Cycling and mountains: an unbeatable combo

Funäsfjällens magnificent bike trails

”This is too good to be true” runs through my head time and time again and I peddle my way along one of the many trails in Funäsfjällen. I can’t believe that I haven’t been here more often as I cut my way along a trail called “3 Djupdalsvallen-Sätervägen”. The trail starts in Bruksvallarna and is nearly perfect as it winds its way through a wrangled mountain birch forest mottled in its autumn splendour. The lakes are perfectly still, like only a autumn day can deliver and reflects the warm sunshine off the low-lying autumn sun. The peak of characteristic Skarsfjället shapes the otherwise undulating horizon, which coincidently matches my pulse as I cycle, peaking on the ups and dropping with the downhills.

Waffle-ing about

I’ve heard that a waffle cabin is a quintessential requirement in Funäsfjällen and I spot Djupdalsvallen waffle cabin peeking through the trees ahead of me. The cabin also has a road leading to it so there are a few other cars parked with patrons tucking into waffles ahead of me. With weather like this I can’t blame them and take my place in the que. The menu is really quite simple; Crispy, warm waffles served with cream and cloudberry jam, served with hot coffee, served on a deck looking out over the mountains. But it’s the simplicity that makes the experience absolutely perfect. I make sure to eat two waffles, one for each leg. I convince myself that one can never be too cautious with energy intake in the mountains.

After the break, I mount up again and continue onwards through a magical landscape with names such as Hågnvallen, Viteggen and Mittåkläppen. In typical mountainous terrain, whatever goes up must come down and each time I reach a peak, I stop, not only to catch my breath but also to whip out my phone to snap a few pics and preserve the memories. The peak of Mittåkläppen signals the start of the 6.5km return, thankfully mostly downhill, back to Bruksvallarna where I started the day’s adventure.