Åre

Eco-friendly travel guide to Åre advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Åre, Sweden.

The beautiful Åre

Air quality: 4 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5

Public transportation: 3 / 5

Parks: 2 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3 / 5

Locals' English level: 3 / 5

Safety: 3 / 5

Accommodation: US$10 - $30

Budget per day: US$30 - $80

Responsible Travel

It is a municipality which is present in Sweden. The total area of this city is 649 km2, with a total population of 3200 until 2018. This place is famous for its Scandinavia ski resorts which are present in this city. Therefore around 25% of the total revenue of this city is dependent on the tourism industry. The pollution rates of this city are meager. This place has hosted an Alpine world championship which was held in 1954, 2007, and 2019.

Air Quality and Pollution

According to World's Health Organization, the air quality in Åre, Sweden, is considered 'averagely good.' However, the pollution level in this city is decreasing with time. Reports say that vehicle emissions in Åre has decreased by 7 percent between 2019 and 2020. The most significant sources of emissions of nitrogen oxides here are probably industry and types of machinery, domestic transport, and also from international shipping. Overall, the pollution level has decreased in all sectors; it fluctuates due to passenger cars, but it's not the issue anymore. The Sweden government has set up numerous projects to control and maintain a breathable environment. While traveling the city, make sure to carry face masks, and other protective gear to prevent yourself from harm and, more importantly, avoid using passenger cars or any transport that emits harmful smokes.

Respect the Culture

People of Sweden are generally egalitarian and are humble and find boasting unacceptable; they are very active and do not miss any opportunity to celebrate their customs and traditions. Swedish are serious about the following festivals and traditional practices like the Swedish National Day, Easter, the crayfish party, midsummer, and Christmas. Most people here speak English, which is the primary language of this country, making tourism easy for visitors from worldwide to communicate; hence, there will be no such difficulty in communicating with Swedish people. Do not provoke the city's locals as they might get offended because any pompous behavior is considered discourteous and aggressive in this city. As a tourist, you must respect the local people's customs and etiquette to make a good tourism image in their town.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Tannforsen Waterfall: Sweden's largest waterfall, Tannforsen, is undoubtedly the best place for adventure lovers to ski or cycle on the trails of this unique place in Åre. This waterfall is a part of the Indalsalven river, Sweden's most significant water source that sends volumes of mountain water down to the Baltic Sea. The sight over here is fantastic and is a picturesque spot.

Ristafallet: Located near Undersaker (east of Åre) in Jamtland County, Sweden, Ristafallet is a robust 14 meters high and 50 meters wide waterfall with a distinctive shape. You can find the Ristafallet camping site near the waterfall spot where you can register for setting camps. There is a local park at the campsite to relax and few eateries present nearby for visitor's convenience. This whole area is a natural reserve and a protected area under the respective authority.

Zipline: To swoosh above the beautiful scenery of mount Areskutan, Zipline is an aerial runway suspended on a cable mounted slope. This cableway is not just used as an adventure sport, but it is down to modern-day usages such as a means of transport for transporting harvested crops, cargos, and many more.

Åre Chocolate Shop (Åre Chokladfabrik):A couple of kilometers to the east of Åre, there is a place called Bjornange that has chocolate factory which is famous for tasty dark chocolates. It is a family-run business of chocolate factory. There are various flavors, including lingonberry, cloudberry, and goat cheese.

Åre Beach: You can find this beach right next to the Holiday Club. It is undoubtedly a beautiful and lovely sandy beach with long shallow waters. It is located at the boathouse, directly left to the car bridge over the railroad – an easy way and direct way to reach the famous Åre beach of the locality.

Ullan: Ullan beach in Åre is a favorite spot for locals. It is a natural waterpark with small pools and stones eroded into slides. You can find plenty of sunbeds surrounding the river in addition to the best bathing spot downstream from Ulladalsstugan, which is approximately 7 kilometers from Åre locality.

Ottsjo: Ootsjo beach is a fabulous beach located about 30 kilometers from Åre. This sandy beach is easily accessible, surrounded by the mountains giving it a look of a paradise. To reach here, you have to drive east on E14 towards Undersaker and take a straight road towards Valadalen. You can find a bathing area on the right side of the road directly after the bridge over Storan.

Åre Ski Resort: This place is known for ski resort and is a top-notch place for skiers and snowboarders. There is 91 kilometers of slopes available in this area, with 31 lifts transporting the guests. This destination is on the record because of its ski mountains – 'Åre By' and Åre Bjornen,' one of the largest connected ski areas in Scandinavia with a fantastic panoramic view of Åresjon Lake.

