Looking for the Swedish mountains best places to visit? From Arctic valleys and high peaks in the far north to family friendly ski resorts and quiet southern wilderness, Sweden offers remarkable mountain landscapes for every kind of traveller. This guide covers the best destinations, what to do in each area, when to go, and how to plan a safe and rewarding Sweden travel adventure.
Why visit the Swedish mountains?
The Swedish mountains are less crowded than many of Europe’s better known alpine destinations, yet they offer a wide range of experiences. You can hike beneath midnight sunlight, ski across open plateaus, watch reindeer move through the valleys, or stay in a simple mountain cabin far from the nearest road.
Sweden’s mountain landscapes are generally gentler than the steepest parts of the Alps. Many trails cross broad valleys, birch forests and open tundra rather than demanding technical climbing. At the same time, northern areas contain serious high mountain terrain, rapidly changing weather and long distances between settlements. This combination makes Sweden suitable for both first time hikers and experienced trekkers, provided every trip is planned carefully.
The best destination depends on your interests. Abisko and Kebnekaise are ideal for classic northern trekking. Åre offers the easiest combination of outdoor activities, accommodation and transport. Sarek is one of Europe’s great wilderness areas, while Fulufjället and Sonfjället are more accessible choices for shorter walks and wildlife experiences.
Swedish mountains best places to visit
1. Abisko National Park
Abisko is one of the most popular places in the Swedish mountains, and for good reason. Located in Swedish Lapland, the national park has dramatic scenery, reliable hiking trails and excellent transport connections. The area is surrounded by large peaks, Lake Torneträsk and the wide Abisko Valley.
The famous Kungsleden trail begins, or is often considered to begin, at Abisko. The first section towards Nikkaluokta takes hikers through some of northern Sweden’s most impressive scenery, including mountain passes, glacial valleys and the famous Alesjaure area. You can also enjoy shorter walks around the national park, including the trail to Abisko Canyon and routes towards Lake Torneträsk.
- Best for: First time mountain visitors, long distance hikers, photography and northern lights.
- Top experience: Hiking part of Kungsleden through the Abisko Valley.
- Best season: July to September for hiking, and March to April for late winter activities.
- Getting there: The train stops at Abisko, making it one of the easiest mountain destinations to reach without a car.
Abisko is also one of the strongest places in Sweden for viewing the northern lights. The area lies in a relatively dry rain shadow, which often creates clearer skies than surrounding regions. For a different kind of visit, travel during June or July, when the sun remains above the horizon for weeks.
2. Kebnekaise and the Nikkaluokta area
Kebnekaise is Sweden’s highest mountain and a natural highlight of Sweden travel. The mountain stands near the village of Nikkaluokta, with a popular trail leading to the Kebnekaise mountain station. From there, experienced hikers can attempt the summit with a guide or under suitable conditions.
The route from Nikkaluokta to the mountain station is around 19 kilometres one way, although boat transport can shorten part of the walk during the summer season. The trail passes through the beautiful Láddjuvággi valley, where broad mountain views open up on both sides. The mountain station provides accommodation, meals and useful information about current conditions.
Summiting Kebnekaise is not a standard hiking trip. Conditions can change quickly, and the route may involve steep snow, exposed ground and difficult navigation. Many visitors choose to enjoy the valley and mountain station without climbing to the top, which still provides an outstanding experience.
- Best for: High mountain scenery, summit attempts and experienced hikers.
- Top experience: Walking through Láddjuvággi towards the Kebnekaise mountain station.
- Best season: July to early September for most hiking trips.
- Planning note: Reserve accommodation early and check summit conditions before setting out.
3. Sarek National Park
Sarek is one of the wildest and most demanding parts of the Swedish mountains. It contains deep valleys, large glaciers, rugged peaks and almost no marked trails or permanent accommodation inside the park. The area is part of the Laponia World Heritage Site and is best suited to experienced trekkers who are comfortable navigating independently.
Unlike Abisko, Sarek does not offer a straightforward list of day hikes. Visitors need to plan routes around river crossings, weather, terrain and food supplies. There are no shops in the park, and mobile phone coverage can be limited or absent. The reward is a profound sense of wilderness, with a real chance of spending several days without seeing another hiker.
There are several approaches to Sarek, often involving nearby parks such as Stora Sjöfallet or Padjelanta. Routes from Kvikkjokk and Ritsem are among the known access points, but transport schedules and seasonal boat services must be checked in advance.
