Naturum Vålådalen

About the museum

Naturum Vålådalen is one of Sweden’s just over 30 naturum centres and is run by the County Administrative Board of Jämtland County. The aim is to awaken a desire to explore and to enrich visits to the mountain world through stories about the interplay of nature, culture and history.

In the area around Vålådalen people have lived for almost ten thousand years, ever since the inland ice melted. The naturum lies in a forest-clad hollow surrounded by mountains, where trails for both short and long walks start, in summer as well as winter.

Activities take place largely outdoors: the naturum leads guided tours and so-called pop-up naturum along walking and ski trails, takes part in markets and competitions, and visits schools and workplaces. Indoors there are exhibitions on several floors, including the Upplevelserummet (Experience Room), and a shop.

Highlights

• Exhibitions on several floors, including the Upplevelserummet with thunder, lightning and mysterious sounds
• Mine tunnel in the rock that children can crawl into
• Guided tours and pop-up naturum along the trails
• Shieling hut (fäbodstuga) and turf hut (torvkåta) at the farm
• Shop with books about animals and nature

Permanent exhibition

• Upplevelserummet och utställningarna i naturum – Exhibitions on several floors about the nature, culture and history of the mountain world, with the Upplevelserummet where it thunders and lightnings, and a mine tunnel that children can crawl into.

Operated by

Länsstyrelsen i Jämtlands län

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

It costs nothing to visit the exhibitions. Some events, such as lectures and guided tours, may cost a fee according to the calendar.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Indoors it is fairly cramped. A sloping ramp leads to the entrance; the door is heavy and has no automatic door opener, so assistance may be needed. The whole entrance level can be reached by wheelchair, walker and pushchair, but to get into the Upplevelserummet you pass a small threshold. There is a lift to the upper floor (without automatic door opener); the basement level can only be reached by stairs. Toilet on the entrance level with folding armrests. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome; other dogs must wait outside. No hearing loop. There are no marked parking spaces for people with reduced mobility, but the car can be parked in the yard outside the entrance after contact.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Programme activities every week during the season, including family outings and film screenings. In the Upplevelserummet and the mine tunnel children can discover and crawl into the mountain. On the farm there is a small shieling hut and a turf hut where everyone can play. It is cramped but possible to get around with a pushchair. Changing table in the toilet on the entrance level.

Getting there & parking

Vålådalen lies about 22 kilometres south of Undersåker; the road is signposted from Undersåker. The nearest railway station is Undersåker.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with books about animals and nature, games, puzzles and gift items.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit