Idre is one of the best bases in Sweden for nature photography. Within relatively short driving distance you can photograph dramatic mountain silhouettes, open alpine landscapes, waterfalls, ancient forests, mountain lakes, wetlands, wildlife and some of the most beautiful autumn scenery in northern Dalarna.
The area around Idre is particularly interesting for photographers because the landscape changes dramatically within a few kilometres. You can start the morning above the tree line at Nipfjället, photograph the distinctive silhouette of Städjan, spend the afternoon looking for waterfalls and old-growth forest, and finish the day beside a mountain lake or on an open plateau watching the last light.
For photographers, the biggest advantage is accessibility. The Städjan-Nipfjället nature reserve is one of the most accessible mountain areas in Dalarna, with a road taking you high into the landscape. From there you can reach viewpoints and hiking trails without committing to a long expedition.
Below are my picks for the best nature photography locations around Idre, from places that are only minutes away to destinations that work well as longer day trips.
Best nature photography spots around Idre
- Städjan
- Nipfjället and Mulen
- Lillnipen
- Burusjön
- Gränjåsen Nature Reserve
- Fjätervålen
- Fjätfallen-Kryptjärn Nature Reserve
- Klingforsen
- Vålåberget Nature Reserve
- Drevfjällen Nature Reserve
- Drevdagen Nature Reserve
- Gryvelån Nature Reserve
- Fulufjället National Park and Njupeskär
- Grövelsjön and Långfjället
- Hävlingen and the wilderness around Grövelsjön
1. Städjan – the iconic mountain near Idre
If you photograph only one mountain around Idre, make it Städjan.
Städjan has one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the Swedish mountains. From some angles it resembles a volcanic cone, while from others the characteristic saddle-like shape becomes obvious. The summit reaches 1,131 metres above sea level.
The mountain is part of the large Städjan-Nipfjället nature reserve, which lies only around 8 kilometres northeast of Idre. The area is unusually accessible for a mountain landscape: roads reach high onto the mountain plateau and several trails start from the parking areas.
Google Maps: Städjan on Google Maps
Best photography opportunities
The classic composition is to photograph Städjan from Nipfjället, using the mountain as the dominant subject above the surrounding landscape. This works particularly well with a 70–200mm-type focal length, allowing you to compress the distant landscape.
Do not limit yourself to the classic viewpoint, however. Walk farther onto the plateau and look for foreground elements such as rocks, dwarf birch, heather, lichen and small pools.
In autumn, the vegetation around the mountain becomes especially photogenic. Yellow and orange vegetation contrasts beautifully with the darker mountain slopes.
Best time for Städjan photography
- Early autumn: excellent for golden vegetation.
- Late summer: good for green mountain landscapes and wildflowers.
- Winter: dramatic snow-covered mountain scenery.
- Sunset: excellent when the mountain catches warm side light.
- Sunrise: particularly good when low cloud or mist sits in the valleys.
Cloud is not necessarily bad here. A completely blue sky can produce a clean landscape, but broken cloud gives the mountain much more atmosphere.
2. Nipfjället and Mulen
Nipfjället is one of the easiest places near Idre to experience high-mountain scenery without undertaking a very long hike.
The summer parking area provides access to open mountain terrain, and the summit of Nipfjället, known as Mulen, reaches 1,191 metres above sea level. The summit hike is approximately 6 kilometres round trip with around 267 metres of elevation gain. The final section is steep and rocky.
Google Maps: Nipfjället on Google Maps
Why photographers should go
Nipfjället gives you something that many Swedish mountain locations lack: huge views with relatively little effort.
From the higher terrain you can photograph Städjan, Idre Fjäll, Fjätervålen, the Grövelsjön area and distant Norwegian mountains. On clear days the visibility can be spectacular.
Use a wide-angle lens for dramatic foregrounds, but bring a telephoto as well. Distant mountains often become much more interesting when compressed into layers.
For a landscape photographer, I would spend at least an hour simply walking around looking for foregrounds rather than immediately heading for the highest point.
