crisp acoustics echoing across the bowl. Natural acoustics amplify birdsong, creating an immersive sensory haven.

Legacy in Local Lore

Marked on geological maps as a curiosity, Tor has sparked scientific debate, from impact hypotheses to glacial realism. Its story underscores Harjedalen's role in understanding Scandinavia's deglaciation, blending hard science with the poetry of ancient ice.