Fågelsjö/Gästis, STF Hostel

Hostels | The Fågelsjö hostel lies next to Fågelsjö Gammelgård, a well-preserved home from 1910 that was left just as it stood, with its own gunsmith’s workshop. Here you can experience also the forests and waters of Hamra National Park, and the vast expanses of Orsa Finnmark.

Fågelsjö lies in Orsa Finnmark, in the borderlands between Hälsingland, Dalarna and Härjedalen. The forests here are deep and full of adventure.

The hostel building was initially a country inn, and later became a haulier’s business housing three families and a shop. Most recently, it was a private home for a large family. The local rural life association has now taken the building over and renovated it with light, airy rooms and heating from geothermal energy. We have maintained the traditional style throughout the house.

The most famous tourist attraction in the area is Fågelsjö Gammelgård, with its unique history. It lies just 1 km from the hostel. The farm was left in 1910, when a new house had been built, and all the artefacts from several generations remain in place. The farm is open throughout the summer, and can be opened on request during other seasons. More information is available at www.fagelsjo.nu. The farm has many outhouses, some from the 18th century, and including traditional elevated log cabins, loft-based storehouses and a baking hut. One outhouse is a restored gunsmith’s workshop, which is one of the primary attractions at the farm.

Hamra National Park with its well-prepared hiking trails is just 4 km away. Fishing waters are also within easy reach, and you can rent a canoe and glide your way through the lakes and streams in the region. Barbecue facilities and overnight shelters are spread along the waterfronts. For those interested, the area offers a museum of forestry.