Vålådalen: Hiking, Culture and Nature

In Vålådalen, you’ll find hiking and running trails, cycling and winter sports, as well as waterside landscapes. At the same time, archaeological and Sámi traces tell the story of the area’s long history. You can tailor your stay to the activities and topics that interest you most.

Nature, history and Sámi traces

The Vålådalen Nature Reserve contains numerous archaeological remains. They show that people have been present here since the Stone Age. The reserve also preserves traces of Sámi life and work, ranging from remains of an early hunting culture to huts and facilities for modern reindeer husbandry. Reindeer from the Sámi communities of Tåssåsen and Handölsdalen are also found in the nature reserve.

Grönvallen is a well-preserved private Sámi settlement. Kåtor and other buildings remain there. Naturum Vålådalen presents the interplay of nature, culture and history in the mountain landscape of Jämtland. If you’re planning a visit, check the opening hours and exhibition details in advance.

The Pyramiderna formations were shaped by erosion remnants of the inland ice sheet and deposits of meltwater. Protecting them is also important when planning a visit: entering the formations is prohibited to prevent wear. Check the current nature reserve rules before travelling.

Hiking, running and cycling

From Vålådalen, hikers can climb one of the peaks of Ottfjället. The summit of Östra Ottfjällstoppen is about six kilometres from Vålådalen and reaches 1,265 metres above sea level. This distance is a geographical reference, not an estimate of walking time. Mountain conditions can vary by season; take this into account when planning your hike.

Vålådalen offers many kilometres of running trails and mountain paths for trail running. When cycling around Vålådalens Fjällstation, you can use nearby paths shared with hikers and runners. Seasonal restrictions may apply in the protected area. When cycling on shared paths, remember to be considerate of other trail users.

The Trail Center at Vålådalens Fjällstation rents trail bikes, dirt bikes, children’s bikes and hardtails for gravel cycling. The rental selection may change. If you have a particular bike in mind, check availability in advance.

Vålådalen’s publicly accessible roller-ski track is five kilometres long, with about three kilometres illuminated. Use may be limited to operating hours. If you plan to use the track, check its operating hours in advance.

Winter sports and water

The ski system in Vålådalen comprises 14 different trails, six of which are illuminated. The offering is seasonal. A ski school provides lessons for different ability levels, both privately and in groups. This makes it easy to choose the option that suits your planned stay, whether that’s the trails, illuminated sections or lessons.

Nulltjärn has a sandy beach and shallow, clear water. Beach and water conditions can vary by season, so bear this in mind when planning time by the shore. The Vålån River is popular with white-water kayakers and rafters. If you’re planning a trip, it’s a good idea to check the current conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ånn, Bydalen, Åre, Duved, Hallen, Undersåker, Ottsjö, Handöl

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