Fulufjället National Park

Fulufjället National Park is a protected area in central Sweden’s Dalarna province. The park spans over 38,000 hectares and was inaugurated in 2002 to protect the region’s unique environment and wildlife. It has rough mountain vistas, old-growth forests, and stunning waterfalls. Brown bears, lynxes, wolves, wolverines, and reindeer are among the park’s rich wildlife. Fulufjället National Park is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, allowing visitors to experience some of Sweden’s most beautiful and untouched natural areas.  

The park is significant not only for its natural beauty and ecological importance but also for its cultural significance. The Sami people have a deeply rooted presence in the area surrounding the park, with many relying on its resources to sustain their livelihoods. Not only do they continue to maintain their traditional way of life, but they are also actively working to protect the park’s natural environment for future generations. The park is an integral part of the Sami culture, and its importance should not go unnoticed by travelers looking for a unique experience in Sweden.

Diverse Landscapes of Fulufjället National Park

Visitors can enjoy a unique experience at every corner of the Fulufjället National Park, home to various ecosystems and landscapes. Wetlands, marshes, mountain tundra, and ancient forests are all waiting to be discovered by you. The abundant forests of Fulufjället National Park are a vital component of the park’s ecosystem since they serve as homes for numerous animal, bird, and insect species. The forests are the habitat of rare plant species like the Arctic raspberry and Arctic violet, as well as centuries-old trees.

The park’s wetlands and marshes are other unique features of the landscape, with diverse vegetation that attracts a variety of bird species, such as the Eurasian eagle-owl and the three-toed woodpecker. With its barren landscape, the mountain tundra is a fragile ecosystem home to various rare and unique plant species, such as the Lapland buttercup and the Arctic bell heather.

Visitors can find almost 800 plant species and a vast range of wildlife in the park’s ecosystems. Many bird species, including the golden eagle, the gyrfalcon, the largest falcon species, and the Siberian jay, the park’s symbol, may be found in Fulufjället National Park. It is also home to brown bears, lynxes, wolves, wolverines, reindeer, and other significant creatures.

The Four Zones of Fulufjället National Park

Fulufjället National Park is divided into four areas, or zones, with different purposes. The park is the first national park in Sweden to use this strict zoning system.

• Zone I: About 60% of the park is in zone I. It is considered the park’s wilderness heart and has almost no tourism infrastructure.
• Zone II: The southeast edge of the park (14%) is considered a low-activity area with minimal tourism infrastructure.
• Zone III: The high activity zone (25%) is the tourism heart of the park and has the most tourism infrastructure. It is also the only zone where visitors are allowed to fish.
• Zone IV: The smallest zone (1%) is the developed zone, with substantial concentrations of visitors, like the main entrance and the Njupeskär waterfall. It is no allowed to camp in zone IV.

Below you can find a detailed map of the Fulufjället National Park, which includes information about the park’s different entrances, attractions, and trails. The map is courtesy of Sveriges Nationalparker, and is shared with prior consent.

For your convenience, we also created a Google Map, which provides the locations of the parking lots. You can save the map to your Google account and use it to navigate to the parking areas. If you do not have a Google account, you can just use the coordinates of the parking lots by clicking the P-icons on the map and copying the coordinates to your navigation app of choice. The Google Map also shows the global locations of the area’s main attractions and rental cabins.

How to Get to Fulufjället National Park

Fulufjället National Park is located in the Swedish province Dalarna, near the Norwegian border. The easiest way to get there is by car.

Reaching Fulufjället National Park by Car

There are a few possible routes to the park if you’re driving. We recommend checking the local road and weather conditions before deciding which route to take. Fulufjället National Park has several entrances, which are all reachable by car. Depending on the season and weather conditions, the drive takes approximately 5 hours from Oslo, 6 hours from Stockholm, and 7 hours from Göteborg.

Entrance at Njupeskär

The entrance at Njupeskär is the park’s main entrance with parking, a visitor center, information boards, catering, and toilets. The road to this entrance is plowed all year round. The visitor center, called Naturum, functions as a gateway to the national park. You can learn more about the animals, plants, geology, and cultural history that shaped the area.

Entrance at Brottbäcksstugan

The entrance at Brottbäckstugan, 5 km south of the main entrance, offers summer and winter parking. It is the starting point of several summer and winter hiking trails and the snowmobile trails toward Rösjöarna and Tangsjöarna.

