Grandpa's Järvsö Guide

Two years ago, we launched the Grandpa Grand Suite in collaboration with Järvsö crêperie. Our very own lodging, boasting a unique location right on the slopes, situated atop the crêperie in charming Järvsö. Did we say charming? For the coming winter, we’ve updated the interior and enhanced the experience even further. Here, you’ll stay in a luxurious yet cosy cabin, with views overlooking both the slopes and the village.

We decided to head up to Järvsö to shoot this year's Christmas campaign and seized the opportunity to put together a Grandpa-approved guide to this little gem of Hälsingland! We had the great honour of using two locals as models, none other than the couple Jennie Ahrenbring Engman and Henric Sandgren. They moved to Järvsö a few years ago in search of a better life and because, just like us, they fell in love with the area. Today, among other things, they run the music venue Bolagsgården in a huge barn on their property. Follow their journey and development plans on @bolagsgården.

Over the past 10 years, Järvsö has developed into a very exciting destination in many ways. There's an entrepreneurial drive that has created a place buzzing with life all year round. The foundation, of course, also lies in Järvsö being an incredibly beautiful and historically and culturally rich location.

Järvsö has a long history as a tourist resort. As early as the late 19th century, there was an inn, but it was in the 1930s that tourism truly began to take off. In fact, when Järvsöbacken opened in 1937, it was Sweden's second alpine resort. There are plenty of activities and culture to indulge in in Järvsö, but skiing in winter and biking in summer are the cornerstones of Järvsö as a tourist destination. Järvsö Bergscykel Park has been named Sweden's best bike park several times. In addition to downhill biking, the trail biking network has been expanded and is growing massively today. But now winter is approaching, so let's talk about skiing! Järvsö is Järvsö, and you should set your expectations accordingly. But the truth is, the skiing here is far better than most expect, and for families with children, it's more than enough for a week's holiday. Plus, everything is easy, close-by, and incredibly pleasant.

Järvsö Crêperie

Malin, who runs Järvsö crêperie, is one of the many private entrepreneurs contributing to Järvsö's greatness. Malin is arguably one of the most influential figures through her work. The Crêperie, which started down in the village and is still located there, is open during the summer. About 10 years ago, she opened a small Crêperie kiosk on the slope that was open in winter. The rest is history. Today, the Crêperie on the slope is an incredibly beautiful building, a super cosy restaurant/crêperie, and also home to a fantastic little hotel room (the suite). Their motto: from field to fork (or "from soil to table"). Much of the produce for the delicious crêpes is grown by them.

Grandpa Grand Suite

Two years ago, we started a collaboration with Järvsö crêperie where we "took over" the suite above the crêperie and made it our own by putting our stamp on the interior design. So now we have our very own small hotel room, right on the slopes in Järvsö. It's hard to describe, but sitting in the small suite with a cold beer after a day on the slopes, watching the last skiers and the village as darkness gently falls, is pure magic. Dinner and breakfast are best enjoyed down at Bergshotellet, which is a very short stroll down the hill.

Järvsö Lanthandel

One of our real favourite spots. The owner, Tobbe, well-known to many, has created a unique place. Is it a deli? Is it a restaurant? Do they have a menu? When is it open? Is there a bar? Everything is a little unclear, but one thing is certain: everything is quality. Tobias cooks using only local produce and is something of a wizard when it comes to preserving both animals and plants so they are stocked in the pantries throughout the year. And we should add, there's plenty of wine. And gin. And beer.

Järvsö Champagnebar

The world's northernmost Champagne bar, featuring the entire Taittinger range. Yes, it’s located in Järvsö, which is a bit odd but also very fitting. Järvsö simply isn't like other villages. The Champagne bar is owned and operated by four families and is located quite centrally in the village in a classic Hälsingland farmhouse (Hälsingegård). This is a must-visit if you're in Järvsö.Across from the Champagne Bar is Järvsö Gårdsbageri (Farm Bakery). Or is it Järvsö Gårdsbageri across from the Champagne Bar? Well, regardless, both are in the same beautiful Hälsingland farmhouse. Gårdsbageriet is the village's cosiest café with incredibly delicious pastries and award-winning sourdough bread. And on Fridays, it’s Friday Pizza! Sourdough base, naturally. What's not to like?