Åreskutan: A 4,660ft mountain, Åreskutan, is one of the well-known mountains in Sweden and is easily accessible by rail transportation systems. This massive mountain features the largest ski resort in the country. While climbing to the peak, you can take part in many adventurous activities like skiing being the foremost, snowboarding, camping, hiking, and many more.

Åre Bike Park: Åre Bike Park is Scandinavia's most extensive bike park, covering 50 kilometers across 36 trails. This park features machine-made tracks winding down the hill giving every visitor a lifetime memory of such an adventure. There is a rental store near the entrance where you can rent bikes of your convenience according to the trail.

Tannforsen Waterfall

Explore

Åre is a municipality in Jamtland County, Sweden, and one of the leading Scandinavian ski resorts situated in this city with around 3,200 inhabitants, according to recent reports. Its 25 percent of the municipal industry is based on tourism, mainly in downhill skiing and biking resorts in Årere, Storlien, and Duved. Due to the increase in tourism here, the economy is so well improved and resulted in the development of recreational and shopping opportunities in the Åre and growth in numbers of hotels and resorts. Being the host of one of the world's ten best ski-resorts, Åre gives you plenty of opportunities to explore whether skiing or experiencing the best traditional cuisine in the Åre; this city will never fail you in any way. Here are some of the shortlisted places you might wouldn't want to miss.

City Parks

There are no city parks in Åre as such. You can find city and public parks in the nearby locality of Åre. There are several city parks in the nearby towns which are just a couple of minutes away from the city's center. Some of them are:

Ulladalens Fors

Åre Sleddog Adventures

Åre Camping

National Parks

National Parks worldwide boasts several floras and faunas species conserved and preserved in a safe environment. These national parks are spread across several kilometers so that species have a natural setting among them. There are millions of national parks worldwide volunteered by various associations and government authorities. Some of them present in this locality of Sweden too, they are:

Sanfjallet National Park

Valadalen-Sylarna National Park

Sanfjallet National Park

Beaches

Åre boasts several in and around the area of Jamptland County. These beaches have shiny sandy beaches and great holiday destinations for visitors all over the world. Some of the best-known beaches in the area are:

Gevsjon

Helgesjon

Grundsviken

Nulltjarn

Helgesjon

Landmarks

Åre is a quiet and humble city with lots of secrets and histories. Several places make Åre worth visiting. From beautiful lakes to blissful waterfalls, this area has many important landmarks coming your way. Some of the great places you might not miss are:

Åresjon Lake

Renfjallet

Tegeforsen

Aventryligt I Åre

Åresjon Lake

Museums

Åre is growing in every sector to know more about the city's history and culture. Few museums in the locality will help you indulge in learning more about this unique city's history in Sweden. It would be best if you visited the following museums while traveling to Åre:

Åre Hembygdsgard

Åre Museum

Naturum Valadalen

Eat

Hungry visitors and skiers can find many restaurants in Åre with a wide selection of food, including diners from various cultures. From Sami and Jamtland delicacies to dishes from all over the world, you can find every variety in the listed restaurants below. This locality provides you with ample modern Swedish food located in beautiful places. Some eateries serve the best traditional cuisine in a cozy setting in Åre's center with specialties like elk or reindeer meat, fried goat's cheese, and fondue or salmon tartare. Åre is genuinely one of the best places to be if you want to experience a variety of delightful food in a small geographic destination; apart from these, you can find locally made sausages, ice creams, Swedish crispbread, ham, chocolates, and truffles. Drop by one of these places if you want to enjoy good food to remember by.

Traditional Local Restaurants

The restaurants mentioned below serve you the best of the traditional dishes and provide you dishes as per your convenience. Most restaurants adopt local sourcing and prioritize sustainability, with most of the herbal ingredients originating from Nordic regions and vegetables from Djurgarden. Here are few top-notch local traditional restaurants that you must try when you are traveling to this area:

Bombom

Broken

Buustamons Fjallgard

Fjallpuben

Max

Villa Tottebo

Vegetarian and Vegan

Various nationalities have influenced this municipality, and the glory of such a historical impact is noticeable on this city's cuisine. Åre's restaurant provides an assortment of cuisine ranging from various vegan restaurants in the locality, which offer authentic vegetarian food. Vegetarian restaurants are the first choice of most visitors because the fact that they serve hygienic food at a low price with 100% purity. Here are some vegetarian restaurants you can find in Åre:

Creperie & Logi Åre

Liten Krog

Karolinen Taljstenskrogen Åre

Prima Pasta

Wersens

Street Food

These ready-to-eat foods or drinks sold by vendors in this locality are must-try items as it is a vital part of the travel experience. The key to understanding a place's history and culture often lies in its cuisine, and in this part of the city, you'll find plenty of opportunities to experience street foods. One must start from the streets first to find the best food in a new place; hence there are relatively few street foods you might want to start with:

Halv Special

Stekt stromming

Tunnbrodsrulle

Drink

While the world is busy napping, this is the time when part zombies in Åre head out to experience 24/7 clubbing as this area is a significant party hub of Sweden, especially during winters. Parties and clubbing are like a hobby for most of the people in this area. There is a party going on all day, if not in clubs or bars then in nearby cabins in the locality. The bars over here offer a fine blend of musicians, dancers, and singers, and live orchestras along with a three-course meal. Several restaurants serve alcoholic drinks and numerous top-notch bars scattered around Åre Torg. Must-visit places include:

Bygget

Verandan

Tap-water

The tap water in this country is very safe to drink. Therefore, you can directly consume the tap water. It will eliminate the use of bottled water, whose bottles are made up of plastic. Plastic is a non-biodegradable material. Therefore, it increases carbon footprints. You do not even need to boil the water before consuming it. The water pollution in this city is very low because of the locals who feel their responsibility and the government, which have imposed several policies and penalties on those who will be spotted creating pollution.

Organic Cafés

Organic café involves those cafes where dishes made up of organic fruits and vegetables are sold. Organic fruits and vegetables are free from any harmful chemicals or pesticides. These pesticides are used to remove pests and insects, which can damage fruits and vegetables, and other chemicals are used to speed up the growth of fruits and vegetables. These chemicals get absorbed by the roots of fruits and vegetables, and it loses its natural growth cycle. These are very harmful to nature. Thus we must always eat organic dishes which are freshly picked from farms.

Breweries

Breweries are places where beers are made and sold for the locals. Some breweries make different types of beers and sell them in the local market. There are microbreweries present in this city that produces beers in a lesser amount than traditional breweries. Other than this, this city has a wide variety of beers available in various bars, clubs, and beer bars. These beers can be used to refresh you, and beer also has nutrients and alcohol.

Activities

There are different types of activities which are present in this city. It is a cold country and has snow-covered in a significant part of the town. You can try skiing here, which involves sliding on snow using proper pieces of equipment. It is the most popular activity which you can perform in this city. Other activities are also present, such as exploring various things in the city, including tourist destinations, attractions, and many different things.

Yoga and Retreats

Yoga is a good activity that can be practiced to keep your body healthy. Besides this, yoga is one of the most ancient practices used to keep your mind calm, and it also helps in releasing stress. There are few yoga retreat studios present in this city. However, gyms and other fitness centers such as aerobics, Zumba, and the hotel provide these services. It would be best if you enquired whether the hotels in which you are staying have these facilities or not. If you know different yoga methods, you can perform them at your accommodation or various parks.

Accommodation

This city's area is around 650 square kilometers, and this city has a good rate of tourism; therefore, there are different accommodation options present. Before 1888 there were no hotels or any other accommodation option available in this city. In 1888 the 1st restaurant was opened, with the church was open next to the railway station. PlayStation was established in 1882 under King Oscar II's supervision. Later, this city faced a growth in tourism rate; therefore, selecting a hotel was a great opportunity. Understanding this opportunity, a lady opened the hotel in 1896 and named it Hotel Areskutan. After this, another person opened a hotel and named it Grand Hotell. These were the only hotels at that time. But in 1910, the third hotel was established. Many people started coming to this city to enjoy the freshness present in the air and trek towards the town's top. At present, there are different types of accommodation options which are present in this city. The other accommodation types are bed and breakfast, which is a unique type of accommodation present here. You will get a bed and complimentary breakfast services in this accommodation, but the bathroom will be shared. There is also a ski resort available in this city.

Green Hotels

The best green hotel available in this city is hotel Aregarden. It is a four-star green hotel present in sky village and near the train station to the town. There are different services which these hotels provide, such as rooms that are of wooden architecture. Inside the room, there is television, coffee or tea making facilities available, some desks and a fireplace to keep you warm. The breakfast is complimentary. Therefore you need not pay for the breakfast. For other meals, there are two restaurants and a bar. The rooms have a wifi facility available, which is a complimentary service provided by the hotel. Other than this, the rooms do not have air conditions. It has two reasons: the temperature of this city is low and the second is that air conditioners damage the environment and cause global warming. Therefore, as it is a green hotel, they always adopt those beneficial or harmless methods to nature. You can play golf in this hotel or visit the bar to enjoy mocktails or cocktails. You will always get an attendant in the reception so anything you want to enquire or complaint you can do at any time. You will get cupboards to place your luggage, paid laundry services are also available in this hotel. There is a gift shop so you can buy something from there for your loved ones and also there is a housekeeping staff which will clean your room and mess daily. If you have a pet, you can keep it, but it must be harmless, and you might have to pay extra for it.