Entrance at Gördalen

Gördalen is the only entrance on the park’s western side. It is the starting point for several summer and winter hiking trails and the snowmobile trails towards Fulufjället, Drevfjällen, and Lillådalen. The public roads are plowed in the winter.

Entrance at Göljån

The entrance at Göljån has a northern and southern parking area. This entrance is the starting point of Göljåleden, which is a marked summer trail. Both parking areas can only be reached during the summer, as the roads are not plowed during the winter. There used to be a road connecting the two parking areas, but it has washed away and is no longer accessible.

Entrance at Morbäcksätern

The entrance at Morbäcksätern offers summer and winter parking, as the roads are plowed in the winter. It is the starting point of summer and winter hikes toward Tangådalen.

Entrance at Björnholmsstugan

This entrance south of the park has separate areas for summer and winter parking. During the summer, you can drive up to the park border. In the winter, the road is only plowed up to the small community of Storbron, where there is a small parking area. This entrance is the starting point for several summer and winter trails.

Reaching Fulufjället National Park by Public Transportation

For those without a car, it is possible to take a train or bus to Mora, a town located about 150 km from Fulufjället National Park. Then you can take a bus from Mora to Särna, the nearest village to the park. There is no regular public transport between Särna and the Fulufjället National Park. However, you can book a flextrafik bus (linje 785) if you plan ahead. The journey from Mora to the main entrance takes approximately 2.5 hours.

With proper preparation, getting to Fulufjället National Park can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. It is crucial to plan ahead and check the schedules for public transportation, as the options may be limited and often need to be pre-booked, especially during off-peak seasons.

Staying Overnight in Fulufjället National Park

Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for a peaceful escape, staying overnight at the Fulufjället National Park provides a sense of solitude and connection with nature that is truly unique and unforgettable. You can camp in your tent inside Fulufjället National Park, but only in zones I to III. In the park, you can also find fully equipped private cottages, simple wilderness huts to share with other visitors, and wind shelters to take a quick break, warm up or prepare lunch.

Staying at Rösjöstugarna

You can find comfortable cottages on the shores of Rösjöarna and Harrsjöarna, which you can book at Rösjöstugarna. These cottages have a gas stove, wood stove, complete kitchen equipment, and beds with comfortable mattresses, blankets, and pillows. The cottages located at Rösjöarna also offer a wood-burning sauna!

Staying at Lilla Tangsjöstugan

The little cabin on the shores of Tangsjöarna sits in the middle of untouched mountain scenery. It is the perfect overnight stop if you are hiking the Tangsjöleden or visiting the Altarringen. Lilla Tangsjöstugan has a gas stove, a wood stove, simple kitchen equipment, and four basic beds. You can book this cabin at the website of Länsstyrelsen.

Staying at Björnholmssätern

This simple cabin is located in the park’s southern section, close to the park’s boundaries. It is the perfect spot to experience the less traveled area of this beautiful national park. The cabin offers a wood stove, a gas stove, simple kitchen equipment, and four basic beds. You can book it at the website of Visit Dalarna.

Staying at Wilderness Cabins

You can find several basic wilderness cabins alongside the hiking trails in the park. These shared huts are open all year round and have a gas or wood stove, simple kitchen equipment, and basic beds. There is no need to pre-book, and you can pay with Swish, a popular mobile payment system in Sweden, or a bank transfer. You must visit the visitor center at the main entrance to pay in cash or by card.

• Björnholmsstugan, with 12 beds, is in the park’s southern section, close to the park’s boundaries, alongside the Södra Kungsleden.
• Tangådalstugan, with three beds, can be found after a short hike from the entrance at Morbäcksätern.
• Tangsjöstugan, with 12 beds, is located alongside Tangsjöleden, next to Lilla Tangsjöstugan.
• Bergådalstugan, with four beds, is probably the most remote and beautifully located cabin in the park. You can find it alongside the Bergådalsleden.
• Rörsjöstugan, with six beds, is located on the shores of Rösjöarna, close to the Rösjöstugarna.

Staying at Fulufjällsgarden

There are several other accommodations in the proximity of Fulufjället National Park. Fulufjällsgården, located just outside the park’s boundaries, is an attractive and comfortable option for visitors looking to stay near the park’s top attractions. They offer several rooms and cabins with a shared bathroom and a private three-bedroom house.

