Things to do in Härjedalen – 18 attractions and experiences

Text: Peter Bergström

What can you do in Härjedalen? Here you will find mountains, beautiful roads, fishing waters, hiking, ski resorts and some of Sweden's most magnificent nature experiences. Härjedalen is one of our most sparsely populated landscapes, but at the same time one of the most grateful for those who like road trips, mountain holidays and nature all year round. In this guide you will find our 18 best tips and a complete itinerary for 3–5 days.

I have been to Härjedalen many times. In the 80s I hiked and fished for several years in a row with my brothers and sometimes the whole family. The photos are in photo albums that are not made on a digital site, but the information is correct.

Quick guide – best things to do in Härjedalen

• Go skiing in Funäsdalen
• Drive over Flatruet – Sweden's highest road
• Experience Vemdalen and Bearland
• Hiking in Sonfjället National Park
• Visit Ramundberget all year round

1. Discover Funäsdalen – Härjedalen's classic mountain resort

Funäsdalen is one of the most classic stops in Härjedalen and a perfect hub for those who want to experience the mountains all year round. Here you can combine nature, fishing, hiking, skiing and beautiful roads through the mountains. For many, this is the most obvious base in western Härjedalen.

2. Take a trip to Funäsdalsberget

Funäsdalsberget is a great stop if you want to get views and a mountain feeling without having to go on the longest hikes. There are both winter experiences and great opportunities during the bare ground season. This is a place that clearly shows why Funäsdalen is so popular.

3. Visit the Härjedalen Mountain Museum in Funäsdalen

Härjedalen Mountain Museum is a great stop for those who want to understand more of the history of the region. Here you will get mountain culture, Sami perspectives and a clearer picture of how life in Härjedalen has been shaped by nature, climate and people. This is a great complement to all the nature experiences around.

4. Discover the Lopme Laante Sami Park

Lopme Laante is a great stop for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the Sami culture in the area. Here you get a different perspective than the classic mountain or ski trip. It makes the trip in Härjedalen more complete and gives the landscape more identity.

5. Visit the musk ox center and learn more about the mountain wildlife

The Musk Ox Centre is a slightly different stop that is often appreciated by those who want to mix nature experiences with knowledge. Here you will learn more about the wildlife of the mountains and an animal that many associate with the Nordic wilderness. This is a good stop if you want to broaden your trip beyond hiking and views.

6. Discover Ramundberget all year round

Ramundberget is one of the most popular mountain areas in Härjedalen and is great for both summer and winter. Here you can enjoy skiing, hiking opportunities, views and a calmer mountain pace that many people like. This is a strong tip for those who want to experience more of western Härjedalen.

7. Drive over Flatruet – Sweden's highest road

Flatruet is one of the most classic experiences in Härjedalen and a road that many remember for a long time afterwards. Here you drive through open mountain expanses with great views and the feeling of being in the middle of the Swedish mountain world. This is an obvious stop on a road trip through the landscape.

8. Experience Helags and the vast expanses of the mountains

The Helag area is one of the most magnificent parts of Härjedalen for those who like a real mountain feeling. Here you will find open spaces, high peaks and a nature experience that feels bigger and wilder than much else in Sweden. Even if you are not doing a longer mountain trip, the area is worth including in your planning.

9. Experience Vemdalen – one of Härjedalen's big favorites

Vemdalen is one of Härjedalen's most well-known mountain areas and a strong name for both winter trips and summer holidays. There are several different parts to explore here, and the area is well suited for those who want to combine a mountain feel with a more accessible approach. This is one of the great classics of the landscape.

10. See Björnrike and the mountains around Vemdalen

Björnrike is one of the most famous areas around Vemdalen and a name that many people recognize. In winter, skiing attracts, but the area is also interesting as part of a larger trip through the mountains during summer and autumn. This is a good way to broaden the Vemdalen cluster without leaving the strong main line.

11. Hike in Sonfjället National Park

Sonfjällets National Park is one of Härjedalen's strongest natural attractions and an obvious tip for those who like hiking. Here you get a wilderness feeling, mountain nature and a national park that feels more stripped back and raw than many others. This is one of the most classic nature experiences in the landscape.

12. Look out for bears and a sense of wilderness in Sonfjället

Sonfjället is not only a national park, but also an area that has long been associated with bears and true wilderness. Just the feeling of moving in a landscape where nature still feels vast and untouched adds a lot to the experience. This is a stop for those who want more than just nice views.

