A summit hike up Helags is a thrilling experience, and has been ranked the world's third best mountain for summit tours by National Geographic. After an hour's drive from Baggården you arrive at Kläppen, via Ljungdalen and Flatruet, where the hike towards the Helags mountain begins. It is a 12 km easy hike starting at Kläppen, down through Kesudalen along Kesusjön, on through the birch forest up to the tree line, and then onwards across the bare mountain to Helags. The summit of Helags is 1,796 metres and offers a magnificent view over the Härjedalen mountains and Sylarna. On the south side of the Helags massif you will find Predikstolen (the Pulpit), an impressive rock formation. With luck you may catch a glimpse of the shy Arctic fox or meet a dog team. Whatever the season, Helags is a great experience.
Helags
Helags is one of Sweden's most iconic mountain destinations and lies in Härjedalen. With its high summit and spectacular views over the Jämtland mountains, Helags is a popular destination for hikers and skiers alike. Visitors can enjoy unique nature, exciting activities and unforgettable views stretching across miles of mountain landscape. The Helags massif also has the southernmost glacier in Sweden, which makes the area extra special for nature lovers.
Helagsfjället – Sweden's southernmost glacier
Helagsfjället reaches an impressive height of 1,797 metres above sea level and is the highest mountain in Sweden south of the Arctic Circle. On Helags you will find Sweden's southernmost glacier, a must-see for those seeking a unique nature experience. The hike to the glacier is one of the most popular activities, especially in the summer and autumn months when the weather is more stable. The glacier offers fascinating formations, and the surrounding nature is full of rare plants and animals adapted to the cold climate.
Hiking in the Helags massif – a journey through magnificent nature
The hike to Helags is known for being both challenging and rewarding. You can start from several different points to reach Helags, but the most popular trail leaves from Kläppen. From there you hike through varied landscapes, from dense mountain forest to open expanses. Helagsstugan, at the foot of the mountain, is a popular place to stay overnight and a natural starting point for exploring the area further. STF Helags Fjällstation offers accommodation and meals, making it possible to rest and recover after a day full of adventure.
Skiing and winter activities at Helags
Helags is not just a summer destination – in winter the mountain becomes a paradise for skiers. Here you can enjoy both ski touring and summit tours with magnificent views over the mountain landscape. The weather can be changeable, but on a clear winter day Helags offers unbeatable skiing. The area around the mountain lodge is ideal for cross-country skiing and suits both beginners and experienced skiers. For the adventurous there is also the option of summit tours up to the mountain's highest points, a thrilling challenge for skiers who want to experience Helags' unique winter landscape. In winter you can also see the tracks of animals roaming the area, such as the Arctic fox and the reindeer.
Flora and fauna – a unique ecosystem
The Helags area has rich flora and fauna that make it a unique ecosystem. In summer the mountain plants bloom, and in the lower valleys you can find rare species that grow only in this harsh climate. The wildlife is just as fascinating; besides reindeer and Arctic foxes you may also spot birds of prey such as the golden eagle soaring over the mountain tops. Helagsfjället is also one of the few places in Sweden where the Arctic fox has a chance to survive and thrive. STF and other organisations are working to protect the Arctic fox and other endangered species in the area, which makes Helags an important area for biodiversity.
Practical information if you want to visit Helags
If you are planning a visit to Helags, it is important to be well prepared. The mountain weather can be unpredictable, and it is essential to bring the right equipment. In summer, good hiking boots, warm clothes, and a map and compass are the basics. In winter you need skis or snowshoes to get around, as well as warm clothes and avalanche equipment if you plan to go on summit tours. For accommodation, STF Helags Fjällstation offers cosy overnight options with access to a sauna and restaurant. It is also possible to camp in the area, but remember to respect nature and follow the rules of the right of public access (allemansrätten).
Summary
Helags is a place for both adventure and relaxation in a magnificent mountain setting. Whether you are here to hike, ski or simply enjoy the fantastic views, you will have a memorable experience. Helagsfjället and its glacier offer something for everyone – from experienced outdoor enthusiasts to beginners looking for their first big mountain adventure.
Helags Fjällstation
Helags Fjällstation is one of Sweden's most popular mountain lodges and a dream destination for skiers and adventurers. Located at the foot of the mighty Helagsfjället, Sweden's highest mountain south of the Arctic Circle, the lodge is a perfect base for all of winter's mountain adventures. Skiers travel here from all over the country to enjoy both ski touring and summit tours in beautiful, unspoiled surroundings.
The area around Helags Fjällstation offers fantastic opportunities for skiers of all levels. The cross-country ski tracks around the lodge are well maintained and take visitors through varied mountain terrain, where every loop offers magnificent views over the surrounding mountain range. For experienced skiers seeking bigger challenges, summit tours to the higher reaches of Helagsfjället are a must. The mountain's highest point at 1,797 metres rewards the climbing skier with a breathtaking view stretching over miles of mountain landscape.
For these tours it is important to bring the right equipment, including avalanche gear and knowledge of avalanche safety, since rapid weather changes can mean avalanche danger after heavy snowfall. Helags Fjällstation offers comfortable and genuine accommodation close to the beautiful ski areas. Guests can choose between rooms of different sizes and enjoy shared spaces that invite both socialising and relaxation after a day out in the snow. The lodge is part of the Swedish Tourist Association (STF) network and offers a homely atmosphere, with meals served in the restaurant. Ending the day in the lodge's sauna is a much-appreciated touch, especially after a cold winter day among the snow-covered mountain tops. If you are planning a winter visit to Helags, it is important to be well prepared.
The mountain weather is changeable, and warm clothes, extra provisions and the right ski equipment are essential for a safe mountain experience. Helags Fjällstation is also an excellent starting point for exploring other nearby mountain areas such as Sylarna and Ljungdalen, and many choose to combine their visit here with other mountain stops. Visiting Helags Fjällstation in winter is to experience the Swedish mountain landscape at its most magical – where snow-covered peaks, clear winter days and glittering ski tracks create an atmosphere of both adventure and peace.
Map
Map from Lantmäteriet. Switch to satellite view at the top right. The marker shows the approximate location.