Nothing tastes like water directly from the creek in the Swedish Mountains. Photo: Destination Lofsdalen
Family time in the swedish mountains
Trade screen time for real-world wonders on this ultimate 7-day family road trip through Adventure Sweden’s mountain playground. Imagine standing face-to-face with prehistoric muskoxen, cruising down beginner-friendly bike trails, and rewarding a fairytale waterfall hike with crispy mountain waffles with cloudberry jam. With short drives between destinations and endless room to roam, this stress-free itinerary through Lofsdalen, Funäsfjällen, and Vemdalen of the Swedish Mountains, is designed to add to your family memory bank.
Lofsdalen Highlights: Mountain trails for hiking and biking, downhill biking, sauna boat, summer farm with sauna and mountain stream, mountain bakery, Brown Bear hideout, guided tours tracking wild animals, reindeer pasture, paddling and restaurants.
Funäsfjällen Highlights: The Myskoxcenter (Muskoxen sanctuary with guided tours), trailbiking, hiking, waffles, Fjällmuseet Härjedalen (Mountain Museum), he waterfall Andersjöåfallet. reindeer pasture, via Ferrata, paddling, Lopme Laante sami exhibit, golf in the midnight sun, spa, shopping, cafés and restaurants in nine different villages of the destination. You can also do a daytrip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Røros on the Norwegian side of the border.
Vemdalen highlights: Mountain trails for hiking, beautiful waterfalls like Fettjeåfallet and Fallmoranfallet, the National Park Sonfjället, Nature and Culture exhibit in Hede, open air museums, golf courses with mountain views, ski museum, handicraft, spa experiences, cafés and restaurants.
The start of the adventure
Going by Car from the South
Either come via the ferries from Denmark to Sweden or ferries to Norway. From Jutland Denmark to Norway you go north via road E6/Rv 3 and turn east to Sweden via Särna and on to Lofsdalen (6-7 hours drive from the ferry quay in Oslo, Norway). If you decide to go via the bridge between Denmark and Sweden you follow the road E6 from Malmö and further via road E45 to Malung and then via Sälen to Lofsdalen (11-12 hours drive from Copenhagen, Denmark).
Family Fun on the Road
On your way through Norway you can visit Tusenfryd, Norway’s largest amusement park, located just south of Oslo, featuring thrilling roller coasters like Storm, family-friendly attractions, and a seasonal water park. In Lillehammer there is the Hunderfossen Eventyrpark, beautifully themed around traditional Norwegian fairy tales and folklore. It features over 60 attractions for all ages, including a gigantic landmark troll. The nearby open air museum Maihaugen stands as one of the country’s largest open-air museums, offering an immersive look into historical Norwegian life.
Going north from Malmö: Do not miss out on Liseberg – one of Sweden´s greatest amusement parks with rides and the nearby science discovery center Universeum.
Lofsdalen
Bikes, Bears & Berries
Lofsdalen is a cozy mountain village wrapped in forests and with a certain characteristic peak – The Hovärken mountain. Lofsdalen is the ultimate playground for families enjoying the outdoors with plenty of trails and places to make your own fire for an outdoor lunch. Whether your kids are looking for high-speed thrills in the bike park or peaceful moments picking berries, a few days here will make you want to come back for more.
Speed & Smiles on Two Wheels
For an adrenaline rush, take the chairlift up to Lofsdalen Bike Park. Here, you will find thrilling, beginner-friendly downhill trails where gravity does the work, and the smiles are guaranteed. For a more scenic ride you can head out on the gentle cross-country trails that wind across the beautiful mountain plateau, offering stunning views and plenty of space to cruise together.
Family Friendly Mountain Hikes
Lofsdalen’s well-marked hiking trails are tailor-made for little legs. Start with the Panoramic trail to the picnic area Hjärtat (the heart), perfect for enjoying delicacies from the area or use the bbq area for a hot lunch. Another favorite for families is the trail to Digervålen. It is a short, rewarding hike that quickly takes you to a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view over the wilderness.
Scouting for the Mountain Gold
Visitors in late July and early August can enjoy the mountain gold, cloudberries (hjortron in Swedish), found on marshes in the mountains. The berries are orange and full of vitamins. It is like a treasure hunt to get enough “nuggets” to be able to cook some precious cloudberry jam. Just a few will be enough for a topping on some vanilla ice cream.
