Sweden is one of the most beautiful countries in the world to go hiking. While it’s not the most mountainous of countries. It offers a wide variety of different landscapes and untouched nature. Each corner of Sweden has its own unique character, and offers a widely different experience from each other. So where is the best hiking in Sweden?
I will outline what I think are the best hiking trails in Sweden, be it for a short day hike, or perhaps a longer 4 day, to a week, or even a month of hiking. I will outline which trails I think are the best, elaborate of their pros and cons, talk about what you can expect from certain parts of the trail, and for those looking for shorter hikes, or simply the best of the best I will reveal what I believe to be the most beautiful and rewarding parts of each trail.
The Högakustenleden (the high coast trail)
The high coast trail spans a total of 130km, on the east coast of Sweden. It begins/ends in either Ornskoldsvik or Hornöbergert but it can be completed either way, and of course it is possible to walk smaller sections. The whole trail can be comfortably completed in a time span of a week. The official trail guide even allows for 14 days, however it can be and usually is completed much faster. At an average of 20 km a day you will finish the trail in 6-7 days.
Hornöberget is the official starting point, this is where I began. In translation, it means ‘horned mountain,’ and its situated right next to a sizable hotel overlooking an enormous suspension bridge named the Veda bridge, which crosses the mouth of the river Ångermanälven.
The trail leads one through patches of forest, and one is then lead along the coast. It is a fascinating walk. The land has risen 800 metres since the ice age, and it’s remarkably visible. One is met as one walks along the coast by ancient rocky shorelines which extend up the hills, enormous clusters of large rounded rocks, from previous thousand year old tides, span up the landscape, the higher up the older, and mossier and more vegetation surrounds them. It is a remarkable sight. This spectacle can be found on the section from Hornoberget to Fjardbotten. It was one of my favourite parts of the hike.
The high coast boasts many more incredible sights along its trail. The skuleskogens national park for example, is a must-visit. If you are looking for a shorter trip, perhaps even a day trip, then this is the place to go. . In the park itself there is the Slåttdalsskrevan. A spectacular sight, a rift in the rock as if Moses had pushed them aside it is the main attraction of skuleskogens
Slightly further south is Skuleberget, a mountain of 300 metres which you can climb! With harness rope and gear, there’s a shop at the bottom which will give you gear. Both of these locations boast brilliant views. Give yourself 2 days starting from Skuleberget and you can walk through both of these locations. Or, it is possible to stop off at one and simply drive to the other.
These are my personal highlights of the trail. Much of the rest of the trail is actually mostly road, or forested areas. Especially the last 30 km on the way to Ornskoldsvik. So if you are just looking for a quicker, juicier option then do checkout the locations I’ve listed, you won’t be disappointed, I do believe these places offer some of the best hiking in Sweden.
The Kungsleden (the Kings Trail)
An article such as this would not be complete without mention of the kings trail. It’s not called the king’s trail for nothing. This monster of a trail spans over a total of 440 km. It can of course be walked in smaller sections. The King’s Trail stretches up to the very top of Sweden, reaching all the way from Hemavan to the northernmost town of Sweden named Abisko.
It is vast… It covers dense forests, open tundra and fjalltopped hills, expansive views of the Swedish mountains, and the trail actually passes Swedens highest mountain Kebnekaiser 2096 metres tall.
The most famous and undoubtedly most popular part of the trail goes from Abikso to nikkaluakta. This was no doubt a beautiful part of the trail, and I can understand why so many people choose to walk it. However, I found that my favourite part was actually from Hemavan to Ammaranss A span of 80 km the very beginning of the trail. It can be comfortably completed in 4 days. Not only did I find it more beautiful and variable, it is also far less popular. I was mostly walking on my own and the only people I met were through hikers like me who were hiking the whole thing. Of course, this also depends on what time of year you go. But generally up north there are many, many people. Another crucial factor playing into my favouritism is that this part of the trail is where you will most definitely see reindeer herds. I saw probably a total of 7 herds on my hike through, making for some unforgettable experiences.
