Planning day trips from Åre without a car is easier than many visitors expect. Trains, regional buses, local ski buses and guided excursions connect Åre with mountain villages, waterfalls, historic railway towns and lakeside communities. With a little timetable planning, you can enjoy beautiful places around Åre without hiring a car or relying on taxis.
How to plan day trips from Åre without a car
Åre is one of Sweden’s most convenient mountain resorts for car-free travel. The railway station is in the centre of Åre village, close to hotels, restaurants, shops and the lake. Several regional trains stop at nearby communities, while buses serve destinations that are not directly connected by rail.
Before setting out, check the current schedules with Norrtåg, SJ, Länstrafiken Jämtland and the local Åre ski bus service. Services change between winter, summer and shoulder seasons. Some routes run frequently on weekdays but have fewer departures on Saturdays or Sundays. Always check the return journey as carefully as the outward trip.
For most excursions, the simplest plan is to travel from Åre station. Buy tickets in advance when possible, especially for longer train journeys. Local bus tickets can usually be purchased through the regional travel app or from the operator’s approved sales channels. A small daypack, water, snacks and weatherproof clothing are useful because mountain weather can change quickly.
1. Duved: a relaxed mountain village close to Åre
Duved is one of the easiest day trips from Åre without a car. The village lies west of Åre and is connected by both train and bus. The journey is short, making Duved a good choice if you want a change of scenery without spending most of the day travelling.
Duved has a quieter atmosphere than central Åre. You can walk through the village, explore the area around the old church and enjoy views of the Åre mountains and the Indalsälven valley. In winter, Duved is part of the wider ski area, and local ski buses make it possible to combine a village visit with skiing if conditions and lift operations allow.
What to do in Duved
- Walk around Duved village and the historic church area.
- Follow local walking paths near the river and surrounding forest.
- Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing when trails are open.
- Have lunch or coffee before taking the train or bus back to Åre.
Duved works particularly well for a half-day outing. If you want a gentle itinerary, take a morning train, walk around the village and return to Åre for an afternoon sauna or dinner.
2. Järpen: local life, food and a taste of eastern Jämtland
Järpen is another straightforward destination for train day trips from Åre. Located east of Åre along the railway, it is the administrative centre of Åre Municipality and offers a more everyday view of the region than the resort villages.
The journey from Åre is short, and Järpen is compact enough to explore on foot. It is a useful destination when you want to visit a local food producer, browse small shops or take a break from outdoor activities. Depending on the season and opening hours, you may find cafés, farm shops and restaurants featuring ingredients from Jämtland.
Ideas for a Järpen day trip
- Walk from the station into the centre and explore local shops.
- Look for regional food products such as cheese, bread, preserves and cured meat.
- Ask local tourism staff about current walking routes and nearby attractions.
- Combine the visit with a meal before returning to Åre by train.
Järpen is not a dramatic sightseeing destination in the same way as a waterfall or mountain viewpoint. Its appeal is its local character and easy access. It is a good option on a rainy day, during a rest day or when you want to see more of normal life in Jämtland.
3. Undersåker and the valley villages
Undersåker is close to Åre and can be reached by train or bus. The community is a useful base for exploring the eastern part of the Åre valley, with forests, rivers, farms and views towards the mountains. It is a practical stop for travellers interested in local food, quiet walks and small-scale tourism.
Several attractions in the wider Undersåker area are spread out, so check walking distances before you travel. Some businesses open only during selected parts of the year and may require advance booking. Public transport can take you to the village, but not necessarily directly to every café, farm or trailhead.
Who should visit Undersåker?
Undersåker suits visitors who prefer a slower day with flexible walking rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. It is also useful for families who want a short journey and a quieter setting. In summer, the valley has long daylight hours, while autumn brings colourful forests and a calm atmosphere.
For the best experience, choose one specific destination in advance, confirm its opening hours and plan a route from the station. If the return transport is infrequent, leave enough time to get back without rushing.