A Magical Night at Lofsdalen Bears Den
The ultimate wildlife adventure might just be to spend an unforgettable night inside the Lofsdalen Bears Den—a safe, cozy, and specially designed timber cabin hidden deep in the wilderness. Peer through the large viewing windows as twilight falls; this is your chance to spot wild brown bears, foxes, and birds in their natural habitat. It is a thrilling, real-life event that your kids will talk about forever.
Splash and Swedish Fika by the Lake
After active days on the mountain, wind down by the beautiful Lake Lofssjön, located right at the heart of the village. On warm summer days, the shoreline invites you to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water. No Swedish holiday is complete without a proper Swedish fika—so pack a basket with local pastries (check out the village bakery or the general store), grab the drink of your choice, and enjoy a relaxing family picnic by the water. You might even want to go for a ride with the sauna boat or take a sauna by the lit up creek by the Uppvallen summer farm if your kids are a bit older.
Funäsfjällen
Wild Heights and Animals
Welcome to Funäsfjällen, a grand mountain world where peaks rise high above the clouds and history comes alive. Known for its vast landscapes and rich culture, this is the destination where your family can conquer summits, meet majestic wildlife, and dive into thrilling outdoor challenges.
Meet Prehistoric Power at the Muskox Center
Step back in time and come face-to-face with one of the world’s oldest and rarest mammals. At the Muskox Center (Myskoxcentrum) in Tänndalen, a passionate guide will lead your family on a magical walk to a large wilderness enclosure. Watching these powerful, woolly ice-age survivors look back at you is a breathtaking experience that will leave both kids and parents speechless.
Conquer the Cliffside on the Via Ferrata
For the ultimate family adrenaline rush, head to the Funäsdalsberget mountain. Here, you can try Via Ferrata—a safe, thrilling climbing path where you are securely clipped into a steel cable the entire time. It requires no previous climbing experience, making it an unforgettable way for brave kids and teenagers to scale a real cliffside and earn the most spectacular view in the valley.
Scenic Rides & Endless Trails
Whether your family prefers smooth gravel paths or exciting singletracks, Funäsfjällen’s massive bike trail network has it all. Rent a couple of mountain bikes and explore the valleys, pedal alongside rushing rivers, or take the gondola up the mountain to cruise along easy, family-friendly trails with panoramic views that stretch all the way to Norway. There are also Bike Parks with smooth curves and flow riding.
Hike Above the Clouds
In Funäsfjällen, you don’t have to hike for hours to reach the spectacular views. With several toll roads taking you straight up to the high-mountain plateaus (like the famous Flatruet road), even the smallest legs can easily experience the magic of walking above the treeline. Discover rolling green hills, crystal-clear streams, and endless space to run and explore. The trails are described as Guldturer (golden tours) with numbers and are found in the villages forming the destination Funäsfjällen.
Discover Sami Culture at Lopme Laante
Introduce your children to the rich heritage of the Sami, the indigenous people of the north. At the family-friendly theme park Lopme Laante, located on top of the Funäsdalsberget mountain, you can visit traditional huts, hear fascinating stories, and learn about the reindeer-herding lifestyle. Take the Funäs Gondola to the top with spectacular views of the lake and village going up and down.
Cast a Line & Catch Your Dinner
Time Travel at the Fjällmuseet
Perfect for a rainy afternoon or a relaxing break, Härjedalens Fjällmuseum (The Mountain Museum of Härjedalen) in Funäsdalen is a treasure trove for curious young minds. This modern, interactive museum brings the history of the mountains, the local wildlife, and the lives of the sami, early settlers and miners to life through engaging exhibits. There is plenty of space for kids to explore and discover how life in the north used to be, for example in the summer farm with toy animals.
Vemdalen
Rushing Waters & Treetop Adventures
Go High at the Vemdalsskalet Adventure Course
Are you ready to test your balance and swing like a monkey with the mountains as backdrop? Head to the climbing park in Vemdalsskalet, powered by the adventure experts at Puls. This thrilling high-ropes adventure course features suspension bridges, playful obstacles, and exciting ziplines stretching high above the ground. With multiple tracks tailored for different ages and heights, it is a safe and massive confidence-booster for the entire family.
