It’s been a fantastic summer. And as the seasons change, we are ready for an equally great autumn. September comes with colors and outdoor temperatures suitable for hiking and cycling. Autumn has its own, special charm, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Here are some September tips on what not to miss.

Top up your pantry

Every social media account is suddenly filled with harvests of mushrooms in all shapes and colors: Chanterelles, Milk caps, Penny Buns and what not. And if you know where to look, you too can enjoy butter roasted Chantarelles on toast or rich mushroom stews. There’s little point in asking where to look though. Everyone keeps their own sites to themselves. But get out there and search anyway. If you are unlucky and don’t find any, you’ve still had a nice walk in the forest or on the mountain. We can disclose a few general tips though: search for Chanterelles in mixed or mountain birch forests, on moist slopes, at over 700 MASL 🙊. And the Milk Caps grow in pine forests, where there’s not too much undergrowth. 

Just remember to be 100% sure of what you put in your basket before you eat it. Read more about what you can find in nature’s pantry here>>

Experience Åre Höstmarknad

Åre Höstmarknad (Autumn Market) is a colorful family festival where market vendors, producers, visitors and villagers together for three days make this autumn’s big event in Jämtland. Stroll around Åre’s streets and enjoy music, restaurants, market stalls and various activities. Don’t miss this autumn highlight, the last weekend in September when the autumn colors are at their fullest.

Take a Hike

As the temperatures drop, the mosquitos disappear and it’s just a pleasure to be on the mountain and in the forests. September is a great time for hiking and of course, you choose how long, short, high or difficult you want to make it. And if you prefer to sleep in a tent or in a soft hotel bed. It’s up to you. The options are there! 

Find information and inspiration for you hiking tour here and find your favorite trail at Åre Trails.

Enjoy Trail Running

If you’re thinking about asphalt, sore knees and uneven streets when you’re thinking about running, you should try doing it in the mountains. Sure, there’s the risk of stumbling on a root, slipping on a rock or sliding in mud, but there’s a certain charm about feeling the unevenness and the water splashing round your feet when running. Also, it’s a way of making the most of the fresh mountain air and don’t forget the views! Here are three tips on different types of running trails you should try.

Yoga and hiking retreat

Yoga and hiking fit together like hand and glove. Give yourself both physical and mental recovery by taking in nature and the autumn colors on a hike up and out on the mountain, taking one step at a time and feeling every rock and root through your boots and listening to the rustle of the trees. Enjoy every bite of the well-deserved picnic lunch washed down with endless views. This puts the body and mind in a perfect mindset to then land on the yoga mat, breathe and digest all the impressions. Does this sound like something you need? Check in with Fjällanda, who organizes retreats two weekends in September.

Take a ride with Åre Kabinbana

Åre Kabinbana, the cable way, is perhaps the most distinguished symbol for Åre village. Since 1976, the two cable cars transport skiers, hikers and bikers (and the occasional dog) from the valley station at 421 meters above sea level to the mountain station, located at 1274 meters above sea level. It is a must to have traveled with it at least once. You need to buy a ticket before going up, at SkiStar’s website. Opening hours are Thursday – Sunday until 26 September.

A tip! Take the cable car up and hike down, back to the village, or connect to the 214c trail to get to the highest point of Mt. Åreskutan, 1420 meters above sea level. Also, visit Toppstugan while you’re there, Sweden’s highest situated café with the yummiest waffles… Don’t worry, you can also take the cable way back down again 🙂

Take a History Tour

Discover Åre’s history: take a history tour with your family, friends or colleagues. Morrvikja guides you through Åre village and makes history come alive. Read more on their Facebook page where you can also make requests for tours, or check their event page for upcoming tours. 

Follow in the trails of the pilgrims (if you want to make it a longer tour you can read more here) and learn about the Caroleans and their death march. You can also make your own outing and visit the memorial in Duved and the graves in Handöl and Hårbörsta.

Or take your own tour around Åre and the Åre valley and visit artisans, hike historic trails or just take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere in old Totten’s village. After all, you decide for yourself what exactly your history tour looks like.

Cook and Eat Outdoors

Whether you’re cooking over a crackling fire or usinga gas stove, outdoor cooking is a wonderful concept to enjoy any season of the year. And it’s a nice experience for the whole family. Outdoor food can consist out of pretty much anything and there’s no need to make things difficult. Sausages and marshmallows with cookies and chocolate goes a long way, or maybe try the traditional collier’s pancakes (kolbulle), or simply fried vegetables to eat in pita breads. Make it your own meal and enjoy! Also, don’t forget the coffee/tea and warm chocolate. 

Explore the Southern Åre Mountains

Wish to see something different? And maybe get a new view of the majestic Åreskutan? Then you should take a trip to Södra Årefjällen, the Southern Åre Mountains. Edsåsdalen, Vålådalen, Trillevallen, Ottsjö… Located just half an hour from central Åre, there’s an abundance of trails where you don’t have to walk for long to reach higher altitudes and get some amazing views of Anaris, Bunnerfjällen, Lunndörrarna and the other giants that surrounds the Åre valley. There are also plenty of accommodation options in these areas.

If you’re coming from Åre, take the E14 in direction towards Östersund and turn towards Undersåker after cirka 15 minutes. Follow the road and cross the train tracks and the bridge et voilà: now you have access to the whole of the wonderful Southern Åre Mountains. Find trails and trail maps for the different areas at Fjällupplevelser i Södra Årefjällen.

Ride on in the Bike Park

It’s not a surprise that autumn is an awesome time for biking. The temperatures are lower and there’s fewer people (and mosquitos) on site which means more space for you. Åre Bike Park is open from Thursday to Sunday all September, so keep riding!

If you prefer Trail Biking, go to Åre Bike Park Trail in Björnen. There are plenty of trails for biking that are broad and with a smooth and even surface. Here you’ll find something for young and older cyclists alike.