Choosing where to stay in Åre depends on what you want from your trip. The main village is ideal for restaurants, nightlife, shops and easy access to the lifts, while areas such as Björnen, Tegefjäll and Duved offer a quieter setting, more space and a different pace. This guide explains the best Åre accommodation for skiing, hiking, families, couples, groups and visitors travelling without a car.
Understanding Åre’s different areas
Åre is not a single compact resort in the way some mountain destinations are. The wider area stretches along Lake Åresjön and includes several neighbourhoods and villages. Your location can affect how easily you reach the ski lifts, restaurants, hiking trails and public transport.
Before booking, think about your priorities. Staying in central Åre makes it easier to walk everywhere, but rooms can be smaller and prices are often higher. Accommodation farther from the centre may offer better value, larger apartments and more peaceful surroundings, although you may need a bus, car or short transfer.
- Åre village: Best for first time visitors, dining, nightlife and lift access.
- Åre Björnen: Best for families, cross country skiing and a quieter ski holiday.
- Tegefjäll: Best for self catering, slopeside access and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Duved: Best for lower prices, local character and a quieter base near the ski area.
- Ullån and nearby countryside: Best for nature, privacy and larger holiday homes.
Where to stay in Åre village
For many visitors, the village is the easiest answer to where to stay in Åre. The central area is close to Åre Östersund railway connections, the main shopping streets, restaurants, bars and the lower ski lifts. You can often leave your accommodation and reach the slopes without needing a car.
Åre village has the widest selection of Åre hotels, from stylish full service properties to smaller guesthouses and apartment hotels. You will also find private apartments, cabins and rooms in historic buildings. A central location is particularly useful during winter, when walking with ski equipment or navigating snowy roads can be tiring.
Best parts of the village
The area around Åre Torg is convenient if you want to be at the centre of the action. It is close to shops, cafés and evening entertainment, but this also means it can be lively during weekends and peak holiday periods. If you are a light sleeper, check the position of your room and ask whether it faces the street.
The area near the railway station is practical for travellers arriving by train. It is close to the centre and offers good access to buses and taxis. Some accommodation on the slopes above the village provides impressive lake and mountain views, although reaching it on foot can involve steep roads.
Who should stay in Åre village?
- Visitors who want to dine out regularly.
- Travellers arriving by train or public transport.
- First time visitors who want easy access to services.
- Couples looking for hotels, restaurants and après ski.
- Skiers who want to spend as little time as possible travelling to the lifts.
Åre hotels for different budgets
There is a broad range of Åre hotels, but prices vary considerably depending on the season. Christmas, New Year, February school holidays and Easter are among the busiest periods. Booking several months ahead is sensible if you want a particular hotel, a family room or accommodation close to the lifts.
Luxury and design hotels
Åre has several high end hotels with restaurants, spas, lounges and ski related services. These are a good choice if the accommodation is an important part of your holiday. A spa hotel can be especially appealing after a day outdoors, although facilities and treatments may cost extra.
Luxury properties are usually located in or close to the village, making it possible to combine comfortable rooms with convenient access to dining and skiing. Compare what is included in the rate. Breakfast, parking, spa access and ski storage may be handled separately.
Mid range hotels and guesthouses
Mid range hotels are often the best balance for visitors who want comfort without paying for a full resort experience. Look for properties with breakfast, drying rooms and luggage storage. These practical features matter in Åre, particularly when you are carrying wet outdoor clothing or arriving before check in.
Guesthouses and smaller inns can provide a more personal atmosphere. Some are just outside the centre, so check the evening transport options if you plan to eat or go out in central Åre.
Budget accommodation
Budget Åre accommodation includes hostels, basic rooms, shared facilities and simple apartments. These options can be excellent for students, solo travellers and groups that plan to spend most of the day skiing or hiking. A kitchen can reduce the cost of a longer stay, while shared lounges can make it easier to meet other travellers.
The cheapest room is not always the cheapest overall option. Add the cost of transport, meals and bed linen if these are not included. A slightly more expensive apartment within walking distance of a supermarket may offer better value than a remote room requiring daily taxis.
Where to stay in Åre for skiing
If skiing is your main reason for visiting, location should be one of your first booking decisions. Åre’s ski area covers several sectors, and the most convenient accommodation depends on the type of skiing you prefer.
Central Åre for lift access and après ski
Staying near the village gives you access to the main lifts and a large choice of ski rental shops, ski schools and restaurants. It is a strong option for mixed groups where some people ski while others prefer shopping, cafés or indoor activities.
The central area can be busy and more expensive, especially during school holidays. However, the convenience is valuable if you do not have a car or want to return to your room during the day.
Åre Björnen for families and cross country skiing
Åre Björnen lies to the east of the main village and has a quieter, family friendly atmosphere. It is known for accommodation close to ski facilities and access to cross country trails. Many properties are apartments or cabins with kitchens, making the area suitable for families and groups staying for a week or more.
Björnen is less convenient if you want to visit central Åre every evening. Check the bus timetable and the distance to nearby services before booking. For a self contained holiday focused on skiing, however, it can be an excellent choice.
Tegefjäll for a peaceful slopeside base
Tegefjäll is west of Åre village and offers a quieter alternative to the centre. It is popular with visitors who want to stay near the slopes while avoiding the busiest part of the resort. Apartments and holiday homes are common, and many are designed for independent stays.
This area works well for skiers who are comfortable planning their own meals and transport. The selection of restaurants and shops is more limited than in central Åre, so check whether your accommodation has a kitchen and where the nearest supermarket is located.
