Åre is one of Sweden’s best bases for exploring mountain villages, waterfalls, lakes and protected landscapes. While the resort has more than enough to keep you busy, the best day trips from Åre reveal a quieter side of Jämtland. Within a short drive, you can visit dramatic waterfalls, historic settlements, scenic hiking areas and traditional food producers. This guide covers the most rewarding excursions from Åre, with practical advice for summer, winter and the seasons in between.
Planning day trips from Åre
Åre sits in western Jämtland, close to the Norwegian border and surrounded by forests, high mountains and long valleys. Several destinations are easy to reach by car, while others are better suited to travelers who are comfortable with public transport, guided tours or seasonal transfers.
Distances in the mountains can be deceptive. A route that looks short on a map may take longer because of winding roads, snow, wildlife or temporary road conditions. Check opening hours, public transport timetables and weather forecasts before leaving Åre. In winter, allow extra time for icy roads and limited daylight. In summer, popular parking areas can fill quickly, especially at major waterfalls and trailheads.
- By car: A rental car gives you the most flexibility and makes it possible to combine several places in one day.
- By train: The railway connects Åre with Duved, Järpen and Östersund, although some attractions require a taxi or local transfer from the station.
- With a guide: Guided excursions are useful for snowmobile tours, wildlife experiences and routes where local knowledge improves safety.
- By bicycle: Several nearby destinations can be reached by bike in summer, but mountain roads include long climbs and changing weather conditions.
1. Tännforsen Waterfall
Tännforsen is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Sweden and one of the most popular day trips from Åre. The water drops and rushes across a wide rock ledge before continuing through a forested valley. In summer, the surrounding woodland is green and peaceful. In winter, the waterfall partially freezes into a striking landscape of ice, mist and dark rock.
The waterfall is located near the village of Duved, around 22 kilometres west of Åre, followed by a turn toward Storlien. The final road is well signposted, and there is a short walk from the parking area to several viewpoints. Wear shoes with good grip, particularly in winter and during spring thaw, when paths can be slippery.
Tännforsen works well as a half-day excursion, but you can make a full day of it by continuing toward Storlien or visiting nearby Handöl. A café and seasonal facilities may be available, but opening times vary, so bring water and snacks if you are visiting outside the busiest period.
2. Ristafallet and Glupafallet
Ristafallet is a powerful waterfall on the Indalsälven River, east of Åre. It is especially well known in Sweden because the area was used as a filming location for the movie version of Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter. The waterfall is divided into several channels, with viewpoints on both sides of the river and woodland paths leading through the surrounding area.
The drive from Åre to Ristafallet takes roughly 20 minutes, depending on your starting point and road conditions. It is one of the easiest excursions from Åre for families, photographers and travelers who want to see dramatic scenery without committing to a long hike. The sound of the river is impressive in every season, although spring and early summer often bring especially high water levels.
Close to Ristafallet, you can also look for signs to Glupafallet, a smaller waterfall associated with the same film landscape. The two sites can be visited together, making this a convenient short outing. Follow local signs and stay behind safety barriers, as the rocks beside the falls are wet and uneven.
3. Fröå Gruva and Fröå Lake
Fröå Gruva is a historic mining settlement in the mountains just outside Åre. Copper mining took place here from the 18th century, and several preserved buildings, old paths and information boards help explain the area’s industrial past. The setting is as much of an attraction as the history, with views toward Åreskutan and peaceful trails around Fröå Lake.
Fröå is only a short drive from central Åre, making it one of the best options for travelers looking for places nearby Åre. In summer and autumn, marked trails lead through birch forest and open mountain landscapes. Some routes are suitable for a relaxed walk, while others require more time and sturdy footwear. In winter, the area is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Allow at least two or three hours for the visit. Add more time if you plan to hike, enjoy a meal at a seasonal café or take photographs in the changing light. The road and facilities can be affected by snow, so check conditions before driving during the colder months.
