North Dalarna is one of Sweden’s most underrated travel destinations. While most visitors stop around Lake Siljan, those who continue north discover dramatic mountains, ancient forests, roaring waterfalls, living fäbods, remote wilderness, and some of the best hiking and landscape photography in Sweden.
This guide focuses on the southern and central highlights of North Dalarna around Särna, Fulufjället, Idre, and Städjan. Part 2 will cover Grövelsjön, Nipfjället, Fjätervålen, Gördalen, wildlife experiences, hidden gems, and a complete 5-day itinerary.
Why Visit North Dalarna?
North Dalarna feels very different from the rest of southern Sweden.
Instead of farmland and lakes, you’ll find:
- Vast wilderness areas
- Mountain landscapes
- Sweden’s largest alpine plateau south of Lapland
- Traditional mountain farming culture
- Excellent wildlife opportunities
- Endless hiking trails
- Incredible autumn colors
- Almost no crowds
For photographers, it is one of Sweden’s best destinations for:
- Landscape photography
- Wildlife photography
- Waterfall photography
- Drone photography
- Autumn photography
Where is North Dalarna?
For most visitors, North Dalarna starts around Särna and Idre.
Major destinations include:
- Särna
- Fulufjället National Park
- Idre
- Städjan
- Nipfjället
- Grövelsjön
- Fjätervålen
- Gördalen
Driving times:
| From | Time |
|---|---|
| Uppsala | 4.5-5 hours |
| Stockholm | 5.5-6 hours |
| Mora | 2.5 hours |
| Östersund | 4 hours |
When to Visit North Dalarna
Spring (May–June)
Perfect for:
- Waterfalls
- Migrating birds
- Wildflowers
- Moose sightings
Snow often remains on higher elevations well into June.
Summer (June–August)
Best for:
- Hiking
- Mountain adventures
- Canoeing
- Family trips
The long daylight hours are fantastic for photography.
Autumn (September)
My favourite season.
Expect:
- Golden birch forests
- Red mountain vegetation
- Morning mist
- Dramatic weather
- Fewer tourists
Winter (December–March)
Ideal for:
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Northern lights
- Winter landscapes
Fulufjället National Park
Few places in Sweden feel as wild as Fulufjället.
The national park covers more than 380 square kilometres and protects one of the country’s largest untouched mountain plateaus.
Official visitor information:
https://www.sverigesnationalparker.se/park/fulufjallets-nationalpark/besoksinformation
The landscape consists of:
- Ancient forests
- Waterfalls
- Deep ravines
- Open mountain tundra
- Rare plants and birds
The park is also home to Old Tjikko, the famous spruce whose root system is estimated to be nearly 10,000 years old.
Njupeskär Waterfall
Njupeskär is the main reason many visitors come to North Dalarna.
At 93 metres high, it is Sweden’s tallest waterfall.
The walk to the waterfall is easy and suitable for most visitors.
Trail Information
Distance:
- 4 km return
Difficulty:
- Easy
Time:
- 1-2 hours
Trail map:
Photography Tips
Visit:
- Early morning for fewer visitors
- Autumn for colourful forests
- Spring for maximum water flow
Bring:
- Wide-angle lens
- Tripod
- Polarizing filter
The waterfall is particularly photogenic after rain.
Explore Beyond Njupeskär
Many visitors walk to the waterfall and leave.
That is a mistake.
The real magic of Fulufjället starts once you continue onto the plateau.
Less-visited highlights include:
Rörsjöarna
Beautiful mountain lakes surrounded by wilderness.
Perfect for:
- Reflection photography
- Sunset hikes
- Solitude
Tangådalen
One of the least visited valleys in the park.
Expect:
- Old-growth forest
- Streams
- Wildlife opportunities
Burnt Forest Area
Sections of forest shaped by natural fires create unique photographic opportunities.
Särna
Särna is one of Sweden’s oldest mountain villages and an excellent base for exploring the region.
Many visitors stay here while visiting:
- Fulufjället
- Njupeskär
- Foskdalsvallen
- Idre
The village has:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Accommodation
- Fuel stations
Making it one of the most practical bases in North Dalarna.
Visit Foskdalsvallen
One of the most unique experiences in North Dalarna is visiting a traditional living fäbod.
Foskdalsvallen is located north of Särna and preserves a way of life that once dominated the Scandinavian mountains.
Visitor information:
What Is a Fäbod?
For centuries, farmers moved livestock into the mountains during summer.
These seasonal farms were called fäbodar.
Today only a few remain active.
At Foskdalsvallen you can experience:
- Traditional buildings
- Free-roaming cows
- Mountain pastures
- Traditional dairy production
- Swedish cultural heritage
Photography at Foskdalsvallen
The area is especially beautiful during:
Early Morning
- Mist over the meadows
- Grazing animals
- Soft light
Evening
- Golden sunlight
- Atmospheric farm scenes
Photographers interested in storytelling and rural Sweden will love this location.
