Welcome to the North of Dalarna

VisitIdre.se

Welcome to the

north of Dalarna

Culture & Tradition, Active summer, ski resorts, active winter, Towns & food, accommodation

visitidre.se

Visit North Dalarna and enjoy outdoors activities, cultural attractions and magnificent natural surroundings.

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Grövelsjön – walking and fishing among the

mountain expanses. The road does not end here, it starts here. Take the walking trail into the mountains or the car route south. Many choose the pleasant boat trip over Grövelsjön lake on the Swedish navy’s smallest passenger ship, MS Sylöra, which takes the rambler deep into the mountains surrounding Grövelsjön. East of Grövelsjön is dalarna’s highest mountain, Storvätteshågna, 1,204 above sea level. It is home to dalarna’s oldest national park Töfsingdalen.

Grövelsjön also boasts Sweden’s southernmost Sami village, offering the chance to experience the Sami culture and the reindeer from close quarters. Hiking boots and fishing gear is the order of the day for many visitors on their way out to the mountain expanses to experience the silence, breathe in the mountain air and quench their thirst with the crystal clear water of a babbling brook.

Idre

– is the winter sports venue that opened for two seasons, summer and winter, from the outset. Home to Sweden’s most stunning golf course and right next door, Sweden’s most easily accessible mountains, Städjan and Nipfjället. This is the location of the gravity road, Trollvägen, where cars run upwards along one of Sweden’s highest roads; a road that leads to a summer car park 1,000 metres up in the middle of the mountains. Idre is an activity centre for the whole family with Idre Fjäll’s extensive summer programme and others offering adventures like shooting the rapids, canoeing, beaver safaris, horse riding, cycling along trails, roads and downhill in collaboration with Biking dalarna. Many come to Idre for the fishing – grayling in the flowing Storån River or other fish in the many lakes surrounding Idre.

Buses and trains to Dalarna operate from several larger towns and cities. From Mora you can use public transportation to get around in north Dalarna.

Göteborg

Skjutfält Malmö

distances Älvdalen-Särna 82 km Särna-Idre 33 km Idre-Grövelsjön 40 km

Särna

– where the mountains converge Stop off in Särna in the heart of Älvdalen municipality with the wilds just around the corner.

It boasts one of Sweden’s most beautiful campsites and its highest waterfall, Njupeskär, in Fulufjället national park. Two reasons to visit Särna, but there are plenty more. The beautiful old church alongside the folklore centre, or the great forest facing towards Vedungsfjället.

Mountains, great forests, rivers and lakes rich in fish, waterfalls, wilds, and Särna is located in the heart of it all. Fulufjället national park is one of the country’s youngest national parks, offering endless exciting and, in many cases, easily accessible experiences. Njupeskär’s waterfall, fly fishing in Rörsjöarna lakes and traces of the legendary storm that fell over Fulufjället sixteen years ago, causing a natural disaster at the River Göljån. Or the world’s oldest tree, Old Tjikko, a 9,500-year-old spruce.

Älvdalen – the land of forests and rivers. For many,

Älvdalen is the gateway to a fascinating journey through the largest municipality in the dalarna province. The sheer magnitude and deafening silence of the wilds awaits you, along with a potpourri of cultural delights. The longest stretch of the vasaloppet race meanders through Älvdalen and in the summer is a perfect walking and cycling trail through the nature reserve that runs along the ski track. Here is beautiful natural surroundings of wild forestland interspersed with numerous watercourses. The forests are home to a number of shielings that welcome visitors in a traditional rural fashion, but Älvdalen also has folklore centres and a wealth of handicraft traditions. Stone is worth its weight in gold in Älvdalen, whether it be the beautiful porphyry that is a part of Älvdalen’s history, or the red Älvdal quartzite. The Österdal River runs through Älvdalen, along with several larger and smaller rivers and streams, making the area a fisher’s paradise of flowing water, calm lakes and meres. visitidre.se

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Active summer - Lake, forest, mountain

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Summer in north Dalarna is all about the smell of grass and trees, rolling fields and flowers in bloom. A cooling swim after a bike ride, the sensation of hooking a fish, or exploring the forests and the countryside. Kick back and relax, or go on an adventure, it´s up to you!

Wildlife up close

North Dalarna is rich in wildlife. Bears, wolves, elk, wolverine, lynx and eagle owls can all be found in the country.

You might get lucky and see them on your own or you can book a wildlife safari with an experienced guide.

A timid animal, the beaver can grow to up to 75 cm long, tail excluded. We offer beaver safaris, by canoe.