4. Duved and the Millstone Quarry
Duved is often treated as a gateway to other attractions, but the village itself deserves a stop. It has a quieter atmosphere than central Åre, a historic church, access to mountain trails and a local connection to the old agricultural landscape of western Jämtland. The nearby Millstone Quarry, known locally as Duveds skans and surrounding historic sites, adds another layer of interest to the area.
Duved is easy to reach by train, bus or car, which makes it a practical choice if you do not have your own transport. You can combine a walk through the village with coffee, a visit to local shops and a short outdoor excursion. In winter, the area is also connected to the wider ski region and offers a calmer alternative to Åre’s central slopes.
For a simple half-day plan, take the train to Duved, explore on foot, stop for lunch and return to Åre later in the day. This is one of the most accessible day trips from Åre for visitors who prefer not to organize a long journey.
5. Handöl and the Karoliner Monument
Handöl lies west of Åre in a broad mountain valley surrounded by peaks and open landscapes. The village is associated with the Carolean death march, when thousands of soldiers died during the retreat from Norway in 1718 and 1719. A monument and local information help visitors understand this difficult chapter in Scandinavian history.
The area also provides access to scenic walks and mountain viewpoints. Handöl is close to the route toward Tännforsen, so the two destinations can easily be combined in one day. The drive is part of the experience, with forests, rivers and mountain scenery appearing along the way.
Visit Handöl in summer for hiking and long days outdoors. In winter, the area offers a stark and beautiful landscape, but travel conditions can change quickly. Confirm road access before setting out and avoid walking far from the road without suitable clothing, navigation and emergency supplies.
6. Ottsjö and the Ottfjället landscape
Ottsjö is a small mountain community south of Åre, known for its lake, wide views and access to the southern Jämtland mountains. The drive takes longer than the trips to Duved or Ristafallet, but the landscape feels more remote and spacious. This is a strong choice for travelers who want a full day in nature rather than a short sightseeing stop.
From Ottsjö, you can enjoy lakeside walks, viewpoints and trails leading toward the mountain terrain around Ottfjället. Summer brings hiking, canoeing and opportunities for swimming in sheltered areas, although mountain water remains cold. In autumn, the birch forests turn yellow and orange, creating some of the region’s most attractive scenery.
Winter visitors may find cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other snow-based activities. Conditions can be more demanding than in the resort area, so choose a route suited to your experience and check avalanche information if you plan to travel into steeper terrain.
7. Vålådalen Nature Reserve
Vålådalen is one of the finest destinations for a longer nature-focused day trip from Åre. The reserve contains old-growth forest, open mountain plateaus, rivers and a network of hiking and skiing trails. It is a good place to experience the quieter scale of the Swedish mountains away from the busiest parts of the ski resort.
Several walks begin close to the Vålådalen mountain station. Shorter trails are suitable for visitors who want a few hours outdoors, while longer routes connect with mountain huts and wilderness areas. In summer, keep an eye out for reindeer, birds and changing weather. In winter, the area is known for cross-country skiing and ski touring.
Vålådalen is a full-day outing because of the driving time and the number of possible routes. Pack food, warm layers and a map, even if you plan to follow a marked trail. Mobile coverage may be limited in parts of the reserve, and mountain weather can change quickly.
8. Åre Östersund and Lake Storsjön
For a change from mountain scenery, travel east toward Östersund and Lake Storsjön. Östersund is the largest city in Jämtland and offers museums, restaurants, cafés, galleries and a lively waterfront. The journey takes around an hour and a half by car or train, depending on the service and road conditions, so it is best treated as a full-day excursion.
The city’s open-air museum, Jamtli, is a particularly good choice for families and anyone interested in regional history. Exhibitions and historic buildings explain how people lived and worked in Jämtland, while seasonal activities make the museum engaging for different age groups. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot, with views across the lake toward the surrounding mountains.
Lake Storsjön is also linked to the local legend of the Storsjöodjuret, a lake monster said to inhabit its waters. You may not see the creature, but the waterfront makes a pleasant place for a walk, especially in summer when the days are long.
