Vemdalen Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Vemdalen. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Vemdalen, Sweden, offers mountain skiing, summer trails, Nordic wildlife and welcoming villages across Vemdalsfjällen for year-round outdoor escapes.

Mountain Setting

Vemdalen is a mountain destination in Härjedalen, central Sweden, known principally for the Vemdalsfjällen ski area and its cluster of settlements, resorts and highland landscapes. The destination is spread across a broad upland region rather than concentrated in one town. Its main visitor centres are Vemdalen village, Vemdalsskalet, Björnrike, Klövsjö and Storhogna, each offering a slightly different relationship with the surrounding mountains. Forested slopes of spruce and birch rise towards open, rounded summits and plateaux, creating a landscape suited to downhill skiing in winter and walking, cycling and nature excursions during the warmer months.

Four-Season Outdoor Life

Winter is Vemdalen's defining season, with interconnected or nearby ski areas offering downhill runs, cross-country trails and snow-based activities at several elevations. Vemdalsskalet has the most recognisable resort atmosphere, while Björnrike is valued for its family-oriented slopes and views; Klövsjö and Storhogna provide further skiing and mountain accommodation. In summer, marked trails lead through coniferous forest, open fell and wetland, with longer routes connecting the area's settlements and viewpoints. Conditions can change quickly in exposed terrain, and route access varies with season.

Local Character and Wider Nature

The village of Vemdalen retains the character of a small inland community, with a historic church and services supporting a much wider recreational region. Local food traditions reflect Härjedalen's farming, forestry and mountain culture, while nearby natural areas provide opportunities to observe reindeer, elk and other Nordic wildlife without treating sightings as guaranteed. Sonfjället National Park lies beyond the immediate ski centres and is a separate excursion rather than part of Vemdalen's core resort area. The result is a destination where practical winter infrastructure sits alongside quiet forests, highland air and a distinctly rural Swedish setting.

When is the best time to visit Vemdalen?

Best: June–August · 18–21°C

-5° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: -15.5°C, High: -5°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 20.5 mm, High: 40 mm J

-3° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: -14.2°C, High: -3°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 15 mm, High: 35 mm F

2° Temperature Range for MarchLow: -10.5°C, High: 2°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 10 mm, High: 30 mm M

7° Temperature Range for AprilLow: -4.5°C, High: 7°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 5.5 mm, High: 25 mm A

13° Temperature Range for MayLow: 1°C, High: 13°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 5 mm, High: 15 mm M

Best 18° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 6°C, High: 18°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 5 mm, High: 15 mm J

Best 21° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 9°C, High: 21°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 5 mm, High: 15 mm J

Best 19° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 7°C, High: 19°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 5 mm, High: 15 mm A

13° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 3°C, High: 13°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 5.5 mm, High: 25 mm S

8° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: -1.5°C, High: 8°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 10 mm, High: 30 mm O

4° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: -7.5°C, High: 4°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 15 mm, High: 35 mm N

-1° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: -12.5°C, High: -1°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 20.5 mm, High: 40 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	-5	30
February	-3	26
March	2	20
April	7	15
May	13	11
June (best)	18	11
July (best)	21	11
August (best)	19	11
September	13	15
October	8	20
November	4	26
December	-1	30

Getting to and around Vemdalen

How to get there

Vemdalen is reached primarily by road through central Sweden, with routes linking the area to Östersund, Sveg and other regional centres. The destination is spread across several villages and ski bases, so the most convenient approach depends on whether the final base is Vemdalen, Björnrike, Vemdalsskalet, Klövsjö or Storhogna. Regional bus connections operate in Härjedalen, but services and seasonal arrangements should be checked before travelling. Sveg Airport is the closest local airport, while Östersund Airport provides a wider range of regional connections; neither is within the Vemdalen resort area. Rail travellers normally combine a train journey with onward road transport.

Transportation

A car offers the greatest flexibility because Vemdalen's villages, ski areas and summer trailheads are distributed across a large rural landscape. Winter visitors should allow extra time on snow-covered roads and check conditions before setting out. Local and regional bus services may connect some settlements, but they are not a substitute for transport to every trailhead or attraction. Walking is practical within individual resort areas and villages, while longer mountain routes require proper navigation and preparation. Cycling is possible on suitable roads and trails where permitted, but terrain, distance and weather make route choice important.

