100 and Under — Fall Competition
October in the Swedish fell
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ― L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
There is arguably no time of the year more charming than October. The air is crisp, the sky is pure blue and the colours are breathtaking. Everything around seems to be a reminder to enjoy the outdoors while we can, before the days start getting shorter and we begin retreating more and more into our homes.
This is the perfect time to enjoy a trip in the Swedish fell. The fell, or fjäll in Swedish, is a high and seemingly barren landscape that can be found in Swedish, Norway, northern England and Scotland. Think of a tundra, in the mountains.
What makes the Swedish fell so special is that it is extremely accessible. You can drive to the beginning of trails and choose your own adventure from hour long hikes to overnight trips.
Nippfjället
Nippfjället is an amazing massif with day hikes of varying difficulties and lengths. If you’re just stopping by for a short while, you might want to climb up on Lillnippen. The 1100-metre high top is closest to the summer parking lot, with an awesome view over Städjan. It’s about a two kilometre round trip, with a 100 metre elevation gain.
For more of a challenge, you can take a hike to Ulandstugan. There you’ll also find a resting cabin and an emergency telephone.
If you want to go on an easy day-hike, you can pick the trails that go toward Städjan. The views will not disappoint!
Here you can also see the patron elf of the massif, Nippgubben, and try the magnetic hill Trollvägen. You’ll definitely get a thrill out of seeing your car move against gravity up the hill!
The area around Nippfället is absolutely magical with its open scenery and rolling ridges. On a clear October night you might also be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights!
Städjan
Städjan is an iconic landscape in Swedish scenery. In the 1600s Renaissance man Olof Rudbeck named it the world’s highest mountain top. The author of the Swedish national anthem, Richard Dybeck, was inspired by it when he wrote the lyrics “You old, you free, you fell tall North”.
Looking more like a volcano than a mountain, the 1131-metre high Städjan is a pleasurable challenge to climb. It’s just about three kilometres to the top with an elevation gain of about 400 metres.
You start the hike in the forest, almost unaware of what’s ahead, and soon come to a plateau where you can clearly see the otherworldly top. After the plateau comes the most challenging part of the hike to the top. The incline can be pretty steep at times, so watch your step! It’s all worth the satisfaction of standing on top of the rocky ridge with a 360-degree view of the fell in northern Dalarna and neighbouring province Härjedalen.
Grövelsjön
Grövelsjön is an area in Dalarna close to the Norwegian border. In fact, many of the hikes will take you over the border. This is especially nice if you plan to set up a tent and overnight in the fell (yes, you can still do this in October as the weather is usually still mild enough). In Sweden you’re not allowed to set up your tent in conservation areas, but in Norway you’re able to (just leave no trace).
Just like Nippfjället, Grövelsjön also has many different trails of different difficulties to choose from. It’s basically the end of the road, and only fell around. The views are amazing whichever way you turn.
Here you’ll also find a Swedish Mountain Association ecolodge. You can book an overnighting room, and a waffle cafe with the most divine waffles.
Some things to consider before you venture out on the fell
Don’t carry more than you need! It will only slow you down and take away from the joy of hiking.
The weather can shift quickly on the fell. One minute it can be clear blue skies and the other the fog rolls in, leaving you unable to see metres in front of you. Be cautious, wear bright colours if you have them, don’t travel alone, and leave your itinerary with a trusted person or on the windshield of your car.
Keep track of time — the days get considerably shorter pretty fast in October, so make sure you have enough time to get to your destination while you still have day light.
Enjoy yourself! Take in the views, breathe in the fresh air and charge your batteries.
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