3. Lillnipen – an easy mountain viewpoint
If you want mountain photography without the full hike to the summit of Nipfjället or Städjan, Lillnipen is an excellent alternative.
The area around the Nipfjället parking areas provides easy access to open mountain terrain, and Lillnipen can be reached on a relatively short walk. The official description of Städjan-Nipfjället specifically highlights the short walk to Lillnipen as one of the accessible ways to experience the area.
Google Maps: Lillnipen on Google Maps
Best subjects
- Städjan
- Mountain silhouettes
- Low vegetation
- Cloud formations
- Sunset landscapes
- Winter snow patterns
Lillnipen is particularly useful when conditions change quickly. If clouds are moving across the mountains, you can find compositions without committing to a long hike.
4. Burusjön – mountain lake photography
Burusjön is one of the places I would add to an Idre photography itinerary when you want something different from mountain peaks.
The lake lies in the Städjan-Nipfjället area and is surrounded by forests and mountain terrain. The combination of water, trees and distant mountains creates opportunities for reflection photography and minimalist compositions.
Google Maps: Burusjön on Google Maps
Best photography conditions
The best conditions are usually calm mornings when the surface of the lake is still enough to reflect the surrounding landscape.
Arrive before sunrise and look for a low viewpoint close to the shoreline. A 24–70mm zoom is ideal here because you can switch between wider environmental compositions and tighter mountain reflections.
Autumn is particularly attractive because the vegetation around the lake can add strong colour to the foreground.
5. Gränjåsen Nature Reserve
Gränjåsen is one of the lesser-known photography locations close to Idre and deserves more attention.
The nature reserve lies beside the road between Idre Fjäll and Fjätervålen, near Gränjåsvallen. Its old spruce forest is particularly distinctive because the trees are covered with hanging lichens, creating a dark, atmospheric, almost fairytale-like environment.
Google Maps: Gränjåsen on Google Maps
Why it is interesting for photographers
This is a completely different photographic environment from Nipfjället.
Instead of huge mountain panoramas, concentrate on:
- Hanging lichens
- Old spruce trees
- Moss
- Forest textures
- Small details
- Atmospheric woodland scenes
A 90mm macro lens can be particularly useful here for photographing mosses, lichens, leaves and small forest details.
6. Fjätervålen
Fjätervålen is another excellent location for mountain landscapes and is easy to combine with a road trip around the Idre area.
The mountain sits south of the main Städjan-Nipfjället area and offers broad views across the surrounding landscape.
Google Maps: Fjätervålen on Google Maps
Photography ideas
Rather than photographing only the summit, look for layered compositions. The mountains around Idre are particularly effective when photographed in hazy atmospheric conditions, with several ridges fading into the distance.
Late evening is a good time to visit because the low sun creates long shadows across the mountain slopes.
7. Fjätfallen-Kryptjärn Nature Reserve
For waterfall photography, Fjätfallen-Kryptjärn is one of the most interesting destinations in the wider Idre area.
The reserve contains two substantial waterfalls along the lower part of the Fjätälven. It also contains old forest, streams, small wetlands and the forest around the old Kryptjärn mountain farm.
Google Maps: Fjätfallen on Google Maps
Best photography conditions
Overcast weather is ideal for waterfall photography because it gives you soft light and makes it easier to control highlights in the water.
After rain can be particularly good because the river becomes more powerful.
Bring:
- Tripod
- Polarising filter
- ND filter
- Microfibre cloth
- Wide-angle lens
- Standard zoom
Try exposures between roughly 1/2 second and several seconds and vary the shutter speed. Extremely long exposures are not always the best option; some movement in the water can produce a more natural result.
8. Klingforsen
Klingforsen is another useful stop if you are looking for moving water, rapids and forest photography around Idre.
Google Maps: Klingforsen on Google Maps
The surrounding landscape is well suited to shorter photography sessions rather than an entire day. Look for rocks breaking the surface of the water, reflections between the trees and patterns created by flowing water.
Autumn is especially attractive because colourful vegetation contrasts with the darker water and forest.
9. Vålåberget Nature Reserve
If you enjoy old forests and dramatic woodland rather than open mountains, Vålåberget is worth adding to your list.