Hostels and Guest Houses

There are hostels present in this city which are of different types, sizes and offers various facilities. Hotels are best for solo traveling because you’ll get good company here. Other than this, the room you will get will be shared by two people. There is a hostel known as Parkville, which is present near the railway station of this city. Near to this hostel, there is a restaurant which is very famous among the locals there. There is a bar near this hostel where you can try different types of beers. This hostel has a free wifi facility. The rooms of this hostel are well maintained and are very cozy. Few other hostels are also present and often shared; therefore, you do not have any privacy. There are few guesthouses in this country because there are not many tourists who choose this accommodation type. The present ones have clean and furnished rooms with a wardrobe where you can adjust your luggage and bed. The breakfast will be free, and it is in a buffet manner.

Apartments

There are apartments present in this city because many people visit this city to stay longer. If you are waiting for a longer time, apartments will be a good option as it does not charges rent per night like hotels. There is an apartment named Gasthuset. This apartment is just 300 meters away from Ski Lift, so you can even walk to the Ski lift. These are not luxurious apartments, but they are spotless and tidy. The rooms are spacious, and the kitchen also has a microwave where you can cook food faster to save some time. The bathroom is equipped with showers, and the rooms have Televisions installed. Another beautiful apartment is called as MartenLiens Gard, which is present in the architecture of the 1700s. These apartments can give you an idea of the richness of architecture at that time. The rooms have a sofa where you can sit and relax, and in front of the couch, there is a flat television. Kitchens of these apartments are fully equipped with various cutleries, microwaves, and a separate dining area.

Couchsurfing

There are 138 hosts present in this city. You can contact any of the hosts online and ask whether they are ready to accept a couch surfer. If the host agrees, then you can couch surf. There is no cash involvement in Couchsurfing, so that you can save a lot of money with this method's help. Other than this, Couchsurfing can help you understand different things about the city and its people. Couchsurfing also depends on the city's crime rate; therefore, you must always check the crime rate of that particular city where you want to couch surf. Other than this, Couchsurfing is not a reliable means of accommodation; therefore, you must always have a backup option ready. Sometimes, the host cancels the meeting at a very end time; consequently, you must have a backup opportunity prepared not to get any trouble later. Otherwise, Couchsurfing is an acceptable means of accommodation, but it is a short-term accommodation. You can also learn various cuisines and dishes which are followed by the majority of the people of this city.

Camping

Camping is a good accommodation option, but you will start getting bored always to have a backup accommodation option ready with you after a time. Most of the time, this city faces winters that turn harsh in some seasons, so you must always check on the temperature before camping. Camping on a hillside can cause a shortage of food; therefore, you must always have an ample supply of food with you. It would be best if you used electric heather instead of utilizing a bonfire to create a lot of pollution. You must not camp in harsh winter as the temperature can go down a lot and make trouble for you.

How to Get There

There is only one direct way to reach this city which is through Airway. Flights are the most convenient way of traveling either from one country to another or within the country. There are different flights which can help you to reach this city directly. These flights charge differently as the other flight takes different times and offers various facilities to their customers. If you are present in Sweden, then there are many ways through which you can reach here. There are local trains that can help you travel from any city within the country to this city. Other than this, you can also hire a taxi or bus that can help you read this city from other towns.

Air

There is an International Airport in this country responsible for all the international flights and domestic flights that reach this city. Besides this, flights are one of the most common means of transport when a person has to travel from one country to another. However, there are possibilities that you might not have a direct flight to this city. In that case, you have to take an indirect flight to reach this city. You can land on the nearest or any city of Sweden.

Åre Östersund Airport

Bus

There are buses present in this country. However, there is no international bus facility available which means that you cannot travel from one country to another. However, you can still travel from one city to another. These buses are affordable and convenient to use. You can inquire about the bus by visiting the bus station in every town and purchasing the bus ticket from that station only.

Bus in Åre

Train

There are trains present in this city. These trains do not run internationally. There are various intercity buses which can help you to travel from one city to another. Trains are a good option if you want to travel from one city to another in a short distance. These trains can be booked online if you do not want to spend in cash, then these trains cover. You can even inquire about the station, destination, and time taken to cover the distance.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a free mode of travel that can help you to travel without paying anything. Hitchhiking in this country is very safe. Along with this the people living in this country is also good enough, and almost every person will help you to reach your destination. Hitchhiking will cause delay; therefore, you must use this method only when you have a lot of time with you. With the help of hitchhiking, you can make new friends and also you can learn a lot of things about the country.