4. Storlien: a border village in the mountains
Storlien is one of the most rewarding train day trips from Åre for visitors who want to travel west towards the Norwegian border. The railway follows the dramatic mountain landscape, and the journey itself is part of the experience. Storlien is known for skiing, hiking, borderland history and its position between Sweden and Norway.
The village is small, so you can explore much of it on foot. In winter, snow activities are the main attraction. In summer and early autumn, hiking opportunities open up, although trails can be wet, rocky or exposed. Storlien’s weather can be more changeable than in Åre, so bring layers even on a sunny morning.
Things to do in Storlien
- Walk around the village and enjoy the open mountain scenery.
- Visit local shops and cafés when they are open.
- Go skiing, snowshoeing or hiking according to the season.
- Learn about the area’s railway and border history.
- Use marked paths and check conditions before starting a longer walk.
Storlien is best for travellers who enjoy scenery and outdoor activities more than a long list of attractions. Check the train timetable carefully because there may be several hours between departures, particularly outside the busiest season. Do not assume that every train stopping at Åre also stops at Storlien at a convenient time.
5. Tännforsen waterfall by bus excursion or organised tour
Tännforsen is one of Sweden’s most famous waterfalls and a popular destination near Åre. It is located away from the railway, so reaching it without a car usually requires a seasonal bus connection, an organised excursion or a combination of public transport and a pre-booked transfer.
Because transport arrangements vary, Tännforsen is one of the best examples of when a bus excursion can be more convenient than independent travel. Local tourism companies sometimes offer guided trips from Åre, particularly during summer and the winter holiday period. These tours may include transport, a guide and time at the waterfall.
What to expect at Tännforsen
The waterfall changes character throughout the year. In spring, melting snow can create powerful flows. In summer, the surrounding forest and paths are easy to appreciate, while winter may bring ice formations and snowy viewpoints. Paths can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is important.
Book a bus excursion in advance if you are travelling during a busy week. If you plan to use public transport, confirm the exact stop, walking distance and return departure before leaving Åre. A route that looks short on a map may involve a long walk on rural roads, and mobile coverage can be limited in some areas.
6. Åre Östersund Airport and Frösön
Östersund is too far for a relaxed day trip by local bus, but it can be possible by train for travellers who are happy with a long day. The regional centre lies east of Åre and offers museums, cafés, shopping, restaurants and a different urban atmosphere. A train journey can take several hours each way, so check the timetable before making plans.
If you visit Östersund, focus on a small area rather than trying to see everything. The city centre has shops, cafés and cultural attractions within walking distance of the station. Frösön, across the bridge from the city, provides lake views and historic sights, but it requires additional bus travel or a longer walk.
When an Östersund day trip makes sense
- You are visiting outside the main ski season and want a town-based day.
- The train timetable gives you several useful hours at your destination.
- You enjoy museums, cafés, shopping and local history.
- You are comfortable with a longer travel day.
For many visitors, Östersund is better as an overnight stop than a day trip from Åre. Still, it can work if the transport schedule is favourable and you want to experience the largest city in Jämtland.
7. Trondheim, Norway, for an ambitious cross-border day trip
Travelling from Åre to Trondheim by train is possible and offers a memorable journey through the Scandinavian mountains. However, this is a long excursion, not a quick trip. You need to check cross-border schedules, allow time for delays and confirm that the return train gives you enough time in Trondheim.
Trondheim rewards visitors with a walkable centre, colourful riverside buildings, cafés, museums and Nidaros Cathedral. If you arrive with only a few hours, stay close to the central station and choose two or three sights. The journey is more practical in summer, when longer daylight makes the return easier, but schedules still vary.
Important tips for travelling to Norway
- Carry a valid passport or national identity document.
- Check ticket rules and possible changes at the Swedish-Norwegian border.
- Use Norwegian currency or a card accepted in Norway.
