Self-guided Hiking in the Jämtland Mountains

Overview

Duration: 7 days/6 nights (additional days optional).

Accommodation: Mountain stations and mountain cabins along the route.

Required: You should have a good level of fitness and previous experience of hillwalking with a backpack. Min. age 18 (16 if accompanied by adult). Children 14-15 may also be possible by arrangement.

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Hike through the mountain birch forests of Storulvån, the mighty Syl and Helags massif and a stunning landscape of rolling hills and mountains to the cabins at Gåsen. Experience the freedom and take time to enjoy the silence on a tour in one of Sweden's top mountain hiking areas.

Self-guided Hiking in the Jämtland Mountains gives you the chance to discover this beautiful region at your own speed, with accommodation in mountain stations and mountain cabins along the route, offering simple but comfortable accommodation and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. There's nothing like relaxing in a wood-fired sauna at the end of a hard day on the trail to soothe your muscles and swap stories!

The season for hiking in the mountains begins around midsummer in late June. Crisp morning air and long hours of daylight make this an exhilarating time to be in the mountains. The season continues through the long, lazy days of summer and into late September, when the stunning autumn colours bathe the mountains in red and gold and the crystal clear air is alive with the promise of the coming winter.

The tour is completely self-guided. You will receive map and route description for your tour, and have the opportunity to discuss the hike ahead with local guide before departure, including some tips on special points of interest and things to look out for along the way.

Self-guided Hiking in the Jämtland Mountains is a moderately challenging but accessible hiking tour suitable for adult participants and families with older children with previous experience of hiking with a backpack. Distances between the cabins are around 16-20km.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Storulvån Mountain Station. You have access to your room from 14.00. Relax after your journey and enjoy the atmosphere of this comfortable mountain station, test your equipment with a short hike in the surrounding area, take a sauna and prepare for the hiking tour ahead!

Day 2 - Storulvån to Sylarna

Wonderful views towards the peaks of the Syl massif. Relatively easy hiking with your goal for the day in sight! On reaching the station, refresh with a dip in the Syl river followed by sauna. Dinner is self-catering using the kitchen facilities.

Distance 16km, altitude difference +310m.

Day 3 - Sylarna to Helags

You hike towards the Helags massif with Helags peak in your field of view throughout the day, through an expansive landscape surrounded by majestic mountains. This wilderness area is home to the endangered Arctic Fox as well as the lemmings on which they depend, and graze silhouetted against the sun. Your goal for the day is Helags mountain station, lying at the foot of the mountain, offering good food, sauna and a stunning backdrop!

Distance 19km, altitude difference +9m.

Day 4

We recommend you take a day hiking tour from Helags to take time to enjoy the stunning views. Helags is Sweden's highest mountain below the Arctic Circle at 1796m above sea level. In the dip below the peak lies Sweden's most southerly glacier.

Day 5 - Helags to Gåsen

After breakfast you shoulder your pack and hike further through a hilly landscape towards the cabins at Gåsen, isolated and beautifully-located cabins with views towards Sylarna and Helags. Dinner is self-catering using the kitchen facilities. The cabins offer the ideal atmosphere to reflect on your experience so far and there is a real feeling of peace here.

Distance 18km, altitude difference +36m.

Day 6

You make your way back towards Storulvån, dropping down once more through the tree line and forests of mountain birch. Back at the Mountain Station, relax with a final sauna and refreshing dip and look back over your hiking adventure in the Swedish mountains!

Distance 20km, altitude difference -355m.

Day 7

Breakfast and departure. Please check out by 10.00. Alternatively, choose to extend your stay in the mountains with additional days - hire a mountain bike, or try northern Europe's highest indoor climbing wall in the station foyer!

Dates & Prices

Dates

Start days by arrangement 23.06-23.09.12 (tour must be completed latest 23.09.12).

The Price

Prices are in British Pounds. If you wish, you are also welcome to make your payment by bank transfer in Euros or Swedish Kronor. If this would be of interest, please let us know and we will be happy to provide prices.

• Option 1 (self-catering): £333/person
• Option 2 (most meals included): £493/person

What The Price Includes

Accommodation

• Accommodation at Storulvån Mountain Station (2 nights), Helags Mountain Station (2 nights), Sylarna Mountain Station (1 night) and Gåsen mountain cabins (1 night). Accommodation at mountain stations is in shared 4-person rooms (upgrade to 2-person rooms optional) and in multi-person rooms at Gåsen. Additional nights optional.
• The mountain stations have sauna facilities, use of which is included for guests.
• The mountain stations have small shop for provisions and kitchen facilities for self-catering.
• Accommodation upgrades and additional nights can be added - see "Optional Extras" below.

Meals

Option 1: Self-catering

• Kitchen facilities are available at all overnight locations for you to prepare your own meals. The mountain stations have small shops with simple provisions for purchase. You should bring provisions to Gåsen for preparation.

Option 2: Most meals included

• Full board at Storulvån (two nights) and Helags (one night).
• Breakfast and packed lunch at Sylarna (kitchen and small store available for self-catering for dinner).

Equipment

Map of the Jämtland mountains. You will have the chance to discuss your tour with your local hosts at Sylarna before beginning.

What The Price Does Not Include

• Alcoholic drinks (Option 2).
• Bed linen and towels are provided at Storulvån, but not at Sylarna, Helags or Gåsen. You shoud bring your own towel and sleeping bag liner/pillow cover for your tour. Pillows and blankets/duvets are provided.
• End cleaning of your room is included at Storulvån. At Sylarna, Helags and Gåsen you should clean your room before departure.

Optional Extras

Accommodation Upgrade

Upgrade to 2-person room. Applies to nights at Storulvån and Sylarna Mountains Stations during standard 7-day/6-night package (accommodation is normally in shared 4-person rooms): £81/person

Additional Nights (room only, food not included)

• Storulvån: 4-person room £51/person/night, 2-person room £72/person/night
• Sylarna: 4-person room £50/person/night, 2-person room £64/person/night

Practical Info

Health requirements/experience

You should have previous experience of hiking with a backpack around 10-12kg and be in good physical condition. The trails are well-marked, but you should be comfortable hillwalking independently and be able to navigate using a map. Minimum age 18 (16 if accompanied by adult). Children aged 14-15 may also be possible by arrangement.

Equipment/clothes needed

A detailed recommended equipment list will be sent with your booking confirmation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing.

Groups

Minimum 2 persons required for safety reasons. This experience is ideal for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Additional Notes

This provider has received a prestigious Swedish Ecotourism award for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.

Location

Detailed information on travel options will be sent with your booking documentation. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.

By Air

Fly to Stockholm for day train (approx. 8-9 hours) or night train (approx. 12.5 hours) to Enafors. Alternatively, fly to Trondheim for train to Enafors (approx. 1.5 hours). From Enafors, it is approx. 17km to Storulvån, served by public bus or taxi bus depending on dates/times of travel.

Without Flying

Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train connections to Enafors.

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