Jämtlandsleden Voyage Tips and guide

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.

See also: Hiking in the Nordic countries, Right to access

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.

The trail can be found on Waymarked Trails: Jämtlandsleden on Waymarked Trails.

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.

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.

Stores can be found at the mountain stations.

Water is widely available on the trail. Running water does not need to be filtered before drinking.

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.

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. The weather in the mountains is highly unpredictable, so it's crucial to be prepared for cold, rain, and strong winds, and always check the forecasts on SMHI.se or yr.no. Be mindful of the risk of hypothermia.

• 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. The nearest major airport is Åre Östersund Airport (OSD ^IATA). From the airport, you can either rent a car or take public transport to Östersund, then continue by train or bus.

• 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 ^IATA) is the closest major option.

Map of Jämtlandsleden

The trail can be hiked in either direction. This guide describes the common north-to-south route.

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.

• 63.1712.36331 STF Storulvån Mountain Station.  
• 63.04083312.2744442 Sylarnas Mountain Station.   is dramatically located at the foot of the mountains.

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.

• 62.91698112.5055113 Helags Mountain Station.   offers stunning views and opportunities for a summit attempt on Helags (allow an extra day/half-day).

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.

• 62.81820612.44584 Fältjägaren Mountain Cabin.   (approximate coordinates, check STF for precision) is a smaller, traditional mountain cabin.

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 62.70111112.3883331 Ramundberget and crossing a bridge over the Ljusnan river.

Mobile phone coverage is unreliable, so inform someone of your plans before you start. The STF huts are equipped with emergency radios and phones. In an emergency, call ☏ 112, but remember that mountain rescue may take time to reach you, so it’s important to be self-sufficient. You will likely encounter reindeer; observe them from a distance and avoid disturbing them. Other wildlife is shy, but mosquitoes and gnats can be a nuisance. Most major river crossings are bridged, but for smaller streams, you may need to rock-hop or wade; poles can be helpful. Finally, bring a personal first-aid kit and maintain good hygiene, especially in shared huts.

In addition to the main route, you have several options for further exploration. From Storulvån, you can venture onto other parts of the Jämtland Triangle, like the trail toward Blåhammaren, or take a day hike up Getryggen. The E1 Long Distance Path also runs through here. If you find yourself in Ramundberget, you'll be in the Funäsfjällen area, which provides many other hiking trails, as well as fishing and cultural experiences. For those looking to go even further, the provinces of Jämtland and Härjedalen have a wide range of other hiking areas, including parts of the famous Kungsleden trail to the north.