The guide to Åre: what not to miss at the mountain resort

Fjällpuben is slightly tucked away, but just a stone's throw from the main square. The restaurant was founded by star chefs Marcus Aujalay and Melker Andersson, but is now run by other restaurateurs. It feels like coming home to your grandma's kitchen, and the menu is full of delicacies from Jämtland and Norrland.

This might just be Åre's cosiest little pub, a world away from the bustling and noisy bars. Hunker down with your group and enjoy well-prepared food, good wines, and conversations where you can actually hear each other. The menu is classic, featuring many Swedish – but also international – flavours.

This success story from Gotland has spread to the mainland; Crêperie & Logi has also had an outpost in Åre since 2015. They serve hearty galettes filled with everything from prawn salad to reindeer stew, as well as sweet dessert crêpes. The atmosphere is wonderfully lively and is perfect for everything from family dinners to hanging out with friends.

They really know their drinks here. Come by just for a drink, perhaps with some cheese or charcuterie to go with it; the restaurant also offers small dishes with international flavours, much of them European. It's always packed with tourists from the hotel the restaurant is located in, as well as locals who return time and again.

A classic. A brasserie with a solid menu for the hungry and a generous drinks selection for the thirsty. There's always a crowd here, from lunch to late evening. The kitchen prepares classics like skagen and steak tartare, and in the bar, they'll shake up any cocktail you desire if beer or something from the wine list doesn't hit the spot. Also, don't miss checking out the pizza menu, which offers both traditional and unique, Norrlandic varieties.

At APO, you can embark on a taste journey through Asia, with influences from Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Gather your friends for a lively sharing dinner in a festive environment, which will often continue late into the night. Don't miss the restaurant's renowned Thai basil cocktail.

No ski trip is complete without waffles, that's a given. Lillåstugan's Waffle House is something of an institution in Åre, and an experience you really don't want to miss when visiting the village. Choose between sweet and savoury toppings on your waffle, which is best enjoyed outdoors with the sun on your face.

Locals come to Ölkaféet to drink beer and play games. The atmosphere here is relaxed, often with many large groups. The bar specialises in beer and serves numerous varieties. You can find Ölkaféet in the old train station down by the platform.

A burger restaurant that's just as much a bar. People flock here for a beer – or several – after a day on the slopes and, if hunger strikes, something from the street food-inspired menu. In the evenings, the disco ball comes down from the ceiling and the volume goes up.

With the same concept as its restaurants in the rest of Sweden, Supper in Åre serves up the same atmosphere, with South American flavours on the plates and in the glasses. There's room for really large groups around big, round tables. The volume is high and increases as the evening progresses. It's often packed with people at the bar dancing along to the DJ's music.

They're very proud of their beer here – and the selection is vast. Lager, IPA, wheat, APA – you name it, they serve it. The venue offers plenty of space for both large and small groups, both inside and out on the glassed-in terrace. If you're hungry, there's a menu featuring exciting, innovative, and ambitious dishes.

If you're a fan of the Swedish musician Petter, this is where you should stay – he's actually a part-owner of Hotel Granen, which is right next to the cable car in Åre. The hotel is run by nature and alpine-loving people, who are happy to guide and suggest fun activities nearby. The restaurant serves good quality dishes, and they're very knowledgeable about wine here.

Holiday Club gathers everything you need under one roof: as well as the hotel itself, there's a large water complex with an adventure pool, a relaxation area, a fully equipped gym, several restaurants, and shops. Whatever you can't find at the facility is just around the corner, as the hotel is right in the heart of the village.

Right in the village – you can't miss it – is this splendid mountain hotel that conjures up thoughts of the Alps. Traditional, cosy, inviting. Whether you stay here or just pop by, they welcome everyone in a way that makes guests feel at home. The walls of the hotel and in the rooms are adorned with photographs from a bygone era.

One of Åre's few ski in/ski out hotels – i.e., you stay right on the slopes, with direct access to lifts and runs. Hotel Fjällgården is located in central Åre, next to the Fjällgårdsexpressen lift and close to the VM6 lift. This historic and rustic hotel has a view over the valley, from both the rooms and the restaurant. During the season, don't miss their après ski.