Hike Fairytale Trails to Roaring Waterfalls
The Twin Fallmoranfallet: Start your journey from the parking lot at Storhogna Högfjällshotell. Walk across the gentle, open mountain plateau to the traditional Samevistet mountain hut. From there, it is just a short, beautiful walk to the spectacular double cascades of Fallmoranfallet. Take the alternate route back to Storhogna.
Paddle and SUP on Crystal Clear Waters
Step Back in Time at the Open Air Museums
Nostalgia and Time-Travel at the Ski Museum
Take a break from the sun (or duck inside on a rainy afternoon) and head up to the second floor of the Vemdalia shop in Vemdalen village. Here you will find the hidden gem Vemdalens Skidmuseum. Packed with incredible ski memorabilia, it lets kids discover old-school wooden skis, historical leather boots, and even the original racing gear used by Swedish skiing legends. It is a delightful “nostalgia trip” that brings the alpine history of the valley to life.
Meet Plupp at Storhogna Högfjällshotel & Spa
Indoor Fun & Games at Storhogna M and Flip It Trampoline Park
Flipit Trampoline Park by the shops and restaurants in Vemdalen village has interactive trampolines, games and climbing walls – perfect for a family challenge!
Expand Your Adventure – Border Crossings & Lakeside Views
The beauty of this 7-day family loop is its flexibility. If you want to sprinkle even more history, world-class culture, and unique wildlife encounters onto your itinerary, you can easily combine your mountain stops with two incredible side trips.
From Funäsfjällen: A Day Trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Røros of Norway
From Vemdalen: Discover the Beautiful Storsjön Lake District
- Timber Magic at Wikners i Persåsen: Stop by this creative hub nestled in the forests near the lake. Wikners is famous for its world-class woodworking and art. For families, the chance to see master craftsmen at work make it an inspiring and tactile stop.
- High-Fives with Giants at Moose Garden: Located in Orrviken, Moose Garden gives your family the ultimate hands-on wildlife experience. Here, you get to go inside the enclosure to meet, pet, and even feed the majestic “Kings of the Forest”. Feeling the soft muzzle of a massive, friendly moose eating right from your hand is a moment the kids will never forget.
- Time Travel at Jamtli in Östersund: End your lake detour in the vibrant city of Östersund at Jamtli, an award-winning museum that is a paradise for children. In the summer, the outdoor area transforms into Jamtli Historieland, where history comes alive with actors, historic houses, and working farms. Kids can try driving vintage cars, milk wooden cows, and jump straight into different eras of Swedish history through playful interaction.
Driving Tip for the Ultimate Loop
Start your journey by driving to Røros on your way to Funäsfjällen, Lofsdalen and Vemdalen. Go to the Lake Storsjön District with the city of Östersund before heading on to the Mountain resort Åre bustling with summer activities and then on to the third largest city of Norway, Trondheim, before heading home.
How to get to the mountain destinations of 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 or rental car.
Bus: Bus from Östersund, Ljusdal or Mora to Sveg, and further by bus or rental car.
Flight: Flight to Sveg Airport or Åre Östersund Airport, then transfer by rental car, bus or taxi.
Useful information
How to get around: Traveling between the mountain destinations Lofsdalen, Funäsfjällen and Vemdalen, is most convenient by car. There is a local bus with connections via Sveg and the resorts.
- Sveg – Lofsdalen 66 km (50 min drive)
- Lofsdalen – Funäsfjällen 77 km (1 hr, 15 min drive)
- Funäsfjällen – Vemdalen 84 km (1 hr drive)
- Vemdalen – Sveg 58 km (45 min drive)
Season: July is high season with everything open and at its peak. For more time on your own, choose late June or late August and September.
Stay: There are plenty of options for cosy cabins and apartments that suit a family well. There is a wider selection of hotels in Funäsfjällen and Vemdalen.
Length of stay: Plan for at least 2-3 nights in each destination. Or, choose one destination for the whole stay and make daytrips.
Groceries and restaurants: All three destinations have restaurants with everything from hamburgers to gourmet meals. If you rather eat in, there are grocery stores in all destinations.