Best attractions in Vemdalen

Vemdalen's principal attractions are its mountain environments and the distinct visitor centres spread through Vemdalsfjällen. Vemdalsskalet combines ski slopes, highland views and access to marked summer routes, while Björnrike occupies a forested mountainside with broad views towards the surrounding ranges. Klövsjö and Storhogna offer further downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking terrain and quieter resort settings. Vemdalen village provides a historic rural focus, including Vemdalens kyrka, and serves as a practical base for exploring the wider district. In warmer months, trails pass through coniferous woodland, open fell, streams and wetland, with opportunities for cycling, walking and wildlife observation. The wider area is habitat for species such as elk and reindeer, although encounters are seasonal and never guaranteed. Sonfjället National Park, reached beyond the core resorts, adds a more explicitly protected mountain landscape for visitors planning a separate excursion.

Grocery store 4.1 (156 reviews)

ICA Nära Vemdalen

Your compact, dependable village grocery in Vemdalen — essentials, parcel services and seasonal supplies for locals and visitors.
Youth hostel 4.6 (114 reviews)

Gästis Vemdalen

Cosy timbered lodge in central Vemdalen — communal rooms, sauna, restaurant and simple private apartments near slopes and trails.
Gas station 4.2 (100 reviews)

Macken i Vemdalen

A compact, dependable village petrol shop in central Vemdalen — fuel, coffee, snacks and practical services for mountain visitors and locals.
Heritage preservation 4.4 (28 reviews)

Vemdalens hembygdsgård

An intimate village farmstead where Vemdalen’s crafts, food and seasonal markets keep local traditions alive.

Show more attractions

Explore Vemdalen on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Vemdalen

Dining in Vemdalen reflects the scale of a rural mountain destination, with restaurants, cafés and après-ski venues concentrated around Vemdalsskalet, Björnrike, Klövsjö and Storhogna, while Vemdalen village provides additional everyday services. Menus commonly draw on Swedish comfort food and regional ingredients, including potatoes, game, dairy products, bread, berries and mushrooms when in season. Traditional fika remains part of the local rhythm, particularly during a day outdoors, and accommodation kitchens and self-catering cottages are useful for visitors staying away from the main resort centres. Nearby farms and small producers may offer locally made foods, but availability varies by season and business. In the wider Härjedalen area, mountain and forest traditions influence menus more than coastal seafood, with hearty dishes suited to cold weather and active days.

Restaurant 4.3 (689 reviews)

Härjedalspizza - Vemdalen

Casual, family-friendly pizzeria in Vemdalen village with classic pizzas, local toppings and practical, ski-season-ready atmosphere.
Cafe 4.7 (331 reviews)

Stenugnsbageriet i Vemdalen

Wood-fired pizzas, fresh bakery treasures, and cozy café vibes fueling Vemdalen's mountain adventurers daily from 8am to 9pm.
Restaurant 4.4 (204 reviews)

Restaurang Husky

Casual Swedish eats, pizzas, burgers, and bowling fun in Vemdalen's lively après-ski hub – hearty portions and drinks for mountain adventurers.
Restaurant 4.6 (31 reviews)

Poppens

A cosy, Mexican‑inspired neighbourhood restaurant in Vemdalen village with seasonal local ingredients and a natural‑wine focus.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Vemdalen

Restaurant

Härjedalspizza - Vemdalen

Experience the delightful fusion of Italian and Swedish flavors at Härjedalspizza, a culinary gem in the heart of Vemdalen.
Cafe

Stenugnsbageriet i Vemdalen

Discover the essence of Swedish baking at Stenugnsbageriet i Vemdalen, where artisanal breads and pastries meet a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Restaurant

Björnvallens Sportkök

Discover the essence of Swedish cuisine at Björnvallens Sportkök, a charming restaurant in Vemdalen offering delicious local dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Restaurant

Klövsjö Gårdsbryggeri

Experience the essence of Swedish craftsmanship at Klövsjö Gårdsbryggeri, a haven for beer lovers and food enthusiasts in the heart of Klövsjö.

Show more bars

Best shops in Vemdalen

Shopping in Vemdalen is practical and regionally focused rather than extensive. The resort centres provide ski equipment, outdoor clothing, groceries and convenience shopping, while Vemdalen village offers services for residents and visitors. Seasonal holiday periods bring the greatest range of open businesses, but smaller settlements should not be treated as full retail centres. Visitors may find locally produced foods, baked goods, preserves, textiles, woodwork and other crafts through independent businesses, farm-linked outlets or regional markets, although stock and opening arrangements vary. Sporting and outdoor retailers are particularly relevant because equipment and clothing form an important part of the destination's visitor economy. For a broader choice of shops, travellers may need to use larger towns outside the immediate mountain area, so essential supplies are best obtained before heading to remote accommodation or trailheads.

