Outside tastes more

- Picnic tips from chef Peter Dahlbäck in Vemdalen

When you visit Vemdalen, you'll probably spend a lot of time outdoors. The mountains beckon with wide open spaces, forests and fresh air - and the food tastes best out there. Taking a break in the middle of the adventure and setting up a picnic with a view of the mountain peaks not only makes your stomach happy, but enhances the whole experience.

We caught up with Peter Dahlbäck, chef, restaurateur and founder of both Vemdalen Catering and Hovde Bar & Kitchen, to get his top tips on how to enjoy good food in the great outdoors.

Food in the mountains - simple, delicious and hearty

Most people agree that food tastes particularly good outdoors. And it's no coincidence - mountain air, physical activity and the stillness of nature whet the appetite. Peter Dahlbäck, who is a trained chef from Grythyttan and has extensive experience in gourmet kitchens, knows how to make a really successful meal under the open sky.

- The most important thing, apart from being tasty, is that it should be easy. Don't make it complicated. I pack smart and always make sure to bring plenty of food - preferably 100 grams more per person than you would eat at home. When you're out in the mountains, you use more energy," says Peter.

Choose local - game and fish from Jämtland

Another thing Peter likes to emphasize is using local ingredients. Reindeer, moose and rainbow trout are not only good and sustainable options - they are also perfect in cold form or in a quick wok in a large kitchen.

- Local delicacies are both tasty and a way of making the most of what is available here in our mountain regions. A cold smoked moose roast in thin bread or a warm salad with hot smoked rainbow trout is hard to beat on a mountain top, says Peter.

Lightweight packing for big adventures

One of Vemdalen's strengths is that the mountains are easily accessible. You don't need to be an experienced mountain hiker to reach wonderful views and nice resting places. A light backpack filled with tasty food will take you far. Go for flat packs, foldable tools and cutlery, a water bottle and something warm in a thermos. And don't forget a seat cushion - that little detail can make a big difference! Looking for more tips? Read more in the article Pack right with a light backpack.