- Best for: Experienced trekkers, wilderness travel and remote landscapes.
- Top experience: Multi day trekking through valleys beneath dramatic peaks.
- Best season: Late July to early September, when snow levels and river conditions are generally more manageable.
- Safety note: Do not enter Sarek without strong navigation skills, suitable equipment and a detailed plan.
4. Padjelanta National Park
Padjelanta is a more open and spacious alternative to Sarek. The landscape is known for broad plateaus, lakes, low mountain passes and long views towards the Norwegian border. The Padjelantaleden trail crosses the park and is supported by several mountain cabins, making it a practical choice for hikers who want a multi day trek without carrying a tent for the entire journey.
The trail is long, but individual sections can be adapted to different schedules. The scenery feels calm and expansive, with fewer steep climbs than in some neighbouring areas. Padjelanta is also a culturally important region connected to Sámi traditions and reindeer herding. Visitors should respect local customs, keep their distance from reindeer and follow information provided by park authorities.
- Best for: Multi day hikes, open landscapes, cabin trekking and peaceful scenery.
- Top experience: Walking part of Padjelantaleden between mountain cabins.
- Best season: July to September.
- Planning note: Check boat connections and cabin opening dates before travelling.
5. Stora Sjöfallet National Park
Stora Sjöfallet combines mountain scenery with large lakes, waterfalls and access to the Laponia region. The park’s name refers to the historic waterfall, although water levels and hydroelectric development have changed the character of the falls over time. Even so, the surrounding landscape remains impressive, with peaks, birch woodland and wide views across northern Lapland.
The area is a useful base for exploring the wider region, including routes towards Sarek and Padjelanta. It is also suitable for travellers who want mountain scenery without committing to a long expedition. Roads reach parts of the area, and accommodation is available near the park entrance and lake district.
Stora Sjöfallet works particularly well as part of a longer itinerary through Swedish Lapland. Combine it with a visit to Abisko, Jokkmokk or the mountain community of Ritsem for a broader view of northern Sweden.
6. Åre
Åre is Sweden’s best known mountain resort and one of the easiest destinations for an active holiday. It has a lively village, a wide range of hotels and restaurants, mountain lifts, cycle trails and hiking routes. Åreskutan rises above the town and provides panoramic views across the surrounding valleys and lakes.
In winter, Åre is the country’s leading downhill skiing destination, with slopes for beginners, families and advanced skiers. Cross country skiing, ski touring and snowshoeing are also popular. During summer, the resort changes character. Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and trail running become the main attractions, while lifts can help visitors reach higher terrain without a full day of climbing.
- Best for: Skiing, families, mountain biking, dining and travellers who prefer resort facilities.
- Top experience: Taking the lift or walking up Åreskutan for wide mountain views.
- Best season: February to April for skiing, and June to September for hiking and cycling.
- Getting there: Åre is served by trains and is relatively easy to reach from Stockholm and other Swedish cities.
Åre is a strong choice if you want the Swedish mountains with convenient accommodation and a broad selection of activities. It is less remote than the national parks, but that also makes it easier to combine outdoor time with comfortable evenings in town.
7. Funäsfjällen
Funäsfjällen is a group of mountain villages and outdoor areas in western Härjedalen. The region includes Funäsdalen, Tänndalen, Ramundberget and several nature reserves. It is especially popular for cross country skiing, ski touring, hiking and mountain biking.
The landscape is open and scenic, with high plateaus, rounded summits and traditional mountain huts. In summer, marked trails make it easy to plan anything from a short afternoon walk to a longer route between villages. The region also has a strong food and culture scene, with local producers, small restaurants and opportunities to learn about the history of mountain farming and Sámi life.
Funäsfjällen is a good option for visitors who want quieter surroundings than Åre but still value comfortable accommodation and well developed trails. It is also a useful base for exploring nearby areas such as Sonfjället and the Norwegian border region.
8. Fulufjället National Park
Fulufjället National Park is one of the most accessible mountain destinations in Sweden. Located in Dalarna near the Norwegian border, it is famous for Njupeskär, one of Sweden’s highest waterfalls. A well maintained trail leads from the visitor area through forest and open terrain to viewpoints near the waterfall.
The park’s plateau offers a different type of mountain experience from the high Arctic landscapes of Lapland. Ancient forests, exposed rock, small streams and open heath create a varied setting for day hikes. Fulufjället is also home to Old Tjikko, a very old spruce often described as one of the world’s oldest living clonal trees, although the visible trunk itself is much younger.