Main Attractions of Fulufjället National Park

Fulufjället National Park offers visitors a range of natural wonders. This section will explore some of the most popular attractions, including a waterfall, an ancient tree, a mysterious ring-shaped stone plateau, and a hidden gem just outside the park’s boundaries.

Njupeskär

The Njupeskär, near the park’s main entrance, is often wrongly referred to as Sweden’s tallest waterfall. However, the twin waterfalls Greven and Grevinnan in Stora Sjöfallet National Park are the tallest waterfalls in Sweden, with a total height of over 250 meters. Njupeskär has a height of just over 90 meters and a free fall of 70 meters, which makes it the highest free-falling waterfall in Sweden.

Despite not being the tallest, Njupeskär is still the top-rated destination for visitors to the park. Visitors can reach the waterfall via a well-marked and relatively short hiking trail starting at the park’s main entrance. During the summer, it takes around 30 minutes to get to the viewing platform in the canyon, that provides excellent views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.

During the winter, the waterfall often freezes, creating a stunning ice sculpture worth seeing. The area around Njupskärsstugan provides the best views in the winter, as walking into the canyon during the winter can be dangerous due to the risk of avalanches. Additionally, access to the canyon may be restricted due to the nesting season of the Gyrfalcon. Visitors should exercise caution and follow park regulations.

Old Tjikko

Old Tjikko is a Norway spruce with a root system that is believed to be at least 9,500 years old. It is a clonal tree, meaning its trunk can die and regrow multiple times while the root system remains intact. The tree was discovered in 2004 by Leif Kullman, professor of physical geography at Umeå University, and his wife, Lisa Öberg, a tree scientist with a doctorate in biology and ecology from Mid Sweden University. They named the tree after their late dog, Tjikko. No marked path leads to Old Tjikko, but if you ask one of the park’s rangers, they will gladly point you in the right direction.

Altarringen

Altarringen is a ring-shaped stone plateau in the middle of the park, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are some wild theories that it has been a Sami cult place, but the rock formation has probably been used to catch falcons. Visitors can reach Altarringen via the Tangsjöleden loop trail (22.5 km) and take a detour towards the Altarringen (4 km). It is a long and demanding trail, but the stunning views make it well worth the hike.

Fulufallen (Bonus Insiders Tip)

The Fulufallen waterfall is a hidden gem just outside the park’s boundaries. While it is not as impressive as Njupeskär, it is still worth a visit while you are in the area. Fulufallen consists of 8 wild rapids over a stretch of 400 meters, with a total drop of 80 meters. The trail to the Fulufallen is 1.7 km long and takes you through a lush forest with marshlands and small ponds. The trail starts at a parking spot in Tjärnvallen, which is a ten minutes drive from the main entrance. 

Best Hiking Trails in Fulufjället National Park

The main activity in Fulufjället National Park is hiking. From a family-friendly stroll from the main entrance to multiple-day trekking, there is something for everyone. Hiking is especially recommended between June and September since the park may be covered in snow for the rest of the year. Most trails are not maintained during the winter, and you might need snowshoes or cross-country skis to get around.

Fulufjället National Park offers a well-developed trail system with more than 140 km of marked trails. Below you can find a list of the best hiking trails in Fulufjället National Park.

Lavskrikeleden (2 km)

A short loop trail on packed gravel and wooden planks. It starts at the main entrance and is wheelchair and pram friendly.

Njupeskärsslingan (3.9 km)

An easy and beautiful loop trail on gravel, wooden planks, and bridges to the Njupskär waterfall. The trail starts at the main entrance. You will find several information boards along the trail and wander through a majestic valley with 400-year-old fir trees. During the winter, the Njupeskär canyon can be dangerous due to the risk of avalanches. The trail is considered a summer trail and is not plowed during the winter. Visitors should exercise caution and follow park regulations to ensure their safety.

Jaktfalksleden (5.5 km) 

This trail is an extended version of the Njupeskärsslingan, taking you to the top of the Njupeskärs waterfall. This trail can be demanding and is not recommended during rainy weather because it can become slippery.

Rösjöleden (9, 15, or 20 km)

The Rösjöleden trail starts at the main entrance and takes you to beautiful, peaceful, and quiet lakes on the Fulufjället plateau.

• 9 km: take the trail towards Rösjöarna.
• 15 km: take the trail towards Harrsjöarna and then to Rösjoarna.
• 20 km: take the trail to Lorthån, then towards Harrsjöarna, and finally back to Rösjöarna.