North Dalarna on foot

Walking in the mountaions? Town-based and historic landscapes?

Hiking in easy-to-access forest trails and wide-open fells? We have them all. Several of the best areas for walking are easy to get to by car and are well-signposted with waymarks and signs displaying distances and directions. There are plenty of rest huts and shelters for stop offs, resting, or cooking a meal. If you do not want to go on your own there is several guided tours in the area.

Grövelsjön Many trail starts from the Grövelsjön mountain station and it can be reached by road.

Choose from a number of trails that vary in length and difficulty. This place is good if you are travelling with kids, with accomodation to suit your needs.

Fishing

Fishing in northern Dalarna is easy and easily accessible. There are plenty of rivers and lakes overflowing with fish to suit the family as well as the fishing pro. Pike and perch can be found in nearly all waters and up in the north you´ll find natural populations of artic char, trout and grayling in the slow-flowing rivers and lakes. Children and young people fish for free in the company of an adult with a fishing permit.

Remember: Fishing in northern Dalarna is managed by different fishing conservation associations and you need to buy a fishing permit. There are also different rules on where, when and how you are allowed to fish in the different waters. Read more about fishing spots at visitidre.se/en

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There are many good bikerides and roads in northern Dalarna. Contact the Tourist office or visit our website visitidre.se/en for more information.

More adventures Discover north Dalarna by bike

Dalarna has fantastic cycling for everyone. Quiet country roads for road bikes, leisure cycling and touring, as well fabulous cross-country tracks and tough downhill´s for mountain bikes. There are also many places where you can hire bikes. Come and discover us on two wheels.

Vasaloppet by bike!

The famous Vasaloppet Ski Race has a two-wheeled equivalent. Starting in Sälen in the Dalafjällen mountains with the finish line in Mora. Large parts of the Vasaloppet goes through villages around Älvdalen. The race is 90 km-long and takes place in August every year but the route is open throughout the season. Do try out the entire trail or parts of it.

Idre

Most of the cycling in Idre Fjäll is designed so that the whole family can enjoy exploring the great outdoors. There are cycle paths that take you out into mountain terrain, cross-contry, downhill and on-road.

OLD TJIKKO - On Fulufjället there is a clone of a fir tree that has been growing on the same spot for 9550 years! By using the so-called coal 14-method it has been determined that it is the same genetical individual that has lived on this very spot.

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Naturum* Fulufjället

The Fulufjället national park is an exciting place with unique flora and Sweden´s highest waterfall Njupeskär. The expert staff at Naturum Fulufjället will be happy to give you ideas for walks and there are exhibitions, activities, talks and guided tours. Also look out for the nature films, small bugs to see, elk antlers to touch, guess the animal droppings and much more. *A Naturum is a nature centre, the starting point for a visit to a nature reserve or national park where you get to find out more about the animals, plants and geology of the area before going out to discover it yourself.

A place that have it all

Idre Fjäll offer all types of outdoors activities, whether you´re a family seeking adventure, or you just want to enjoy a peaceful day in the great outdoors.

At Idre Fjäll the accommodation is at the foot of the mountain, within walking distance of practically everything the resort has to offer. In the summer you can take the chairlift to the summit and cycle downhill, or try out some of the beautiful cross-country trails. You can walk the mountain paths, or go riding like a cowboy. Among other things there´s also an outdoor pool with waterslides, an 18-hole golf course and a mountain farm with animals.

Explore the nature on horseback We offer adventure on horseback in summer and winter.

Riding is a perfect way to get out and about in the countryside. Whether you´re an experienced rider or a complete beginner, there´s something for everyone, adults and children. Discover the natural landscape on a guided ride through forest or fields, or enjoy a glorious trek over the open, snowcovered fells.

Beaversafaris, canoe trips or rent your own canoe/boat.

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Njupeskär in the Fulufjällets national park in northern Dalarna is Sweden´s highest waterfall (97 metres).

The walk to Njupeskär is very easy, even with children.

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National parks

Fulufjället National park This sandstone plateau boasts great hiking trails, Sweden’s highest waterfall and the world’s oldest spruce tree – a full 9550 years old! It also has lakes and streams with arctic char and trout, birdlife and rich fauna including lichens, orchids and the rare gyrfalcon, which nests here!

Töfsingdalen National park Visit one of Sweden’s most inaccessible national parks with true wilderness, endless boulder fields and forests. The barren and desolate Töfsingdalen is located in a secluded area between two low mountains.

Many of the area’s trees are up to 500 years old, and the forests are silver grey from the many dead trees lying on the ground and standing on the hillsides.

Most running water in the mountains are drinkable.

