Planning day trips from Funäsdalen by train requires one important detail: Funäsdalen does not have its own railway station. The nearest useful rail connections are reached by bus, car or a combination of local transport and train travel. With the right starting point, however, train excursions can take you to mountain villages, historic towns and larger regional centres in Jämtland and Dalarna. This guide explains the most realistic routes, nearby towns worth visiting and how to plan a smooth rail day trip from the Funäsdalen area.
Can you take a train directly from Funäsdalen?
No. There is no passenger railway through Funäsdalen, Tänndalen, Bruksvallarna or the surrounding Härjedalen mountain villages. The local transport network is mainly based on buses and road connections. This means that a railway journey normally begins after a transfer to a station outside the immediate resort area.
The two most useful rail gateways are usually Åre and Östersund. The best choice depends on your exact accommodation, the season, available bus services and whether you have access to a car. Åre is closer in a straight-line sense and can be a practical gateway for journeys along the Mittbanan railway. Östersund has more extensive connections, including links towards Sundsvall, Stockholm and seasonal services on the Inlandsbanan.
For longer journeys into Dalarna, Mora can also be considered as a rail gateway. It is not a convenient quick transfer from Funäsdalen, but it can work well if you are already planning a multi-day trip or have a car for the first part of the journey.
How to reach the nearest train stations
Travelling via Åre station
Åre station is on the railway between Östersund and Sundsvall, a route often associated with the Mittbanan. From Funäsdalen, reaching Åre normally involves a road transfer through the mountain region. Depending on the route and weather, the drive takes several hours, so this option is most practical when you have a car or arrange a private transfer.
Åre station is located in the centre of Åre, close to shops, cafés, restaurants and the ski area. If you are staying overnight in Åre, it becomes an excellent base for short train journeys to nearby towns such as Järpen, Krokom and Östersund. For a strict day trip from Funäsdalen, travelling to Åre first and then taking a train may create a very long day, particularly outside the summer season.
Travelling via Östersund Central
Östersund Central is generally the most flexible starting point for train excursions in central Sweden. It has regular rail services on the east-west route towards Åre and Duved, as well as services towards Bräcke and Sundsvall. Some long-distance trains also connect the city with Stockholm and other parts of Sweden.
From Funäsdalen, you can reach Östersund by road or regional bus connections, although services can be limited and may not be timed for an early train. Check the latest timetable before booking accommodation or purchasing a non-refundable ticket. If you want to use Östersund as your main rail base, staying there for one night is often more comfortable than trying to complete the entire transfer and excursion in one day.
Travelling via Mora
Mora is an important railway town in Dalarna and a northern gateway to the Inlandsbanan. It can be reached by road from Funäsdalen, but the journey is too long for most visitors to combine with a train excursion on the same day. Mora is better suited to travellers making a wider tour of central Sweden, especially if they want to continue by train towards Orsa, Rättvik, Leksand, Borlänge or Falun.
Because rail services in inland Sweden can be seasonal, it is especially important to check operating dates, departure times and reservation requirements when planning a route through Mora.
The best nearby towns for train excursions
Åre: mountain scenery, cafés and local culture
Åre is the most obvious town to include in a rail-based itinerary from the Funäsdalen region, even though the first part of the journey is by road. The town is one of Sweden’s best-known mountain destinations and offers a lively contrast to the quieter villages around Funäsdalen.
From Åre station, you can walk to the main square, lakeside areas, shops and restaurants. The historic Åre Old Church is close to the centre, while the cable car and mountain lifts provide access to higher viewpoints during suitable operating periods. In summer, visitors can combine a train arrival with a short hike, a bike ride or a relaxed lunch overlooking Lake Åresjön.
Åre works particularly well for travellers who want a destination with plenty of facilities. It is also a useful overnight stop if the journey from Funäsdalen takes longer than expected. Check the local bus and lift schedules before relying on a same-day connection.
Järpen: a quieter stop in the Åre region
Järpen is a small town east of Åre and a practical stop for visitors interested in local food, everyday Swedish life and the landscapes around Lake Kallsjön. The railway station is close to the town, making it easy to explore without a car.
