Photo: Joachim Lagercrantz

Ljungdalsfjällen – The gateway to the Helags massif

Text: Elisabeth Richardsson

Helags is the highest peak in Jämtland Härjedalen, featuring Sweden’s southernmost glacier and a comfortable mountain station.

Summer in the Ljungdalsfjällen mountains

The high mountain area of Ljungdalsfjällen, including the villages of Storsjö and Ljungdalen, is the starting point for grand adventures. Here, Helags awaits—the highest peak in Jämtland Härjedalen, featuring Sweden’s southernmost glacier. From Helags, you can hike further into the Sylarna massif, through expanses that offer both tranquility and powerful nature experiences.

This is where you meet the mountains for real. Hike towards Helags with Sweden’s southernmost glacier in focus, visit waterfalls, fish in crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoy the feeling of untouched nature. The area boasts over 60 lakes and flowing waters, with Sölvbacka Strömmar being one of the highlights for fishing.

One of the most iconic experiences is Flatruet—Sweden’s highest public road at 975 meters above sea level. Here, a mountain landscape opens up above the tree line where reindeer roam free and views stretch in all directions. Park the car and set out on foot in any direction. With easily accessible terrain and miles of visibility, it’s easy to create your own mountain tour with 360-degree panoramic views of the peaks.

Reindeer are semi-domesticated animals. Do not approach them; instead, stop and choose a different path to avoid disturbing them while they graze.

Ljungdalsfjällen offers a mountain summer that feels both wild and accessible—where silence, open spaces, and the rhythm of nature set the pace.

Ren på Flatruetvägen, Ljungdalsfjällen | Foto: Britt Ellénius
Reindeer encounter on the highest situated road of Sweden, Flatruet, in Ljungdalsfjällen. Photo: Britt Ellenius
Arctic fox | Photo: Erika Willners
Join an Arctic Fox Safari and learn more about these shy creatures. Photo: Erika Willners

See and do in Ljungdalsfjällen:

  • Learn more about the history, flora, and fauna of Ljungdalsfjällen at the nature and cultural history exhibition at the local tourist information center.
  • Craft workshops at Ljungdalens Hemslöjd (local handicraft shop).
  • Traditional Swedish “fika” at the local heritage center (hembygdsgården) in Ljungdalen.
  • Hiking in a high mountain environment, with Helags as an iconic destination.
  • Guided arctic fox tours offered by STF Helags, conducted at a respectful distance from their dens.
  • Flatruet– Sweden’s highest public road with magnificent views.
  • Fishing in over 60 lakes and flowing waters.
  • The chance to see reindeer in their natural habitat (please observe from a distance).

Day trips around ljungdalsfjällen:

Funäsfjällen – this mountain destination is located on the other side of the Flatruet plateau (from Ljungdalen). It features the Härjedalen Mountain Museum, the Musk Ox Centre, and the Sami cultural park Lopme Laante. In Funäsfjällen, you can hike along selected “Gold Tours” (Guldturer) and cycle on well-maintained trails.

Helags – vandring vid fäbodar | Foto: Erika Willners
Hiking past an old settlement towards the Helags Massif. Photo: Erika Willners

How to get to Ljungdalsfjällen:

Car: Ljungdalsfjällen is easiest to reach by car, with roads leading straight into the heart of the mountains.

Bus: Bus connections to Ljungdalen and Funäsdalen are available from, for example, Åsarna or Östersund.

Flight: Fly to Åre Östersund Airport or Sveg Airport, then continue by rental car or bus.

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