Waterfall

Fulufallen waterfall Between Mörkret and Gördalen, there is a little-known gem. Fulufallen is a wide waterfall with several rapids in Fulubågan stream. A path leads through the pine forest down to the low part of the waterfall where there is a shelter. Traces from the time of log-driving can be seen in the area.

Silverfallet waterfall Near Grövelsjön and the Norwegian border, there is an old meadow, lush vegetation by River Olån and a small glittering waterfall. An easy hike of about 3.5 km into the woods will take you to this beautiful place and the opportunity to enjoy a dip at the foot of the waterfall.

Stops waterfall Just north of Älvdalen, there is an oasis of serenity. Follow the trail downhill, across the bridge and into the ravine. The walk is a little difficult but worthwhile as you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery and the chance of a refreshing dip.

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Culture & tradition

Discover Sami culture

Idre in northern Dalarna is home to Sweden´s southernmost Sami village. The reindeer graze freely here on the mountain slopes and in the forests. To experience Sami culture close up, the place to be is Idre. Here you can join the reindeer herders at work, learn to throw a lasso, drive a sledge pulled by reindeer and listen to stories around the fire in the goahti, the traditional hut or tent of the nomadic Sami people. In Idre you can also buy Sami handicrafts made from reindeer hide and horn, and different types of reindeer meat.

Go local!

There are some places where you can buy local food from the producers themselves.

Some farms have little farm shops selling meat, sausages, bread, etc. Local delicacies like Stomp, kolbotten, jönnbröd and reindeermeat.

Midsummer

Midsummer is an ancient Swedish tradition that all Swedes celebrate at the summer equinox at the end of June. Midsummer in Sweden is the mother of all celebrations.

Help decorate the maypole with flowers, make wreaths and join in the dancing.

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Pasture farms - living history

A fäbod is a traditional summer pasture farm, where the animals were taken for summer grazing. In days gone by there were many of these farms in north Dalarna and some of them are still used to this day, with grazing animals and hayfields. A visit to a fäbod is a chance to get back to nature and meet the owners of these unique places, as some welcome visitors and run cafés during the summer.

Visit the nearest Tourist Office or the website visitidre.se/en for more information.

Accommodation From cottage to hotel - Spend the night under the stars, or in a comfortable hotel. Here you get the best of both worlds.

Rent a cottage - traditional and welcoming

There are lots of lovely cottages to rent, from the simple �back to nature� options in a glorious setting, to luxurious wooden cottages with a sauna and jacuzzi. Stay independently or in a holiday village, beside a lake, in the forest or in the mountains.

Stay in a hotel - comfortable and easy

If the comfort of a hotel is more you, we have a wide range to choose from. Stay in the heart of the town, or in a little village in the country, we´ve got everything from simple, family-run hotels to big, high-class establishment with a range of activities. Treat yourself to a relaxing stay where the only thing you need to think about is enjoying your holiday.

Stay at a campsite - under your own roof

Visit north Dalarna with a caravan or camper and choose from all our comfortable campsites, some open year-round. There are smaller, simple campsites, as well as large facilities with a range of associated activities. Tents are welcome too. Sleep at one and become one with nature in one of the most beautiful provinces in Sweden.

Other accommodation:

We also have B&B, hostels and wildlife camping sites.

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Active winter

Northern Dalarna is covered in winter snow and ice for several months of the year.

And we make the most of everything winter has to offer: the frozen lakes, cross-country trails, downhill skiing and walks in the snowcovered forests.

Ski resorts Idre Fjäll

Fjätervålen

Idre Fjäll offers skiing in all four directions, which means you can always find the sheltered side, or the sunny side of the mountain. Gaze out over the Norwegian mountains on the horizon and ski from your cottage straight to the nearest lift. The huge variety of this ski area means it´s got everything from Dalarna´s steepest slope, Chocken, to gentler options for beginners, making it an ideal choice for a family skiing holiday. The slopes often starts and stop at the same place so there´s no risk of losing each other.

Expect well-prepared ski slopes for beginners and advanced skiers, but don´t expect lift queues or crowded slopes, there is plenty of room for everyone at Fjätervålen.

All the slopes end at the same point, making it easier to meet up again. The children´s area is ideal for small children learning to ski and also has a play area and barbecue spot.

No. of lifts: 27 No. of pistes: 40 Cross-country trails (prepared) 62 km Lit trails: 30 km Ski school: Yes Ski hire: Yes Restaurants/Cafés 8/3 www.idrefjall.se Ski from your doorstep Whatever accommodation you choose at Idre Fjäll, it´s never more than 250 m away from the slopes, and all the accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, which means you don´t have to take your skis off until you reach your front door.