The reserve is only around four kilometres from Idre. It protects a relatively untouched forest along a rocky mountain edge. The upper parts reach approximately 593 metres above sea level, and the area includes a steep diabase cliff and rock slopes.
Google Maps: Vålåberget on Google Maps
What to photograph
- Old pine forest
- Rock formations
- Cliffs
- Moss and lichens
- Dead trees
- Forest textures
This is a good location for a photographer who likes intimate landscapes. Instead of trying to capture everything in one wide-angle photograph, use longer focal lengths to isolate individual trees and details.
10. Drevfjällen Nature Reserve
Drevfjällen is where you go when you want a genuine wilderness experience.
The reserve lies south of Idre and extends towards the Norwegian border. It is a large, roadless wilderness area and contains Dalarnas largest continuous area of old-growth-like forest. Some of the pine trees are more than 500 years old. The Södra Kungsleden hiking route passes through the reserve.
Google Maps: Drevfjällen on Google Maps
Why photographers should visit
Drevfjällen is not the place to visit if you want a viewpoint directly beside the car.
It is the place to visit if you want:
- Ancient pine forest
- Remote landscapes
- Mountain valleys
- Natural-looking forests
- Small lakes and streams
- Wildlife
- Minimalist wilderness photographs
Because the area is largely roadless, plan your photography as a hiking trip. Carry lightweight gear and prioritize one good lens rather than taking everything.
11. Drevdagen Nature Reserve
Drevdagen is another excellent option for photographers interested in a mixture of forest, wetlands, small tarns and mountain viewpoints.
The reserve contains old forests, wet myres, quiet tarns and the viewpoint at Styggberget. The area is also interesting for wildlife photography, with species including capercaillie, willow grouse and Siberian jay possible in the wider area.
Google Maps: Drevdagen on Google Maps
Best subjects
The small tarns are excellent for atmospheric landscape photography, especially on calm mornings when mist forms above the water.
Styggberget is the obvious choice for a larger landscape composition, while the old forest provides opportunities for intimate nature photography.
12. Gryvelån Nature Reserve
Gryvelån is one of the best choices around Idre for photographers who love old-growth forest and wetlands.
The reserve protects a mosaic of wetlands and coniferous forest. Some of the pine trees are more than 400 years old, while spruce trees can reach around 30 metres. The reserve has marked hiking loops of approximately 3 and 6 kilometres.
Google Maps: Gryvelån on Google Maps
Photography opportunities
- Old pine trees
- Ancient spruce forest
- Wetlands
- Forest streams
- Mosses
- Deadwood
- Woodpeckers and other forest birds
The combination of old trees and wetland makes this a particularly good location in autumn when the low vegetation adds colour to the forest.
13. Fulufjället National Park and Njupeskär
Fulufjället National Park is farther from Idre than the locations above, but it is too good to leave out of an Idre photography guide.
The main attraction is Njupeskär, one of Sweden’s most spectacular waterfalls, but the national park offers much more than the waterfall. You can photograph old forest, mountain birch, open plateau landscapes, streams, wetlands and the surrounding fjäll.
Google Maps: Fulufjället National Park on Google Maps
The Njupeskärsleden is approximately 3.9 kilometres and passes through several different environments, including old spruce forest, mountain birch woodland and mountain terrain.
Njupeskär photography
Njupeskär is particularly photogenic when you can combine the waterfall with foreground rocks, vegetation and the surrounding gorge.
Do not photograph only the waterfall itself. Spend time photographing the journey through the forest and the landscape above the falls.
Early morning is strongly recommended. The area can be busy during the main summer season, while early morning gives you better light, fewer people and a much more atmospheric experience.
For an in-depth visit, combine Njupeskär with Old Tjikko and the higher mountain landscape.
14. Grövelsjön and Långfjället
Grövelsjön makes an excellent longer day trip from Idre and is one of the best destinations in the region for classic Scandinavian mountain photography.
The Långfjället nature reserve includes the area around Grövelsjön and the Grövelsjön mountain station. There are numerous summer and winter trails leading towards mountains such as Storvätteshågna and the Hävlingen area.
