Hede is a locality (Swedish: tätort) situated in Härjedalen Municipality, Jämtland County, Sweden. Located in the historical province of Härjedalen, it serves as a central hub for commerce and services in the surrounding district.
Geography Hede is positioned along the Ljusnan river in a valley characterized by mountainous terrain. It is located approximately 70 kilometers west of Sveg. The locality sits to the north of Sonfjället National Park, which was established in 1909 and is noted for its distinct mountain profile and its population of brown bears, lynx, and moose.
History Hede was historically the administrative center of Hede Parish (Hede socken). Its location made it a significant point for trade and transit between the Swedish coast and the Norwegian border. The Hede Church (Hede kyrka) is a prominent local landmark; while the parish has medieval origins, the current church building is a wooden structure that reached its present form following major reconstructions in the 17th and 19th centuries.
Demographics and Economy According to data from Statistics Sweden (SCB), Hede maintains a population of approximately 700 to 800 residents. The local economy is multifaceted, supported by forestry, small-scale manufacturing, and public administration. Tourism is a significant economic driver due to the area's proximity to Sonfjället National Park and various winter sports destinations, such as Vemdalen. The village provides essential infrastructure, including primary education, healthcare, and retail services for the western part of the municipality.
Transportation The locality is situated along National Road 84, a major thoroughfare connecting the Gulf of Bothnia to the Norwegian border. Historically, Hede was the terminus of a branch line of the Inlandsbanan railway, though rail service to the village was decommissioned in the mid-20th century.
Culture The Hede Heritage Museum (Hede Hembygdsgård) is one of the oldest open-air museums in Sweden. It consists of a collection of historical buildings moved from various parts of the parish to preserve the architectural and social history of the region’s traditional farming and mountain pasture culture.