Possbly Åre's most luxurious hotel, but also family-friendly. With its location in Björnen, high up on Förberget, Copperhill offers stunning views over Åre and is a perfect spot for families with quick access to all the nursery slopes. If you stay here in the summer, you can connect directly to the hiking trails, and don't miss their elegant spa.

An exclusive mountain stay for those who want – or a cosy lunch stop on the slopes for others. Make your way to Rödkullen and ski down to Buustamon, one of Åre's cosiest and most mountain lodge-like restaurants. Take off your ski boots and enjoy a beer and some delicious goulash soup next to the open fire. Or perhaps join a spirits tasting at the on-site distillery? 

This mountain restaurant is considered by many to be one of Åre's cosiest eateries, and with its convenient location right by the six-seater lift Sadelexpressen, it's a real haven for hungry skiers. In addition to substantial meals such as schnitzel and 'Bruno's sausages', you can come here for après-ski fun with live music and DJs. 

This spot boasts one of Åre's best viewpoints – at least in connection with the kitchen and bar. Whether you sit on the sunny veranda or inside the restaurant, you can enjoy beautiful far-reaching views while eating good food and sipping on a cold beer.

If you don't like high noise levels and disco lights during the day, it's probably best to give 720 a miss. There's almost always a party atmosphere here, with loud music blasting from the speakers. The terrace basks in the sun during the day, perfect for those wanting to improve their ski-goggle tan while also watching the ski jumpers in the nearby ski park. If you want to eat, there's a lunch menu with something for everyone.

One of Åre's more recent additions, which opened in 2022. You can get to La Gondola via the VM8 lift. The stylish restaurant offers several sections, a bar, a café, and a restaurant. For something simpler, you can visit the café; otherwise, you can sit in the large hall and choose from an international menu with Italian flavours. During the season, you can also enjoy live performances.

Everyone shares a passion for snowboarding here. Inlandet is founded by former snowboard professionals who love winter, so there's plenty of knowledge here. As well as snowboards and everything that comes with them, there's a large selection of clothing, equipment, and fun gadgets.

In 2022, Tegel was named Store of the Month by Stockholm Fashion District. Their selection includes a curated range of Scandinavian brands. Shoes, accessories, jewellery, home decor, and some children's clothing. This is the place to go to escape the sportswear that fills most of Åre's other shops.

A recycling concept focused on outdoor and sports. Mountain Recycle has been a popular venue in Åre for many years and remains a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Drop off your outgrown clothes, skis, boots, and similar items here – if your items are sold, you receive 60% of the amount.

You'll find a bit of everything here - home decor, crafts, beauty, art, literature… The list goes on. Much of what they sell is local, but some is sourced from other parts of Sweden and Scandinavia. An ideal shop for tourists with its location right next to the main square, but equally visited by locals looking for a gift or something nice for their home.

Skysport helps you realise the dream of flying. Together with an experienced instructor, you'll learn to paraglide in a safe and relaxed manner, starting up on Åreskutan. Tours are arranged daily during the season and no prior knowledge is required.

Go on a mountain hike, go snowmobiling or dog sledding, try ice fishing, or have a go at curling. Most activities can be done with Åreguiderna. Visit them at their office on the square to book your experience or hire equipment. They have long and extensive knowledge that they're more than happy to share.

If you love excitement combined with water, you should try white-water rafting. JoPe Fors & Fjäll has been around since 1989 in Åre and offers its customers thrilling activities, (even on dry land). White-water rafting in the beautiful nature that Jämtland has to offer provides memorable experiences for adventurous souls who appreciate nature and new challenges.

Allow yourself to be lifted off the ground with a Zipline. Whether you're a child or an adult, you can glide between the trees and beautiful natural surroundings with Puls Åre at heights of up to 70 metres, over a journey of approximately 350 metres. If you've never tried this before, you can expect a thrilling experience.