The Jämtland Triangle is a popular hiking route in the Swedish mountains of Jämtland County, in the southern part of the Scandinavian Mountains. The trail forms a 47 km triangle between three mountain huts managed by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF): Storulvån, Sylarna, and Blåhammaren.
Understand
[edit]- See also: Hiking in the Nordic countries, Right to access
The route offers moderate hiking with well-marked paths, comfortable overnight accommodations, and stunning views of alpine landscapes, valleys, and peaks. Suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers, the Jämtland Triangle is typically completed over 3-4 days during the summer and early autumn months.
Prepare
[edit]The trail can be found on Waymarked Trails: Jämtland Triangle
Eat
[edit]Your access to food is limited on the trail, but the three huts are well-provisioned. It's a good idea to pack durable food like freeze-dried meals or pasta. Canned goods are also an option, though they are heavier. If you don't want to carry all your food, you can pre-order a meal kit for two people to cook yourself. For groups of 10-20 people, a two-course dinner can be pre-ordered.
Drink
[edit]You can buy drinks at the mountain stations, and you should bring water bottles or pouches to carry water on the trail.
Sleep
[edit]You have two main options for accommodation:
- Camping: You can pitch a tent anywhere for free and enjoy the freedom to choose your own spot. This requires having a good, warm sleeping bag and appropriate gear.
- Mountain Stations: For a more comfortable experience, you can rent a room at one of the mountain stations. Options range from two- to sixteen-bed rooms. Rooms come with sheets and cleaning is included. Toilets and showers are available. Even if the stations are fully booked, they have a "place guarantee" and will provide an extra mattress if needed. Dog-friendly rooms are also available.
If you are a camper but want to use the station's facilities, you can pay a service fee for access to their amenities. Storulvån and Sylarna also rent out tents and sleeping bags if you don't have your own.
Climate
[edit]The trail is generally hiked during the summer months, June to early September. The winter season is more demanding and requires special equipment like a windproof sleeping bag, extra warm clothes, and safety gear such as a shovel and avalanche probe. Winter trails are best used for skiing and can be very wet during the summer.
Get in
[edit]Storulvån is easily accessible through Duved or Åre.
Walk
[edit]
Storulvån – Sylarna
[edit]- Distance
- 16 km
- Duration
- 4½ h
- Elevation gain
- ↥ 345 m
- Elevation loss
- ↧ 53 m
The trail starts at Storulvån mountain station, a large mountain station. The route leads westward through gentle mountain birch forest, gradually ascending above the treeline into wide open landscapes with views of the Sylarna massif. Along the way, hikers may spot reindeer and enjoy the expansive tundra scenery. The first leg ends at the Sylarna mountain station.
- 1 Storulvån mountain station. Full-service station with restaurant, shop, and rooms
- 2 Spåjme Raststuga. Emergency cabin
- 3 Gamla Sylen. Emergency cabin
- 4 Sylarna mountain station. Comfortable accommodation with meals and sauna
Sylarna – Blåhammaren
[edit]- Distance
- 18.1 km
- Duration
- 5 h
- Elevation gain
- ↥ 246 m
- Elevation loss
- ↧ 424 m
Leaving Sylarna, the trail heads northwest across exposed highlands with panoramic views of the Scandinavian mountain range. This section is more remote and winds through alpine terrain, with snowfields lingering well into summer. Weather can change rapidly, so hikers should be prepared for wind and rain. The route descends gradually toward the welcoming sight of Blåhammaren mountain station, the highest STF station in Sweden.
- 5 Enkälen raststuga. Emergency cabin
- 6 Blåhammaren mountain station. Mountain hut with restaurant, dorms, and Sweden’s highest located sauna
Blåhammaren – Storulvån
[edit]- Distance
- 12 km
- Duration
- 3½ h
- Elevation gain
- ↥ 277 m
- Elevation loss
- ↧ 86 m
The last stretch of the triangle descends gradually from Blåhammaren back to Storulvån mountain station. The trail traverses rolling moorland and passes small streams and patches of birch forest. On clear days, the views stretch far across the Jämtland mountains. This segment is shorter and easier, making for a relaxing end to the hike.
Stay safe
[edit]The Jämtland Triangle is considered an easy hike, but it is important to be prepared. The trail is very rocky in some places and can be slippery when wet.
In the mountains, you'll find safety stations every 10 km. These stations have a toilet, a safety phone for emergencies, and a hut for shelter. You can also dispose of waste there.
When hiking in winter, make sure you have the right equipment, including a shovel and an avalanche probe, and be aware that the trail might be difficult to pass. Avoid walking on the winter trail during the summer as it crosses rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Go next
[edit]From the Sylarna, you can continue hiking along Jämtlandsleden towards Ramundberget. The along the stretch from Sylarna to Blåhammaren, the trail also coincides with the Södra Kungsleden trail.