Winterswimming in Destination Östersund makes a perfect combo with a visit in a sauna. Photo: Lina Johansson

Text: Anne Adsten, Senior Tourism Developer at Jämtland Härjedalen Turism

Best Sauna Experiences of Adventure Sweden – Jämtland Härjedalen

It’s not just the Swedish-speaking Finnish music and comedy group KAJ who appreciate a good sauna session. Nothing beats relaxing in a warm, comfortable sauna—preferably with a scenic view—after a day spent in the Swedish mountains or exploring the forest and countryside. In fact, the people of Jämtland and Härjedalen are among the most avid sauna-goers in all of Sweden. And no wonder—we think we have some of the country’s finest sauna gems.

KAJ, originally from the Finnish town of Vörå, took part in Sweden’s 2025 Melodifestivalen (the National Music Contest) despite being from across the Gulf of Bothnia. With charm and humor, they claimed that “Sweden’s cause is ours too.” Which a lot of Swedes felt went in harmony with the fact that the Finnish people felt the same, when the two countries wanted to join NATO at the same time, and Finland stated how important it was for them to have the two countries being granted membership at the same time.

The group quickly became fan favorites, eventually winning the Swedish final. They went on to place an impressive fourth in the Eurovision Song Contest. Their praised song-and-dance number celebrated the joy of sauna bathing—and we couldn’t agree more: Vi vill bara bada bastu (we just want to take a sauna)!

KAJ and their contribution to the Swedish and European Song Contest: Bara bada bastu (Just take a Sauna)

Bastubild Fjällhornet Ljungdalsfjällen Eva Åslund — The inviting sauna at STF Fjällhornet resort in Destination Ljungdalsfjällen. Photo: Eva Åslund

Sweden’s Sauna Capital: Why Jämtland and Härjedalen Are the Country’s Top Sauna Regions

Did you know that 22% of Sweden’s population has access to a private sauna? And among them, the residents of Jämtland Härjedalen and neighboring Västernorrland are the most enthusiastic sauna-goers—25% of locals here enjoy a sauna at least once a month.

Welcome to the heart of Swedish sauna culture, where nature meets wellness. In this article, we guide you through some of the best sauna experiences in Jämtland Härjedalen—Adventure Sweden at its finest.

Bad i fjällbäck med bastu Uppvallens fäbod Lofsdalen

Lofsdalen: Saunas by a Mountain Stream and on a Floating Sauna Boat

Lofsdalen is a charming, family-friendly mountain destination in southern Härjedalen. Surrounded by stunning nature and calm serenity, Lofsdalen offers a wide range of activities year-round.

In summer, hiking and mountain biking take center stage—explore trails from beginner-friendly forest paths to winding downhill slopes. In winter, the area boasts well-developed alpine skiing with chairlifts and surface lifts, along with excellent cross-country skiing in both forest and highland terrain. Lofsdalen even features Sweden’s steepest groomed piste.

After a day in the mountains, most cabins and apartments come with their own sauna. But for something truly special, try the floating sauna boat or the fjäll-style sauna by the stream in the historic mountain pasture village of Uppvallen.

Mii Gullo Spa at Fjällnäs Est 1882 Funäsfjällen Sweden

Kallbad Eriksgården Winterswim Funäsfjällen

Bastu i lifthus Tännäskröket Funäsfjällen

Streamside Sauna at Uppvallens Fäbod

Step back in time at Uppvallens Fäbod, a traditional summer pasture settlement. This secluded spot offers a newly built fjäll-designed sauna next to a cold mountain stream. Available for private rentals or during special themed evenings, this sauna is open most of the year—even in winter when the stream remains unfrozen.

Cruise Lofssjön Lake on a Sauna Boat

Rent a sauna boat for a unique experience on Lofssjön lake. A skipper takes you out on the water with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Between sauna sessions onboard, you can take a refreshing dip directly from the boat. Dinner or fika can be served onboard or during a scenic lakeside stop.

STF Storulvåns fjällstation Anette Andersson

Hängmatta STF Storulvån fjällstation Viktor Sturk

Funäsfjällen: High-Altitude Saunas with Breathtaking Mountain Views

Funäsfjällen is an idyllic year-round mountain paradise with extensive trails for hiking, cycling, and skiing. Here, tradition meets luxury with cozy cabins, historic hotels, and gourmet local dining.

After a day of outdoor adventures, unwind in a mountain sauna. Whether you prefer a classic wood-fired sauna with snowy peak views, a modern spa, or a secluded cabin sauna on a mountaintop, Funäsfjällen delivers peace, recovery, and a deep connection to nature.

Bastufönstret i STF Blåhammaren. Foto: David Erixon

Eriksgårdens Fjällhotell: Full-Spectrum Sauna and Wellness

This mountain hotel offers something for every wellness lover—choose from a traditional sauna, steam room, or infrared sauna. Brave the cold plunge pool or relax in a warm outdoor bath under the stars. An indoor pool and Jacuzzi complete the all-season spa experience.