Hiking in Grövelsjön in northern Dalarna

Hiking in the Dalecarlian mountains in Central Sweden late summer and autumn is magical with the beautiful colours and the crispy air! At Grövelsjön in northern Dalarna, there are opportunities everywhere for getting out into wide-ranging and amazing natural environments without too much effort. 

Grövelsjön is situated at the most northerly corner of Dalarna and the mountains stretch away on both sides of the Swedish-Norwegian border. The mountains are close by and easy to reach, which means that you don’t have to spend several days hiking to experience the miles and miles of magnificent views. There are also huge areas for hiking with lots of clearly signposted hiking trails.

Grövelsjön has several accommodations, such as STF Grövelsjön Mountain Station, Storsätra Fjällhotell and Lövåsgården that offer delicious food as well. There are also cozy cabins and camping pitches. Whatever you choose, nature is always nearby.

To find the best hidden gems, we suggest hiking with a guide that knows Grövelsjön inside and out, for example Experience Grövelsjön. Also check with your accommodation what options are available, or if they arrange shared activities and/or hikes.

We’ve put together some hikes in Grövelsjön that are guaranteed to give you a memorable wilderness experience, only 6 hour drive from Stockholm.

1. The summit of Storvätteshågna, approx. 20 km there and back

Hike up to ‘The roof of Dalarna’- Dalarna’s highest mountain. The summit of Storvätteshågna is 1204 metres above sea level, around 9 km east of Grövelsjön. The hike is made up of well-worn paths, over open, mountainous expanses, and offers lots of wonderful views. Start at STF Grövelsjön Mountain Station and follow the trail towards Fosksjöarna and Storvätteshågna. Spend some time at Övre Fosksjön and recharge your batteries before tackling the ascent to the summit. The ascent is pretty tough in places, but once you’re at the top it’s flat and easy for hiking.

2. Silverfallet and Olän’s shelter, about 6 km there and back

A perfect hike for the family, which runs along large paths though mountain forests and with a small section on bare mountains. Once you’re at the little waterfall, you’ll also, naturally, find the recreation area where you can enjoy your packed lunch and coffee - Olän’s shelter, by the Norwegian border. Start at Grövelsjön where the road ends. The hike can also be taken from Storsätern (Ollarsliden) and the car park, 500 m from the Norwegian border.

3. Södra Kungsleden

The southern part of the classic Swedish Kungsleden goes though Dalarna and Grövelsjön. Look out over the inspiring, changing nature of the mountain environment, with everything from relatively flat plateaus to distinctive mountaintops. From Grövelsjön, Södra Kungsleden cuts across Långfjället to Hävlingen, before eventually passing by the county border, east of Slugufjället. The hike winds through heather, grass and lichens, accompanied by a richness of bird life. Södra Kungsleden is 340 km long in total and stretches from Sälen in the south to Storlien in the north. Why not try hiking the stretch from Högfjället in Sälen to Grövelsjön? It’s 165 km, one way.

For more hikes and information, see Hiking in Grövelsjön.