In the middle of Sweden (for many considered as the far north), you will find the beautiful village, Åre. This place is one of the leading Scandinavian ski resorts but also notably known for everything else the mountains have to offer, like hiking and biking.
Here are some of my favorite places to visit during summer/fall:
Totthummeln
Climb: 515 m | Length: 3,3 km
Totthummeln is the small hill on the east side of the village, just above Tott Hotell. The trail offers lush vegetation on the way up. An easy to reach summit with a stunning view both to the east and west. A frequent after work hike for locals.
Find it: Take trail 212 Trollstigen from Åre Square and rejoin trail 213 on level with Hotell Fjällgården. Hold your left when the trail enters the forest at the foot of the small hill.
The view from the top
Northern Lights
The northern lights’ season begin in Åre already in August, but it is during the coldest, darkest months the phenomenon usually appears in all its glory. There are quite a few elements that need to cooperate for the aurora borealis to light up the heaven, so there are no guarantees you’ll see it. But here are some tips if you want to give it your very best try while in Åre.
→ Check the application: Aurora. That is the one I’m using and to see the forecasts.
→ Norrsken i Åre at Facebook (in Swedish) is a page for local northern lights enthusiasts. They often give a heads-up of activity and locations where it’s already visible.
Northern Lights with Åreskutan in the background
Kayaking in Ottsjön
Go & rent a kayak at https://www.mountainexperience.se/ . Explore the beautiful surroundings of Ottsjön.
Mountain Biking
Rent a mountain bike at any of the rental shops in the Åre Village. Bring it to the top of Åre Skutan or try the notorius bike park.
Roadtrip
Honestly, one of my favorite things to do is just to drive around and enjoy the scenaries. I prefer either drive towards Vållådalen or to Storulvån (where the picture is taken).
