Sheltered Running Trails

The mountainous weather conditions may be fickly at times but don’t let that stop you from heading out. Mountain birch forests are great protection from wind and rain so head for trails at lower altitudes where you’ll not only be sheltered from the weather but also find pretty forest areas you might not experience otherwise. We recommend wearing a cap, thin mittens and proper terrain shoes to tackle theses forest trails. Enjoy!

Please note: The trails are laid with boardwalks on wetlands and other mounds that have a tendency to be wet. These are convenient for runners but also protect the ground from wear and tear. Stick to the boardwalks as best as you can and avoid running on wet trails (for example, after a rainfall). It’s also common to see reindeer on and around the trails. Please keep your distance, avoid disturbance and, if possible, choose a different route. Thank you!

Solstigen

ELEVATION 160 m | DISTANCE 3,9 km

Solstigen is one of the locals’ favourite trails and has been in use for over a century which means it’s well-trodden. Begin your run at the funicular (Bergbanan) mountain station by Fjällgården and continue through the forests on the slope of Totthummeln. Circa halfway through, the trail turns and takes you down to Åre Square via a nice village road.

FIND IT Trail 219

Tegeforsen

ELEVATION 20 m | DISTANCE 6 km

A run to Tegeforsen makes for a perfect recovery loop for tired legs after plenty of mountain hikes. Start from the village and follow the old Årevägen (paved road), then cross the railway and continue along the lush forest road. After a few kilometres on Sotargränd, you’ll soon hear the rumble of Tegeforsen waterfall. The same route takes you back to Åre village – a gentle outing with nature’s soundtrack along the way!

FIND IT Trail 218

Lillådammen and Byxtjärn

DISTANCE 7 km

Trail 221, which takes you through sheltered woodland towards Lillådammen and Byxtjärn, is perfect for running even on rainy, windy days. The trail starts at the historic mining site Fröå Gruva and, after a few kilometres, splits towards the two tarns. Byxtjärn is more sheltered from the wind and weather, while Lillådammen is more exposed and features a slightly muddier path. You return to the starting point via the same route. Be sure to recharge your energy with lunch or a fika at Bergstugan before heading home.

FIND IT Trail 221c

Södra Ridvadsrundan

DISTANCE 14,7 km

Ridvadsrundan starts in Vallbo (with an alternative starting point at Fångåmon) and takes you through protected forest terrain, making it a great choice for days with unsettled weather. Instead of mountain peaks, the trail offers cosy woodland and a grooved sandy beach by Lake Ottsjön — perfect to return to on a sunnier day. In the middle of Lake Ottsjön lies Sweden’s longest natural ford. If the summer day is warm, we recommend trying to walk the full distance across the lake. The lakebed is made up of fine-grained sand, perfect for running.

FIND IT Trail 280