- Check the final return connection before booking the outbound train.
- Allow extra time for delays, especially during winter weather.
Trondheim is not the right choice if you want a relaxed mountain outing. It is better for travellers who enjoy the journey itself and want to add a Norwegian city to their Åre holiday.
8. Bus excursions to mountain viewpoints and outdoor attractions
Some of the most attractive places around Åre are not served by frequent public transport. This is where bus excursions can fill the gap. Depending on the season, guided operators may run trips to waterfalls, hiking areas, cultural sites, viewpoints and nearby villages.
Organised excursions are particularly useful for solo travellers, families and visitors who do not want to manage several connections. A guide can also explain local nature, Sámi culture, mountain history and wildlife. Availability changes from year to year, so check the current programme through Åre’s official tourism information or local activity providers.
How to choose a bus excursion
- Check whether the price includes entry fees, meals or equipment.
- Ask how much walking is involved and whether the route is suitable for children.
- Confirm the meeting point and departure time.
- Find out what happens if weather conditions make the excursion unsafe.
- Book early during school holidays and popular summer weeks.
A bus excursion can cost more than travelling independently, but it may save time and make remote attractions accessible. It is often the most practical solution for destinations with no regular connection from Åre.
9. Åre’s local bus and ski bus network
You do not always need to leave the immediate Åre area for a worthwhile car-free outing. Local buses and seasonal ski buses connect the village with Björnänge, Kabinbanan, Tegefjäll, Ullån and other areas, depending on the timetable. These services make it possible to combine short walks, viewpoints, cafés and outdoor activities without using a private vehicle.
In winter, the ski bus is designed mainly for moving between accommodation, lifts and ski areas. In summer, services may be less frequent or operate on different routes. Check whether the bus is free, whether it accepts regional tickets and where the final stop is located.
Easy local itineraries
- Take a bus towards Björnänge for a short walk and a quieter view of the valley.
- Travel to Tegefjäll for access to forest paths and mountain scenery.
- Use a local connection to reach a lift or trailhead, then return to Åre by bus.
- Ride to a nearby village for coffee and walk part of the valley route back if conditions allow.
Local bus trips are ideal when you want flexibility. You can leave after breakfast, spend a few hours outdoors and return before dinner without committing to a full-day excursion.
Seasonal advice for car-free travel around Åre
Summer is usually the easiest season for day trips from Åre without a car. Roads and trails are generally more accessible, daylight lasts late into the evening and tour operators offer more excursions. Even then, mountain weather can change quickly, and some trails may be muddy or wet.
Winter travel requires more planning. Snow, ice and short daylight hours can affect trains, buses and walking routes. Choose destinations with reliable transport and avoid planning a long remote walk if the return connection is fixed. Wear reflective clothing when walking near roads after dark.
Spring and autumn are quieter but can have reduced public transport and limited opening hours. Some attractions close between seasons. These months are excellent for peaceful landscapes, but confirm every part of your itinerary before travelling.
Practical tips for stress-free day trips from Åre without a car
- Start with the return timetable, especially for Storlien, Tännforsen and longer journeys.
- Download tickets, maps and booking confirmations before leaving your accommodation.
- Carry food and water if you are visiting a small village or remote attraction.
- Wear shoes suitable for uneven paths, snow and wet ground.
- Keep a flexible plan in case a train or bus is delayed.
- Ask your hotel or the local tourist office about current transport changes.
- Do not rely solely on a late evening connection in remote areas.
- Respect marked trails, private land and local wildlife.
The best car-free itinerary depends on the season, your interests and the transport available on the day. Duved, Järpen and Undersåker are easy choices for short journeys. Storlien offers a longer mountain and border experience, while Tännforsen is ideal with a seasonal tour or organised transfer. Östersund and Trondheim are possible for travellers who enjoy long train rides and careful planning.
With current timetables, sensible clothing and a little advance research, public transport opens up far more of the Åre region than many visitors realise.