Climb Städjan
If North Dalarna has one iconic mountain, it is Städjan.
The mountain’s near-perfect pyramid shape makes it one of Sweden’s most recognizable peaks.
Official hiking information:
https://www.visitdalarna.se/gora/aktiviteter/topptur-till-stadjan-66-km
Why Städjan Is Special
Unlike most Swedish mountains, Städjan rises sharply from the landscape.
Its profile resembles:
- A volcano
- A pyramid
- A mountain from the Alps
The mountain has inspired artists, hikers, and photographers for generations.
Hiking to the Summit
Distance:
- 6.6 km return
Time:
- Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty:
- Moderate
The trail climbs steadily before becoming steeper near the summit.
Views from the Top
On a clear day you can see:
- Nipfjället
- Fulufjället
- Norwegian mountains
- Idre region
- Vast forests stretching toward Härjedalen
Autumn is particularly spectacular.
Trollvägen – The Road That Defies Gravity
Near Städjan is one of Sweden’s strangest roadside attractions.
Trollvägen is an optical illusion that appears to make vehicles roll uphill.
Location:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Trollv%C3%A4gen+(synvilla)
How It Works
The surrounding landscape tricks your brain into misjudging the slope.
When you stop your car and place it in neutral, it appears to move uphill.
In reality, it is rolling downhill.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Yes.
Although it only takes 10–15 minutes, it makes a fun stop when exploring:
- Städjan
- Nipfjället
- Idre
Children especially enjoy testing the illusion themselves.
Photography Tips for North Dalarna
Bring:
- Wide-angle lens (14–24 mm)
- Standard zoom (24–70 mm)
- Telephoto lens (70–200 mm or longer)
- Tripod
- Polarizer
- Drone (where permitted)
Best photography conditions:
- Sunrise
- Sunset
- Foggy mornings
- Autumn weather changes
North Dalarna rewards patience and early starts more than almost any other region in Sweden.
Related Guides on Frewaphoto
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- https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-top-10-bird-photography-spots-in-sweden/ (frewaphoto.com)
- https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-bird-hides-in-sweden-where-to-photograph-wildlife-up-close/ (frewaphoto.com)
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Visit North Dalarna: Ultimate Travel Guide (Part 2)
In Part 1, we explored Fulufjället National Park, Njupeskär, Foskdalsvallen, Särna, Städjan, and Trollvägen.
In this second part, we’ll cover what many outdoor enthusiasts consider the crown jewel of North Dalarna: Grövelsjön and the mountain wilderness along the Norwegian border. We’ll also explore Nipfjället, Fjätervålen, Idre Fjäll, hidden viewpoints, wildlife opportunities, and a complete 5-day road trip itinerary.
Grövelsjön: One of Sweden’s Best Mountain Destinations
If you only have time for one destination in North Dalarna, make it Grövelsjön.
Located near the Norwegian border, Grövelsjön sits in the middle of more than 2,000 square kilometres of protected mountain wilderness known as Gränslandet. The area offers hiking, wildlife, fishing, photography, canoeing, and some of Sweden’s finest mountain scenery. (Grövelsjöfjällen)
Official area information:
Why Grövelsjön Is So Special
Unlike many mountain destinations in Sweden, Grövelsjön offers:
- Easy access to alpine scenery
- Family-friendly hiking
- Spectacular day hikes
- Excellent trail infrastructure
- Reindeer encounters
- Mountain lakes
- Border-crossing hikes into Norway
The scenery feels much more dramatic than many first-time visitors expect from southern Sweden.
Hike to Silverfallet
One of the best easy hikes in North Dalarna leads to Silverfallet.
The route starts from Sjöstugan at Grövelsjön and follows a well-maintained trail through mountain forest, across open fell landscapes, and along the Norwegian border. The loop is about 7 km long and typically takes around 2–3 hours. (Visit Dalarna)
Why Visit?
- Family friendly
- Easy navigation
- Beautiful mountain scenery
- Waterfall photography
- Borderland atmosphere
Unlike Njupeskär, Silverfallet is relatively small, but its setting is what makes it memorable.
The trail also passes:
- Olåns wind shelter
- Reindeer fences
- Open mountain terrain
- Several excellent picnic spots
Trail information:
https://www.visitdalarna.se/gora/sevardheter/olans-vindskydd-silverfallet-7-km
Explore the Grövelsjön Border Mountains
Many visitors never venture beyond the most popular trails.
That means they miss some of the area’s most spectacular landscapes.
Highlights include:
Linnéstigen
A gentle trail with mountain views and excellent opportunities to experience the unique flora of the region. (Idre Fjäll)
Sylen
A fascinating route combining a boat trip across Grövelsjön with a hike back through mountain landscapes and across the Swedish-Norwegian border. (Idre Fjäll)
Jakobshöjden
One of the best viewpoints in the region.