Clothing store 4.6 (440 reviews)

Ekbergs Fiske & Fritid AB

A compact, two-storey outfitter in Vemdalen supplying fishing tackle, winter kit and local know-how for outdoor adventures.
Grocery store 4.1 (156 reviews)

ICA Nära Vemdalen

The village convenience store at Storgårdsgatan — essentials, parcel services and quick supplies for Vemdalen visitors and residents.
Hairdresser 4.8 (19 reviews)

Salong Fjällfin

Creative hair and makeup artistry in Vemdalen's alpine heart, blending fjäll charm with professional styling for every season's adventures. (162 characters)
Furniture store 4.1 (21 reviews)

Vemdalia

A working carpentry showroom in Vemdalen offering mountain-ready furniture, custom cabinetry and a clear view of traditional Swedish cabinetmaking.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Vemdalen, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Vemdalen essentials

Currency and Payment

Sweden uses the Swedish krona, abbreviated SEK. Cards and contactless payments are widely used in hotels, ski facilities, shops and restaurants, and Sweden is highly accustomed to cashless transactions. Nevertheless, visitors should not assume that every small rural business or informal service accepts every card network, and a payment method can occasionally be affected by connectivity. Cash machines and banking services are more likely to be found in larger settlements than at isolated trailheads. Check card charges with your provider and retain a practical backup payment option when travelling into the wider mountain area.

Safety

Mountain weather in Vemdalen can alter quickly, with cold, wind, poor visibility and icy conditions possible outside high summer. Stay on appropriate marked routes, carry weatherproof clothing and take particular care on winter roads, frozen ground and uneven summer paths. Skiers and snowboarders should follow resort safety rules and assess conditions rather than relying on appearances. In the wider countryside, mobile coverage may be inconsistent and distances between services can be considerable. Respect wildlife, avoid approaching reindeer or elk, and understand that waterlogged ground, steep slopes and changing snow conditions may make routes more demanding than expected.

Emergency Situations

Call 112 in Sweden for urgent police, fire or medical assistance. Give the operator your name, the nature of the emergency and the clearest possible location, including a trail name, marked route, lift area, road number or visible landmark. In remote terrain, explain that mobile coverage or access may be limited and follow the operator's instructions. For a non-urgent medical concern, seek advice through Sweden's healthcare guidance service on 1177. Resort staff can provide site-specific assistance within ski areas, but visitors outside developed centres should not assume that immediate facilities or transport are nearby.

Do's and Don'ts

Do respect the countryside, close gates, keep dogs under control where required and leave no litter. Do follow marked paths, ski-area rules and local signs, particularly around wetlands, forestry operations, private land and areas used for reindeer herding. Do give wildlife plenty of space and avoid feeding animals. Do not drive or park where access is blocked, and do not assume that wild camping, fires, fishing or water activities are permitted at every location; check current local guidance first. In villages and accommodation areas, keep noise considerate and remember that Vemdalen is a working rural community as well as a holiday destination.

Local Tips

Vemdalen village is useful for local services and a sense of the area's older community, while the ski bases are more convenient for lift access and winter facilities. Staying in different parts of Vemdalsfjällen changes the time needed to reach slopes, trailheads and neighbouring villages, so map distances before booking. Summer walkers should allow for soft ground and exposed weather on higher routes. For a broader nature excursion, Sonfjället National Park is nearby but separate from the central Vemdalen resort area. Ask locally about current trail, road and mountain conditions rather than relying solely on out-of-date online descriptions.

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

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Hej	[hey]
Goodbye	Adjö	[ad-yo]
Yes	Ja	[ya]
No	Nej	[nay]
Please/You're welcome	Varsågod	[var-sa-good]
Thank you	Tack	[tahck]
Excuse me/Sorry	Ursäkta mig	[oor-sayk-ta me]
How are you?	Hur mår du?	[hoor mor doo]
Fine. And you?	Bra. Och du?	[bra. ock doo]
Do you speak English?	Talar du engelska?	[tah-lar doo eng-els-ka]
I don't understand	Jag förstår inte	[yah for-stor in-te]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Jag skulle vilja se menyn, tack	[yah skool-le vil-ya seh meh-nin, tahck]
I don't eat meat	Jag äter inte kött	[yah eh-ter in-te shet]
Cheers!	Skål!	[skohl]
I would like to pay, please	Jag skulle vilja betala, tack	[yah skool-le vil-ya be-ta-la, tahck]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Hjälp!	[yelp]
Go away!	Gå iväg!	[goh ee-veg]
Call the Police!	Ring polisen!	[ring po-lee-sen]
Call a doctor!	Ring en läkare!	[ring en leh-ka-re]
I'm lost	Jag är vilse	[yah air vil-seh]
I'm ill	Jag är sjuk	[yah air shoook]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Jag skulle vilja köpa...	[yah skool-le vil-ya shoop-a]
I'm just looking	Jag tittar bara	[yah tee-tar bar-a]
How much is it?	Hur mycket kostar det?	[hoor mer-ket koss-tar deht]
That's too expensive	Det är för dyrt	[deht air for deert]
Can you lower the price?	Kan du sänka priset?	[kan doo sen-ka pre-set]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Vad är klockan?	[vahd air klo-kan]
It's one o'clock	Klockan är ett	[klo-kan air eht]
Half past (10)	Halv tio	[halv tee-oh]
Morning	Morgon	[mor-gon]
Afternoon	Eftermiddag	[ef-ter-mee-dag]
Evening	Kväll	[kvell]
Yesterday	Igår	[ee-gor]
Today	Idag	[ee-dahg]
Tomorrow	Imorgon	[ee-mor-gon]
1	Ett	[eht]
2	Två	[tvo]
3	Tre	[treh]
4	Fyra	[feerah]
5	Fem	[fem]
6	Sex	[seks]
7	Sju	[sju]
8	Åtta	[ot-ta]
9	Nio	[nee-oh]
10	Tio	[tee-oh]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Var finns en/den...?	[var fins en/den]
What's the address?	Vad är adressen?	[vahd air a-drass-en]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Kan du visa mig (på kartan)?	[kan doo vee-sa me (poh kart-an)]
When's the next (bus)?	När går nästa (buss)?	[nair gor nes-ta (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)	En biljett (till ....)	[en beel-yet (teel)]

History of Vemdalen

A Landscape Shaped by Ice

Vemdalen's rounded mountains, valleys and extensive forests were shaped by the Scandinavian Ice Sheet and the subsequent retreat of glacial ice. The uplands of the Vemdalsfjällen are not sharply alpine; their broad, forested slopes and open higher ground reflect the long action of ice, weather and erosion. This physical setting later influenced settlement, seasonal grazing, forestry and the location of modern ski areas. The landscape remains central to Vemdalen's identity, with natural conditions defining both its economy and its recreational culture.

Early Settlement and Härjedalen Life

Human settlement in Härjedalen developed around farming, hunting, fishing and the use of forest and mountain resources. Vemdalen's communities grew as part of this inland pattern, with homes and agricultural land concentrated in more sheltered valleys while the higher ground was used seasonally. Sámi history and continuing reindeer-herding traditions are important to the wider Härjedalen region, although land use and community histories vary across the area. The relationship between permanent settlements and seasonal movement remains visible in local landscape traditions.

The Parish and Its Church

Vemdalen's historic identity is closely connected with its parish church and village community. The present Vemdalens kyrka dates from the eighteenth century and represents the established Lutheran parish structure that shaped rural life through worship, administration and seasonal gatherings. The church and surrounding village provide a cultural counterpoint to the newer resort areas, showing that Vemdalen was a settled agricultural community long before winter tourism became its most recognisable economic activity.

Forestry, Farming and Rural Change

For much of its modern history, Vemdalen depended on small-scale agriculture, forestry and associated trades rather than large industry. Timber extraction altered the surrounding forests and connected the area to wider regional markets, while farming remained adapted to a short growing season and demanding inland climate. Improved roads and motor transport gradually reduced the isolation of the villages. These changes made it easier for visitors to reach the mountains and laid the practical foundations for the tourism economy that developed during the twentieth century.

The Rise of Winter Tourism

Organised skiing gradually transformed Vemdalen from a rural mountain district into one of Sweden's established winter destinations. Facilities expanded around Vemdalsskalet, Björnrike, Klövsjö and Storhogna as downhill skiing, ski schools, lifts and purpose-built accommodation became increasingly important. The different centres developed distinct layouts rather than forming one continuous town. Tourism also broadened beyond winter, encouraging investment in summer trails, cycling and nature-based recreation while maintaining the area's connection with forestry, local communities and the wider mountain landscape.

Conservation and Four-Season Tourism

Modern Vemdalen balances intensive recreational use in designated ski centres with the protection of forests, wetlands and mountain habitats elsewhere in the region. Marked trails, visitor guidance and seasonal management help direct activity through a landscape also used by local residents, wildlife and reindeer-herding interests. The growth of summer tourism reflects a broader shift from a destination strongly associated with snow sports towards a year-round mountain economy. Nearby protected landscapes, including Sonfjället National Park, reinforce the importance of responsible access and conservation beyond the developed resorts.

Vemdalen in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Vemdalen, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

More of the region

Explore more of Härjedalen

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

Explore Härjedalen

More of the country

Explore more of Sweden

Discover Sweden's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the Northern Lights to historic castles, experience the essence of Scandinavia.

Explore Sweden