Google Maps: Grövelsjön on Google Maps
What makes Grövelsjön special for photography?
The landscape is much more open than the forests around Idre. You get broad valleys, rounded mountains, lakes and long-distance views towards Norway.
This is an excellent place for minimalist landscape photography.
Use a telephoto lens to compress mountain layers, especially when atmospheric haze separates the ridges.
It is also possible to encounter reindeer in the wider area. Visit Dalarna specifically highlights the possibility of photographing reindeer during hikes around Grövelsjön.
15. Hävlingen and the wilderness around Grövelsjön
If you have a full day and want to go deeper into the landscape, continue towards Hävlingen.
The Hävlingen area lies within the Långfjället landscape, close to Töfsingdalens National Park. There are several mountain cabins around the lake and numerous hiking routes in the surrounding wilderness.
Google Maps: Hävlingen on Google Maps
For photographers, this is about the combination of water, mountains and wilderness rather than a single famous viewpoint.
Look for small islands, shoreline rocks, reflections and mountain layers. Early morning and evening are much more interesting than midday.
Best nature photo spots near Idre by photography type
| Photography | Best locations |
|---|---|
| Mountain landscapes | Städjan, Nipfjället, Grövelsjön |
| Sunrise | Nipfjället, Städjan, Burusjön |
| Sunset | Nipfjället, Städjan, Grövelsjön |
| Waterfalls | Njupeskär, Fjätfallen |
| Old-growth forest | Drevfjällen, Gryvelån, Vålåberget |
| Forest details | Gränjåsen, Vålåberget, Gryvelån |
| Mountain lakes | Burusjön, Grövelsjön, Hävlingen |
| Wildlife | Grövelsjön, Drevfjällen, Drevdagen, Gryvelån |
| Autumn photography | Nipfjället, Städjan, Burusjön, Grövelsjön |
| Winter photography | Nipfjället, Städjan, Fulufjället |
| Macro | Gränjåsen, Gryvelån, Vålåberget |
| Water and long exposure | Fjätfallen, Klingforsen, Njupeskär |
Best time of year for nature photography around Idre
Spring
Spring arrives late in the mountains. Snow can remain well into the season, making this an excellent period for photographers who want a combination of snow and emerging vegetation.
Waterfalls can also be particularly powerful when snowmelt increases the flow.
Summer
Summer provides the easiest access to the mountain areas and the longest days of the year.
The biggest problem for photographers is crowds at the most famous locations, particularly Njupeskär. Early mornings are therefore much better than midday during the busiest weeks.
Summer is also excellent for wildflowers, insects, mountain vegetation and wildlife.
Autumn
Autumn is arguably the best season for landscape photography around Idre.
The combination of golden mountain birch, colourful low vegetation, dark evergreen forest and distant mountains creates exceptional conditions.
Clear, calm mornings can also produce reflections on the mountain lakes.
If autumn colour is your main priority, keep an eye on local conditions rather than relying on a fixed calendar date. The higher mountain areas change earlier than the valleys.
Winter
Winter transforms the Idre landscape into something completely different.
Snow-covered mountains, frost, frozen waterfalls and low winter light can produce spectacular images. However, winter photography requires more preparation. Some mountain roads and parking areas may not be maintained in the same way as during summer, and hiking conditions can change quickly.
Best sunrise photography locations near Idre
If sunrise is your priority, I would rank the locations roughly like this:
- Nipfjället – huge mountain views and easy access.
- Städjan – dramatic mountain silhouette.
- Burusjön – reflections and calm water.
- Grövelsjön – mountains and lake.
- Njupeskär – dramatic gorge and early morning atmosphere.
One of the most important photography lessons around Idre is to arrive early enough to photograph the period before sunrise. The blue hour can be just as beautiful as the first direct sunlight.
Best sunset photography locations near Idre
For sunset, concentrate on locations where you have a wide view toward the horizon.
- Nipfjället
- Städjan
- Grövelsjön
- Lillnipen
- Fjätervålen
The higher mountain areas are particularly good because you can photograph the changing light across several layers of mountains.
