Jamtland Attractions
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Jämtland, a mountainous region in central Sweden bordering on Norway, is one of the last unspoiled areas of natural landscape in Europe. Only 1.4% of this forest-covered territory is under cultivation. With its great expanses of lush green pasture, its crystal-clear waters and its snow-capped peaks, Jämtland offers attractions to visitors in both summer and winter.Here animals threatened with extinction, including bears, gluttons and martens, live undisturbed, and Jämtland's 3,000 lakes and streams contain many species of fish to attract the angler. The best months for fishing the mountain streams are July and August; in the forest regions June is preferable.
Hammarstrand
East of Östersund (Road 87) is Hammarstrand, situated in the Ragunda valley at the foot of the Kullstaberg. From the lookout terrace on this hill there is a fine view of the Indalsälv, which was a lake, 15m/50ft deep, until a channel for rafts was opened in 1796, when the lake disappeared within four hours.
Western Jämtland
The chief town of Jämtland is Östersund, on the Storsjö, from which E 14 runs west to the Norwegian frontier.Following the E14 west toward Norway from Östersund you will pass though a series of distinctive towns, that make up the Western Jamtland.
Jarpen
68km/42mi from Östersund on E 14 is Järpen (alt. 324m/1,063ft), a busy industrial town on the Indalsälv (power station), which drains the Kallsjö. The area is well wooded. To the west, beyond the Indalsälv, the 14m/45ft high Rista Falls tumble into the Åresjö. The calcareous soil favors the growth of rare mosses and other plants.
Are
Åre (alt. 378m/1,240ft; pop. 10,000) is a popular climbing and winter sports center. It has a stone-built church (probably 13th C.) with an image of St Olof. A large cabin cableway runs up to 1,300m/4,265ft, and there are also several chair-lifts and ski-tows as well as a funicular. From the summit of Åreskutan (1,420m/4,659ft), to the north of the town, there are magnificent views.Are is considered one of Sweden's top ski resorts with four separate ski areas and villages that are linked by a single lift pass. The skiing is suited to all levels and non-skiers can find lots of activities as well.
Åre - Duved
8km/5mi west of Åre is Duved (alt. 384m/1,260ft), a winter sports center, with lifts to the Mullfjäll (1,031m/3,383ft).
Tännfors
West of Duved, Road 322 branches off and runs northwest to the Tännfors, one of the finest waterfalls in the north; in a nature reserve. Here the Indalsälv plunges down into the Nornsjö from a height of 32m/105ft, with a width of 60m/200ft.
Handöl
At Handöl is a small Lapp chapel (1804). There is another impressive waterfall here, the Handölsfall, with a drop of 120m/395ft (suspension bridge).
Storlien
Storlien (alt. 592m/1,942ft), with Sweden's highest railroad station, lies in a winter sports area with numerous lifts and cross-country tracks. In summer there is pleasant canoeing. The Norwegian frontier runs 4km/2.5miles west of the town. The mountainous region to the south extends as far as Härjedalen. The tourist resort of Storulvån is a good base for winter sports and for mountain walks in summer.
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Stromsund, Sweden
The handsome little town of Strömsund (alt. 288m/945ft, pop. 16,000) is reached on Road 45, which runs northeast from Östersund. South of the town is the Russfjärd. 2.5km/1.5mi northeast is Grelsgården, with a lookout tower from which the view reaches to the mountains on the Norwegian frontier.
Ankarede
North of Strömsund, reached on a minor road from Gäddede, is the village of Ankarede, a traditional Sami meeting-place (chapel of 1896). The annual Lapp fair held here at midsummer attracts many visitors.There is a waterfall located about 3 kilometres from Ankarede that tourists can hike to. Fishing is available along the way with a permit.
Ströms Vattudal
Northwest of Strömssund is the string of lakes known as Ströms Vattudal, extending to the Norwegian frontier. This lake system, through which flows the Faxälv, is an anglers' paradise. Near the frontier, in a nature reserve, is the Hällingsåfall (55m/180ft high).
