Fulufjället National Park: More than just Sweden's highest waterfall

When most people hear the name Fulufjället, their minds immediately go to Njupeskär, Sweden's highest waterfall, or perhaps the world-famous ancient tree Old Tjikko. That's understandable. But for those of us who see the mountain as more than a tick in the protocol, Fulufjället is something else entirely. It is one of Sweden's most accessible but also most distinctive national parks, known for its barren sandstone plateau and its vast, lichen-covered expanses.

Our own boss at HikingStore, Anders, hiked here about 10 years ago. A lot has happened since then – trails have been improved and interest in the national park has exploded – but the magnificence of nature is exactly the same. Anders often remembers how the blocky terrain on the plateau really put the equipment to the test. It is an environment that rewards those who have thought about their hiking packing list and chosen gear that can withstand both wind and sharp rock edges.

The icons: Njupeskär and Old Tjikko

Let’s be honest: you’re going to want to see Njupeskär. It’s a powerful spectacle as the water falls 93 meters into the gorge. But here’s the pragmatic advice: do it early in the morning or late at night. During peak season, the path to the falls can feel like an escalator in rush hour traffic.

Once you’ve admired the falls, it’s time to leave the biggest crowds behind. Take the path that leads up to the mountain plateau. This is where the real experience begins. Once at the top, you’ll also find Old Tjikko. At first glance, it may not look like much to the world – a weathered little spruce – but knowing that its root system has survived for 9,550 years provides a perspective on time that few other places can offer.

Camping Rules: Zoning is Key

Fulufjället is special when it comes to rules. The national park is divided into four zones to protect nature and regulate visitor pressure. For those of you planning to bring a hiking tent , here is the most important information:

• Zone 4: This is the area around the visitor center and Njupeskär. There is a tent ban here. This means you are not allowed to pitch your tent near the waterfall or along the most frequented trails in the valley.
• Other zones: Once you have made it up to the plateau and left zone 4 behind (often just a few kilometers from the parking lot), looser rules apply. Here you can camp basically anywhere you want, as long as you follow the right of way and don't harm the nature.

Many experienced hikers head towards Rörsjöarna or Tangsjöstugorna. These are good base camps, but remember that Fulufjället is notorious for being windy and rocky. A tent that is easy to pitch on uneven ground is worth its weight in gold here.

The right backpack for hiking on the plateau

The terrain at Fulufjället is best described as "blocky". The sandstone has cracked into large blocks, which means that paths sometimes disappear into a sea of stones. This places demands on your balance and therefore your backpack.

A good backpack for hiking in this type of terrain should sit close to your body. We often recommend models like the 3F UL Gear QiDian Pro or the Mobi Garden Mirage . They are light enough so that your legs don't get unnecessarily tired during the climbs, but have carrying systems that keep the load stable when you're jumping between boulders.

Remember: an unstable backpack on rocky terrain is not only tiring, it's a safety hazard. When the center of gravity shifts to the sides, the risk of sprains increases significantly.

Choosing a hiking tent: Lightweight meets stability

When you hike on Fulufjället you are exposed. The tree line is low and when the wind blows from the west there is nothing to stop it. Here a wind-stable hiking tent is an absolute requirement.

Our personal favorite for this type of hike is the Lanshan series from 3F UL Gear . The Lanshan 2 PRO offers a fantastic weight-to-space ratio. Since it requires trekking poles to set up, you get a construction that is surprisingly stable in strong winds, provided you anchor it well into the rocky ground. Using carbon fiber or extra-strong aluminum ground stakes is wise here, as the ground is often hard and filled with pebbles.

The sleeping system: Don't let the ground chill ruin your night

Even in summer, the nights on Fulufjället can get really cold. Because the plateau is high and exposed, the temperature drops quickly when the sun goes down.

Here at HikingStore, we often advocate quilts like those from Ice Flame to save weight without sacrificing warmth. A quilt gives you freedom of movement, but places higher demands on your sleeping pad. Ground chill is one of the most common causes of a bad night in the mountains. Make sure your sleeping pad has an R-value that matches the conditions.

When it comes to insulation, down is king, but it takes knowledge. If you want to delve deeper into the differences between different types of down, CUIN values, and how to choose the right sleeping bag, we recommend our complete guide to bird down in sleeping bags . There, we explain why a high-quality down filling is the best investment you can make for your recovery.

Packing list for hiking on Fulufjället

Here is a brief list of what is especially important for Fulufjället:

1. Sturdy boots: Forget lightweight running shoes if you're going up to the plateau. The sharp sandstone requires ankle protection and a torsionally stiff sole.
2. Windproof shell clothing: It's almost always windy. A good shell jacket is your most important protection.
3. Hiking poles: Invaluable when wading and in rocky terrain, and also necessary if you have chosen a tent like Lanshan.
4. Waterproof packing bags: The weather changes quickly in Dalarna. Keep your sleeping bag and extra clothes dry at all costs.

For a more complete overview, read our ultimate guide to packing lists for mountain hiking .

Summary: Balance is everything

Fulufjället National Park is a fantastic destination that offers everything from dramatic waterfalls to a desolate high mountain feel. By respecting the zoning and choosing the right equipment, you can have an experience that extends far beyond the usual tourist trails.

Choose a sturdy backpack for hiking , a reliable hiking tent and a sleeping system that will keep you warm even when the night frost bites the tent canvas. The nature at Fulufjället is barren and honest – if you face it with the right preparations, it will give you memories for life. Just like it did for Anders ten years ago.

See you on the mountain!