Sonfjällets National Park - A Summit Making Me Think Twice

Travels| Hiking| National Park| Mountain

June 23, 2025•5 min read

Hit the high ridge of Sonfjället in Sweden’s Sonfjällets National Park - steep gravel roads, open heights, rocky summit trails, and unforgettable winds.

A Real Ascent with Real Weather

For those who seek deep quiet and wide views, a trip to Sonfjällets National Park offers both. Tucked away in central Härjedalen, the journey begins on a long, bumpy gravel road with potholes that made it impossible to drive fast. But it ends in a stillness broken only by the wind over open fjäll terrain.

The Remote Road to Sonfjället

The drive toward Sonfjället felt remote. The gravel road stretched on for quite a while, riddled with potholes and loose stones, making it a slow and careful approach. When I finally arrived, the parking lot was large and open, positioned high up and very exposed to the elements. There was a basic outdoor toilet and a large signboard showing the park’s many trails and peaks.

Even though the parking space was practical, it didn’t feel like a place to camp overnight - the wind was cold and constant, even in the middle of the day. I had checked the weather the night before. It showed wind. I checked again that morning. Still wind. But I thought, how bad could it be?

The First Climb

The trail started climbing right away, leading through a low, sparse mountain forest. The trees were stunted and twisted by weather, typical of high-altitude forest in the Swedish fjäll. As I got higher, the forest fell away and the ground became bare and open.

The trail shifted from gravel to loose stones, especially as I got closer to the first summit. That small peak is called Lillfjället, and it was here I got my first taste of just how powerful the wind would be. It howled across the open rock, strong enough that I had to brace myself at times. I barely dared to take out my phone for pictures due to the strong gusts as I feared it would be ripped from my hand.

Along the Ridge

From Lillfjället, the trail continued along the mountain’s side, giving me a little protection from the winds for a while. But as I climbed higher, the wind returned in full force. The path became more rugged, with large stones scattered across the slope. I had to focus on every step just to stay upright, especially when sudden gusts pulled at me like invisible hands.

I didn’t make it to the highest point, Högfjället, which stands around 1277 meters. Instead, I stopped at Sonsfjällstoppen, slightly lower but still exposed and dramatic. The entire hike took about two to three hours. With the wind cutting through my clothing and my legs growing cold despite two jackets, a hat, and scarf, that was more than enough.

Even so, the landscape was breathtaking. Stark and silent. I could see across the wide valleys, and the stone-covered slopes had a kind of raw beauty. I would love to revisit this place on a warmer (and less windy) day to go to the highest summit. Until then, I’ll carry that memory of wind, stone, and space that felt like it belonged to no one but itself.

About the Park

Sonsfjället is one of Europe’s oldest national parks, created in 1909 Size & location ~103 km² in Härjedalen, central Sweden Highest peak Högfjället (1 277 m) Famous for Glacial landscapes and brown bear habitat Common wildlife Moose, bear, lynx, wolverine, reindeer.
Sonfjället is part of Sweden’s oldest generation of national parks and is notable for its intact geology - the landscape shaped by ancient glacial channels. It’s also a core habitat for Sweden’s brown bears. The open terrain makes spotting wildlife more likely, especially in early morning or late evening.
Popular trails include the Nyvallen to Sododalen loop (13.5 km) and the longer Sonfjället round (16.4 km), both of which explore valleys and ridges with broad views.

Facts About Sonfjällets National Park

📍 Location: Sonfjällets National Park, Härjedalen, Sweden
🏠 Visitor Info: Nyvallen serves as the main access point with trail maps available
💲 Admission: Free
🛄 Parking: Big, open and suitable for motorhomes (but very exposed)
🚽 Toilets: Basic DAS toilet available at the parking area

Good to Know & Tips

🌪️ Check wind forecasts – Gusts can be far stronger up top than expected. Dress accordingly.

⛺️ High parking = cold nights – Even in summer, expect sharp evening chill.

🌍 Aim for Lillfjället first – It’s a good goal if you're testing your limits.

📍 Stay on trails – Close to the top, the trail has loose gravel and the rocks are loose and the wind adds challenge.

🤽 Wildlife is present – Be respectful and alert, especially in early/late hours..

👣 Trekking poles help – Especially on uneven, exposed slopes.

Check out the available hiking trails here

Parking by Sonfjällets National Park - This is where I started my hike

Photos

The night before, we parked close to the national park and this was the view. I use the app Park4Night and find it very helpful when on the road trying to find places to park and spend the night.