Vålådalen: Nature, Culture and Active Holidays

Vålådalen combines impressive mountain landscapes with traces of human history and diverse opportunities for active days during your holiday. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can combine hiking, nature observation, culture and winter sports here, depending on their interests. The surrounding area offers both tranquil discoveries and sporting activities, making it suitable for planning a trip where the same thing does not have to be on the agenda every day.

Discover nature and Sámi history

The Vålådalen Nature Reserve contains numerous archaeological remains showing that people have been present there since the Stone Age. The reserve also preserves traces of Sámi life and work. These range from remnants of an early hunting culture to huts and facilities associated with modern reindeer husbandry. Reindeer from the Sámi communities of Tåssåsen and Handölsdalen are found in the nature reserve.

Another point of reference for gaining an overview is Naturum Vålådalen. It explains the interplay between nature, culture and history in the mountains of Jämtland. Grönvallen is a well-preserved private Sámi settlement with preserved kåtor and buildings. In addition to movement through the landscape, places like these give a trip a cultural and historical dimension.

Mountain trails, peaks and distinctive formations

From Vålådalen, hikers can climb one of the peaks of Ottfjället. The summit of Östra Ottfjällstoppen is located approximately 6 kilometres from Vålådalen and reaches 1,265 metres above sea level. Those who like to plan their days around specific landscape destinations will find a prominent point of reference for their own trip planning here, without having to commit to a particular duration or level of difficulty.

Vålådalen also offers many kilometres of running trails and mountain paths for trail running. An unusual attraction is the Pyramiderna formations. They were formed by erosion remnants of the inland ice and by meltwater deposits. Entering the formations is prohibited to protect them from wear. For visitors, this means that the geological feature can be included in nature exploration while the applicable protection rule must be respected.

Winter sports, water and cycling

Vålådalen also offers specific options in winter. The ski system comprises 14 different cross-country ski trails, six of which are illuminated. A ski school caters to different ability levels and offers both private and group lessons. Those looking for accommodation can therefore consider whether to focus on cross-country skiing, lessons or a combination of sporting and cultural experiences.

A variety of landscapes are available for other activities. Nulltjärn has a sandy beach as well as shallow, clear water. The Vålån River is popular with whitewater kayakers and rafters. Trailbikes, dirt bikes, children’s bicycles and hardtails for gravel cycling are rented at the Trail Center at Vålådalens Fjällstation. Cycling around Vålådalens Fjällstation takes place on nearby paths shared with hikers and runners. The publicly accessible roller-ski track in Vålådalen is 5 kilometres long; approximately 3 kilometres of it are illuminated.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Vålådalen, it helps to first decide on the desired mix of activities. Those who prefer mountain paths, peaks and trail running can make the hiking destinations and landscape around Vålådalen the focus of their trip. For a winter-oriented holiday, the trails, illuminated routes and ski school are important considerations. Other travellers may want to combine nature with Sámi history, a visit to Naturum or an excursion to Grönvallen. Water sports and cycling also offer their own areas of focus.

More destinations for your research

If you would like to continue planning your trip beyond Vålådalen, you can also view Undersåker, Handöl, Järpen, Duved, Åre, Mörsil, Huså and Mattmar.

To the overarching travel overview: Åre.