For travelers seeking the ultimate winter holiday, there are few better places to find it than Fulufjället National Park in Sweden. If the idea of being surrounded by remote wilderness, glistening ice and only the sounds of snowflakes gently falling out your window sound enticing, consider making a trek this coming holiday season to this enchanting park in the southern region of the Scandinavian mountain range.
image copyright: swedishepa.se
WHERE TO STAY
Sarna is the closest village to the park, offering visitors a peaceful getaway among the breathtaking landscape. From Stockholm, it is about a six hour drive northwest, with very good roads making travel easy even through winter. If you prefer to take public transportation, rail travel is available to Mora with bus service available to Sarna from there.
It is in Sarna that you will find Turistgarden, a hidden gem in the forest, with the smell of fresh baked bread and the crackling of a warm fire awaiting guests.
For those who visit at Christmastime, you’ll be in for a special treat. Guests can take part in decorating the Christmas tree, enjoy a wonderful and delicious Christmas dinner and even take a horse drawn sleigh ride to the local church.
The pristine winter landscape offers miles of trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, or for those who prefer to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery from the comfort of the cozy cabin, it’s also ideal.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
More adventurous travelers might take a dog sledding tour while watching the shimmering northern lights in the sky above or try their hand at ice fishing. Fulufjället National Park is the home of Sweden’s tallest waterfall, the 96 metres high Njueskär, and in the winter it provides the perfect challenge for ice climbers. Of course you don’t have to climb it to enjoy it – this time of year presents spectacular photo opportunities for those who would rather not brave the difficult climb.
Husky safaris provide a fun and exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with the park while getting to know these beautiful working dogs.
LONGER NATURE TOURS
If you want to truly immerse yourself in this winter wonderland, consider a tour to really explore the rugged wilderness and take part in many outdoor activities including both downhill and cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snow shoe tours and ice fishing.
Your group will be prepared for snowshoeing as well as working together as a team for several days before heading out, followed by a five-day winter expedition in which travelers stay in rustic cottages without running water or electricity. You’ll stay warm with wood burning ovens while a cook prepares filling, tasty meals to provide you with the energy you’ll need for daytime adventures. Participating in these trips helps to support the PAN Parks Foundation and contribute to the protection of Europe’s wilderness.
WHEN TO GO
Spending Christmas near Fulufjället National Park presents an unforgettable experience, although temperatures at this time of year can dip as far as -30 below centigrade. March and April bring milder temperatures with still plenty of snow to enjoy ideal skiing and snowshoeing.
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