Mountain ski tours Idre Fjäll is a beautiful setting for ski tours, such as the route across Städjan to Nipfjället.

There are also excellent crosscountry trails through varying terrain.

Idre Himmelfjäll When the skiresort is fully developed, they will offer more than 45 slopes where the highest drop is 319 metres. www.idrehimmelfjall.se

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No. of lifts: 4 No. of pistes: 18 Cross-country trails (prepared) 15 km Lit trails: No Ski school: Yes Ski hire: Yes Restaurants/Cafés 1 www.fjatervalen.se

Grövelsjön Natural snow, wellprepared familyfriendly slopes for slalom and telemark. For crosscountry skiing and Nordic skiing Grövelsjön is a paradise. There are 100 km of skiing tracks for nordic skiing that takes you up to the top of the mountains and around the area.

No. of lifts: 6 No. of pistes: 11 Cross-country trails (prepared) 100 km Lit trails: No Ski school: Yes Ski hire: Yes Restaurants/Cafés 5 www.grovelsjon.com

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Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is a popular activity in northern Dalarna, which has over 500 km of well-prepared trails to choose from, some close to urban areas while others wind their way through deep forests and panoramic mountains.

The trails usually start from a ski centre with a choice of a short or long route. Most are from 2.5 km to 15 km, and some are lit to allow skiing in the evening. There are also ski schools; ask the tourist information for more details.

Snowshoes get you out and about

Snow-shoeing is becoming increasingly popular in Sweden. Snowshoes have been around for millennia, but it´s only recently that snow-shoeing has become an outdoor activity. In Särna you can go on a guided snowshoe walk for adults and children.

Together you study animal tracks, make an open fire and cook sausages.

You can also rent snowshoes and look about in the nature on your own.

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Älvdalen In Älvdalen there are miles of prepared tracks suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. Älvdalen ‘ski stadion’ is situated in the village. The electrically lit trail is 5,6 km of which 3,5 km is artificially produced to guarantee skiing all winter.

Other trails up to 18 km also start at the ’ski stadion’. In the surrounding area there are many more cross-country ski paths.

Vasaloppet Vasaloppet is the world’s biggest ski competition. It is 90 km scenic experience and also a big challenge, perhaps one of the biggest you can take on. Parts of the trails goes through villages in our municipality, such as Mångdbodarna, Risberg and Evertsberg. These trails are open for public all year round.

Skiing in the winter mountains

Heading off on cross-contry skis to explore the nountains is one of the classic Scandinavien ways of enjoying the great outdoors.

We tend to do it in the spring when the weather is warmer but the snow is still on the ground.

For your own safety make sure you leave a description of your route with the nearest ski center before setting off.

Dog sledding

There´s something unique about being in a sled behind a pack of excited dogs who want nothing more than to run.

Swishing through the snow, it´s a perfect way of experiencing the stunning countryside and enjoying an exciting, high-speed activity at the same time.

Fishing on frozen lakes

Fishing in the winter? No problem.

Fishing through a hole in the ice is popular in north Dalarna.

What you need is a drill (to make the hole) and a short rod with a hook and line. To attract the fish, the hook is baited with fly larvae that you can buy from petrol stations, and elsewhere.

Explore far and wide by snowmobile Love snow, speed and adventure? Then a snowmobile is for you.

Driving a snowmobile is a great way of getting out and about and covering long distancec across snow and ice.

With the cold wind in your face, you whizz easily through the snow-covered lansscape. Joining an experienced guide on a snowmobile safari. Take a break and warm your hands with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate while gazing out at the deep forests, the wide expanses of a frozen lake and the bare mountain tops.

Remember:

Driving a snowmobile is regulated by law. You may drive on marked trails on ground with good snow cover. Maps showing the trails can be bought from tourist information centres.

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Grafisk Form: Fjällposten Reklam & Media AB. Text: Visit Idre. Foto: Nisse Schmidt, Anders Dahlin, Björn Johansson, Kjell Landén m.fl.

Avsändare: Visit Idre Framgårdsvägen 1 790 91 Idre

Welcome to North Dalarna!

For more information and booking of your holiday, visit us at: visitidre.se/en or contact us at: info@visitidre.se or via phone +46(0)771-99 88 00.

Tourist information centres in north Dalarna Idre Framgårdsvägen 1 SE-790 91 Idre +46(0)253-59 82 00

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Älvdalen Dalgatan 47 SE-796 31 Älvdalen +46(0)251-410 10