Gårdsbageriet

Across from the Champagne Bar is Järvsö Gårdsbageri (Farm Bakery). Or is it Järvsö Gårdsbageri across from the Champagne Bar? Well, regardless, both are in the same beautiful Hälsingland farmhouse. Gårdsbageriet is the village's cosiest café with incredibly delicious pastries and award-winning sourdough bread. And on Fridays, it’s Friday Pizza! Sourdough base, naturally. What's not to like?

Toppstugan Järvsö (formerly Eftertanken)

If you need a break from skiing, whether you want a hot chocolate, lunch, or a Glühwein, this is the place to go. Stepping into the unique building, perhaps when it's a bit breezy outside, and being welcomed by the centrally placed fireplace is incredible. The luckiest ones get a spot around the fireplace, where you can warm both yourself and your gloves. Toppstugan is built like a large Sami hut (kåta), and everything is incredibly genuine. Not least their menu, which is based on local ingredients. Is the weather nice? Then you hang out on the large outdoor terrace. Everything is, as they say, to die for. Or maybe you don't say that, do you? ("Everything is amazing" works well here too!)

Järvsöbacken

We almost forgot to include Järvsöbacken in the guide. It's so obvious! The slope is, of course, central to the activities in the village, summer and winter. The slope is family-owned and has developed greatly over the years, especially recently. A total of 23 runs and nine lifts. Sure, we're not talking Chamonix, but honestly, Järvsö is perfect for families with children, and it's certainly good enough for a few days with your mates. They also have a fun park that can compete with most resorts in Sweden!

More Järvsö Gems:

  • Våffleriet. Malin (yes, that Malin) also runs Våffleriet (The Waffle House) on the north side of the mountain since last year. Here, it’s all about waffles, and this year, it's being expanded to make more room for all the waffle-lovers.
  • Restaurang Sydsidan. Below Bergshotellet, there's been another hotel for a few years: JBP. It's a hotel with a slightly simpler standard, but the restaurant on the ground floor is anything but. On the contrary, high ambitions and a great atmosphere prevail here!
  • Stenegård. Closest to a cultural institution, consisting of several Hälsingland farmhouses. This is where Christmas markets, Midsummer celebrations, concerts, food festivals, etc., are held. There's a restaurant, shops, a café, etc. A meeting place in Järvsö since the 19th century. Go here!
  • Harsa längdskidåkning. A true cross-country ski paradise, located about 400 meters above sea level and therefore very snow-sure. Over 80 km of well-groomed cross-country trails. 20 minutes from Järvsö.
  • Järvsöbaden turist-, konferenshotell & spa. There are many classics in Järvsö, but Järvsöbaden might be the most classic of all. Today, it's run by the fourth generation of family members and has a long tradition of female leadership.
  • Vildriket. A wildlife park where you meet the wild animals of the Nordic region on their terms. Perfect for taking the kids to see animals such as the Muskox, wolf, lynx, reindeer, and arctic fox. Vildriket works extensively with education, research, and conservation to promote Nordic biodiversity.

Getting Here

  • Järvsö is just over 300 km from Stockholm, so it’s close! By car, it takes about 3.5 – 4 hours. If you're driving from Stockholm, we recommend a lunch stop at Lilla K in Bollnäs!
  • The train is highly recommended. You can travel directly from Stockholm C to Järvsö without changing. The train journey takes about 3 hours.
  • It's also possible to travel by train from both Gothenburg and Malmö via Stockholm, or from Uppsala via Gävle.
  • The station is right in the middle of the village, which is super convenient.