Älvdalen: Winter Fishing, Porphyry History and Trails
Accommodation in Älvdalen
At Hykjeberget, Älvdalen presents a distinctive landscape: the summit lies 594 metres above sea level, below which the mountain drops away in an almost vertical, 100-metre-high rock face. Hykjeberget faces south; its heat-retaining rock face creates a local climate for demanding plant species. A steep, rocky hiking trail leads to a wind shelter at the summit.
Nature and Trails
At the entrance to Blyberget Nature Reserve, a circular trail of approximately 1.5 kilometres begins. The area around the porphyry quarries is of great cultural and historical significance and includes a small exhibition about the laborious quarrying work. The old porphyry quarry at Blyberget was in use from 1788 until the beginning of the 1940s and is now protected as an ancient monument. The Vasaloppsleden also passes through Älvdalen Municipality, with several beautiful, easily manageable stages. Romboleden combines impressive nature with local history; along the trail there are huts and wind shelters where pilgrims can rest.
The waters are also part of the local attractions. Älvdalens FVOF offers fishing permits for fishing waters in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. The running waters contain trout and grayling, while the lakes contain perch, pike, and occasionally Arctic char and trout. Winter fishing in Älvdalen normally begins as soon as the waters freeze over in November and lasts until the end of April.
Cycling Routes at the Ski Stadium
Älvdalen’s cycling area at the Ski Stadium includes several cycling trails. These include short routes for children as well as longer routes with technical sections. Älvis is a 2-kilometre cycling trail in the stadium area and runs over a bark track, scenic paths and a gravel road. Mtb-kåsan is 10 kilometres long and combines strenuous climbs and descents with technical sections. Gröntjärnsrundan is a 12-kilometre cycling loop that leads from the stadium area via forest roads and trails towards Näset and to the porphyry dam.
Culture and Local History
Älvdalen Church is protected as a church heritage monument under Chapter 4 of the Swedish Cultural Heritage Act. Its oldest parts date from the 1580s; it acquired its present size and basic form in the 1810s and 1820s in the Neoclassical style. East of the church lies Kyrkhärbret, in the vicinity of the former vicarage, and it can be experienced as part of Älvdalen’s church village. South of the church stands a memorial monument to the witch trials: a stone with a plaque bearing the names of the deceased and an adjacent explanatory sign.
Älvdalska, an old language with roots in Old Norse, is spoken in Älvdalen. The porphyry history is present in several places. Nya Porfyrverket preserves the original production environment in which porphyry was manufactured until 1984. Outside the regular visiting hours, visitors can book private guided tours in advance for their family or group. The Porphyry and Hagström Museum has a permanent exhibition on porphyry production.
The historic fortification Rots Skans, dating from 1677, still includes the ramparts and the well. The open-air museum at Rots Skans shows settlements, forms of housing and crafts from the late Middle Ages until around 1900. At the site, Café Slöjdstugan serves fika, ice cream and waffles.
Hedbodarna
Hedbodarna is one of Sweden’s best-preserved long-distance summer farms and has been classified as nationally significant for cultural conservation. The operation of the long-distance summer farm Hedbodarna has been documented since the 17th century; many distinctive, well-preserved historic buildings stand there. In summer, Hedbodarna welcomes guests who can experience traditional life with livestock. Butter, Messmör and fika can be ordered in advance.
Getting There and Further Destinations
Regular public transport buses operated by Dalatrafik run to Älvdalen. For further regional options, you can open Fjätervålen.
To the higher-level travel overview: Jämtland.
Further Destinations
Further places within the same destination:
