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Härjedalen is the landscape where the forest gradually opens up to the mountains. Here you will find national parks rich in bears, rocky lake landscapes, flower-filled slopes and roads that take you far above the tree line. It is also a landscape where distances are felt in your legs. A short distance on the map can mean rocky terrain, wading, wind and weather changes.
This is the seventeenth article in the series Sights in Every Landscape . After Dalarna, the journey continues north to Härjedalen – a natural next step in our south-to-north line.
Härjedalen's highest point is Helagsfjället , at around 1,797 metres above sea level . Some sources state 1,796 metres, but regardless of measurement, Helags is the highest point in the province and a clear benchmark for the entire mountain world in the south.
1. Helags mountain station and the Helags massif – towards Sweden's southernmost glacier
Helags is the most obvious mountain experience in Härjedalen. The Helags massif rises above the mountain heath and carries Sweden's southernmost glacier . At the foot is STF Helags Mountain Station , which serves as a base for both day trips and longer hikes.
The most common route starts at Kläppen, a bit above Ljungdalen. From there it is about 12 kilometers to the mountain station, an easy road, on a marked summer trail. For many, the mountain station is the goal itself. For others, the trip continues towards Helagstoppen, which requires more altitude, more time and better margins.
Ask yourself what the trip will actually handle. Will you go there and back in the same day, or carry equipment for several days? A day trip requires, above all, good shoes, wind and rain protection, food, water and navigation. An overnight stay, on the other hand, requires a well-thought-out system with tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats. Start by reviewing HikingStore's range of tents , sleeping bags and sleeping mats .
Weight matters on uphill slopes. But a sleeping pad that is too thin can cause cold ground and poor recovery, especially when the night temperature drops. Please read our in-depth article on down in sleeping bags before comparing fill weight, CUIN and temperature ratings.
2. Sonfjället National Park – the home of the bear
Sonfjällets National Park is a free-standing mountain massif surrounded by forest. This makes the area easy to recognize from a distance. Here you will encounter coniferous forest, mountain birch, bog, boulder terrain and open heathland within a relatively limited area.
The national park was established in 1909 and is known as the home of bears . This does not mean that you should expect to see a bear on the trail. The important thing is to understand that you are moving in an area where bears, moose and lynx are found. Keep your distance from animals, never leave food leftovers and follow current information before you set out.
Nyvallen and the main entrance to Sonfjället are a good starting point. The national park has several marked summer trails, from shorter tours to full-day trips to higher parts of the mountain. The terrain is not technically advanced, but rocks and uneven sections mean that stable shoes and good balance are more important than high speed.
3. Flatruet – Sweden's highest public road
Flatruet is the experience for those who want to reach the mountain environment without first hiking for a whole day. The Flatruet road goes over the mountain plateau and reaches about 975 meters above sea level.
It is worth being careful with the wording here. Flatruetvägen is sometimes described as Europe's highest road, but the safe assumption is that it is Sweden's highest public road . Higher private roads and construction roads may exist, but Flatruet is the state public road most often referred to.
On the plateau you get open views, wind and a landscape where weather changes are visible long before they reach you. This makes Flatruet a good place for shorter hikes and viewpoint stops, but also an environment where you can quickly get cold. Bring a real windbreaker even if it is warm down in the valley.
If you are planning a longer trip off the road, you need to be able to read a map and understand the terrain. Marked trails make navigation easier, but they are no substitute for judgment. Fog can change the entire experience in a short time.
4. Hamrafjället in Tänndalen – Blomsterfjället
Tänndalen is often associated with skiing, but the area is just as interesting during the bare ground season. Hamrafjället Nature Reserve is known as Blomsterfjället , as there are more than 400 plant species here.
The explanation lies in the location and the terrain. The southern slopes provide the conditions for an unusually species-rich mountain environment where plants from different parts of the country meet. Here you get mountain birch forests, pasture environments, open slopes and bare mountains on the same excursion.
Walk slowly and stick to the path when the ground is sensitive. Those who walk slowly often see more: mountain plants, birds and small changes in the bedrock that otherwise disappear behind the steps. The County Administrative Board's information about Hamrafjället is a good start for the visit.
Tänndalen can also serve as a base for several days in the Funäsfjällen Mountains. Then you can combine an easier nature trail with more demanding tours on the bare mountains. It is a wise arrangement for groups with different levels of experience.
5. Funäsdalen and Funäsdalsberget – mountain views with easy access
Funäsdalen is one of Härjedalen's most accessible mountain areas. There is accommodation, service and many trails, but you don't have to go far from the village to get a distinct mountain experience.
Funäsdalsberget offers a view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. The area is therefore well suited for a first day in the mountains, a trip with children or a day when the weather does not allow for the longer planned hike. In Funäsfjällen there is also a large interconnected trail system with tours for different levels.
On the official Funäsfjällen website you will find information about trails, opening hours, weather and current status. Always check the conditions before setting off. A trail that is easy in dry weather can become significantly slower after rain.
For day trips, a small backpack is often enough, but pack layers: base layer, reinforcements and rain cover. An extra dry garment weighs less than the energy you lose walking for a long time in damp clothes. At HikingStore you will find backpacks and clothing and other equipment for different types of trips.
6. Rogen Nature Reserve – stone, water and wilderness
Rogen is Härjedalen for those who want a more labyrinthine landscape. Here, a large lake system spreads out between blocky moraine ridges and low mountains. The views are not always large and open. Instead, the landscape changes constantly as the trail passes between water, rock and forest.
The area is accessible via Tännäs and Käringsjön, among other places. Tännäs Fiskecentrum has information about Rogen and the opportunities in the area. There are marked trails, but the terrain can be difficult. Rocky passages take time and require concentration, especially when carrying heavy luggage.
Rogen is for experienced hikers who appreciate multi-day hikes and less predictable terrain. Here, a pair of sturdy shoes, poles, and a backpack that sits securely are more valuable than a few grams you saved by choosing the lightest possible solution.
7. Ljungdalen – the gateway to the mountain world
Ljungdalen is not just a transit town on the way to Helags. It is a practical starting point for several tours in the Ljungdalsfjällen mountains, with forests, mountain streams, waterfalls and open heights near the village.
The classic hike starts at Kläppen and continues towards Helags mountain station. STF's stage description for Helags–Kläppen/Ljungdalen provides up-to-date information about the trail. You can also use Ljungdalsfjällen's local hiking information when planning your starting point and itinerary.
Ljungdalen is a good choice when the group wants to build a mountain trip step by step. Start with a shorter day trip. Then try a longer route with light packing. Only then will you know if a multi-day trip to Helags is the right level.
Marked trail or terrain without a trail?
Härjedalen offers both options. On marked trails you follow signs, trail markings and often a more trodden surface. It is suitable for beginners, families and those who want to put more energy into experiencing nature than navigating.
Off the trail, the demands increase. You need to be able to use a map and compass, assess the weather, find a safe camping spot, and plan your energy more conservatively. The terrain can be rockier than it looks on the map. Water can also force detours.
Regardless of your level, the same basic principle applies: your equipment should work when the weather changes. A light tent is good if it can still stand up in the wind. A light backpack is good if you can bring reinforcements, food and safety equipment. The best equipment is not the one that looks the most impressive. It's the one that really works when you're tired, wet and still have several kilometers to go.