The sign. The handbrake. Silence in the back seat. On Trollvägen at Nipfjället, an optical illusion makes the car appear to roll uphill.
Read the instructions on the sign and try it only when traffic and visibility allow. Let the children guess the direction while everyone stays seated; skip the experiment if other vehicles are waiting.
Understand what Trollvägen is
Trollvägen forms part of the summer road on Nipfjället, about eight kilometres north-east of Idre, within Städjan–Nipfjället Nature Reserve. The signed stop is relevant only when the road is open and passable.
The effect is an optical illusion. Horizon, road edges and mountain terrain make a slight downhill slope appear uphill. Let children guess before explaining why their eyes were fooled.
The illusion takes minutes. Treat it as a short stop within a wider outing, followed by fika or a walk if conditions and energy suit.
Stop only at the signed point
Use the marked location, remain aware of other vehicles and move on when visibility or traffic makes the experiment unsuitable. Longer photographs belong in a designated parking area.
Use it as a break, not a forced full day
After driving from Idre or Grövelsjön, the illusion gives children a concrete puzzle and adults a reason to pause. Begin small, then decide whether the family wants more.
The County Administrative Board describes a 400-metre surfaced section and picnic table on the trail towards Städjan. Use its reserve map and entrance description to find that walk. It is a different trail from the Lillnipen summit walk starting at Nipfjället summer car park.
Choose fika or walking according to the group
Eat first when wind, hunger or tiredness is already present. Carry water and a small insulating layer even for a short pause; conditions higher on the mountain can differ from Idre.
Separate Lillnipen from a Städjan summit walk
For a short summit walk after Trollvägen, I would choose Lillnipen. Idre Fjäll lists a 1.5-kilometre return walk from Nipfjället summer car park, gaining around 130 metres. Its 45-minute estimate is for adults; allow extra time for children’s pauses. The climb starts immediately, so choose fika at the car park if the group would rather rest.
Städjan's summit is a different plan: roughly six kilometres return from the reserve entrance, with a steep, blocky final section. Distance, elevation, rough ground, wind and pauses make it more than an ordinary six-kilometre walk.
Photo: Alexander Döss
Decide at the car, not halfway up. Take the shorter option if anybody is already cold, hungry or tired.
Check road, weather and fire restrictions that day
Summer does not guarantee a passable road. Snow, rain, thaw damage, works or temporary restrictions can change access. Check live road information and the mountain forecast for Idre Fjäll.
Check fire risk and current restrictions before using any stove or fire. Cold fika works under every fire decision. Set a turnaround time before any longer walk.
Photo: Alexander Döss
Follow the nature reserve's exact rules
Keep motor vehicles on the road and legal parking. The reserve has area-specific limits for camping, long parking, motorhomes, caravans and fires. Use the official reserve map and entrance signs rather than a general assumption about public access.
Leave stones, plants and dead wood in place and carry all rubbish out.
Save the version your family chose
Record whether the road was open, the illusion worked, the family turned after 400 metres or the weather changed. Add the stop to an upcoming trip; FARON does not replace navigation, forecasts or reserve rules.
FAQ
What is Trollvägen on Nipfjället?
It is a signed road section where an optical illusion makes a slight downhill slope look uphill, so the car appears to roll the wrong way.
Is the road always open?
No. It is a summer attraction only when the road is passable. Check current conditions and restrictions on the day.
Does Trollvägen suit children?
Yes, as a short guessing game and pause. Adapt any walk to weather, equipment and the children's energy.
What can I combine with Trollvägen?
Combine it with fika or the 1.5-kilometre return walk up Lillnipen from the summer car park. The trail towards Städjan’s summit has a different starting point and needs a separate mountain-walk plan.