Tucked into the mountains of Jämtland in western Sweden, Åre is the country’s premier alpine destination — a place that reinvents itself with the seasons, from world-class winter skiing to summer downhill biking, hiking, and lakeside calm. Over more than 20 years helping travellers find affordable places to stay across Sweden, we’ve seen Åre grow from a pure ski town into a true year-round base. Here are the ten experiences we recommend first, with honest advice on timing, transport, and where to stay.
1) Ski or Snowboard the Åre Slopes
Åre is home to one of the largest ski areas in Northern Europe, spread across Åre village, Duved, and Björnen, with runs for every level and a lively après-ski scene. It has hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships more than once — proof of its serious pedigree on snow.
2) Ride the Åreskutan Cable Car
The Kabinbanan cable car climbs the flank of Åreskutan, the 1,420-metre mountain that towers over the village. In any season it delivers a sweeping panorama over Lake Åresjön and the surrounding peaks; from the top station a marked path continues toward the summit.
3) Hike to the Summit of Åreskutan
In summer and early autumn, the climb to Åreskutan’s peak is one of the region’s classic hikes — rocky and exposed near the top, but rewarded with views that stretch deep into the Norwegian border mountains on a clear day. Combine the cable car with a walk to shorten it.
4) Tännforsen Waterfall
A short drive west, Tännforsen is one of Sweden’s largest waterfalls, thundering 38 metres over a broad ledge. In summer the mist and rainbows are spectacular; in deep winter it partly freezes into vast ice formations you can walk close to.
5) Downhill and Trail Biking
When the snow melts, Åre becomes one of Europe’s leading mountain-bike destinations. The Åre Bike Park uses the ski lifts to carry riders and bikes uphill, with graded trails from gentle flow lines to steep technical descents, plus miles of cross-country routes around the valley.
6) Kayak or Swim in Åresjön
The lake at the foot of the village is perfect for a summer paddle or a bracing dip. Rent a kayak or SUP board from the shore and take in the mountain reflected on the water — one of the most peaceful ways to spend a warm afternoon.
7) Chase the Northern Lights
Åre’s latitude and dark winter skies make it a solid spot for aurora hunting from autumn through early spring. Head away from the village lights on a clear, cold night and look north — no guarantees, but the odds here are good.
8) Explore Åre Old Village & Church
Above the modern resort, the medieval Åre Gamla Kyrka dates back some 800 years and anchors a quieter, historic corner of the village. It’s a reminder that people have lived and worshipped beneath this mountain for centuries.
9) Snowmobiling & Dog Sledding
For a taste of Arctic-style adventure, guided snowmobile tours and husky dog-sledding trips run through the winter, taking you into the silent forests and open plateaus beyond the pistes. Book ahead in high season.
10) Day Trip to Storlien & the Norwegian Border
A scenic train or drive west brings you to Storlien and the mountain landscapes straddling the Norwegian frontier — prime territory for hiking the high plateau in summer or cross-country skiing in winter, well off the busier resort trails.
Where to Stay in Åre
Staying in or near Åre village keeps you within walking distance of the lifts, restaurants, and lake, while quieter options in Duved and around the valley suit travellers after calm and value. Compare our independently described hostels in Jämtland and Åre for location, facilities, and price, and book directly with the property.
Best Time to Visit
Åre has two clear high seasons. Winter (December–April) is for skiing, snowboarding, and snow adventures, peaking around the February–March half-term weeks when beds book out early. Summer (late June–August) brings hiking, biking, and lake life under the midnight-bright northern sky. The shoulder months of May and October are quiet and cheap but with limited lift operation — check ahead.
Getting Around
Åre is refreshingly easy to reach without a car: night and day trains run directly to Åre station from Stockholm and Gothenburg, stopping right in the village, and the nearest airport at Åre Östersund is about 90 minutes away with connecting buses. Within the resort, a free ski bus links the village areas in winter, and the compact centre is walkable year-round.
Contact
Planning a mountain trip to Åre? Browse our full listing of hostels in Jämtland or get in touch — we’ve been connecting travellers with Swedish hostels for over two decades.