9. Trondheim, Norway
Experienced travelers can make the journey across the border to Trondheim, Norway, but this is a long day rather than a quick local outing. The train from Åre to Trondheim is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the region, passing through mountain landscapes and crossing the border. Driving is also possible, although winter conditions and border travel requirements should be considered carefully.
Trondheim offers historic streets, the striking Nidaros Cathedral, museums, cafés and a lively harbour area. The city is large enough to fill a full day, but the journey means you should check return connections in advance. A very early start may be necessary, and travelers should leave enough time for delays.
This excursion works best for visitors spending several days in Åre who want to add a different Scandinavian city to their itinerary. It is less suitable for a relaxed schedule or for travelers who want to spend most of the day hiking.
10. Åre’s mountain villages and lake roads
Some of the most rewarding excursions from Åre do not lead to one famous attraction. A slow drive through the villages and lake roads around Åre can reveal traditional farmhouses, small beaches, forest viewpoints and quiet picnic spots. Routes toward Undersåker, Järpen and the communities around Kall offer a chance to explore without following a tightly planned schedule.
Järpen is a useful stop for groceries, cafés and local services. From there, roads branch toward lakes and mountain valleys where you can pause for photographs or a short walk. Kall and the shores of Kallsjön provide especially scenic views, with broad water and mountain backdrops that change throughout the day.
These drives are most enjoyable in summer and early autumn, when daylight lasts longer and smaller roads are easier to navigate. Bring a picnic, but respect private land, keep gates closed and use designated parking areas. During hunting season, follow local signs and avoid entering restricted areas.
Best day trips from Åre by season
Summer
Summer is the easiest season for exploring the region by car, bicycle and on foot. Tännforsen, Ristafallet, Fröå Gruva, Ottsjö and Vålådalen are all excellent choices. Long daylight hours allow you to combine a waterfall with a short hike or a village visit. Pack rainwear even on sunny mornings, since mountain weather can change rapidly.
Autumn
Autumn brings colourful birch forests, quieter roads and crisp mountain air. Fröå, Ottsjö and the roads around Kallsjön are particularly attractive during the autumn colour season. Some cafés and visitor facilities reduce their opening hours after summer, so carry provisions and check arrangements before departing.
Winter
Winter transforms many of the nearby destinations. Tännforsen becomes an icy spectacle, Fröå is suited to skiing and snowshoeing, and Vålådalen offers extensive cross-country terrain. Plan conservatively, use winter tires and avoid trying to fit too many stops into one day. In severe weather, a guided excursion may be safer than driving or skiing independently.
Spring
Spring conditions vary considerably. Lower valleys may be snow-free while mountain trails remain covered, and waterfalls can be especially forceful as snow melts. Ristafallet and Tännforsen are rewarding in this season, but paths may be muddy or icy. Waterproof footwear and flexible plans are essential.
Practical tips for excursions from Åre
- Check the weather at both Åre and your destination. Conditions can differ significantly between the resort and higher mountain areas.
- Download maps or save directions before leaving, particularly for remote valleys where phone reception may be unreliable.
- Carry food, water, a first-aid kit and extra clothing on longer trips.
- Use marked trails and obey signs around waterfalls, cliffs, rivers and avalanche-prone terrain.
- Book restaurants, guided tours and equipment rentals ahead during school holidays and peak winter weeks.
- Refuel before heading into remote areas, as petrol stations are less frequent outside the main villages.
- Keep a respectful distance from reindeer and other wildlife, and never feed wild animals.
- Leave no litter and follow local rules when camping, lighting fires or accessing private land.
Choosing the right trip
The best day trip depends on how much time you have and what kind of landscape you want to see. Choose Ristafallet or Duved for an easy half-day outing, Fröå Gruva for history and gentle walking, and Tännforsen for a memorable waterfall experience. Ottsjö and Vålådalen are better for a full day in the mountains, while Östersund offers culture, food and city life. If you want an ambitious border crossing, Trondheim adds an international dimension to your stay.
With a little preparation, day trips from Åre can be as varied as the resort itself. Waterfalls, historic villages, mountain reserves and lakes are all within reach, giving you plenty of ways to experience Jämtland beyond the ski slopes and central streets.