Duved for value and local atmosphere
Duved is a village west of Åre with its own lift access and a more relaxed feel. It can be a good option for visitors searching for more affordable Åre accommodation, especially when central rooms are fully booked or unusually expensive.
Duved is connected to Åre by train and road, but you should allow extra travel time if you plan to visit the main village every day. It suits travellers who value space, quiet evenings and a less concentrated resort environment.
Where to stay in Åre for families
Families often benefit from choosing an apartment or cabin rather than a standard hotel room. Separate bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining area and laundry facilities can make a major difference during a longer stay. A drying cupboard or heated storage area is also useful when children are skiing or playing in the snow.
Åre Björnen is a popular family choice because of its calm setting and access to beginner friendly facilities. Central Åre may be better for families who want restaurants, shops and activities within walking distance. Tegefjäll and Duved can offer more space for the price, particularly for larger families.
When comparing family accommodation, check the sleeping arrangements carefully. A listing described as suitable for six guests may include sofa beds in a shared living room. Also confirm whether a cot, high chair, parking space and bed linen are available.
Where to stay in Åre for couples
Couples have plenty of choice, from design led hotels in the village to secluded cabins surrounded by forest. A central hotel is convenient for romantic dinners, wine bars and après ski. A private cabin is better if you want peace, a sauna and the ability to cook your own meals.
For a relaxing trip, look for a property with a sauna, hot tub or spa access, but read the details carefully. Some facilities are shared, need to be booked in advance or have an additional fee. Mountain and lake views can also raise the price, so decide whether the view is worth the extra cost for your trip.
Åre accommodation for groups
Groups should begin looking early, particularly for weekends and winter holidays. Large apartments and cabins are in high demand and may have minimum stay requirements. Booking one shared property can be more economical than reserving several hotel rooms, especially if the accommodation includes a kitchen and living room.
Check the practical details before paying a deposit. Confirm the number of bathrooms, parking spaces, sleeping arrangements and rules about cleaning. A property that sleeps ten people but has one small bathroom may not be comfortable for a full group. If you are travelling with ski equipment, make sure there is secure storage.
Central group accommodation is convenient for nightlife and restaurants, while Björnen, Tegefjäll and the outskirts offer more privacy. If your group plans to drink in the village, choose a place with reliable public transport or arrange a designated driver.
Summer accommodation in Åre
Åre is a year round destination, and summer visitors can choose from many of the same hotels, cabins and apartments available in winter. Hiking, cycling, fishing and sightseeing are among the main reasons to visit between late spring and early autumn.
Central Åre is useful for visitors who want easy access to cafés, bike rental, restaurants and activity providers. A cabin outside the village may be better for hiking, wildlife watching and quiet evenings. Cyclists should ask about bike storage, washing facilities and whether the property is close to suitable trails.
Summer prices can be lower than winter prices, although popular events and weekends may still sell out. If you are travelling during the warmer months, check whether the accommodation has outdoor seating, cooking facilities and drying space for wet hiking clothes.
How to choose the right Åre accommodation
Once you have chosen an area, compare properties using a few practical criteria rather than relying only on photographs.
- Distance to transport: Check the real walking distance to the nearest lift, bus stop or railway station.
- Kitchen facilities: Confirm whether the kitchen includes an oven, dishwasher, cookware and enough seating.
- Storage: Look for ski storage, bike storage and a place to dry outdoor clothing.
- Parking: Ask whether parking is included and whether spaces need to be reserved.
- Check in: Some apartments use key boxes or have limited reception hours.
- Cleaning fees: Add final cleaning, linen and service charges to the advertised price.
- Cancellation terms: Winter weather and travel plans can change, so flexible conditions may be valuable.
Getting around Åre
Central Åre is the easiest area for visitors without a car. The railway station, buses, shops and many restaurants are close together. Local buses connect the wider resort area, but services can be less frequent in the evening and outside busy periods.
A car provides more flexibility if you stay in a cabin or travel between villages, but winter driving requires preparation. Roads can be snowy or icy, and parking may be limited near popular lifts. Ask your accommodation provider about road conditions, parking and whether snow chains or winter tyres are required.
Taxis are useful for airport transfers, late evenings and accommodation away from the main routes. They can become busy during major holidays, so pre booking is recommended when timing matters.
When to book where to stay in Åre
For winter skiing, book as early as possible if you need specific dates, a large apartment or a central hotel. The busiest periods often include Christmas, New Year, February school holidays and Easter. Weekend demand can also be strong throughout the ski season.
Summer accommodation is generally easier to find, but popular weekends, festivals and school holidays can still create high demand. Travellers seeking the best value should compare weekdays with weekends and consider staying slightly outside the village.
Booking directly with a hotel or property manager can sometimes provide clearer information about parking, room layouts and local services. Comparison websites are useful for checking prices and availability, but always read the complete booking conditions before confirming.
A simple guide to the best areas
- Choose central Åre if you want restaurants, nightlife, shops, railway access and the shortest route to many services.
- Choose Åre Björnen if you are travelling with children, want a calm setting or prefer a self catering ski holiday.
- Choose Tegefjäll if you want a peaceful base with good access to the slopes and are happy to cook or travel for restaurants.
- Choose Duved if price, space and a quieter village atmosphere matter more than being in the centre.
- Choose a rural cabin if privacy, nature and outdoor space are more important than walkable nightlife.