Visit Åre Sweden
The gorgeous Åre Sweden is known as the leading Scandinavian ski resort area located in northern Sweden. With its majestic snow top mountains and gorgeous view of the lake below, it is no wonder it’s a popular ski retreat. Not only does it offer great skiing in the winter, but also hiking and mountain biking during the summer.
Åre has two distinct tourist seasons, Winter and Summer/Autumn. The winter ski season is from December through late April. The Summer/Autumn season, on the other hand, is from late June through October, with activities limited to the weekends starting in late August. In between seasons, late Autumn and Spring, don’t expect to find too much going on, as the resort area is very quiet with limited activities open.
Things to do in Åre Sweden
Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing: The majestic Mt. Åreskutan and the surrounding mountains are made for skiing! Both downhill and cross-country skiing are available in the three main ski areas: Åre village, Duved/Tegefjäll and Åre Björnen. Gear rental available near the lifts in each of the ski areas. Maps and information about the many trails can be found on Skistar.
Food and Shopping: Downtown Åre has plenty restaurants and shopping near the square. You can either ski right in and grab some lunch or you can drive to the square. Just make sure get the parking app added your phone because parking is not free. Many of the shops are outdoor gear shops, such as Peak Performance and Naturkompaniet, but you can also find some small souvenir shops.
Hiking and Mountain Biking: During the summer, all the skiing trails become hiking and mountain bike trails. Those gorgeous trails have fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, the lake below, and small waterfalls between the pine trees that had been iced over during the ski season.
Climbing Park with Ziplines: Enjoy a challenge with your family at Klätterpark in Åre-Björnen. The park has eleven different courses for varies skill levels. There are 80 tasks including ziplining, monkey bars, and climbing walls. The park has two levels for adults and children ages seven and above. For the youngsters, there is course with lower heights centered in the middle of Klätterpark.
River Rafting: For a wet adventure with mountain views from below try river rafting. Åre has two companies offering guided tours of the thundering rapids of Jämtland. JoPe Fors & Fjäll offers advance rafting in Gevsjöströmmen and Moderate Rafting in Tångböleströmmarna. Äventyrligt offers advanced rafting in Vålån or Gevsjötrömmarna and family tours in Tångböleströmmarna.
Tännforsen Waterfall: Take short road trip and an even shorter hike to the largest waterfall in Sweden! Come in the winter and enjoy Tännforsen Waterfalls covered with long icicles. Come again in the summer to feel the thunder of the heavy waters and see the view of the water crashing below. If you time it right, you will see rainbow through the water vapors.
Åre Chokladfabrik: This cute chocolate factory and shop makes a quick place to stop for some delicious Swedish chocolate. Åre Chokladfabrik is family owned and they make their own chocolates on premise, so if you get there on a weekday morning you can see the chocolate in production. They also have a small café on the patio where you can enjoy your chocolate, truffle, or ice cream.
Places to stay in Åre Sweden
Copperhill Mountain Lodge: Åre has numerous boutique hotels, but a favorite is the Copperhill Mountain Lodge at the top of Förberget. This gorgeous wood and stone hotel has stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the river below. It also offers a host of amenities including a wonderful spa, restaurants, bars, ski rental and gym. For those traveling in the winter the hotel offers ski in/ski out to the entire Åre ski system.
Airbnb: One of the more convenient options is to choose one of the many Airbnb rental properties located on the mountains and around the ski trails. All have fabulous views of the surrounding mountains and ski resort area. A majority of the Airbnbs offer amenities for the skier such as saunas and the ski in/ski out option.
The Holiday Club: The Holiday Club is located in the valley along the river shore by Åre village. This hotel club offers several types of rooms and condos to meet your needs. Some of their amenities also include SATS gym, outdoor gym and obstacle course, an experience bath with sauna, yoga hall, and restaurants Grow and the sports bar O’Learys with both shuffleboard and bowling.
Restaurants in Åre Sweden
There is an abundance of restaurant options in downtown Åre. The following is a list of the more popular restaurants that you may want to try.
Åre Bageri: For a delicious brunch before you hit the hills try the Åre Bageri in the morning! They also have fresh baked breads and bakery items you can purchase.
Max: Looking for a quick lunch while skiing. Take the ski trail to the center of town for a Swedish style burger or chicken sandwich at Max’s.
Broken: For a casual American style lunch or dinner try Broken. They offer American style burgers and beer as well as ribs, tacos, and fajitas. Do not forget to check out their beer and margarita pitcher specials.
Mister French: Also on the square is Mister French. This French brasserie with its 20’s style interior makes another great dinner option offering an exclusive selection of French cuisine and cocktails. Reservations required.
Supper: Located in a historical restaurant, Supper offers South American style tapas. A great option with a large variety of exciting dishes to share. Be sure to make a reservation.
Creperie and Logi: Just down the road from the square in a beautifully refurbished fire station is this incredible creperie. Creperie and Logi offers galettes with a wide variety of savory options for dinner and sweet flavor crepes for dinner. Reservation recommended.
In Conclusion
Åre Sweden may be the leading Scandinavian ski resort area, but it has more to offer even during the summer. The panoramic views are incredible, and the many outdoor activities make it a wonderful place to visit for your next family vacation.
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