Others

There are a lot of other ways to travel through this place. You can choose from them as per your convenience after researching what suits you better. You can choose cycling, train etc whatever you are comfortable with.

Moving Around

Moving around in this country is very safe because the crime rates are low. It is a city with a total area of 650 km² so you cannot cover the whole city by walking. Covering the entire city by walking will require some time. You can use trains or any other transportation to move around the city.

Walk

Walking is very much beneficial for health as it helps in keeping the body healthy. There are several benefits of walking, which help maintain heart healthy so you are away from diseases. Walking in this city is very safe even at night you can walk without any tension. There are several parks which you can explore through walking. Walking will be a good exercise, but you must wear sweaters or jackets while walking.

Bicycle

Cycling is another good activity that involves a reasonable exercise of the body. Other than this, there are various cycling tracks present in this city. While cycling, you must have your mobile phone with you because the streets might be confusing and there are chances that you may get lost. If buying a new cycle seems costly for you then you can also go for second-hand stores which are also present in this city.

Electronic Vehicles

Electric vehicles are better than standard cars. The reason is that these vehicles do not create pollution. Another reason is that these vehicles do not consume natural resources to run them. More to this, electric cars are present in this city but in few numbers. Electric cars are low maintenance.

Public Bus

Public buses act as public transport. These buses can be tracked online, and the ticket can also be booked online. It will help you to spend less cash on transportation. Other than this, buses can help you in meeting a lot of new people. The bus tickets are affordable.

Tram, Train and Subway

Trains are the best way of transport when you have to cover long distances. These trains can help you in traveling from one area to another. The ticket price of these trains is not much high. More to this, the seats of these trains are comfortable. You can travel from one area to another within the city. Here are limited local trains available in this city.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping involves purchasing those products that positively impact the nature, environment, and health of humans. Sustainable shopping is a good thing that helps keep the environment clean and helps generate support for the local business. Sustainable shopping involves food products that are beneficial for health, such as organic fruits and vegetables freshly supplied to nature. More, other handicraft items can be purchased as these products are made with hands and fewer machines. Other than this, there are sustainable clothes that are produced using natural fabrics and are hand knitted.

Food Markets

Thai Food Are

ICA Supermarket

Gradda Are

Coop Are

Flea Markets

Matmarbua

Second Hand Stores

Are Second Hand

Mountain Recycle

Are Outlet

Eco-Fashion

Inlandet

Recycling

Recycling means reusing those products, which are a waste. Not every waste can be recycled. Recycling helps in eliminating waste before it is sent to landfills. More this, different elements can be recycled. There are tin or other metal ores which can be recycled. Recycling helps in reducing the need for new raw materials; therefore, it is beneficial for nature. Other than this, some elements' production includes cutting down trees, and recycling can help reduce this.

Waste

Garbage can be reduced with the help of recycling. Landfills are needed to tackle waste; dumps are vast land used to collect waste. In those landfills, the trash can be utilized in any way like organic waste can be used to make fertilizer. The waste management of this city is excellent; therefore, this city is clean and tidy.

Work and Study Abroad

There are some organizations present in this city where you can apply for jobs. Once you are selected, you have to attend a personal interview which needs to be cleared to get the job. You will get the job according to the educational qualifications and the vacant positions in that organization. Other than this, there are few other jobs available such as waiter, guide or other jobs which can help you earn some amount. If you are a college student, then you can also work on a part-time basis. The education of this city is good, and the schools have well qualified and professional staff.

Exchange Student

There are two types of a student exchange program which works on a short term agreement and a long term agreement. A short-term student exchange program is when a student visits another country for one or a maximum of three months. In the long-term student exchange program, the student has to stay in a foreign country and study until he completes his degree.

Au Pair

An Au pair is a person who stays with the local, and in exchange the person takes care of their child. In exchange for your work, the family will provide you shelter and meals. This method can help you to live without paying in any foreign city you want to live in. Many families look for au pair as they have a busy life and they also have to go on their respective jobs. They need someone who can help them by taking care of the child.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great activity that involves social work. Volunteering needs zero qualification and is readily available in foreign cities as a lot of hosts look for volunteers who can help them in daily work and in return the person is paid for their service either with money or food and shelter. You will definitely have a great experience while volunteering here.

Åre

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