Funäsdalen is one of Sweden’s most rewarding mountain destinations for families. The village and surrounding Funäsfjällen area offer gentle ski slopes, scenic walks, wildlife experiences, museums, cycling trails and plenty of space for children to explore outdoors. Whether you are planning a winter holiday or a summer trip, these are the best things to do in Funäsdalen with kids.
Why Funäsdalen is a great family destination
Funäsdalen sits in western Härjedalen, close to the Norwegian border and surrounded by broad valleys, mountain lakes and high plateaus. The area feels adventurous without being difficult to navigate. Families can choose between organised activities and simple outdoor moments, such as skipping stones beside a lake or watching reindeer near a forest road.
The region is made up of several mountain villages and ski areas, including Funäsdalsberget, Tänndalen, Ramundberget, Bruksvallarna and Tännäs. They are close enough to visit during the same holiday, although a car is useful if you want to explore widely. Local activity companies also offer equipment hire, guided tours and family programmes during the busiest seasons.
One of the biggest advantages for parents is the variety of difficulty levels. Younger children can enjoy short trails and beginner slopes, while older children and teenagers can try mountain biking, longer hikes or more challenging ski runs. This flexibility makes Funäsdalen family activities easy to adapt to different ages and interests.
Things to do in Funäsdalen with kids in winter
Learn to ski at Funäsdalsberget
Funäsdalsberget is a convenient place to start a family ski holiday. The ski area has beginner terrain, ski schools and lifts that make it easier for children to build confidence. Younger beginners can practise on gentle slopes while parents remain nearby, and more experienced children can progress to longer runs as the day goes on.
Book lessons early during school holidays, since popular time slots can fill quickly. If your children are new to skiing, avoid planning a full day on the first attempt. A shorter session followed by hot chocolate, lunch or indoor play usually makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Explore the larger ski area in Tänndalen
Tänndalen is known for its varied slopes and wide mountain landscapes. Families with children at different ability levels can often find suitable runs in the same area. There are beginner zones for children who are still learning to turn and stop, as well as more demanding pistes for confident skiers and snowboarders.
Take regular breaks and check the weather forecast before setting out. Mountain conditions can change quickly, particularly when wind reduces visibility. Warm layers, spare gloves and a small snack in a pocket can make a big difference to a child’s comfort.
Try cross-country skiing in Bruksvallarna
Bruksvallarna is one of the best-known cross-country skiing areas in the region. Families can start with short, prepared trails close to the village before attempting longer routes. Cross-country skiing may take a little practice, but children often enjoy the feeling of gliding through quiet woodland and open snow.
For younger children, consider hiring a pulk or choosing a flat route. A short outing with a picnic is often more successful than a demanding tour. Ask a local ski rental shop which trails are most suitable for your children’s age and experience.
Go sledding and build a snow fort
You do not need a full day of skiing to enjoy winter in Funäsdalen. Pack a sled or rent one locally and look for a safe, designated hill near your accommodation. Sledding is one of the simplest family attractions in the area and can be enjoyed by children who are not ready for skis.
Afterwards, let the children build a snow fort, make snow animals or follow animal tracks in fresh snow. These small activities are especially useful on rest days when everyone needs a break from organised excursions.
Take a snowshoe walk
Snowshoeing gives families a slower way to experience the winter landscape. Several local providers offer guided trips, and a guide can choose a route suited to the weather and the ages in your group. Children often enjoy looking for tracks from hare, fox and reindeer while walking through the forest.
Choose a short tour with a clear goal, such as a shelter, viewpoint or outdoor fika stop. Swedish fika is easy to make outdoors with warm drinks, sandwiches and cinnamon buns. A destination gives younger walkers something to look forward to and keeps the outing manageable.
Look for reindeer in the mountain landscape
Reindeer are a familiar sight in the mountain region, although they are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed on a particular day. You may see them from a road or trail, especially in quieter areas, but always keep a respectful distance. Never feed or chase them.
Children can make a simple wildlife checklist before leaving your accommodation. In addition to reindeer, look for tracks, birds and signs of small mammals. Binoculars are useful, particularly on clear days when animals may be far from the trail.
Summer Funäsdalen family activities
Hike to a viewpoint
Summer hiking is one of the most accessible things to do in Funäsdalen with kids. The area has trails ranging from short walks near the villages to longer mountain routes. Choose a path with a clear destination, such as a lake, waterfall, shelter or viewpoint, rather than focusing only on distance.
For younger children, a two or three kilometre walk can be plenty, especially on uneven ground. Bring water, snacks, sun protection and an extra layer for each child. Even in summer, the weather can shift from warm sunshine to cool wind or rain within a short time.
Teach children to stay on marked paths and to avoid walking close to steep edges, fast-flowing water or unstable ground. A printed map or offline map on your phone is sensible, since mobile coverage can be limited in the mountains.
Ride the lift at Funäsdalsberget
When the lift is operating in summer, riding up Funäsdalsberget is an easy way to reach higher terrain without a long uphill climb. From the upper station, families can enjoy mountain views and choose a walk that suits their energy levels. Check opening dates and conditions before travelling, as summer lift schedules can vary.
The lift can also be useful for families who want to combine a short downhill walk with a café visit in the village. Children often enjoy the ride itself, and the views provide a memorable introduction to the mountain environment.
Try mountain biking
Mountain biking is growing in popularity around Funäsdalen, with routes for different abilities. Younger children may prefer a smooth gravel path or easy trail, while older children and teenagers can try more technical terrain or lift-accessed downhill riding where available.