13. Mountain hike or take a shorter trip in western Härjedalen

Härjedalen is perfect for both long mountain hikes and shorter excursions where you just want to experience the mountain world. You don't have to plan a big expedition to get views, mountain air and large landscapes. That's exactly what makes Härjedalen very easy to enjoy, even for those who are not used to hiking.

14. Fish or enjoy nature at Ljusnan and the mountain lakes

Härjedalen is a strong landscape for those who like fishing, peaceful nature and experiences near the water. The light and many of the mountain lakes contribute to the area feeling extra alive during the summer months. This is a good way to get the side of Härjedalen that is about tranquility, not just mountain peaks.

15. Make a stop in Sveg – Härjedalen's natural hub

Sveg is the natural hub of Härjedalen and the place many pass through on their way to the mountains. It doesn't have the same dramatic mountain feel as further west, but it's still an important stop in the landscape. As part of a road trip, Sveg works well for a break, practical stops and a bit of local flair.

16. See the world's largest wooden bear in Sveg

The large wooden bear in Sveg is one of Härjedalen's most famous roadside stops and a classic for many who pass through the landscape. It may not be the biggest attraction in itself, but it is a fun and distinctive stop that many remember. Perfect as a little break on the way through Härjedalen.

17. Discover Lillhärjåbygget – a living mountain farm

Lillhärjåbygget is one of Härjedalen's most interesting cultural stops and provides a different side of the landscape than mountain resorts and ski slopes. Here you get a feel for older mountain agriculture, cultivation and how people lived in these environments in the past. This is a really good stop if you want to give your trip more depth.

18. Visit the old farm or a cultural stop in Härjedalen

If you want to complement the mountains and nature with a little more history, there are several smaller cultural stops that fit nicely in Härjedalen. The old farm in Sveg or other local museums and local communities can give the trip more variety. This is a good last piece of the puzzle for those who want to include both nature and culture.

Where can you stay or park your camper in Härjedalen?

Härjedalen is very suitable for both cottage holidays, mountain hotels, camping and motorhomes. Many choose to have a mountain resort as a base, while others prefer to move between different parts of the landscape and let the roads become part of the experience. Here are some good ideas to highlight in the guide.

• Funäsdalen: Live in or near Funäsdalen if you want a strong base in western Härjedalen.
• Vemdalen or Bearland: If you want an easily accessible mountain feel and a good starting point
• Ramundberget: If you want to focus on the mountains and a slower pace.
• By motorhome: For campervans, Härjedalen is a good fit if you want to combine a few nights in the same place with longer day trips.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Härjedalen

WHAT IS HÄRJEDALEN FAMOUS FOR?

Härjedalen is known for its mountains, its great nature experiences, its ski resorts and its sparse, open mountain world. The landscape is often associated with Funäsdalen, Vemdalen, Flatruet, Sonfjället and fishing, hiking and skiing all year round. It is also the only region in Sweden without a city.

WHAT CAN'T BE MISSED IN HÄRJEDALEN?

Some of the most famous sights in Härjedalen are Funäsdalen, Flatruet, Vemdalen, Björnrike, Sonfjällets National Park, Ramundberget and Sveg with the wooden bear. If you have more time, Härjedalens Fjällmuseum, Helagsområdet and Lillhärjåbygget are also very nice stops. The best thing is to mix mountains, roads and nature with some cultural stops.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN HÄRJEDALEN?

Three days is enough to see some of the most famous parts of Härjedalen, but four to five days is much better if you want a calmer and more complete experience. The distances are greater than you first think, and much of the experience lies in the roads and landscape themselves. Härjedalen is best when you don't stress.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO HÄRJEDALEN?

Härjedalen is open year-round, but the experience varies depending on the season. Winter is best for skiing and mountain holidays, while summer and early autumn are perfect for hiking, fishing, road trips and views. For many, late summer and early autumn are especially nice if you want a mountain feeling at a slower pace.

IS HÄRJEDALEN SUITABLE FOR A ROAD TRIP?

Yes, Härjedalen is very suitable for a road trip. The roads through the landscape are a big part of the experience, especially if you drive between mountain resorts, over Flatruet or through the open spaces in the western part. This is a landscape that rewards you if you drive slower and let the journey take some time.

More landscape guides nearby

Want to discover more of Sweden? Here are more guides to nearby landscapes that are perfect for more excursions, road trips and holidays at home.

• Things to do in Jamtland
• Things to do in Dalarna
• Things to do in Hälsingland
• Things to do in Lapland
• Holidays in Sweden