Best autumn photography near Idre
Autumn deserves a separate mention because Idre is an excellent destination for photographing Scandinavian fall landscapes.
For broad mountain scenes, concentrate on Nipfjället, Städjan and Grövelsjön.
For forests, visit Gränjåsen, Vålåberget, Gryvelån and Drevfjällen.
For water and autumn colour, try Burusjön, Fjätfallen and the streams around the mountain valleys.
A useful strategy is to photograph the mountains in the morning and switch to forests and details later in the day. Midday light that is too harsh for landscape photography can work very well when photographing moss, lichens, leaves and forest textures.
Wildlife photography around Idre
The Idre region is also interesting for wildlife photographers. The large protected landscapes provide habitats for many mountain and forest species.
Grövelsjön and the surrounding mountain areas can provide opportunities for reindeer photography, while old forests such as Gryvelån and Drevfjällen are interesting for woodland birds. Drevdagen is also noted for species such as Siberian jay, capercaillie and willow grouse.
For wildlife, patience is much more important than simply visiting the most scenic location. Walk quietly, use a telephoto lens and avoid approaching animals.
Never chase wildlife to get a photograph. In sensitive mountain environments, keeping your distance is particularly important.
Best lenses for photographing Idre
You can photograph almost everything around Idre with a three-lens travel kit.
Wide angle
A 14–24mm-type lens is useful for dramatic mountain foregrounds, waterfalls and large skies.
Standard zoom
A 24–70mm lens is probably the most useful all-round option. It covers landscapes, waterfalls, environmental details and many hiking situations.
Telephoto
A 70–200mm or similar telephoto lens is extremely useful in the mountains. Use it to compress distant ridges, isolate Städjan and photograph wildlife.
Macro
A macro lens is underrated in Idre. Gränjåsen, Gryvelån and the old forests around Vålåberget are particularly good places to switch from landscape photography to moss, lichen, flowers and insects.
Camera settings for Idre landscape photography
Mountain landscapes
- ISO 100
- f/8–f/11
- 1/30–1/250 second depending on light
- Focus approximately one-third into the scene
- Use a tripod when light levels are low
Waterfalls
- ISO 100
- f/8–f/11
- 1/2–2 seconds for natural water movement
- Several seconds for smoother water
- Polariser recommended
Wildlife
- Fast shutter speed
- Auto ISO can be useful
- Continuous autofocus
- Animal eye detection where appropriate
- Telephoto lens
What to pack for a photography trip to Idre
- Camera body
- Wide-angle lens
- 24–70mm lens
- Telephoto lens
- Macro lens if you enjoy details
- Lightweight tripod
- Polarising filter
- ND filter
- Extra batteries
- Power bank
- Waterproof camera protection
- Rain jacket
- Warm layers
- Map and offline navigation
- Headlamp for sunrise and sunset hikes
Mountain weather can change quickly. Even during summer, pack enough clothing to handle cold, wind and rain.
How long should you spend photographing Idre?
One day: concentrate on Städjan, Nipfjället and one nearby forest or waterfall.
Two days: add Fjätfallen, Gränjåsen and Burusjön.
Three days: explore the mountains, waterfalls and old forests at a more relaxed pace.
Four to five days: add Fulufjället and Grövelsjön as separate photography days.
If photography is your main reason for visiting, I would choose at least three full days. The area rewards flexibility because weather is such an important part of the experience.
A 3-day Idre photography itinerary
Day 1 – Städjan and Nipfjället
Start before sunrise at Nipfjället.
Photograph the mountains during blue hour and sunrise, then explore the plateau as the light changes. Spend the middle of the day hiking around the area and looking for smaller compositions.
In the evening, return for sunset if conditions look promising.
Day 2 – Forests, lakes and waterfalls
Start at Burusjön for sunrise.
Continue towards Gränjåsen and photograph the old spruce forest. Later, head towards Fjätfallen for waterfall photography.
If you still have energy, finish the day at Klingforsen.
Day 3 – Choose a full-day destination
Choose between:
- Fulufjället for Njupeskär, old forest and mountain landscapes.
