If you drive north on the E45, you’ll pass through Ytterhogdal. Most people just drive right through here. That’s understandable—Lapland beckons. But not far from the geographic center of Sweden lies a region of forests, rivers, and mountains where you’re more likely to encounter a moose than another tourist.
We’ve compiled a list of the most beautiful natural spots around Ytterhogdal, with tips from Bart and Mariëlle, who left the Netherlands a year and a half ago to settle in these woods and now run a vacation home here Friluft Sweden.
Ytterhogdal is a village in the municipality of Härjedalen in central Sweden, on the Ljusnan River. In the surrounding area, you’ll find mountains such as Flornipan and Fnuschen, waterfalls like Fettjeåfallet (approx. 60 meters) and Linafallet, the Hamra and Sonfjället national parks, swimming lakes, and a former gold mine with turquoise water.
You can spot moose, roe deer, and black grouse there, and with a bit of luck, a brown bear. From September through March, you also have a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Ytterhogdal is located in the municipality of Härjedalen, in the province of Jämtland. Historically, the village belongs to the region of Hälsingland. Three regional names for a village of just a few hundred residents—Swedish administration in a nutshell. For you as a traveler, it doesn’t really matter. You’re right in the middle of the country here, on the E45, about 45 minutes from Sveg and an hour from Ljusdal.
In the village itself, you’ll find an ICA supermarket, a few places to grab coffee and lunch, and a free cross-country ski trail. The surrounding area consists of woods, water, and more woods. The villages of Storån, Flor, and Överhogdal are a 15-minute drive away.
The second-highest mountain in the region. From Friluft Sweden in Storån, it takes about an hour and a half to hike there along a forest trail that’s quite steep in some places. From the top, you’ll look out over a sea of trees with a glistening lake here and there. TIP: Bring something to eat and drink; there’s nothing along the way.
The highest mountain in the area, about seven kilometers from Ytterhogdal. At the summit stands a lookout tower that used to serve as a fire watchtower. From there, you can look out over mountains, forests, lakes, and marshes. You can drive almost all the way there and walk the last bit, or hike up from the village.
A small but powerful waterfall in the middle of the forest, between Överhogdal and Rätan. It’s a five-minute walk from the small road. There’s a bench—and that’s about it. Bring a thermos and take a moment to listen to the water.
With a drop of about 60 meters in two stages, the Fettjeåfallet is one of Sweden’s highest waterfalls. It is located near Klövsjö, just over an hour’s drive from Ytterhogdal. From the parking lot, you walk about two kilometers along the river, following a path with stone steps built by Nepalese Sherpas. At the waterfall, there is a rest area with a barbecue. In winter, the waterfall freezes into an ice wall, a favorite spot for ice climbers.
It’s also near Klövsjö, and easy to combine with the Fettjeåfallet on the same day. Two waterfalls in one day trip—and you’ll definitely have had your fill of walking.
Hamra, one of Sweden’s first national parks, is an hour to an hour and a half’s drive away. It is home to an old coniferous forest that has been left undisturbed for a very long time. Hiking trails of various lengths wind through the forest, across peat bogs, and along bodies of water, partly on wooden boardwalks. There’s a fire pit, benches, and restrooms. In the winter, cross-country ski trails are groomed here.
Sonfjället is a barren mountain ridge in Härjedalen that rises above the forests. The area has one of Sweden’s densest bear populations. You rarely see them, though, because bears are shy and have little interest in visitors. You’ll start at Nyvallen, a working farm. You can take a family hike of about 2.5 kilometers, or choose longer routes to the summit. In winter, the road to Nyvallen is closed.
The Långsidberget and Råtjärnberget-Djupdalsberget nature reserves are located around Ytterhogdal. Less well-known, even quieter, and perfect for a half-day of aimless wandering.
Deep in the forest near Ramsjö lies Enåsengruvan, an open-pit gold mine that was in operation from 1984 to 1991. What remains is a pit filled with strikingly turquoise water, which takes on an almost unreal blue hue on a sunny day. A beautiful spot for photography. Swimming and diving are not recommended. The last few kilometers are along a bumpy gravel road; it’s best to walk the final stretch.
The forests are home to moose, red deer, roe deer, foxes, and brown bears. In March and April, capercaillies court at sunrise—a spectacle best viewed from a photography hide. Birdwatchers can also spot cranes, bald eagles, shrikes, and capercaillies. If you want to see a moose, you’ll have to get up early. To spot a bear, you’ll need a lot of luck—or a guide who knows where to look…
Ytterhogdal has an 18-hole mini-golf course in the center of the village, right next to a swimming area, and a free 9-hole disc golf course near the ski stadium. Is it raining? In Sveg, a 45-minute drive away, you’ll find a swimming pool, a larger supermarket, and outdoor stores.
The Hembygdsgård in Ytterhogdal features historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. There, you can enjoy coffee with waffles and homemade jam for a fika—the Swedish term for a coffee or tea break with something sweet on the side.
Wärdshuset Knoppergården is a historic inn serving homemade lunch. If you look a little further: in nearby Överhogdal, tapestries from the Viking Age were discovered in the church. They are now on display at the Jamtli Museum in Östersund. Please note: outside of the summer months, the opening hours of cafés and restaurants are limited, so be sure to check them in advance.
The best place to stay in this region is Friluft Sweden: a converted barn that sleeps 1 to 6 people, located on the lake in Storån. The forest begins right at the edge of the property, and you can hike up Flornipan right from your front door. Host Bart will take you on wildlife safaris, canoeing trips, ice fishing excursions, or snowshoe hikes, and Mariëlle will help you explore the area. You book direct with the Dutch family.
View the Friluft Sweden vacation home
Want more Swedish winter in Härjedalen? Check out our winter adventure in Fjällnäs.
If you drive your own car from the Netherlands, the trip takes about two days. By public transportation, you can take the train from Stockholm Arlanda to Ljusdal and drive the last hour in a rental car, or you can take the bus from Stockholm to Kårböle. All the options are listed in the article about Friluft Sweden.
Ytterhogdal is located in central Sweden, in the municipality of Härjedalen in the province of Jämtland, on the Ljusnan River and along the E45. Historically, the village is part of the Hälsingland region. It is not far from the geographic center of Sweden.
Mountains with sweeping views, such as Flornipan and Fnuschen, the Fettjeåfallet waterfalls, Sångbäcksfallet and Linafallet, the Hamra and Sonfjället National Parks, the swimming lake Sångsjön, and the former Enåsengruvan gold mine with its turquoise waters.
The Fettjeåfallet waterfall near Klövsjö drops about 60 meters in two stages, making it one of Sweden’s highest waterfalls. From the parking lot, it’s about a two-kilometer walk to the waterfall.
Yes, but you need a bit of luck. Sonfjället National Park is home to one of Sweden’s densest bear populations. Bears are shy, so you’ll have the best chance of seeing one with a local guide. You’re much more likely to see moose, roe deer, and grouse.
Yes. Around Ytterhogdal, the Northern Lights can be seen regularly from September through March when the sky is clear. You don’t have to go all the way to Lapland to see them.
Every season has something special to offer. Spring and fall are peaceful and great for wildlife watching; summer is perfect for swimming and canoeing; and winter is ideal for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and the Northern Lights.
Friluft Sweden in Storån is a lakeside vacation home for 1 to 6 people, offering guided outdoor activities led by the Dutch owners. You book direct with the owner.
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