EN PÄRLA TILL LILLASYSTER

Lunndörrsfjällen i västra Jämtland kan liknas vid “Jämtlandtriangelns” mindre kända syster. Det är ett område där du kan vandra den så kallade “Vålådalsfyrkanten”. En mindre besökt pärla som glänser minst lika mycket som sin storasyster, om inte ännu mer. Här har tiden saktat ner och naturen lagt sig till rätta för att du ska kunna njuta av den i fulla drag utan att känna någon stress och press.

STÄMNINGSFULL HÖSTVANDRING

Visst är det härligt att fjällvandra i sommartid i endast shorts och t-shirt och känna solen smeka vår hud men ibland kan upplevelsen bli så mycket starkare när vi gör något som vi normalt sett kanske inte skulle gjort vid första tanken. Som att ge oss ut på en höstvandring i Jämtlandsfjällen.

Under de tidiga höstmånaderna kryper nämligen ljungen fram och breder ut sig i skogen och på fjället likt en enorm heltäckande lila ryamatta som lyser upp vår väg. Efter att ha slängt upp våra ryggsäckar på ryggen och lämnat Vallbo bakom oss börjar vi vår vandring. Vi följer leden som ska ta oss genom skogen, upp på fjället och så småningom fram till Lunndörrstugan där det är tänkt att vi ska spendera natten.

FOREST COLOR EXPLOSION AND A GREEN SAMI VILLAGE

At the beginning of the walk, we are met by a dense spruce forest in flat and easy-going terrain. The fallen fir needles creates a soft mat under our hiking boots and the scent of autumn is everywhere. Eventually, the coniferous forest is transformed into a mixed forest with clear elements of birch and other deciduous trees. After about 2 km, the landscape opens up and the vast open space grows and become larger. This is also where the marshes dominate. Now we see an explosion of colors in the forest. It is a palette that changes to yellow, red and brown with strong elements of gold and copper.

When we arrive at Grönvallen, an old Sami settlement, we see testimony of how the Sami have lived in harmony with nature since ancient times. The houses here blend in well with nature and the connection between human creation and nature’s building materials is both cleverly inventive and beautiful. Of course it is nice to stay here for a coffee break but it is important to make sure that you leave the place in the same condition as you found it in.

ROLLING HILLS, REINDEER AND PYRAMIDS

After Grönvallen you have the opportunity to choose between two different hiking trails towards Lunndörren. The more eastern trail is a little longer than the west (both meet up about 3 km before Lunndörrstugan) and this option will lead you past the Pyramids. These are amazing cone shaped natural phenomena, created after the last ice age. An unusual feature in this area which makes them even more exciting. It is forbidden to climb them, so remember to view them only from a distance.

Regardless of which path you choose, you always find yourself on land that belongs to the Sami people. This means that you may encounter reindeer during your hike. These fantastic animals should, of course, be respected and viewed from a distance. And don’t forget to keep the dog on a lead.

SPENDING THE NIGHT AT LUNNDÖRREN MOUNTAIN CABIN

After a couple of hours walking up the mountain on pretty rocky paths and through a rolling landscape, we arrive at Lunndörrstugan (the Lunndörren mountain cabin). We have only met a handful of hikers along the way, so Lunndörrstugan becomes the natural meeting place for hikers who are exploring this area. It is a nice oasis with the most basic facilities you may need. Selfcatering is applied here, so no dinner or breakfast are being served but there is a small shop with various basic foods, snacks and drinks.

When it comes to overnight accommodation, the ”first come, first served” principle applies. No reservations can be made, but the cabin host will never deny anyone overnight accommodation, which can sometimes give slightly different overnight experiences. It is also possible to camp close to the hut, next to the small mountain lake. Check with the mountain cabin host where it’s most suitable to pitch your tent.

The hospitality is felt in every corner and we are experiencing a cozy evening with a sauna and cooking over the open fire. We hear the silence prevailing outside the window and not even the neighbour’s snoring on the other side of the wall can stop us from falling asleep.

THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

The morning hours are worth gold. And usually more than that when you are spending time in the mountains. The silence from yesterday can still be felt in the morning and the view of the lake outside the window with the mountain birch’s crackling foliage not only opens the cameras’ shutters, but certainly also some tear ducts. “I feel sorry for the humans,” famous Swedish author August Strindberg said, but right there and then we felt extremely lucky to walk straight out in this magical backdrop. A promising start for our walk back to Vallbo.

HERE’S THE SKINNY

ACTIVITY – Hiking (or running if you wish)

SEASON – Spring, summer, autumn

DIFFICULTY – Easy

LENGTH – 12-14 km (one way) depending on trail selection.

TIME – About 4 hours (one way)

HEIGHT GAIN – 580 – 800 m of elevation

START and FINISH – Vallbo in Undersåkers parish. It is ok to park the car there.

MAP(s) –

Mountain map Z7 Lantmäteriet 1: 100 000
Jämtland mountains Calazo 1: 100 000
Vålådalen & Lunndörren Calazo 1:50 000

REMEMBER – You’re hiking though Sami land and are expected to show respect for animals, nature and people you meet along the way. Don’t approach reindeers grazing and keep the dog on a lead. Don’t forget that it’s prohibited to climb the Pyramids – admire them from a distance

ACCOMMODATION – STF Lunndörren Mountain Cabin See opening hours here.

DOG FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION? – Yep. There is a dog room where our four-legged friends are welcome.

MORE HIKING IN THE AREA – Feel free to ask the cabin host for tips on day trips in the area around Lunndörrstugan. It is well worth spending more time in the area, exploring the surroundings.

DO NOT MISS: Make sure you don’t miss out on the sauna next to the mountain lake at Lunndörrstugen.