Järpen does not have the large selection of attractions found in Åre, but that is part of its appeal. You can take a slow walk, visit a local café or use the town as a starting point for nearby outdoor activities. It is a good choice for a short, low-key railway outing when you want scenery rather than a packed sightseeing programme.
Train frequencies can be limited, so plan the return journey first. A timetable that looks convenient on the outward trip may leave a long wait before the next service back towards Åre or Östersund.
Östersund: museums, lakeside walks and urban comforts
Östersund is the strongest choice for a full day of sightseeing by rail. The city sits beside Lake Storsjön and has a compact centre that is easy to explore on foot from the station. It also offers more restaurants, shops and indoor attractions than the smaller mountain settlements.
Popular places to visit include Jamtli, an open-air museum and cultural history centre that presents life in Jämtland through historic buildings, exhibitions and seasonal events. The regional museum is particularly useful on a rainy day. You can also walk along the waterfront, explore the central pedestrian streets or stop for coffee in one of the city’s cafés.
Families may enjoy the science and activity-focused attractions in the city, while food lovers can look for local specialities from Jämtland. Since Östersund is a transport hub, it is also the easiest place to combine a train journey with a hotel night before returning to Funäsdalen.
Krokom: a small-town stop north of Östersund
Krokom lies north of Östersund and can be reached by regional rail services on selected routes. It is not a major tourist destination, but it offers a glimpse of a smaller Jämtland community and can be useful for travellers who enjoy quiet walks and local landscapes.
The town is best visited when the train timetable gives you several hours to explore. Do not expect a large list of attractions immediately beside the station. Instead, treat Krokom as a relaxed stop for a short walk, a simple meal and views of the surrounding countryside.
For most first-time visitors, Östersund or Åre will offer more to see. Krokom is more suitable for repeat visitors, railway enthusiasts and travellers who prefer less crowded destinations.
Duved: a railway gateway to mountain scenery
Duved is west of Åre and is closely connected with the region’s ski and outdoor activities. The station can be useful for visitors who want to reach trailheads, ski facilities or accommodation outside central Åre. During summer, the surrounding mountains provide opportunities for hiking and cycling, subject to local conditions and transport arrangements.
Duved is not usually a conventional sightseeing town. Its value lies in its position beside the railway and its access to outdoor landscapes. If you are planning a train journey from Funäsdalen, consider Duved only after checking how you will continue from the station to the specific trail or activity area.
Longer train journeys towards Dalarna
Mora and the Inlandsbanan
The Inlandsbanan is one of Sweden’s most distinctive railway routes. It runs through the interior of the country and is particularly associated with scenic summer travel, small communities and long stretches of forest and open landscape. Mora is one of its most useful southern gateways, while Östersund is an important northern connection point in central Sweden.
A journey on the Inlandsbanan is not normally a simple same-day excursion from Funäsdalen. The road transfer to a station, the limited service frequency and the long distances make an overnight stay a much better option. Even so, it can be an excellent addition to a wider itinerary through central Sweden.
From Mora, travellers can explore nearby towns such as Orsa or connect with regional rail towards Rättvik, Leksand, Borlänge and Falun. These routes offer access to lakeside scenery, traditional Dalarna culture and historic industrial landscapes. Check whether your chosen service requires advance booking, as some trains have different arrangements from ordinary commuter routes.
Rättvik and Leksand
Rättvik and Leksand are popular nearby towns in Dalarna, located beside Lake Siljan. They are known for their lake views, traditional red wooden buildings, craft traditions and summer events. Both towns can be attractive additions to a longer train-based trip from the Funäsdalen area.
Rättvik is known for its long pier extending into Lake Siljan and its relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Leksand has strong cultural associations with Dalarna and is a good place to look for local food and seasonal events. Neither town should be treated as a quick hop from Funäsdalen, but both are worth considering if you are combining road travel, rail and overnight stays.
Sample itineraries from the Funäsdalen area
One-day road and rail combination to Åre
- Leave Funäsdalen early by car or pre-arranged transfer.
