The vast majority of mountain hikers follow marked trails. In the mountain area there is a state-run trail system” from the Sälen in the south to Treriksröset in the north. In the areas we recommend for mountain hiking between mountain huts, there are marked trails and good signs. You will often also see well-trodden paths, marked with stones set on edge and sometimes with red crosses. The red trail crosses always mark winter trails, but also apply when the summer and winter trails run along the same route. In the forest, you will find painted markings on trees or posts.
There are signs where trails start or split. The signs show the symbol for a summer or winter trail, the distance to the destination and symbols for shelters, huts and emergency telephones. There are bridges over watercourses that would otherwise be difficult to cross. The trails offer temporary shelters. These are always open but not intended for planned overnight stays. There is a stove, but rarely firewood. Many of these shelters have emergency telephones, as do all mountain huts. Mountain huts always lie along the marked summer trails.
In the areas we recommend for day hikes, there are often different local marking and sign systems. These may be information boards, maps, poles marking the terrain and rest areas. The trails often go to interesting places and seasonal mountain cafés. There are also often marked circular hikes of different lengths.
Mountain hiking with your dog
“TAKE YOUR BEST FRIEND HIKING – ON A LEAD, OF COURSE”
Hiking with your “best friend” is a matter of course for many people. Hiking with your dog is a great combination. However, as reindeer herding is carried out in large parts of the mountains, stricter rules apply here than in many other places. There are also separate regulations in nature reserves and national parks to comply with.
We’ve compiled some useful information below:
Always keep your dog on a lead. Even if the right to roam requires dogs to be kept on leads from 1 March to 20 August, mountain hiking often takes place in areas with reindeer herding, so your dog should always be kept on a lead.
In National Parks, dogs must always be on leads. Please note that in some national parks you may not bring your dog at all.
Accommodation suitable for dog owners is offered almost everywhere, but make sure you book in advance as there is a limited number of designated dog rooms.
You’ll find water sources along the trail, but it’s useful to bring a simple bowl along with you.
Some dog breeds handle harsh weather and tough conditions better than others. Make sure your dog is equipped for the rain and wind.
A mountain holiday – more than just hiking!
“MTB CYCLING, CANOEING AND FISHING”
Most people go to the mountains to hike, but you may also want to do other things like cycling, fishing and maybe canoeing. In many places there are also good opportunities to alternate hiking with other activities. If you want this type of mountain holiday, you need to choose your destination carefully. Examples of mountain resorts with plenty of activities other than hiking include Sälen, Idre, Funäsfjällen, Åre and Hemavan. All of these places offer hiking trails, interesting places to visit and guided activities of various kinds. Many offer fishing and cycling is the most popular activity after hiking.
Mountain biking in the mountains In recent years, cycling has become a major activity in many mountain areas – you’ll find trail biking, downhill and cross-country biking of different difficulty levels. There may be trails on the mountains, but in the ski resorts a range of slopes have been created where you can take the lift up with your bike. Some people also enjoy cycling up! Cycling across the mountains between different overnight stops is not yet common. It’s best to stick to trails and cycle paths that are recommended locally. These are signposted and prepared so that cycling harms the environment as little as possible. There are often also guided tours for both beginners and experienced cyclists – if you choose to join one, you’ll get help setting up your bike as well as discovering all the best cycling routes. Bicycles are available for hire, including children’s bikes. And of course you should wear a helmet.
Mountain hiking with kids
“SHORT HIKES, SNACKS AND A LIGHT BACKPACK”
We recommend families to choose mountain holidays where hiking can alternate with other activities. Even teenagers enjoy combining hiking with things like cycling and fishing. The areas we recommend for day hikes are suitable for hiking with children. Different lengths of marked trails are available, and you can easily get up into the alpine zone.
Hiking must always take the child into account. There’s a lot to discover and you shouldn’t be in a hurry. Many breaks and perhaps a little play make it more fun. Stop for lunch by a stream and there will be plenty to do. Let your kids carry their own small backpacks. Children over the age of 10 often love to reach the summit of a mountain. It needn’t be a tall one, but a summit is a summit! To take children on multi-day hikes, they should be aged at least 13–14 years
