Paddle in Härjedalen

The province of Härjedalen is said to have been named after the river Härjån, one of the many tributaries of the Ljusnan River that are suitable for canoeing on. Härjedalen has a forested landscape that sits high above sea level. Just 5% of the province's total land area is under cultivation, and the population density is on average not more than 1 person per square kilometer.

Both the Ljusnan and the Ljungan rivers have their sources in the mountains of northwestern Härjedalen. The Ljungan soon flows into the neighbouring provinces of Jämtland and Medelpad, but the Ljusnan faithfully flows through the whole of Härjedalen. It runs all the way from the northwest on down to the Hälsingland border in the southeast.

The Ljusnan River, its tributaries and the Ljungan River make up most of the waterways of Härjedalen. Because of the large height differences involved , most of the rivers flow very quickly. There is a lot of very demanding white water, and experience is neccessary. Caution should be used at all times, because the surroundings are sometimes desolate and the rivers difficult to reach, should help be required.

This advice especially applies when in the wilderness area around the Rogen Lakes, located beside the Norwegian border in western Härjedalen. Found at an altitude of between 750-800 meters over sea level these are Sweden's highest canoe waters. Here it is mostly lake paddling, but many portages must be performed. Be aware that the weather can change very quickly in the mountainous terrain.