- Park near Åre station or arrange a drop-off close to the town centre.
- Spend the morning exploring Åre’s shops, church and lakeside streets.
- Have lunch in town and choose a short walk or mountain activity.
- Return to Funäsdalen by road, allowing extra time for weather and traffic.
This itinerary includes the railway setting but does not require a train ride. It is often more realistic than forcing a short train journey into an already long transfer from Funäsdalen.
One-night rail itinerary via Östersund
- Travel from Funäsdalen to Östersund by car or regional bus.
- Stay overnight near Östersund Central or in the city centre.
- Use the following day for museums, waterfront walks and local restaurants.
- Take a train to Åre, Järpen or another suitable nearby town if the timetable allows.
- Return to Östersund and continue to Funäsdalen after your overnight stay.
This plan gives you more flexibility and reduces the risk of missing a connection. It is especially useful in winter, when limited daylight and changing road conditions can make a long same-day journey tiring.
Multi-day journey through Mora and Dalarna
- Drive from Funäsdalen to Mora and stay overnight.
- Explore Mora on foot and visit local cultural attractions.
- Take a regional train towards Orsa, Rättvik or Leksand.
- Continue by rail or road through Dalarna, depending on the timetable.
- Return to Funäsdalen by a separate road route or continue your Swedish holiday.
This itinerary is best for travellers who want the journey itself to be part of the holiday. It combines mountain landscapes in Härjedalen with the lake districts and cultural traditions of Dalarna.
How to plan day trips from Funäsdalen by train
Check the complete journey, not only the train
When searching for day trips from Funäsdalen by train, include every section of the journey. Search from your accommodation to the station, from the station to the destination and back again. A train may leave at a convenient time, but the connecting bus or return service may not run often.
Swedish journey planners can show a combination of bus and train services, but always confirm the details with the relevant operator. Timetables change between winter, summer and holiday periods. Engineering works can also replace trains with buses at short notice.
Allow time for transfers
Do not book a tight connection between a local bus and a long-distance train. Mountain roads can be affected by snow, ice, wind and road maintenance. Allow at least a comfortable buffer, particularly when travelling with luggage, children or sports equipment.
If a missed connection would leave you stranded, consider staying overnight near the station. Åre and Östersund have the widest range of accommodation, while smaller towns may have limited evening services.
Travel light and prepare for changing weather
A small day bag makes transfers much easier. Bring water, snacks, a phone charger and an extra layer, even in summer. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, and a warm afternoon in Funäsdalen does not guarantee the same conditions in Åre, Östersund or Dalarna.
Winter travellers should allow extra time for both road and rail connections. If your plan includes a hike from a station, check trail conditions and daylight hours before departure. Some paths require a further bus or taxi journey after you leave the train.
When train travel is not the best option
For many visitors, a direct road trip is more practical than a train excursion. The nearest stations can be several hours away, and the most interesting destinations may require additional local transport. A car gives you greater freedom to visit Tänndalen, Bruksvallarna, Ramundberget, Lake Funäsdalssjön and remote viewpoints without working around a railway timetable.
Train travel becomes more attractive when you want to avoid driving long distances, when you are continuing to another Swedish region or when you enjoy scenic journeys and small nearby towns. It is also a useful way to add variety to a longer holiday based in Funäsdalen.
Useful questions before you leave
- Which station is most practical from your accommodation, Åre, Östersund or Mora?
- Does the train run on the day you want to travel?
- Is a reservation required, especially on seasonal or long-distance services?
- How will you reach the station from Funäsdalen?
- What is the final return connection if you spend the day in a nearby town?
- Do you need a local bus, taxi or walking route after arriving?
- Are weather, daylight and road conditions likely to affect the transfer?
With these details checked in advance, rail travel can add an enjoyable new dimension to a stay in the Funäsdalen mountains. The key is to view the train as one part of a wider journey rather than expecting a direct railway from the resort itself. Åre and Östersund are the most practical starting points for shorter train excursions, while Mora and Dalarna are better suited to longer, multi-day routes.