With its landscape of vast forests, arctic mountains and rolling hills, Sweden’s popularity as a hiking destination is no mystery. The country boasts 100,000 lakes, along with 30 national parks and nearly 400 hiking trails; its Allemansrätten (right of public access) permits you to walk anywhere you wish, as long as you leave the area exactly as you found it – long story short, the possibilities are endless. Hiking in Sweden is suitable for everyone, however it’s important to choose a trail that matches your expectations and abilities. Tough scrambles up glacial mountains are an option, but so are easy strolls through protected woodland and diverse hikes through meadows and valleys. To help you navigate the world of hiking in this beautiful country, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best hikes in Sweden.
- The Famous Trail: Kungsleden
- The Mountain Trail: Kebnekaise
- The Coastal Trail: Klintkustleden
- The Long Trail: Sörmlandsleden
- The Child-Friendly Trail: Tyresta National Park
The Famous Trail: Kungsleden
Located in northern Sweden and running from Abisko to Hemavan, this famous trail is fit for royalty. The name Kungsleden translates to King’s Trail, and its 270-mile route across Arctic mountains passes through four national parks. The trail became part of the state mountain trail system in 1977, but its pathways had long been used by indigenous people and travellers. Today, it’s one of the most famous hiking routes in Europe. The trail is broken down into manageable stretches, so you can choose whether to embark on a multi-day hike or a month-long trek through auburn woodland, up snowy mountains and past babbling brooks. Ammarnäs, situated in the heart of Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, is a starting point for many hikers, and there’s a Naturum (visitor centre) here which can provide additional information before embarking on your journey. By mid-September, the Kungsleden offers the opportunity to see the mystical Northern Lights, along with the striking colours of Autumn. However, if you do plan to visit after summer, make sure you’re prepared for the cold – this is the Arctic Circle after all.
The Mountain Trail: Kebnekaise
Okay, you got us – Kebnekaise technically isn’t a trail. It is, however, Sweden’s tallest mountain, with its highest peak standing at 6926ft and with two challenging hiking trails to choose from. The easier route is the 5.6-mile Vastra (west) route, leading you along the river and up to an initial summit, before taking you up the south-western side of Kebnekaise and back down the same way. The 6.2-mile Østra (east) route is for more experienced hikers, with a scramble, via ferrata section and glacier to contend with. If you do feel up to tackling it, we strongly recommend going with a guide. Both hikes begin at the Kebnekaise mountain station, located 11 miles from the nearest town of Nikkaluokta, with no road or public transport access. This makes hiking Kebnekaise a multi-day activity, no matter which route you take.
The Coastal Trail: Klintkustleden
Sandy beaches may not be what springs to mind when you think of Sweden, but this Scandinavian country has coastline aplenty. Klintkustleden is one of the best hikes in Sweden for taking in sea views, as it runs along the western coast of Gotland (Sweden’s largest island). Beginning at Björkume Nature Reserve in the south and finishing at Harudden in the north, the entire hike is 18.6 miles long, all clearly marked by orange ties. There are places to eat and stay at various points along the trail, but bear in mind that these may be closed during the winter months. Along with rugged coastal views from high cliff points, expect to come across wildflower meadows, fishing villages, ancient ruins and pine forests. Along the way, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a soaring white-tailed eagle.
The Long Trail: Sörmlandsleden
Sörmlandsleden comprises 620 miles of trails in Sweden’s Södermanland, a historical province on the south-east coast. Beginning in Björkhagen, Stockholm, this hike passes through multiple localities and nature reserves, where you might come across moose, deer and birds, as well as old mining pits and tunnels (many of which are unfenced, so be careful if straying from the path). Of course, you don’t have to tackle the entire route in one go. Sörmlandsleden’s trails are divided into around 100 sections, giving you the choice between multi-day hiking adventures and day walks along sun-dappled woodland paths. If the weather is warm you may wish to pack your swimsuit, as this trail passes by no less than 80 lakes, all of which you’re free to take a dip in. If you decide to hike the trail across several days, there are hotels, hostels and B&Bs along the way. For a more immersive hiking experience, we recommend staying the night in one of the free log cabins en route, or even pitching a tent under the stars.
The Child-Friendly Trail: Tyresta National Park
If you’ve got little ones in tow, or simply aren’t up for a multi-day adventure, we’ve got you covered. Tyresta National Park is located less than an hour from Stockholm’s city centre by public transport, and is a magical expanse of virgin forest scattered with beautiful lakes. The main entrance at Tyresta village features a visitor centre which serves as the starting point for several hikes, including a three-mile pram-friendly trail (Barnvagnsslingan Loop) that circles the sparkling Bylsjön Lake. If you want to explore further, several trails lead you deep into the park’s mossy forest, where shafts of dancing sunlight create a mystical atmosphere. Part of the Sörmlandsleden, an eight-mile stretch that ends in Nyfors, also passes through Tyresta National Park.. Despite the plethora of trails here, you shouldn’t have any trouble following your chosen route, as each is clearly signposted with colourful markers.
