Long before skiers, hikers and cyclists discovered Åre, one of the region’s most iconic natural attractions had already made its mark. Tännforsen Waterfall, part of the mighty Indalsälven river – one of Sweden’s largest waterways – channels torrents of mountain water down towards the Baltic Sea.
How to get there?
From Åre, take the E14 westwards towards the Norwegian border. After passing Duved and Duvedsbyn and crossing the bridge across Indalsälven, take a right on road 322 and pass the Golf Club. After circa six minutes of driving on the 322, you’ll see the take-off road towards the tourist station and the waterfall. Parking is available by the tourist station.
When to visit?
All year round. This is a great experience in winter as well as in summer. In May to June, the water flow is at its peak, during the spring flood.
A year round spectacle
Often referred to as Sweden’s largest waterfall, Tännforsen is easy to reach and rewarding to visit year-round. In winter, it transforms into a frozen sculpture, draped in icy beauty. Sometimes, you can even walk inside the frozen cascade for a surreal experience. In May and June, the spring melt causes the water flow to surge — reaching up to 400 cubic metres per second — and you can physically feel the power of the falls.
On sunny days, light reflecting through the mist creates rainbows in the spray. Come autumn, Tännforsen is framed by blazing foliage, crisp blue skies and frothing white water — a true feast for the eyes.
Tännforsen is the largest waterfall in Sweden.
Photo: Andreas Sandin
Walk to the falls
A wide, gravel walking trail leads to the waterfall. From the car park at Tännforsen Tourist Station, you can take the trail to the right, which approaches the waterfall from downstream. This route offers a dramatic first view as the roaring wall of water rises before you – an unforgettable experience. Please note that parts of this section of the trail are steep.
Reach the falls from above
If you choose the trail to the left from the tourist station, you'll reach the river above the waterfall and follow the water to the edge before watching it plunge over the cliff – a view that's sure to give you butterflies. This section of the trail has a gentler gradient, making it the more accessible option. Whichever direction you choose, simply follow the marked loop and it will lead you back to the car park. Benches are placed along the trail, so bring a warm drink, take a seat and enjoy both the waterfall and the enchanting old-growth forest that surrounds it.
Good to know If you're visiting Tännforsen in winter, especially towards spring, the trail is likely to be quite icy. Shoes with built-in studs or traction devices are highly recommended.
A magical forest with rare species
Tännforsen lies within a protected Natura 2000 area, thanks to its unique and humid microclimate that supports a remarkable range of species. The mist-filled air allows rare mosses, lichens and insects to thrive – including 21 red-listed tree-dwelling lichens and a rare beetle group called short-winged beetles. The “bearded” trees, cloaked in lichen, give the forest an enchanted feel. Pick up a mossy stone – who knows, could it be hiding a stone troll?
Steeped in history
Tännforsen became a travel destination as early as 1835, when King Karl XIV Johan inaugurated the road to Norway. Wealthy travellers would cross Lake Tännsjön by boat to admire the falls from the northern shore. In 1906, the Swedish Tourist Association enhanced access by building a road and establishing a tourist station nearby, making the site even more popular. Guest books from the era are filled with visitors’ tales and awe-struck impressions.
A daring bicycle stunt across the waterfall in 1953
In the summer of 1953, the waterfall became the stage for a daring feat by two adventurers from Järpen. Calle Thoresson set out to ride a bicycle across the top of the falls on a tightrope, while Kjell Zetterström hung beneath the bike and rope in a cradle, acting as both a counterweight and a balancing force. The drama intensified when the rope suddenly slackened halfway across, causing Kjell to be partially submerged in the rushing water. Despite the terrifying moment, Calle managed to keep his balance, and the pair made it safely across to the great relief of the watching crowd.
Older photos of Tännforsen show a massive boulder in the middle of the falls — known as Björnstenen (“The Bear Stone”), said to be where a bear once got stuck trying to cross. The stone was swept away during the spring flood of 1992, vanishing without a trace.
Saved from hydropower
Like many waterfalls, Tännforsen faced the threat of hydroelectric development — most notably in the 1940s, when plans emerged to harness its power. Locals protested passionately, determined to preserve this natural wonder. Their resistance paid off: in 1971, Tännforsen was granted nature reserve status to safeguard it as one of Sweden’s last free-flowing waterfalls. Thanks to their efforts, it remains one of the country’s most visited and cherished natural attractions.
Tännforsen at spring time
Photo: Karolina Krejci
