Summer activities

Elevation: 1,167 m above sea level
‍Distance: approx. 10 km
‍Duration: approx. 4 hours

If you’re drawn to a summit hike and want to venture beyond marked trails, Östfjället peak is a great option. On a clear day, the view from the top is spectacular. To the east, you’ll see down towards Storsjön and the surrounding region, and to the west, large parts of the western Jämtland mountain range.

From the Fjällgården in Gräftåvallen, follow the signs marked “summer trail to the mountains.” The trail turns toward the ski slope and continues straight up toward the lift’s turning wheel. There is no marked cairn trail leading all the way to the summit, but it’s still easy to find your way. One option is to hike toward Tväråstugan and then head west where the trail turns south. From there, simply continue until you reach the summit cairn.

Another option is to head straight up from the lift’s turning wheel, either directly or by zigzagging your way up. You’ll pass four levels before reaching the fifth level, where the summit cairn stands. Place a stone on the cairn and make a wish - many before you have done the same, which is why it has grown so tall.

Choose your descent based on the route you took on the way up.

Elevation: 1,158 m above sea level
Distance: approx. 10 km
Duration: approx. 5 hours

Västfjället is an easily accessible mountain with clearly marked trails, and the ground is usually dry. To save some elevation gain, you can start your hike from the parking area at Fjällhalsen and follow the cross-marked trail up towards the alpine zone. The path runs alongside a stream ravine - a perfect spot to drink fresh water or refill your bottle.

The trail gradually climbs toward the summit, and just before reaching the top, you turn left for the final ascent and the satisfaction of reaching 1,158 meters above sea level. From the summit, the trail continues westward, and before long you’ll reach the junction leading to Stenhyddan, where you turn right.

Stenhyddan was built around Midsummer in 1896 as a rest cabin for early tourists - the so-called “air guests” who traveled to the mountains for the clean air. The cabin was reopened after renovation in 1979 and is still visited each year by hikers who stop to rest and enjoy their packed meals.

After a break at Stenhyddan, follow the trail south through the pass between Västfjället’s outlying ridge and Hovdeshögen. Once you reach the ski system, keep your elevation and continue along the trail back toward Fjällhalsen.

Elevation: 1,140 m above sea level
Distance: approx. 5 km
Duration: approx. 5 hours

Dromskåran is the signature hike of the area and one of the most well-known geological landmarks in Bydalsfjällen. This dramatic glacial canyon is a so-called saddle notch, about one kilometer long, 70 meters deep, and 150 meters wide, formed at the end of the last Ice Age. Hiking around and through Dromskåran offers both excitement and stunning views.

You can reach Dromskåran in two different ways - or combine them into a loop for the full experience. That way, you’ll see the canyon both from above and from within.

Option 1
Follow the road through Höglekardalen Holiday Village to the end of the road and the district heating plant. From there, continue along the path into the forest and up along the mountainside. Just before the canyon begins, there’s a rest area by a stream - your last chance to refill your water bottle. Keep right to reach the canyon; if you go left, you’ll head toward the summit.

Option 2
Follow the trail up the right-hand side of Drombacken to the top station of the Drom lift, then continue along the marked trail through Bastudalen Nature Reserve. Dromskåran will now be below you on the left, where you can view it from above and descend into it after passing the top.

Drommen summit – 1,140 m above sea level
If you want to reach the summit, follow the marked trail from the top of Dromskåran. It circles the peak, and you approach it from the backside. The distance from the top of Dromskåran to the summit of Drommen is approximately three kilometers.

You can also reach the summit via the trail that branches off at the rest area just before Dromskåran (Option 1).

Here you’ll find the graceful grayling and the large trout that get your pulse racing - but also species such as whitefish, burbot, perch, and pike.

The Dammån is renowned for its excellent fishing, offering the chance to land the catch of a lifetime. It’s a destination for those who truly enjoy fishing and are ready for a challenge. The river can be generous and rewarding, but also temperamental and difficult. Be prepared to put in the effort and try different techniques when retrieving your lure, whether you’re fly fishing or using a spinning rod.

Fishing here often targets the large Dammån trout, which normally live in Storsjön but every third or fourth year migrate around 40 kilometers upstream through the entire river to Höglekardalen and Storfallet - where they once hatched. They spawn there in autumn when the water temperature is just right.

The trout in Dammån are shy and easily spooked. The river is also shallow and narrow, so wading should be avoided as much as possible. Grayling are more forgiving and will often start feeding again shortly after being disturbed. If you do wade, keep in mind that the stones are slippery and the current can be strong.

The minimum size for trout in Dammån is 45 cm, and you may keep one fish per day and per fishing permit. For grayling, the minimum size is 35 cm, and there is no limit to how many you may keep.

‍Buy a fishing permit for Dammån here!

Mountain fishing offers a sense of calm in vast, open landscapes - combined with the thrill of a challenging and rewarding experience. These waters are best enjoyed if you bring a tent, good company, and a few days to spare.

In Bydalsfjällen, there are excellent opportunities for fishing in the reindeer grazing mountains. You’ll find a wide range of waters - from small tarns to larger lakes and flowing streams. For example, in Vissjön you can enjoy rewarding fishing for both trout and grayling. In Krokanån and its surrounding streams, you may encounter large trout weighing up to 4–5 kilos, and around Lillhon there are excellent stretches for fly fishing.

Not all waters are remote - there are also many easily accessible tarns. For instance, you can drive up towards Hovde, where a short walk from the main parking area takes you to spots like Mannermyrtjärn and Hovdetjärn.

Plan your mountain fishing trip carefully. Study the map at home before heading out. A good starting point is the Fjällfiskeguiden, published annually by the County Administrative Board of Jämtland, which shows available lakes and waterways within Tåssåsen Sami village. This is reindeer grazing land, so please show respect for both the livelihood and the sensitive mountain environment.

‍Buy a mountain fishing permit here!

A great ride for those looking to experience a true mountain feel is the gravel road from Höglekardalen to Hosjöbotten. The route is 12 km one way from the gate and climbs steadily uphill. It’s an easy ride for anyone with decent stamina.

You start in forest terrain and gradually make your way up toward the alpine landscape. After just a few hundred meters, you can take a short detour on foot to visit Storfallet.

Since you are in reindeer grazing land, it’s especially important not to leave the designated route. Stay on the gravel road with your bike, step off on foot if you want to take a break, enjoy a picnic, or pick berries - and most importantly, take in the surroundings and the views.

A loop of approximately 12 km, which you can access by cycling from Bydalen or Gräftåvallen. The route is a mix of gravel roads and forest tracks, taking you through beautiful woodland areas as well as past the small settlement of Fjällsägen and Öretjärn.

Öretjärn is a great spot to stop for a fika - or why not try your luck fishing for pike (fishing permit required). If the weather allows, take the opportunity to enjoy a swim in one of the tarns you pass along the way.