Mountain vacations during the summer have been a regular part of our holidays - for many years. Our enthusiasm for the mountains has led to us living here today, and the children appreciate the nature around us just as we do. They often stop and exclaim "look at the view".

TEXT & IMAGE EMILIA JARL

For this summer, we have been given the privilege of sharing some tour tips that you should not miss when visiting Vemdalen. We suggest some shorter tours, suitable with one or more younger children but which do not compromise the overall experience for the family. The excursion destinations are suitable for most people, but the focus is on suitable tours to do with children of younger ages, but which still offer beautiful views. We guarantee both views, altitude meters, satisfaction and slightly tired legs. Exactly the feelings that mountain hiking rewards with. You may have tried some of the tours before, but as with mountain experiences, they change and show new sides depending on the weather, light and wind or time of day.

Storhogna

Plupp's trail in Storhogna, starting from Storhogna Högfjällshotell, is in our opinion the first opportunity for children to explore the mountains. Among lush, brittle mountain birches, playful challenges, blueberry rice and running mountain water, there is a lot of natural joy. Look out for the little unsung creature Plupp and his friends and let your imagination inspire adventure. A small loop, focusing on the little hiker with playful movement challenges along the trail. Balance, jump, rest on Plupp's sofa, walk across the bridge, look for berries and plants while you can figure out the questions that pop up along the way. Afterwards, play and swing with a view in the small playground is recommended. For a little extra mountain feeling in addition to Plupp's trail, a short detour up Slättfjället is well worth the climb and effort. Here you reach the maximum mountain feeling.

The hunting lodge

Our second tip leads not surprisingly to Jaktstugan. A classic hike that cannot be skipped. From the Vemdalsskalet trail center, the hike goes along Karin's road and eventually onto an exciting troll trail, then the hike becomes easy and fun even for the very youngest. Looking for trolls is surprisingly exciting and motivating for the altitude meters. As soon as you pass the tree line, you will see Jaktstugan and the last bit before you arrive through beautiful mountain scenery. At Jaktstugan you will enjoy really crispy waffles with cloudberry jam and cream. Back down, we recommend going via Skalstoppen and then following Hildings backe down. This hike stretches over marshland and then through a ravine with views of Hovdefjället. If you are lucky you might find ripe cloudberries, it is an art to distinguish and see the golden berries. In addition, they taste delicious and are perfect food during the hike.

Wolf spruce star

Views are certainly something we don't have to compromise on when it comes to short trips with children. Varggranstjärn offers easily accessible mountain terrain. You can hike here from Skalets torg or choose to drive up a bit. Park the car and take the last few meters of altitude via the winding gravel road, the reward comes quickly via pulse and views in all directions. For optimal accessibility, it is possible to drive all the way up, for a toll. Drive calmly! Once up at the pond, we recommend finding a nice place to have a coffee, walk towards Björnrikestugan or just rest your eyes on the views. Hike around the pond and take your dinner up the mountain.

Sonfjället

The excursion goes over Lillfjället starting from Nyvallen. First, the tour leads through lush mountain forest before the border clearly divides mountain forest and bare mountain. But even above the tree line it is lush. Although it is quite steep, the hike is gentle even for small legs, as it is not very long. The variation of footbridges and rocks makes the little legs work a little harder and then the family can see Sonfjället's beautiful, almost cinematic design. Up on Lillfjället, the mountain levels out and it is easy to get around. Children can move more freely and explore the mountain and its vegetation. To enhance the feeling of summer mountains, let the children run barefoot among rice and moss. Nothing beats barefoot running on summer mountains!

Fallmoran

You can hike here either from Storhogna or from Ripfjället. From Ripfjället it is a 2 km hike on footbridge and mixed rocky path and terrain. The goal is Fallmorafallen. Waterfalls are often very fascinating for both young and old and clearly a highlight of the excursion. This tour is also kind with altitude meters. Vemdalen and the surrounding area have several beautiful falls to see, but Fallmorafallen is one of our favorites. For those who wish, this tour is perfect for spending the night. The Röjån river flows near the falls and there is plenty of room to pitch your tent and enjoy a summer night out in the mountains.

The square of the shell

When we think that the energy in the family has run out, we recommend hanging out at Skalets torg. We have gathered many hours of play and movement here despite tired legs after today's trip. Play and activity for all ages with the possibility of both cycling, kickbikes, ball games and pedal cars make it easy to spend time with the whole family. The square is often filled with many playful children so here they are guaranteed to find new friends from the mountain vacation!

The Jarl family consists of two adults and three children aged 3-8 who spend a lot of time in the the mountains together. They often share their adventures on Instagram under the account @jamtute

TIPS TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR TRIPS

• Always have good energy for the whole family.
• A baby carrier or sling to protect small, tired legs. The baby carrier can also be folded up and stored in a backpack when not in use if the child has started walking on their own.
• Clothing for the weather and also for other weather is good to have, mountain weather changes quickly and properly dressed children create good conditions for coping and wanting. A sunny morning can quickly be overtaken by other weather.
• Always carry a bag for rubbish, don't leave anything on the mountain and pick it up if you happen to walk past something.
• Don't rush to the destination! Enjoy the ride, the breaks and the unplanned directions, often that's where the most memorable rides are. In addition, we can recommend exploring one of the mountain tours during the afternoon and evening, the experience definitely takes on a new dimension on a bright summer evening.