Vålådalen – Ljungdalen

This hike goes from Vålådalen, heading towards Helags and finishing in Ljungdalen. It is a spectacular three-day walk through mountain-birch forest, across broad mountain heaths and up towards mighty massifs.

A spectacular three-day mountain hike from Vålådalen to Ljungdalen, past Helags – the highest peak south of the Arctic Circle – with a bed at a station, cabin or hostel each night.

The tour from Vålådalen to Ljungdalen begins and ends in a mix of birch and conifer forest, with mostly bare mountain in between. The trail is well marked, and along the way bridges cross the watercourses that would otherwise be hard to get over. The terrain along the hike is moderately hilly and without any major difficulties.

Along the tour you pass the Helags massif, Sweden’s highest peak south of the Arctic Circle at 1,797 metres above sea level. It is possible to climb Helags, even for those who aren’t especially experienced.

At the end of each stage there is a mountain station, mountain cabin or hostel. At the mountain stations you can treat yourself to a sauna, a comfortable bed and a restaurant serving both breakfast and dinner.

Accommodations in the area

Experience more along the way

Our hosts on site are happy to share their hidden gems – from the perfect lunch rock with a view to hidden swimming lakes along the Vålådalen–Ljungdalen route.

The south summit of Helags, at 1,797 metres above sea level, is Sweden’s highest peak south of the Arctic Circle. It can be climbed even by those who aren’t especially experienced. Reach the summit safely and securely with our knowledgeable guides. The tour is incredibly beautiful, with Helags’ steep east wall meeting Sweden’s southernmost glacier.

As an alternative, you can take a detour to STF Stensdalen Mountain Cabin or extend your route with STF Lunndörren Mountain Cabin.

Stages Vålådalen – Ljungdalen

Stage 1: Vålådalen Mountain Station – Vålåstugorna

20 kilometres, 6–7 hours of walking
Accommodation: STF Vålåstugorna

The trail between Vålådalen and Vålåstugorna starts on relatively flat terrain through the mountain-birch forest. At Skaftet you begin a two-kilometre incline up to a junction. Here you keep left; if you choose right, you reach STF Stensdalen mountain cabin. The walk continues across an open mountain landscape before you finally reach Vålåstugorna.

Stage 2: Vålåstugorna – Helags Mountain Station

23 kilometres, 7–8 hours of walking
Accommodation: STF Helags Mountain Station

From Vålåstugorna you begin walking south. After just 3 kilometres you reach the Härjångsån river in the Vålådalen nature reserve. The tour then continues on the slope of the barren Härjångsfjället, where for part of the stretch you follow a reindeer fence.

The trail divides at the Ljungan rest shelter – choose to follow the trail south towards Helags. The tour now continues on fairly flat terrain towards the pass between Krustjärnstöten and Slaajve, and after a couple of kilometres downhill you reach Krusstjärn.

The end of the tour offers a climb on the south side of Jalketsåjja, before it heads downhill again towards the trail’s final stop – STF Helags Mountain Station. The mountain station is beautifully situated, at the foot of Sweden’s highest peak south of the Arctic Circle.

Stage 3: Helags Mountain Station – Kläppen/Ljungdalen

12 kilometres, 3–4 hours of walking
Accommodation: STF Fjällhornet Resort Ljungdalen, STF Ljungdalen Hostel

You walk on a well-trodden path in a magnificent mountain setting with the Helags massif at your back. The first half of the walk crosses dry heathland before the terrain gradually turns into mountain-birch forest. Around Kesusjön, west of Ljungdalen, there are many holiday cabins and a lovely old summer-pasture meadow.

Finish with a night at Fjällhornet, or walk six kilometres of road from Kläppen to Ljungdalen, where a hostel awaits. There are taxis in the area.

Visitor calendar

Do you prefer a quieter experience in the mountains? Our visitor calendar gives you an overview of typical occupancy levels in this mountain area, helping you plan your trip during less busy periods. During quieter times, we also often offer better prices. Please note that the visitor calendar is only an indication and does not account for variations due to events or holidays.

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