Eastern trail to Åreskutan summit – black summit hike in Åre

A black and challenging 6.8 km hike from Åre torg to Åreskutan summit. The trail passes Fjällgården, Totthummeln and Lillskutan, with steep mountain terrain and wide views.

Hike the Eastern trail to Åreskutan summit

The Eastern trail to Åreskutan summit, known in Swedish as Östra leden, is one of Åre’s most demanding hikes. The route is approximately 6.8 km long, graded black and takes you from Åre torg all the way up to the summit of Åreskutan.

This is a summit hike for those with good fitness, mountain experience and confidence on steep, rocky and technical terrain. The reward is a true mountain feel and wide-reaching views across Åredalen and the surrounding mountains.

From Åre torg via Fjällgården

The hike starts at Åre torg and climbs towards Fjällgården. To shorten the first section, you can take Bergbanan up to Fjällgården when it is open and start the hike from there.

From Fjällgården, the trail continues across Totthummeln and north towards Lillskutan. You gradually move out into more open mountain terrain, with views that grow wider the higher you climb.

Steep final section towards the summit

The final section up to Åreskutan summit is steep and rocky. Good balance, secure footing and shoes with good grip are required, especially if the surface is wet.

Once at the summit, you are rewarded with views across Åredalen and the surrounding mountains. To explore more of the summit area, you can continue with Åreskutan 360, if the trail and conditions are suitable on the day.

Expect some sections to take longer than the distance suggests. Adjust your pace according to the terrain, weather and your own energy levels.

Weather, season and trail markings

The Eastern trail is best from midsummer to the beginning of October. Summer trail signs are put in place by midsummer, which means that earlier in the season you may need to navigate on your own.

Please note that the trail may be affected by snow cover early and late in the season. During spring and early summer, the ground may also be particularly sensitive, and you should avoid the trail during these periods.

Lift, return and alternative route down

Bergbanan can be used to shorten the start up to Fjällgården when it is open. After hiking up to Åreskutan summit, Kabinbanan can be an option for transport down if you do not want to walk all the way back to the village.

For a walk down towards Åre village, a digital guide can be a good option. Remember that hiking downhill can also be demanding on knees, ankles and balance, especially on rocky or wet terrain.

Always check current lift opening hours before setting out and plan with enough margin before the last departure.

Starting point and practical information

The hike starts at Åre torg and ends at Åreskutan summit. It is approximately 6.8 km long and has around 883 metres of elevation gain.

Allow approximately 4 hours to the summit, and plan more time if you are hiking back down. If you are hiking both up and down, allow a full day on the mountain.

Bring water, a packed lunch, extra clothing and equipment suitable for rapidly changing mountain weather.