Foto: Anne Adsten

Ragundadalen – Naturally unique geology

Text: Elisabeth Richardsson

Ragundadalen (The Ragunda Valley) is a place of contrasts — where dramatic nature meets unexpected experiences and fascinating history.

Summer in the Ragunda valley

Geopark Indalsälven takes center stage here, an area where the landscape tells the story of nature’s forces and changes through the ages. In the middle of this landscape, you will find Döda Fallet (The Dead Waterfall) — one of Sweden’s most peculiar phenomena shaped by one man, during one single night. What was once a thundering waterfall stands completely dry today, following a dramatic event in the 1700s. Left behind is a powerful and almost surreal landscape that invites both exploration and reflection.

Ragundadalen also offers unexpected contrasts. Nestled in the Jämtland nature lies the beautiful Thai Pavilion with a compelling history, and for those wanting to delve into the area’s industrial heritage, a visit to Krångede Hydropower Museum is a must. If you dare to stay overnight at the haunted Vicarage in Borgvattnet, you can earn a diploma.

There are plenty of opportunities to experience nature here. Hike through forests and along the Indalsälven river, paddle in calm waters, or try your luck at fishing. Ragundadalen is a different kind of destination that surprises — peaceful yet dramatic, wild yet accessible, rural yet worldly.

Döda Fallet, Ragundadalen | Foto: Roger Strandberg
Döda Fallet, Ragundadalen | Foto: Roger Strandberg
Spökprästgården | the vicarage of Borgvattnet
The haunted vicarage of Borgvattnet, Adventure Sweden | Photo: Carina Landin

See and do in Ragundadalen (The Ragunda Valley):

  • Geopark Indalsälven– a landscape shaped by the forces of nature.
  • Döda Fallet– a unique and historical excursion destination.
  • Hiking and guided nature experiencesin varied terrain.
  • Paddling and fishingin, among others, Indalsälven and Ammerån.
  • The Thai Pavilion– an unexpected and peaceful oasis.
  • Krångede Hydropower Museum– industrial history and hydropower.
  • Borgvattnet’s haunted Vicarage.
  • The best climbing in all of Jämtland Härjedalen at the Stugun mountain.

Day trips around Ragundadalen:

Östersund – The region’s center featuring Jamtli (three museums in one), military history at Teknikland, the Sommarhagen artist’s home, observation towers, Frösö Church, and Sweden’s northernmost runestone. You’ll also find the Storsjöbadet water park, major events, and a vast range of shops. The city has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2010, boasting fantastic food artisans, cafés, and restaurants.

Bräcke – Home to award-winning ice cream from Glassbaren i BräckeRevsunds Brewery with its restaurant, the steamboat Alma af StafreBrattbytorpet, delicious cheeses from local producers like Osterian, as well as hiking trails and caves.

The High Coast (Höga Kusten) – Take a day trip to the coast to experience the UNESCO World Heritage site with its dramatic granite cliffs and the sea.

Klättring i Stugun | Foto: Anette Andersson
The most popular area for climbing in all Jämtland Härjedalen is the Stugun mountain. There are nine different routes to follow. Photo: Anette Andersson

How to get to the Ragunda Valley area:

Car:Ragundadalen is easily accessible by car via Route 87 or Route 86. It is approximately 1 hour from Östersund and 1.5 hours from Sundsvall.

Train:Take the train to Östersund or Bräcke, and then continue by bus or rental car.

Bus:Daily bus connections are available from Östersund and Sundsvall.

Flight:Fly to Åre Östersund Airport or Sundsvall-Timrå Airport, then continue by rental car.

Skip to content