What’s New for Summer 2026
Niclas Vestefjell
Summer in the mountains. The light lingers over the peaks, wildflowers blanket the landscape in what feels like millions of colors, and the alpine air carries something you can’t quite put into words—but can’t help longing for. This is where those moments simply happen: high up on the mountain with breathtaking views, by a quiet tarn, along a winding trail, in bright summer nights you’ll remember long after they’ve passed.
A new season is on the horizon, and summer 2026 invites you into experiences you can already feel before they begin. A Midsummer celebration by Lake Åre where day gently fades into evening, watercolor workshops at Buustamon where the colors of the mountains come to life on paper, and hikes that offer more than just views—like the Gourmet Hike at Copperhill, where the mountain sets the table along the way. Just to name a few.
Maybe this is the year you stay a little longer, move a little slower—and let everything that makes Åre so special come a little closer.
This text may be updated with additional highlights.
News & a Record-Long Season at Åre Bike Park
Åre Bike Park is one of the largest bike parks in the world, with 40 downhill trails ranging from brilliant blue to boldest black. The 2026 season brings a few exciting updates, another record-long season, and extra celebrations for the summer solstice—the longest day of the year. All signs point to yet another incredible biking summer in Åre
A Summer Season That Goes the Distance
Let’s be honest—summer 2025 was the year that truly set the record. This year, the season is just as long. So while that might not sound like news at first, it’s simply too good not to highlight again for 2026.
Åre Bike Park opens in classic fashion around Sweden’s National Day, with Stjärnliften kicking things off on Friday, June 5. Soon after comes Midsummer—coinciding with The Longest Day of the Year, when the lifts are open 11 hours (!) från 10.00 to 21.00 and the light seems to go on forever and the riding just doesn’t want to stop.
From there, it’s full speed ahead. For the second year in a row, lifts run daily through the end of August, before continuing Thursday through Sunday all the way to September 27. In other words: everything is set for another incredibly long—and light-filled—downhill season in Åre.
Tip! Don’t miss The Longest Day of the Year—a real highlight for anyone who wants to squeeze every last golden hour out of Midsummer.
E-Bike – A New Summer Package at Holiday Club Åre
As the mountains open up and trails wind their way beyond the village, there’s a new way to go further—with less effort.
This summer, Holiday Club Åre introduces its very first e-bike package. In collaboration with Åreguiderna, your day begins right in the heart of the village. From Åre Square, you roll out with the mountains ahead and the day wide open—guided by a few local tips, with the rest left for you to discover.
With an electric mountain bike, distances feel shorter. Forest trails, elevation gains, and scenic viewpoints that once seemed far away are suddenly within easy reach. Ride when you want speed, pause when you want stillness—it’s an experience that works just as well for a family day out as it does for anyone craving a little extra wind in their face.
Photo: Emrik Jansson
Midsummer Celebrations & a Summer-Open Bistro
What’s Midsummer without a proper celebration? This year, the festivities take a fresh turn by Åresjön, with wreath-making, classic Midsummer games, and evening paddling as the light lingers late into the night.
And there’s more to look forward to: Bagarstugan Bistro—a winter favorite in Björnen—keeps the doors open this summer after a standout debut season. Well worth a visit… or two.
Summer at Bagarstugan Bistro
One of Åre’s standout summer additions picks up right where winter left off. Bagarstugan Bistro—which opened during the winter season—now keeps its doors open as the mountains turn green and the days stretch long into the evening.
The restaurant quickly made its mark with thoughtfully prepared dishes rooted in local Jämtland ingredients. Cooking here is all about care, presence, and flavor—served in a setting that invites you to settle in and stay awhile. Come summer, much of the experience moves outdoors, onto a spacious sun-drenched terrace where meals tend to linger.
It’s a place for long lunches that ease into the afternoon, dinners in the glow of the evening sun, and moments that don’t need rushing. A new favorite that already feels like a natural part of Åre’s summer scene.
On the Water in Åre
Flatwater Paddle—Explore Åresjön at Your Own Pace
A gentle journey downstream, where the movement is in the water—and the time is entirely yours. This summer, the Tege Tour gets an upgrade, with new, stable inflatable boats carrying you all the way from Tegefors to Åre.
