Fjätervålen: Hiking, mountain scenery and winter sports

Fjätervålen combines mountain scenery with opportunities for hiking and winter sports. Historic places and destinations by the water are also among the area’s attractions. The different routes and excursion destinations offer practical starting points for planning your trip.

Mountain scenery and walking trails

The Städjan-Nipfjället Nature Reserve consists of a large mountain massif with the peaks of Städjan and Nipfjället, as well as Fjätervålen to the south. The Slukåsarna formations are located on Fjätervåla and are the largest in Dalarna. Alongside the named peaks, geological formations are therefore also part of the region’s landscape.

The 6 km Toppleden hiking trail leads to the 1,002 m summit of Fjätervålen and offers views of the Städjan-Nipfjället Nature Reserve. A longer option is the 12 km Fjätervålen runt loop, which runs mostly through the reserve. The routes therefore differ both in length and in their described character: one leads to the summit, while the other is a loop that runs mainly through the protected area.

There is also a named route for cycling: Björnstigen is 4.5 km long and suitable for experienced cyclists. The Foskdalsvallsleden hiking trail starts at the bottom station of the anchor lift and ends in Foskdalsvallen. For your planning, choose according to the activity: Björnstigen is a cycling route, while Foskdalsvallsleden is a hiking trail.

Foskdalsvallen and the fäbod days

Foskdalsvallen is also worth visiting for its well-preserved Swedish summer farm, whose origins date back to the 17th century. During the summer fäbod days, Jönnbröd, coffee and homemade pastries are served there. You should confirm the opening hours by phone. This lets you plan your visit to coincide with a specific date, rather than assuming that seasonal refreshments are available at all times.

Winter sports and practical information

Fjätervålen is considered the highest ski slope in Dalarna. Two cross-country ski routes with different lengths and courses are listed. The 4.6 km Elljusspåret has easy, family-friendly terrain and is listed as “closed.” The 14 km FJÄLLET RUNT cross-country ski trail runs via Svartfjället to Rybäckskojan and is also listed as “closed.” Take these stated closures into account when planning your trip.

A waxing hut is available around the clock at Fjätervålen’s ski rental; check its current availability before your visit. Rybäckskojan is a small rest hut with a stove, open to everyone. It is 7 km along the ski trail from Fjätervålen; overnight stays in the hut are not permitted. Conditions on the seasonal trails may affect your plans for reaching the hut.

Waterfall and swimming lake

Lilla Fjätfallet waterfall is 4 km south of Fjätervålen. A suspension bridge across the river leads to a rest area with barbecue facilities by the waterfall; access conditions vary by season. Access differs between summer and winter. The swimming lake Stora Harundsjön is 15 km from Fjätervålen in the Städjan-Nipfjället Nature Reserve; access and conditions at the lake are seasonal. The two destinations therefore differ both in distance and in what is described: a rest area with barbecue facilities at the waterfall, and a designated swimming area at the lake.

Discover more destinations: Grövelsjön.

Go to the main travel overview: Älvdalen.