Åre - Tännforsen Falls

Sweden's largest waterfall... is beautiful to see and a short 30 minute drive from Åre.  The restaurant (good) and gift shop are large and extensive for the area. 

top of the falls

After treacherously walking the slippery path to the falls, we return to the gift shop to find the box of spikes to borrow for the hike  Sofia, of course, says 'I saw those but didn't know what they were"! 

part of the restaurant

Åre - Gamla Kyrka

Åre Gamla Kyrka (Åre Old Church) was built out of stone in the late 1200's.  I love how truly Swedish this church is, the key is hanging on a hook outside the building, with a sign open from 8.00-20.00.  You can let yourself in... and the key is still hanging there.  A typical kid, Audra was nervous and embarrassed as I used the key to unlock to door which opens into a small vestibule where there is another door.  Luckily I know enough Swedish to understand the sign that reads 'the alarm is not on from 8.00-20.00, the red light is always on'.  I open the door and nothing happens, Audra stands in the doorway ready to make a hasty escape. 

the key to let yourself in...

trust only goes so far... the donation box is under heavy locks....

tiny church with a lot of history

a lot of beautiful detail in a tiny space

Åre - Kabinbanan

The Åre Kabinbanan (cable car) runs every 20 minutes from the base of Mount Åre to the summit (and back).  The queue for the kabinbanan is about an hour long in the morning when all skiers are heading out.  If you're not skiing, the best time to ride is around lunch time where the wait is only 15-20 minutes.  The ride itself lasts 10 minutes and transports you to another world. 

Storm Kitchen restaurant

Storm Kitchen restaurant.... where the best way to deal with the day seems to be a tray full of beer and shots of schnapps!

Audra was not prepared for the mountain top... she just wore a t-shirt under her jacket!

I was fascinated by everything snow encrusted

Lake Åre