The river flows calmly between Tegefors and Åre, guiding you forward while you set the pace. This isn’t about getting somewhere fast—it’s about being right where you are. For 2026, the experience takes on a new feel: canoes have been replaced with steady, inflatable boats that sit securely in the water. A little more stable. A little more forgiving. And maybe even better suited for long, unhurried moments along the river.
Drift past green riverbanks and open views. Pause if you feel like it—or simply let time pass.
This Is the Tour
A scenic journey of about 5 km along the Indalsälven River, from Tegefors to Åre. You paddle on your own, at your own pace, with a short introduction before setting off. Once you reach Åre, transportation takes you back to the starting point—so your car is right where you left it.
Plan for around three hours total. Time on the water typically lands somewhere between one and two hours, depending on how long you choose to linger.
Good to Know
- The tour starts in Tegefors
- Available weeks 26–33 (often possible outside these dates on request)
- No prior experience needed—you’ll get everything you need on site
- Life jacket included (fitted by weight when booking)
- Each boat fits up to five people
- Boats must stay within a distance from shore where everyone can reach land on their own
For more details, visit Explore Åre.
Åre Extreme Challenge
Something familiar is moving through the village again. Footsteps, breath, a steady pulse against the mountain. Åre Extreme Challenge is back—just like you remember it, and yet something new.
The classic course remains on this multisport race: trail running, biking, and time on the water. But this year, parts of the race return to their roots. The climb via Tott is back, rewarding you with sweeping views at the top. And in the Lake class, a new paddle section lets you experience Åre from a different perspective.
Take on the challenge solo or as a team. Go for River—the original format—or explore one of the newer classes, Lake or Run n’ Bike. Same mountains, different ways to move through them.
It’s more than a race. It’s a journey through the landscape, shared moments along the way—and, back again this year, a communal dinner that brings it all together at the finish.
June 27, Åre.
Read more at Åre Extreme Challenge.
Got more energy to burn?
Check out our summer 2026 event calendar to find even more races that are just your pace.
Enjoy the stillness of Åresjön by inflatable boat
Åre Extreme Challenge is back
Åre Craft & Art Festival – Back in the Light of Summer
At the end of July, it’s happening again. Åre Craft & Art Festival returns—this time in the heart of summer, when the days stretch long and the village moves at a different pace.
From July 22–26, Åre fills with art, craft, and music. Creative expressions spill out into the streets, into church spaces, and into pop-up spots you might not even know existed. Artists, makers, and musicians come together—along with you, right in the middle of it all.
From 2020 to 2022, the festival belonged to autumn. Now it’s found its way back—into a new season, and maybe even a new feeling. Culture and summer life blend together, right alongside everything else that’s already happening. You’ll notice it. Everything feels a little more open, a little closer—like culture is part of village life, not separate from it.
Behind the festival is Åre Kulturarena, an initiative by Åre by- och turistförening together with Studion Åre.
For more details, visit Åre Kulturarena on Facebook.
A few highlights during the festival:
Craft & Art Tour Local and regional artisans and designers pop up throughout the village. Meet the makers behind the work, try out different materials and techniques, and discover everything from ceramics and textiles to jewelry, woodcraft, and metalwork.
Teodor Wolgers – Episod at Vikens kapell A special concert where Teodor Wolgers explores his relationship with his grandfather, Beppe Wolgers—the beloved poet and songwriter—through music and storytelling.
Tilda Johansson – Topophilia In this exhibition, Tilda Johansson presents textile works and wood pieces that explore the connection between landscape, identity, and heritage—where traces of childhood environments and Sámi culture are woven together.
New Experiences at Buustamon & Copperhill
Flavors of the Mountains at Buustamon Fjällgård
Halfway up Åreskutan, where the road winds through alpine forest, a new summer experience unfolds. At Buustamons Fjällgård, small-scale distilling has been a craft for over two decades. This summer, you’re invited closer than ever.
Step inside the distillery. Take in the aromas of raw ingredients, hear the stories behind each bottle, and finish with a tasting—right where it’s made.
