Jämtlandsleden is a 65 km (40 mi) hiking trail in the Jämtland mountains of Sweden. It typically takes 4-5 days to complete, leading from STF Storulvån Mountain Station in the north to Ramundberget in the south.
Understand
[edit]Jämtlandsleden offers a classic Swedish mountain experience, traversing expansive alpine meadows and passing the impressive Sylarna and Helags mountain massifs, mostly above the tree line. The trail is managed by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF).
A key aspect of hiking in Sweden is the Right to access (Allemansrätten). This allows you to walk, camp (mostly for one night in one spot), and pick berries and mushrooms, but it also comes with responsibilities – primarily to leave no trace and respect nature and wildlife.
Jämtlandsleden should not be confused with the Jämtland Triangle (Jämtlandstriangeln), a shorter, 47 km (29 mi) circular route starting and ending at Storulvån via Sylarna and Blåhammaren. Jämtlandsleden shares its first section (Storulvån to Sylarna) with the Jämtland Triangle.
The trail can be found on Waymarked Trails: Jämtlandsleden on Waymarked Trails.
Prepare
[edit]Best time to hike
[edit]The prime hiking season runs from late June or early July through to late September or early October, coinciding with the period when STF mountain huts are open. July and August are the busiest months. Be aware that mosquitoes are most prevalent in early to mid-summer. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so even in summer, hikers should be ready for cold temperatures, rain, and strong winds. For up-to-date information on hut opening dates, check the STF website.
Permits and fees
[edit]No special permits are needed to hike the trail. However, overnight stays in STF huts require payment, and STF members receive discounted rates. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during peak season. Wild camping is generally allowed under Sweden’s right of public access (Allemansrätten), though a small fee may apply if you use facilities at nearby mountain stations.
Difficulty
[edit]The trail is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. Paths are well-maintained, often featuring boardwalks and bridges. The terrain is mostly gentle with occasional climbs, particularly near the trail’s start and finish and around mountain passes. Daily distances typically range between 12 and 19 kilometers.
Maps and navigation
[edit]A detailed mountain map, such as Fjällkartan BD6 or BD8, is essential. Be sure to bring a compass as well. The trail is generally well-marked, with orange paint on rocks and cairns during summer, and red crosses on poles (used for winter routes) often still visible. While GPS can be helpful, it should not be your only navigation tool.
Get in
[edit]Storulvån (northern terminus)
[edit]To reach STF Storulvån Mountain Station, you can take a train to either Duved or Enafors station. From there, pre-booked transfer services such as buses or taxis (for example, Wänseth Buss) provide convenient transport to Storulvån. If arriving by car, follow the E14 motorway and, from Enafors, continue about 17 km along the road signposted “Storulvån.” Parking is available at the station, with a fee unless you are staying overnight. The nearest major airport is Åre Östersund Airport (OSD). From the airport, you can either rent a car or take public transport to Östersund, then continue by train or bus.
Ramundberget (southern terminus)
[edit]Ramundberget can be reached in several ways. The Härjedalingen bus company runs services to and from Stockholm, while local buses operated by Länstrafiken Jämtland connect Ramundberget to Funäsdalen. From there, you can find onward buses to Östersund or Ljusdal, both offering train connections. Snälltåget occasionally operates night trains to Röjan (located south of Funäsfjällen), with connecting bus transfers from Ramundberget. It is important to check current timetables. The area is also accessible by car. For air travel, Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) is the closest major option.
Walk
[edit]
The trail can be hiked in either direction. This guide describes the common north-to-south route.
Storulvån – Sylarna
[edit]- Distance
- 16 km (9.9 mi)
- Duration
- 5–7 hours
The trail starts with a gentle ascent from Storulvån, leaving the birch forest after a few kilometers into open fells. Cross the Lill-Ulvån river via a suspension bridge. The Spåime wind shelter is roughly halfway. The path continues through undulating terrain towards the impressive Sylarna massif.
- 1 STF Storulvån Mountain Station.
- 2 Sylarnas Mountain Station. is dramatically located at the foot of the mountains.
Sylarna – Helags
[edit]- Distance
- 19 km (12 mi)
- Duration
- 6–8 hours
This stage takes you south. The trail can be rocky initially. Hike through valleys and over flatter mountain plateaus, with the Helags massif (home to Sweden's highest peak south of the Arctic Circle, Helagsfjället, 1797m) growing larger.
- 3 Helags Mountain Station. offers stunning views and opportunities for a summit attempt on Helags (allow an extra day/half-day).
Helags – Fältjägare
[edit]- Distance
- 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Duration
- 3–5 hours
A shorter stage, the trail continues south/southeast. After an initial section from Helags, the terrain is relatively easy-going across mountain heathland, often around 1000m above sea level.
- 4 Fältjägare Mountain Cabin. (approximate coordinates, check STF for precision) is a smaller, traditional mountain cabin.
Fältjägare – Ramundberget
[edit]- Distance
- 18 km (11 mi)
- Duration
- 5–7 hours
The final stage. The trail passes the Svaletjakke shelter (roughly halfway). From a reindeer fence on Helagsskaftet or near Svaletjakke, the eastern route descends towards Ramundberget, offering panoramic views. The final kilometers involve a steeper descent through mountain birch forest before reaching 1 Ramundberget and crossing a bridge over the Ljusnan river.
Stay safe
[edit]- Weather: Highly unpredictable. Check forecasts (SMHI.se, yr.no) and be prepared for cold, rain, wind. Hypothermia is a risk.
- Navigation: Always carry map and compass; know how to use them. Fog can reduce visibility significantly.
- Communication: Mobile coverage is unreliable. Inform someone of your plans. STF huts have emergency radios/phones.
- Emergency: Call 112. Mountain rescue is available but may take time. Be self-sufficient.
- Wildlife: Reindeer are common; observe from a distance, do not disturb. Other wildlife is shy. Mosquitos/gnats can be a nuisance.
- River Crossings: Most significant streams are bridged. Smaller ones may require rock-hopping or wading. Poles help.
- Health & Hygiene: Bring a personal first-aid kit. Maintain good hygiene in shared huts.
Go next
[edit]- From Storulvån: Explore other trails in the Jämtland Triangle (e.g., towards Blåhammaren), day hikes (Getryggen). The E1 Long Distance Path also passes through.
- From Ramundberget: Ramundberget is part of Funäsfjällen, offering many other hiking trails, fishing, and cultural experiences.
- Further Afield: Jämtland and Härjedalen provinces offer numerous other hiking areas, including parts of Kungsleden further north.