Test trail running in Åre and find your flow on the mountain. Run through lush mountain birch forest, take a leap over the rippling mountain streams and look out over the mountain peaks on the horizon. Running through the mountains doesn’t just have to be about timberline and trails with high altitudes. Here are five great tips for powerful trail running with loads of highlights along the way.

Wooden planks are laid out on wetlands and other mounds that often get muddy are convenient for those who run – but also protect the ground from wear and tear. Stick to these as best as you can and avoid the really wet trails when it’s been raining. And if you see reindeer on the path – avoid disturbing them and choose a different route.

Stendalsrundan

Elevation: 410 m | Distance: 10,3 km

Take the VM6:an and Hummellift up to Mörvikshummeln, then follow the signpost to Trail 210. Alternatively, take the VM8:an up, skip a few height meters along the way and get almost only “negative height meters” all the way home. The trail goes down Stendalen with a nice view towards Mullfjället in the west and then turns east with lovely downhill run through mountain birches towards the village. This tour starting in the village center will give you plenty of mountain spirit. One of the advantages when you test trail running in Åre is the possibility of catching a ride with the ski lifts to reach higher grounds.

Find your way: Take trail 201

Platåleden

Distance: 6,3 km

This is a relatively easy trail for those wanting everything during their run. The trail starts with a footpath then ascents up to Platåkåtan. Keep on a few kilometres through the mountain birch before you have the entire Ottsjö plateau in front of you. There are wooden planks on the trail over the marsh and all you have to do is keep your head on straight and don’t lose your balance. Make a detour after the marsh towards Kläpphögarna for views of Lake Ottsjön and Ottfjället.

Find your way: Take trail 260.

Lillådammen and Byxtjärn

Distance: 7 km

Trail 221 which takes you to the small mountain lakes Lillådammen and Byxtjärn through sheltering trees. Reward yourself with a cooling dip before returning downwards again. The trail starts at the historic mining site Fröå Gruva and after a few kilometres the trail divides towards the two tarns. Byxtjärn is more protected from the weather and wind, while Lillådammen is more exposed to weather and offers a bit more of a muddy path. The same route takes you back to the starting point again. Be sure to fill up the energy reserves with lunch or “fika” at Bergstugan before heading home.

Find your way: Take trail 221c

Tegeforsen

Elevation: 20 m | Distance: 12 km

The trail to Tegeforsen water fall offers neither unpaved terrain nor mountain tundra, but is a lovely route for tired legs longing for lightly trampled asphalt and gravel road. Run with a stroller or in the worst kind of weather. It’s about 6 km from the village to Tegeforsen, half of which is on a gravel road. Cross the train track just after the curvy section on Årevägen, follow the markings to Trail 218 or the pilgrim trail S:t Olavsleden.

Find your way: Take trail 218

Björnentriangeln

Elevation: 460 m | Distance: 16,8 km

This is a longer route for those who want to enjoy a long run without getting tired due to an increase in height meters. The trail is weather sensitive, which means it can be wet if there’s been a lot of rain lately. The Björnentriangel won’t take you up steep mountain peaks, but on the other hand you’ll come close to the dramatic Blåsten casting its shade onto the trail with its mighty slopes. You might get lucky to see some birds of pray.

Find your way: Take trail 221