What to expect:
- A guided tour of Sweden’s smallest distillery
- Insight into the craft—from raw ingredient to finished spirit
- On-site tasting
- The opportunity to purchase products directly from the distillery
When:
Tuesdays & Fridays
At 15.00 & 17.00
After your visit, you’ll have the chance to bring a piece of the experience home—straight from the source.
Bubbles & Brushstrokes
This summer, the mountains also fill with color and creativity. During Canvas & Cava, painting meets fresh alpine air under the guidance of Eva Aggerborg and Tyra Aggerborg—designers and artists trained at Beckmans and Nyckelviken.
The session lasts about two hours, with all materials provided—and, of course, something sparkling in your glass. A moment where creativity can take its tim
For more details and additional experiences, visit Buustamons Fjällgård.
At the Top – New Ways to Experience the Mountains
High above the valley, where the views stretch for miles, something new is unfolding this summer at Copperhill Mountain Lodge. Here, days move effortlessly between activity and relaxation—with fresh ways to experience the mountains, your way.
Head out on trails that lead beyond the expected. Or stay put, and let the stillness settle in.
New Mountain Experiences This Summer:
- Guided hikes – to places you might otherwise miss
- Gourmet Hike – a scenic walk that ends with the flavors of Jämtland
- Simla’s Kids Hike – a playful nature adventure along the trail
Spa & Moments That Linger:
- Evening spa hours until 10 PM, wrapped in soft summer light
- Kids Pool Club – for play and movement at selected times
- Sunset Spritz on Fridays – bubbles and Jämtland-inspired tapass
That Little Something Extra:
- Floating Breakfast – served right in the pool
- Outdoor Dinner – an open-fire meal with the mountains as your backdrop
- Afternoon Tea – Saturdays with fresh bakes and an unhurried pace
Up here, the day moves to its own rhythm—from quiet mornings to long, light-filled nights.
Discover more at Copperhill Mountain Lodge.
Buustamoons Fjällgård i sommarskrud
Afternoon Tea på Copperhill
New Grill Spots & New Hiking Trails
Beachfront Grill Spots with the Best Views
Along the lakeside promenade by Åresjön, new barbecue spots have popped up—perfect for evenings that don’t need much planning. It’s where locals and visitors come together, with Åreskutan rising behind you and the water right at your side. One of those easy summer evenings that just… happens.
How to find them? Start on the lake side of Holiday Club and stroll east toward the marina—you’ll come across the grill spots one by one.
Improved Trails & New Places to Pause
Ahead of summer, new routes are taking shape across the mountain landscape. Along the trail to Ullsjön, boardwalks are being added to connect sections and make the path easier to follow. A new rest spot with benches is also planned along the way—a natural place to pause and take in the view. In Ullådalen, a new loop has already come to life. The Ullå Loop makes the area more accessible, with an upcoming rest area inviting you to linger a little longer.
At the same time, the Åttorp Loop toward Byxtjärn is being enhanced. A new stretch via Fröåtjärn connects the trail, creating a smoother, more continuous flow through the landscape. Here too, a rest stop is in the works—simple, well-placed, and right where you need it.
Find the trails on Åre Trails.
Wellness Weekend at Holiday Club Åre
– with a flavorful focus this year
September 10–13 in Åre.
A weekend that blends mountain hiking with a focus on nourishing, flavor-packed food.
This year, parts of the hiking take place around Storulvån, where the alpine setting becomes a natural part of the experience. At the same time, there’s a clear focus on food and nutrition—with a new emphasis on outdoor cooking.
Together with head chef Patrick Fjällstedt, you’ll get hands-on experience preparing healthy, delicious meals outdoors, using techniques and ideas that are easy to bring back home. The goal is to give you practical tools that work just as well on the mountain as they do in your own kitchen.
See the full program at Holiday Club.
Find Your Way Among Activities & Events
Åre is a destination in its own right—but also a magnet for its wide range of activities and events, especially in summer. Whatever you’re into, chances are you’ll find something that fits—whether it’s music, sports, food, drinks, or something else entirely.
On our event page, you’ll find the season’s major highlights. And if you’re looking for a day-by-day guide to what’s happening, our events and activity calendar has you covered.
Last updated 29 April 2026