- Grövelsjön for mountain lakes and wide-open landscapes.
- Drevfjällen for wilderness and old-growth forest.
For a first photography trip, I would choose Fulufjället if you have never photographed Njupeskär, or Grövelsjön if mountain landscapes are your main priority.
Photography ethics in the Idre mountains
Much of the landscape around Idre is protected nature. Treat it accordingly.
- Stay on marked trails where required.
- Do not damage vegetation to create foregrounds.
- Do not move rocks or logs unnecessarily.
- Keep your distance from wildlife.
- Do not disturb nesting birds.
- Follow local reserve regulations.
- Take all rubbish with you.
- Respect reindeer husbandry and local land use.
Rules can differ between nature reserves, so always check the current information before visiting a specific location. Länsstyrelsen Dalarna provides information and regulations for the individual reserves.
Official information and useful maps
The Länsstyrelsen Dalarna visitor destination directory is particularly useful for checking nature reserves, regulations and access information.
The official information for Städjan-Nipfjället is the best starting point for the main mountain area.
For hiking information around Idre, Visit Dalarna’s Idre hiking guide is also useful.
Final thoughts
Idre is much more than a ski destination. For nature photographers, it is one of the most interesting bases in northern Dalarna because of the extraordinary variety of landscapes within a relatively small area.
Städjan and Nipfjället are the obvious highlights, and they absolutely deserve their reputation. But some of my favourite photography opportunities would be found away from the famous viewpoints: old spruce forests at Gränjåsen, ancient pines in Drevfjällen, reflections at Burusjön, flowing water at Fjätfallen and the atmospheric wetlands around Gryvelån.
If you have several days, expand your range to Fulufjället and Grövelsjön. Together they turn an Idre visit into an excellent Scandinavian nature photography road trip.
The biggest photography tip is simple: do not spend all your time chasing famous viewpoints. Give yourself time to walk, wait for interesting weather and look closely at the landscape. The best photograph from Idre might be a huge mountain panorama — but it might just as easily be a tiny patch of moss, a misty lake or an old pine tree glowing in evening light.
FAQ: Nature photography near Idre
What is the best photography location near Idre?
Städjan-Nipfjället is probably the best all-round photography location because it combines dramatic mountains, open alpine landscapes, lakes, forests and excellent accessibility.
Where can I photograph Städjan?
Nipfjället is one of the best places to photograph the distinctive Städjan silhouette. The mountain can also be photographed from different locations around the surrounding reserve.
Where is the best place for sunrise near Idre?
Nipfjället, Städjan and Burusjön are among the strongest choices. Arrive well before sunrise to explore compositions before the light appears.
Where can I photograph waterfalls near Idre?
Fjätfallen-Kryptjärn and Njupeskär are the two standout choices. Klingforsen is another option for rapids and flowing water.
Is Idre good for autumn photography?
Yes. Autumn is one of the best seasons for photography around Idre. Mountain birch, low vegetation, forests and mountain landscapes combine to create excellent colour and texture.
Can I photograph wildlife near Idre?
Yes. The surrounding mountains and forests provide opportunities for wildlife photography, including reindeer and forest birds. Grövelsjön, Drevfjällen, Drevdagen and Gryvelån are particularly interesting areas.
Is Städjan difficult to climb?
The final part of the route to Städjan is steep and rocky. Länsstyrelsen describes the last approximately 800 metres as a particularly steep ascent, with the final section requiring careful scrambling over blocks.
Can I photograph Idre in winter?
Yes, but winter requires significantly more preparation. Snow, ice and short daylight can create spectacular images, but access and hiking conditions can be considerably more difficult.
How many days do I need for photography in Idre?
Three days is a good starting point. With five days, you can comfortably combine Städjan-Nipfjället, waterfalls, old-growth forests, Fulufjället and Grövelsjön.
What lens should I bring to Idre?
A 24–70mm zoom is the most useful general-purpose lens. Add a wide-angle lens for dramatic landscapes and a telephoto for distant mountains and wildlife. A macro lens is excellent for forest details, flowers, mosses and lichens.