Hire bikes locally if you do not want to bring your own equipment. Ask about helmets, child-sized bikes, trailers and the easiest family routes. Start with a short ride to check that the saddle, brakes and gears are comfortable before committing to a longer route.
Stay on marked trails and be considerate of walkers. A packed snack, water bottle and basic repair kit are useful, especially if you are riding away from the village.
Swim, paddle or fish in a mountain lake
Lake Funäsdalsjön and other nearby waters offer relaxed options for warm summer days. Depending on local conditions and access, families can swim, rent a canoe or kayak, try stand-up paddleboarding or simply sit beside the water with a picnic.
Always check the depth, weather and local safety advice before entering the water. Children should wear suitable buoyancy equipment when paddling, and an adult should stay close to young swimmers. Fishing can also be a fun family activity if you obtain the necessary local permit and follow current regulations.
Visit the Musk Ox Centre in Tännäs
The Musk Ox Centre, or Myskoxcentrum, near Tännäs is one of the most memorable family attractions in the Funäsdalen area. Guided visits provide an opportunity to learn about musk oxen, their behaviour and their life in the Scandinavian mountain environment.
The animals are powerful and should always be viewed according to the centre’s safety instructions. Children usually enjoy the combination of a short walk, an unusual animal encounter and stories about life in the mountains. Check tour times in advance, since visits are often scheduled rather than available as a casual drop-in experience.
Discover the Härjedalen Fjällmuseum
The Härjedalen Fjällmuseum in Funäsdalen is a good choice for a rainy day or a quieter afternoon. The museum presents local mountain culture, history and everyday life through exhibitions that help visitors understand the region beyond its outdoor scenery.
Children may be most interested in displays connected to old tools, clothing, travel and life in a demanding climate. Keep the visit engaging by asking them to look for objects they would recognise or imagine how they might have been used. A museum visit can also provide helpful context before exploring the surrounding villages and trails.
Visit a local farm or try a family-friendly food experience
Several businesses in the wider Funäsfjällen area offer local food, farm visits or seasonal activities. Availability changes throughout the year, so ask the tourist office or your accommodation about current options. Children often enjoy seeing where food comes from, meeting farm animals or tasting regional products.
Look for cafés serving waffles, baked goods and hot chocolate after a day outside. Eating somewhere relaxed and informal is usually easier with younger children than planning a long restaurant meal after an active excursion.
Family attractions and easy outings near Funäsdalen
Spend time in Ramundberget
Ramundberget is another useful base for family adventures. In winter, it offers skiing and other snow activities. In summer, the surrounding area provides access to hiking and cycling routes. Visit for a change of scenery, or plan a full day if your children enjoy being active outdoors.
Before setting off, check which lifts, cafés and activity centres are open. Seasonal opening hours can be different from those in the main summer and winter holidays.
Drive across the Flatruet mountain road
The road across Flatruet is one of the area’s most scenic drives and can be an enjoyable family excursion when conditions allow. The open mountain landscape feels very different from the forests and valleys around Funäsdalen. Stop only in safe, permitted places and keep children close, since the environment is exposed and weather can change quickly.
Pack a picnic, warm clothes and something to occupy children during the drive. The route is best treated as a flexible day trip rather than a race to reach a particular destination. Check road conditions before leaving, particularly outside the summer season.
Take a short waterfall or nature walk
Waterfalls and streams make excellent goals for a family walk because children can see and hear the destination before they arrive. Local visitor centres and tourist information offices can recommend current routes, as trails may be affected by snow, rain or maintenance.
Wear sturdy shoes and be careful around wet rocks. Do not let children climb close to the edge of a waterfall or enter fast-flowing water. A short walk with a safe picnic spot is usually more enjoyable than trying to cover too much ground.
Practical tips for a family holiday in Funäsdalen
- Plan around the season: Summer and winter have the widest selection of activities, while spring and autumn can be quieter but have limited opening hours.
- Book popular activities early: Ski lessons, guided wildlife visits, bike hire and some family attractions may sell out during school holidays.
- Dress in layers: Waterproof outerwear, warm mid-layers, hats and spare socks are useful in every season.
- Pack food and drinks: Mountain outings can take longer than expected, and children become tired quickly when they are cold or hungry.
- Check conditions: Look at weather forecasts, trail updates, lift status and road information before leaving your accommodation.
- Keep plans flexible: Choose one main activity each day and leave time for rest, play and unexpected discoveries.
- Use local advice: Tourist offices, ski schools, rental shops and accommodation hosts know which routes are currently best for families.
- Respect nature: Take rubbish home, keep dogs under control, leave wildlife alone and follow signs on trails and in protected areas.
How to plan a balanced family itinerary
A good Funäsdalen family holiday does not need to be packed with activities. Start with one outdoor highlight, such as skiing, hiking or a wildlife visit, then add a simple afternoon plan. This could be a museum visit, a café stop, sledding near your accommodation or time beside a lake.
For a winter trip, combine a few days of downhill or cross-country skiing with a snowshoe walk and an indoor museum visit. In summer, mix one longer hike with easier activities such as swimming, cycling or a farm visit. Keeping the schedule varied helps children stay interested and gives everyone a chance to recover.
The best things to do in Funäsdalen with kids are often the activities that leave room for curiosity. Follow animal tracks, stop to examine wildflowers, let children choose a picnic spot or spend an extra hour by the water. Funäsdalen offers plenty of organised family attractions, but its open landscapes and unhurried pace are just as important to the experience.