Sweden Guide
Central and northern Sweden
Sveg
SVEG, Härjedalen's uneventful main town, is a sparsely populated fell region that belonged to Norway until 1645, something that has left its mark in the local dialect. The area offers excellent terrain for walking, as well as some of Sweden's most magnificent scenery – more than thirty mountains exceed 1000m, the highest peak being Helags (1796m), whose icy slopes support Sweden's southernmost glacier. Härjedalen is also home to the largest single population of brown bears in the country, as well as a handful of shaggy musk oxen, ferocious creatures that have wandered across the border from Norway.
In 1273, Sveg was the site of a parliament called to hammer out a border treaty between Sweden and Norway. Since then, things have quietened down considerably and even on a Friday night in midsummer you're likely to find yourself alone in the wide streets lined with grand old wooden houses. A graceful river runs right through the centre of town and there are some delightful meadows and swimming spots just a few minutes' walk from the centre.
Sveg's tourist office (mid-June to mid-Aug Mon– Fri 9am–4pm; mid-Aug to mid-June Mon– Fri 1–5pm; 
0680/107 75, 
www.herjedalsporten.se ) is in the centre of town at Kyrkgränd 1, next to the campsite. If you're keen to stay overnight, try the old-fashioned Hotell Härjedalen at Vallarvägen 11 ( 0680/103 38, www.hotellharjedalen.se ; Price: Kr500-700); or the more upmarket Hotell Mysoxen ( 0680/170 00, www.sveg.info/logi/mysoxen.php ; Price: Kr500-700/Price: Kr700-900), close to the train station at Fjällvägen 12. The Mysoxen also houses the local STF youth hostel (same contact details; doubles Price: under Kr500, dorm beds 175kr). The campsite ( 0680/130 25) is located right on the river. Your best chances of not eating alone are at the greasy-spoon Inlandskrogen café next to the bus and train stations on Järnvägsgatan, or at the Knuten pizzeria at Berggatan 4.