The Vålådalen trail

Vålådalen is the starting point for the "Vålådalsfyrkanten hike", a route that passes between mountain cabins, specifically STF Lunndörren, STF Vålåstugan, and STF Stensdalen. The entire loop takes place within the Vålådalen Nature Reserve, and much of the hike is along the border between open mountain terrain and forest. The hike can be enjoyed in both directions.

Discover the Vålådalen trail

The trail begins in the ancient, species-rich forest, whose preservation was the main reason for establishing the Vålådalen Nature Reserve 25 years ago. The trail winds through coniferous and mountain birch forests. Here, you’ll encounter tarns, streams, wetlands, and flower meadows. This hike sometimes reaches up to the treeline, in the borderland between open mountain and sparse mountain birch forest. In some areas, glacial activity has sculpted beautiful features in the landscape, with ridges, plateaus, and gorges, often creating a fairytale-like setting.

Most mountain cabins you come to have a shop with food for sale. The cabins at STF Lunndörren and STF Stensdalen also have saunas. The hike can be done in both directions, with daily stages ranging from 12 to 16 kilometers. The circuit is described clockwise below.

See and do along the trail

The area around STF Lunndörren and STF Vålåstugorna hides fish-rich tarns. Fishing permits can be purchased at the cabins.

An alternative route to STF Lunndörren is the path toward the Pyramids via Grönvallen, a well-preserved Sámi settlement nestled in the birch forest. The famous Pyramids and the surrounding landscape were shaped by ancient ice ages. The trail toward the Pyramids leads directly to the cabins in Lunndörren.

If you want to extend the tour, you can make a detour from Lunndörren to STF Anaris Fjällstuga. The 18-kilometre route takes you through the spectacular Hällådalen valley, surrounded by steep mountain walls, and continues past Issjödalens crater-filled plateau landscape and the pyramids. It is one of the area’s most dramatic day hikes.

You can also choose to start or finish your hike in Vallbo, which has trail connections to both Vålådalen and Lunndörren. This gives you flexibility to adapt the route to your time and ambitions.

How to get to the trail

Book your train tickets via SJ (opens in new tab). Search for your journey from departure to final destination, in this case, Vålådalen. This way, you’ll see all available departures connecting various modes of transport: both train and bus. You also have a travel guarantee, ensuring that any delays won’t affect your arrival at the destination.

The train goes to Undersåker. From there, take bus or arrange a taxi transfer for the last 25 kilometers.

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Sections of the Vålådalen trail

Below is an overview of accommodation, stages with distances, and other relevant hiking information.

You can of course hike the route in the opposite direction to the one presented.

Section 1: STF Vålådalen Mountain Station–STF Lunndörren Mountain Cabin

12 kilometers, 4-5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: STF Lunndörren Mountain Cabin

This trail mostly runs through mountain coniferous forest. Early on, you cross the Vålån River, following it briefly before the trail splits after about 6 kilometers. If you prefer the shortest route, choose the trail toward Lunndörren cabins. The cabins are located right by Lake Lunndörrstjärnen, on the border between forest and open mountain terrain. East of the cabin stands the Stor-Gröngumpen mountain and southeast lies Mount Santa. Further into the massif, you’ll find the renowned Lunndörr Pass (Lunndörrspasset).

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Section 2: STF Lunndörren Mountain Cabin–STF Vålåstugan Mountain Cabin

15 kilometers, 5-6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: STF Vålåstugan Mountain Cabin

The trail between cabins crosses easy-to-hike terrain near the treeline. To the north, you’ll find ancient forests, while to the south lie the distinctive valleys of Gråsjöfjället. The adventure begins with a stretch over wetlands towards the Finnångeltjärnarna ponds and the Lunndörr River. A steep climb takes you up the slopes of Mount Trondfjället, crossing the Tronnan stream, which eventually flows into Vålån.

The trail continues in the Vålån valley and ascends slightly just before reaching your destination. During the last 2 kilometers to STF Vålåstugan, the path becomes rockier. High water levels may require wading on this section.

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Section 3: STF Vålåstugorna–STF Stensdalen Mountain Cabin

14 kilometers, 5-6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: STF Stensdalen Mountain Cabin

The landscape shifts from flat open mountains and high-altitude marshes to birch forests below the beautiful Lill-Stensdalsfjället. The first 9 to 10 kilometers are just above the treeline, after which you round Vålåvalen and turn north. A relatively flat stretch along Kroktjärnarna and wetlands follows. After Smällhögsskaftet, the terrain becomes more varied. The Tvärån stream in Låtedalen can be challenging to wade in high water. Exercise caution by heading upstream, where the water flow decreases after passing tributary streams. Along this route, you can explore old mine shafts on the slopes of Gruvsmällen.

The Stensån river near STF Stensdalen Mountain Cabin may also be difficult to wade at high water levels. If you cannot cross, try heading west, where you can cross the Stensån on a bridge close to STF Stensdalen.

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Section 4: STF Stensdalen Mountain Cabin–STF Vålådalen Mountain Station

13 kilometers, 4-5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: STF Vålådalen Mountain Station

The trail from STF Stensdalen Mountain Cabin initially passes through mountain birch forest with occasional open areas and wetland stretches. About 2 kilometers from Stensdalen cabins, you reach a bridge over the Tvärån. At the highest point of the section, 830 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a view of the forested Vålådalen basin and the surrounding mountains to the south.

Here, the trail divides, and you should choose the path toward Stensån and Vålån. Taking a dip in the Stensån along the way is a perfect way to refresh yourself during the hike.

Accomodation along the trail

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