The Kings Trail hiking season runs from mid-June to late September/ mid-October. There are STF huts dotted all along the trail should you run out of food, need a place to stay or any other form of help. (Read more about STF huts here) just take note that they only open from the 23rd of June.
One thing which really made the trail for me was the abundance of rivers and lakes from which you can fill up your water and have many a refreshing swim. Nothing beats waking up, unzipping the tent and diving straight into fresh water. This is one thing the route from Hemavan to Ammarnas doesn’t really have.
If you hike any part of this trail in the summer, prepare yourself physically and mentally for mosquitoes. This, and some sauna-like experiences in my tent due to the never-ceasing sun, is the only downside to hiking this trial in the summer. It is no exaggeration. You will be pestered by swarms of mosquitoes, (mostly in the lower dense parts of the forest). So bring mosquito repellent, and a mosquito net. I don’t have one and played dearly for it. Alternatively, decide to hike in September where you’ll find not only fewer mosquitos but also fewer people, you just need to be prepared for the cold and wet.
While these factors may seem bad, it’s all part of the adventure experience anyway. What’s a camping excursion without a few tales of running away from bloodthirsty mosquitoes. And nevertheless they cannot take away from the freedom, the beauty and the experience of walking in the Swedish mountains. The Kunglseden, as Sweden’s most famous trail, definitely boasts some of the best hiking in Sweden.
The Padjalantaleden – A hidden gem
This may be my favourite trail of the three. It runs 140km parallel to theKing’ss trail straight through the Swedish Lapland, home of the Sami People. Similarly to the Kunglseden there are huts dotted along the trail, however these are run by the Sami. And it is possible to buy smoked fish and reindeer meat from them. The Sami have been living have been living there as reindeer herders for the past 10 thousand years, migrating with the seasons. You will be sure to come across them and their herds. I came across a very friendly Sami girl who was training a young Shepard dog pup.
It is also worth noting that the Padjalantaleden connects to the king’s trail, at Kvikkjokk.
The Padjalantaleden runs through 2 national parks, Tarradalen and Padjalanta national park. The area is home to bears, wolverines and as I read from a sign on the path, some “unusually large moose”. I was told not to get my hopes up (or worry) about bears and wolves as they are rarely ever seen, and if spotted, from miles and miles away through a pair of binoculars. Moose, on the other hand, are more common, and I had an unnerving encounter with a moose, on my journey.
You won’t encounter much forest on your journey, most of the trail is expansive hills, and fjall. I felt at times like Frodo walking through Mordor on his journey to mount doom, plodding through endless torrents of rain, with the burden of a heavy pack, an enormous reindeer antler I’d picked up on the Kungsleden, and permanently soaked feet due to both boots bearing enormous hole in the front. And the landscape was impressive, I was alone, walking through this vast expanse of rockery and greenery, with only the wind the rain and mountains for company.
I would highly recommend this trail, there is truly the feeling of being immersed wholly in the wilderness. One thing to bear in mind is that there are multiple rivers and stream crossing’s which I was not prepared for. A watertight pair of boots is required, or one can of course as I did take off one’s boots and socks and go barefoot, or one can purchase a special pair of water shoes.
For those looking for a shorter journey, it is possible to fly out with a helicopter back to civilisation, there are a few helipads along the trail in the local Sami villages which you can use for quick transport out and away if need or want should have it.
I conclude that the sheer wildness of this place, the wildlife, the Sami culture, and the incredible landscape undoubtedly makes Padjalanta stand out a place where you will find some of the best hiking in Sweden.
Summary:
Sweden is a beautiful country and there are many, more incredible places to see and explore, I have listed just 3. And only very briefly glossed over some of my favourite bits. I encourage you to explore and research further, undoubtedly there must be many beautiful locations I have not seen or heard of. These are my recommendations, and each trail offered its own unique adventure. I can only wish that you experience the hiking adventure of your life. Let’s GO!