Bergådalsleden (24 km)

This is another trail starting at the main entrance. The Bergådalsleden takes you to several lakes and through incredible mountain landscapes to finally return to the main entrance. You can also visit Njupeskär by making a slight detour of 3 km. The Bergådalsleden is the perfect trail if you want to experience the vastness and quietness of the park. You can spend the night at one of the cottages or wilderness huts or put up your tent in the middle of the park.

Göljåleden (17 km)

The Göljåleden is an exciting but demanding trail for the experienced hiker and very difficult to access in parts. It starts at the Göljån entrance and goes through the Göljån’s valley up to Kalfjället. Visitors can also take a short nature trail around an area hit by a heavy thunderstorm in 1997. Heavy rainfall resulted in water rushing down from the mountains. The rocks, sand, and gravel it carried uprooted trees in its path, which dammed the water. When the dam broke, a tidal wave swept the valley, leaving a permanent reminder of the immense power of nature.

Tangsjöleden (22.5 km)

This trail begins at Brottbäckstugan’s parking lot. It starts with a straightforward climb up towards Kalfjället and then passes Särnsjöarna and Tangsjöarna. A 4 km detour will take you to the mysterious Altarringen.

Poststigen (12 km)

The Poststigen is an old cultural road used for mail between Särna and Gördalen until the 1920s. This trail starts at the Gördalen entrance on the park’s western side.

Södra Kungsleden (340 km)

This trail does not start or end in the park. It begins at the Högfjällshotellet in Sälen, a city known for its vast ski areas. It passes through the Fulufjället National Park and continues towards the border with Jämtland in the north. It is part of the iconic Kungsleden (440 km).

Exciting Activities in Fulufjället National Park

Aside from hiking Fulufjället National Park also offers visitors a variety of other activities to enjoy throughout the year. Below are some of our favorite activities to experience in this beautiful park.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

There are several groomed winter trails starting from the entrances at Gördalen, Brottbäcksstugen, Björnholmsstugan, and Morbäcksätern.

Cross-country skiing is a very popular sport in Nordic countries, and Sweden is no exception. It is a fun and family-friendly way to explore the incredible white landscape of the Fulufjället National Park. If you want to go on untracked trails, it is essential to have good touring skis. Snowshoeing is the perfect alternative for those who dislike standing on skis. It allows you to go off the beaten track and explore the untouched corners of this incredible park.

Snowmobiling 

You are allowed to use snowmobiles from Mörkret via Rösjöarna and Harrsjöarna to Gördalen. Other trails are closed for snowmobiles to allow cross-country skiers and snowshoers to enjoy the quiet of the mountains. Using a snowmobile to get around gives you the ultimate freedom and allows you to traverse the park more quicker. It is a great way to experience the vastness of the area.

Note that in Sweden you must have a snowmobile driver’s license (or a standard driver’s license obtained before January 1st, 2000), to be allowed to drive a snowmobile without supervision.

Fishing

There are plenty of opportunities for fishing in Fulufjället National Park. The most popular spot is Rösjöarna, where you can rent a boat and stay overnight in one of the available cottages, wilderness cabins, or your tent. Note that fishing is only allowed in zone III, between January 1st and August 31st. Fishing in Sweden always requires a valid fishing permit. Visitors can buy the Dala Fjällfiskekort at the visitor center or online at NatureIT.

Ice Climbing

The frozen Njupeskär waterfall offers a unique ice climbing experience for adventurous visitors. Ice climbers can scale the frozen waterfalls between December and March. Climbing Njupeskär is not easy, and it requires experience. All climbing done is at your own risk and responsibility. You can contact the visitor center with questions about ice climbing, equipment needed, or safety precautions you need to take.

Summary 

Fulufjället National Park is a natural wonder that truly showcases the beauty and diversity of Sweden’s natural landscapes. From the rugged mountain vistas to the ancient old-growth forests and crystal-clear streams, the park offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. With various activities available throughout the year, from hiking and camping to cross-country skiing and ice climbing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the park. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, a visit to Fulufjället National Park is an experience you do not want to miss.

Visit the official website of Fulufjället National Park for the latest information, like park regulations, weather conditions, and closures. For more information about the region, you can check the website of Visit Dalarna.

If we should have included something, made a mistake, or if you want to comment on our post, contact us at contact@lovethenordics.com.