Last Updated on July 14, 2026

When the first warm days of summer finally arrived in Sweden, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: escape into nature. During my Workaway stay near Åre, I had been staring at the impressive silhouette of Åreskutan for weeks. It was time to pack my backpack, pitch my tent under the stars, and see what the mountain had to offer.

What followed was four unforgettable days of hiking through forests, across snow-covered trails, over soggy wetlands, and past beautiful lakes. It wasn’t always easy, but it was one of the most rewarding adventures I’ve had in Sweden.

If you’re thinking about hiking Åreskutan yourself, here’s everything you need to know, along with my personal experience.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

How to get to Åre, Sweden?

Åre is one of Sweden’s most popular outdoor destinations. In winter it’s famous for skiing, while summer it attracts hikers and mountain bikers.

Getting there is surprisingly easy. Åre has its own train station right in the centre of town, making it one of the easiest mountain destinations to reach without a car. I travelled by train from Östersund, which took about 1.5 hours and offered beautiful views along the way. If you’re flying, Åre Östersund Airport is less than an hour away and has regular connections with Stockholm.

Before starting my hike, I stopped by the tourist information office inside the train station to buy a detailed hiking map (also available online).

Tip: although many trails are marked, I highly recommend carrying a map or downloading an offline hiking app such as AllTrails or Komoot. Mobile reception can be unreliable once you’re higher in the mountains.

Starting the hike to the top Åreskutan

Finding the trailhead turned out to be harder than expected. I wandered around Åre for almost half an hour before finally spotting the correct hiking trail. The first few hours are almost entirely uphill, and my legs definitely noticed. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful forests before opening up into wide mountain landscapes with amazing views over Åre and the surrounding valleys. One thing I loved about hiking in Sweden is how well the trails are marked.

Tip: fill up your water bottles before leaving Åre. While you’ll find plenty of streams higher up, it’s always good to start with enough drinking water.

Camping near the summit of Åreskutan

By the end of the afternoon, I had climbed to about 1,120 metres. Although the summit was only another 300 metres higher, I decided to save that final climb for the next morning. It turned out to be the best decision. I found the perfect camping spot between two small mountain lakes with views of the snow-covered summit. There wasn’t another person in sight. The only sounds were the wind and birds.

Camping in Sweden is an incredible experience thanks to the country’s Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten), which allows you to camp in most natural areas as long as you respect nature, wildlife, and private property.

The next morning I woke up to one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever had from my tent. The early sunlight reflected on the lakes while patches of snow still covered the mountain. After making myself a warm bowl of porridge, I packed up and headed for the summit.

Tip: Sweden’s mountains are incredibly pristine. Leave your campsite exactly as you found it, pack out all rubbish, use existing fire pits where possible, and respect local fire restrictions. Following Leave No Trace principles helps preserve these landscapes for future hikers.

Reaching the summit of Åreskutan

The final stretch was unlike the forest trail below. Instead, I found myself walking across rocky terrain mixed with snowfields. About 1.5 hours later, I finally reached the summit of Åreskutan at 1,420 metres. Standing at the top felt amazing. The views stretched across Sweden and all the way into Norway. The scenery even reminded me of hiking in the Himalayas a month earlier, a comparison I never expected to make in Sweden.

Tip: take your time at the summit. Bring a snack, enjoy the silence, and enjoy the views before heading back down.

Hiking to my second campsite

Instead of returning the same way, I continued down the opposite side of the mountain. The descent was much easier on my lungs, but definitely tougher on my knees. While hiking I spotted plenty of birds. After roughly four hours, I reached the beautiful lake Ullsjön, sitting at an elevation of around 737 metres. It was the perfect place for my second campsite.

Tip: you may encounter reindeer, mountain foxes, or even moose in the surrounding area. Remember to keep your distance and never feed wildlife.

Lake Bräckebäcktjärnarna

Unfortunately, the weather changed overnight. Heavy rain greeted me the next morning. After packing my wet tent, I continued towards another lake: Bräckebäcktjärnarna. I think that camping near lakes is always practical during multi-day hikes. You have easy access to water for cooking, washing dishes, and even a refreshing morning rinse.

Getting there, however, wasn’t exactly enjoyable. Large sections of the trail crossed marshland, and my boots repeatedly disappeared into the mud. More than once I had to pull my foot out while hoping my shoe would come with it. Safe to say, waterproof boots only help so much when you’re ankle-deep in a Swedish bog!

When I finally reached the lake, my first priority wasn’t dinner, it was drying my socks and shoes. I collected firewood, lit a campfire, cooked my meal, and spent the evening warming up beside the flames.

The wind picked up dramatically that night. Around midnight I had to crawl outside and move my tent to a more sheltered spot. Not exactly how I imagined spending the night, but it’s all part of the adventure.

Hiking back to Åre

After another breakfast of porridge cooked over the campfire, I packed up for the final time. According to my map, the route back to Åre mostly followed gravel roads and cycle paths, making for an easy final stretch. Two relaxing hours later, I walked back into town, tired, muddy, and incredibly satisfied. Sometimes the best feeling isn’t reaching the summit, it’s taking off your backpack after four amazing days in nature.

Conclusion

Looking back, this hike was amazing! For four days, my life revolved around simple things: walking, cooking over a fire, finding the perfect campsite, and waking up surrounded by nature. No deadlines, no distractions, just mountains and fresh air.

If you love backpacking, wild camping, or simply want to experience Sweden beyond the cities, I can recommend hiking Åreskutan. It’s challenging enough to feel like an adventure, yet accessible for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and the right equipment.

If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below! Safe travels!

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Planning a trip to Åre? Don’t forget to pin this guide so you can easily find it again when you’re ready to hit the trail.