- Best for: Short hikes, waterfalls, families and visitors travelling by car.
- Top experience: Walking to Njupeskär and continuing onto the mountain plateau.
- Best season: May to October, depending on snow conditions.
- Planning note: Trails can become slippery and exposed in wet or windy weather.
9. Sonfjället National Park
Sonfjället is one of Sweden’s oldest national parks and an excellent destination for wildlife focused mountain trips. The park is particularly associated with brown bears, although sightings are never guaranteed and most visitors experience the animal only through tracks or other signs.
Several trails lead into the park from nearby entrances. Some routes climb towards the summit, while others remain in the forest and lower mountain landscape. The views across Härjedalen are especially attractive in late summer and autumn, when the vegetation changes colour.
Sonfjället is a good choice for travellers who want a quieter national park experience. It does not have the same high peaks as Kebnekaise or the same scale as Sarek, but its combination of wildlife, forest and mountain scenery makes it rewarding for a shorter visit.
10. Grövelsjön
Grövelsjön lies in northern Dalarna close to the Norwegian border. The area is known for rounded mountains, clear lakes and well marked trails, including routes that cross into Norway. It offers a gentler introduction to the Swedish mountains, with options for day hiking, fishing, canoeing and winter activities.
The terrain around Grövelsjön is generally easier to navigate than the more remote parks in northern Lapland. Mountain stations and accommodation in the area can help visitors arrange guided hikes, equipment hire and meals. The region is especially attractive for families and independent travellers who want a peaceful outdoor holiday without extreme distances.
When to visit the Swedish mountains
Summer hiking season
For most mountain hikes, the main season runs from late June or early July until September. July and August usually provide the most accessible conditions, but trails can be wet and some high passes may still hold snow. Insects are most noticeable during warm periods, particularly near wetlands and slow moving water.
September can be an excellent month for experienced hikers. The air is often cooler, mosquitoes are less troublesome and the autumn colours can be spectacular. Daylight becomes shorter quickly, so check sunrise and sunset times before planning long routes.
Winter and spring activities
Winter transforms the Swedish mountains into a landscape for downhill skiing, cross country touring, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Åre, Funäsfjällen and Riksgränsen are among the best known winter destinations. Riksgränsen, close to the Norwegian border, is especially famous for late season skiing under the midnight sun.
March and April often offer stable snow conditions and longer days. Spring weather can still be severe in exposed areas, so visitors should use proper layers, navigation equipment and avalanche advice where relevant.
Practical advice for a Swedish mountain trip
Transport and accommodation
Train travel is practical for destinations such as Abisko, Åre and some parts of the northern mountain region. Buses, local transfers and seasonal boats may be needed for national parks and remote trailheads. Timetables can be limited outside the main season, so build flexibility into your itinerary.
Accommodation ranges from hotels and hostels to STF mountain stations, simple cabins and campsites. Popular routes can fill quickly during July and August. If you plan to stay in cabins, confirm whether beds, kitchens and food supplies are available at each location.
Weather and equipment
Mountain weather can change rapidly, even during summer. Pack waterproof clothing, warm layers, a hat, gloves, a map, a compass and enough food and water for delays. A charged phone is useful, but it should not be your only navigation or emergency option. In remote areas, consider carrying a satellite communicator.
The right of public access
Sweden’s right of public access, known as allemansrätten, allows people to move through much of the countryside and camp responsibly for a short period. It comes with clear duties. Avoid disturbing wildlife, close gates, leave no waste, protect vegetation and respect private homes, reindeer herding and local restrictions. National parks and nature reserves may have additional rules, especially around camping, fires, dogs and fishing.
Choosing the right destination
- Choose Abisko for accessible Arctic scenery and classic hiking.
- Choose Kebnekaise for high mountain ambitions and summit routes.
- Choose Sarek for remote wilderness and demanding trekking.
- Choose Padjelanta for long distance cabin hiking across open plateaus.
- Choose Åre for skiing, cycling, restaurants and easy logistics.
- Choose Fulufjället for a manageable national park visit and a famous waterfall.
- Choose Sonfjället or Grövelsjön for wildlife, quieter trails and gentler mountain terrain.
The Swedish mountains best places to visit range from comfortable resorts to trackless wilderness. By matching the destination with your experience, season and preferred level of comfort, you can create a Sweden travel itinerary that feels both adventurous and manageable.