From the summit you can photograph:
- Grövelsjön
- Norwegian mountains
- Rolling mountain valleys
- Sunrise over the Swedish fells
Climb Nipfjället
While Städjan receives most of the attention, many experienced hikers actually prefer Nipfjället.
The mountain reaches 1,191 metres and offers some of the best panoramic views in Dalarna. (Visit Dalarna)
Why Visit Nipfjället?
Unlike Städjan:
- Slopes are gentler
- Views are wider
- Wildlife encounters are more common
- Hiking feels less crowded
The summit hike is approximately 6 km return and takes 2–3 hours. (Visit Dalarna)
Watch for Reindeer
One reason photographers love Nipfjället is the chance to encounter reindeer.
The mountain area is part of an active Sami reindeer grazing region.
While sightings are never guaranteed, summer and early autumn often provide good opportunities.
Photography tips:
- Bring a telephoto lens
- Keep your distance
- Avoid disturbing animals
Visit Lillnipen
Many visitors overlook Lillnipen because they focus on either Städjan or Nipfjället.
That is unfortunate.
Lillnipen offers:
- Excellent views
- Short hiking distances
- Sunset opportunities
- Easier access for families
It is one of the best low-effort viewpoints in the region.
Fjätervålen: Dalarna’s Hidden Mountain
Most tourists have never heard of Fjätervålen.
That is precisely why it deserves a place on your itinerary.
The mountain area offers:
- Quiet hiking trails
- Mountain forests
- Scenic viewpoints
- Winter skiing
- Wildlife opportunities
Unlike the more famous destinations around Idre, you can often hike for hours without meeting many people.
Idre Fjäll in Summer
Many Swedes associate Idre Fjäll with skiing.
But summer is arguably just as enjoyable.
The mountain resort serves as a gateway to many of North Dalarna’s best outdoor experiences. (Idre Fjäll)
Summer activities include:
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Trail running
- Family activities
The mountain itself offers several short hikes with beautiful views. (Idre Fjäll)
Scenic Drives in North Dalarna
One of the best ways to experience the region is by road.
Recommended route:
Särna → Idre → Grövelsjön
Highlights include:
- Fulufjället views
- Mountain plateaus
- Forest lakes
- Reindeer habitats
- Traditional mountain farms
Autumn colours peak from mid-September to early October and transform the landscape.
Wildlife Photography in North Dalarna
North Dalarna is one of Sweden’s best wildlife regions outside Lapland.
Possible sightings include:
Moose
Most active:
- Dawn
- Dusk
Best roads:
- Särna–Idre
- Gördalen area
- Forest roads near Fulufjället
Reindeer
Most likely around:
- Nipfjället
- Grövelsjön
- Idre mountains
Birds
Look for:
- Siberian jay
- Golden eagle
- Rough-legged buzzard
- Capercaillie
For bird photography inspiration, see:
Best Photography Locations in North Dalarna
If your main goal is photography, prioritise these locations:
Sunrise
Städjan
The pyramid-shaped mountain catches early morning light beautifully.
Grövelsjön
Perfect reflections during calm mornings.
Nipfjället
Excellent opportunities for mist-filled valleys.
Sunset
Silverfallet Area
Warm evening light across the mountains.
Jakobshöjden
One of the best sunset viewpoints in Dalarna.
Fulufjället Plateau
Wide open landscapes with dramatic skies.
Autumn Photography
September is often the best month of the year.
Expect:
- Golden birch forests
- Red mountain vegetation
- Frosty mornings
- Low-angle light
- Atmospheric weather systems
Where to Stay
Särna
Best for:
- Fulufjället
- Njupeskär
- Foskdalsvallen
Idre
Best for:
- Städjan
- Nipfjället
- Idre Fjäll
Grövelsjön
Best for:
- Hiking
- Photography
- Multi-day mountain adventures
5-Day North Dalarna Road Trip
Day 1
- Arrive in Särna
- Explore the village
- Evening photography
Day 2
- Fulufjället National Park
- Njupeskär
- Plateau hike
Day 3
- Foskdalsvallen
- Trollvägen
- Städjan summit
Day 4
- Nipfjället
- Lillnipen
- Idre Fjäll
Day 5
- Grövelsjön
- Silverfallet
- Jakobshöjden
- Scenic drive back south
Is North Dalarna Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
While destinations such as Åre and Swedish Lapland receive most international attention, North Dalarna offers many of the same experiences:
- Mountain hiking
- Wildlife
- Waterfalls
- Wilderness
- Photography opportunities
Yet it remains far less crowded and easier to access from central Sweden.
For photographers, hikers, and nature lovers, North Dalarna is one of the country’s most rewarding destinations.
Related Guides on Frewaphoto
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- https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-bird-hides-in-sweden-where-to-photograph-wildlife-up-close/
- https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-top-10-bird-photography-spots-in-sweden/
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