Unique heritage farms with “barfred” (a traditional porch specific to the area) welcome visitors to a region of authentic culture, relaxing nature, and hidden gems.
Summer in Östra Härjedalen
Sveg is the heart of eastern Härjedalen and a natural hub, especially for the iconic Inlandsbanan train that rolls through the landscape. Step off here to enjoy an atmosphere that blends the modern with the nostalgic. Café Cineast is an absolute must for film lovers; step into a world of movie memorabilia and unique decor while enjoying delicious pastries. Challenge each other at the local adventure pool or lace up your hiking boots. Around Sveg, miles of beautiful trails lead through deep forests and up to heights with panoramic views. You can also explore the childhood settings of author Henning Mankell in central Sveg. Take notice of the beautiful porches at especially the heritage museums of the area. These special porches are called barfred and are only found in Härjedalen. See for example Svegs hembygdsgård (Sveg heritage museum) and Remsgården in Remmet, some 15 km from Sveg.
Lillhärdal, southwest of Sveg, is known for the dramatic events of the 17th-century witch trials. Visit the sites and hear the stories of the women who paid with their lives at the stake. In the heart of the deep forest, you might encounter the unexpected and beautiful statue of film legend Greta Garbo—a surreal and poetic sight in the wild nature.
Follow the road E45 (The Inland road/Inlandsvägen) north toward the Hogdalsbygden district and immerse yourself in the unique Överhogdal tapestries at Forngården. Visit the Ängersjö Forest Museum for an insight into how forest life has shaped the region, then end the day fishing in one of the many waterways. Here, nature seems untouched, and chances are you’ll have the whole experience to yourself.
See and do in Östra Härjedalen:
- Relaxing fishing.
- An insight into the world of film at Café Cineast.
- Fascinating local heritage museums with beautiful barfred(unique wooden porches).
- The history of the Viking Age Överhogdal tapestries.
- The history of forestry, past and present.
- Hiking in the woods and fields – you might even find the Greta Garbo statue.
Destinations near East Härjedalen:
Vemdalen is a cozy mountain village less than an hour away, featuring beautiful waterfalls, hiking, cycling, fishing, two golf courses, and excellent restaurants. Vemdalen still boasts an authentic village atmosphere with an old church, restaurants, shops, and two ski museums (Åsarna and Vemdalen) displaying historic ski equipment.
Lofsdalen – if you want to try cycling and hiking in a nearby destination as well. Excellent downhill trails for the whole family, mountain bike trails on the mountain, and hiking trails. Restaurants and cozy cabins.
Funäsfjällen – Here you will find the Härjedalen Mountain Museum, the Musk Ox Centre, and the Sami experience park Lopme Laante. In Funäsfjällen, you can hike along selected “Gold Tours” (Guldturer) and cycle on well-maintained trails.
Ljungdalsfjällen – featuring fishing in Sölvbacka strömmar, the fascinating Krankmårtenhögen with 2,000-year-old graves, the nature and culture exhibition at the Ljungdalsfjällen tourist information, and hiking to Helags – Sweden’s highest mountain peak south of the Arctic Circle, featuring Sweden’s southernmost glacier.
How to get to east Härjedalen:
Car: Sveg is the largest urban area in east Härjedalen. Sveg is easily reached by car, approx. 180 km from Östersund, approx. 450 km from Stockholm, 650 km from Gothenburg and 825 km from Malmö.
Train: The Inland Railway (Inlandsbanan) stops in Sveg (summer service), otherwise train to Ljusdal or Östersund, then bus.
Bus: Bus from Östersund, Ljusdal or Mora.
Flight: Flight to Sveg Airport or Åre Östersund Airport, then transfer or rental car.