Handöl: Waterfalls and soapstone history

Handöl combines waterfalls with a local history in which soapstone quarrying has played an important role. Handölsforsen consists of several waterfalls, with a combined drop of 110 metres. A small museum, a chapel, and memorials add the history of the Caroleans and soapstone to the natural setting. You can discover Handöl through a range of interests: the landscape is an attraction in its own right, while the museum and memorial sites explore specific historical topics.

Waterfalls and the Naturslingan

The 110 metres refers to the total drop of the several waterfalls, not the height of a single fall. Another route option is the Naturslingan Handöl. It consists of two loops that start at the ski stadium in Handöl. The Naturslingan opened on 2 September 2026; route details may vary depending on the season. If you plan to take this route, factor the seasonal details into your preparations.

Winter activities

Two different activities take centre stage in Handöl in winter. On the flat stretch between the village and Lake Ånnsjön, there are classic cross-country ski trails groomed by snowmobile; grooming is seasonal. Ice climbing takes place in winter at the inactive soapstone quarry. The trails and ice climbing offer different experiences: one focuses on skiing along a flat stretch, the other on climbing at the quarry. When planning your trip, this distinction makes the winter options more tangible than a general description of the area as a winter sports destination.

Soapstone and local history

The Handöl Karoliner and Soapstone Museum is a small museum about the history of the Caroleans and soapstone quarrying in Handöl. It also explains the importance of the soapstone era to the village. The topic therefore links the history of the material with its role in Handöl. Handöl Chapel was also intended for seasonal workers who worked with soapstone in winter. Seasonal work is thus also part of the historical context conveyed by the chapel.

Karolinergraven in Handöl is home to a memorial stone and a monument. A small chapel near Karolinergraven also preserves a soapstone plaque that once marked the mass grave. The plaque therefore has two roles across time: it once marked the grave and is now kept in the chapel. Together with the memorial stone and the monument, these sites offer a distinct focus for visitors interested in history.

Choose a holiday apartment based on your travel interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Handöl, you can start by considering which side of the village you want to shape your stay. If local history is your focus, the museum, chapel, and memorial sites take centre stage. If you are planning winter activities, you can weigh up the seasonal grooming of the ski trails and ice climbing at the inactive soapstone quarry. Handölsforsen offers a different focus from these historical themes and winter activities.

Discover more destinations: Mattmar, Ottsjö, Åre, Huså, Duved, Storlien, Järpen, Vålådalen.

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