Vemdalen is a small village in the Härjedalen mountains of northern Sweden, sitting in a valley along the river Veman at around 500 metres above sea level. It is best known as a ski destination — three mountain resorts, Björnrike, Vemdalsskalet, and Storhogna, lie within a few kilometres of each other on the slopes above the village, each with its own character. But Vemdalen has plenty to offer in summer too, when the mountains open up for hiking, fishing, and wildlife.
The village itself is small and charming. Its centrepiece is the Vemdalen Church — an octagonal rococo timber church from 1763, considered one of the most beautiful churches in Sweden. Nearby you will find a heritage farm with buildings several hundred years old and a statue of the first settlers, "Nybyggarna", by the churchyard. The weekly market runs every Thursday in July, and the Vemdalsveckan festival in late July fills a full week with auctions, music evenings, folk dancing, and heritage celebrations where you can try local specialities like flötgröt porridge, kolbullar dumplings, and tunnbröd flatbread.
In summer, 180 km of marked trails wind through the surrounding mountains and forests. Beaver safaris by canoe on the Veman are a local speciality, and bear-den excursions offer a more unusual adventure. The fishing is excellent — the Veman is known for its large grayling, and the lakes and tarns in the hills are full of trout and pike. Härjedalen's fishing museum, with over a thousand exhibits, is worth a visit. South of the village, the hamlet of Vemhån has good natural swimming at Busklandet and an old customs station from 1867 at Sömmlingsbäcken, the last of its kind in Sweden. For a view, drive up to Varggransstugan at 905 metres.
Getting to Vemdalen is easiest by car — the village lies along Route 45 in central Sweden, about six hours north of Stockholm. Coach services run from Stockholm, particularly on weekends during ski season.