Top Hiking Trails in Sweden

With a long coastline, gorgeous mountains, countless lakes, and forests covering much of its surface, Sweden is made for hiking. No matter where in the country you find yourself, you’ll never be far from a trail.

Just about every province in Sweden has at least one long-distance hiking route that showcases the region’s most beautiful and interesting nature. These routes take anywhere from a few days to a month to hike but are broken into sections with easy entry and exit points. Most of the long-distance trails have shelters, huts, and/or mountain stations where you can stay overnight and, in many cases, buy or prepare food.

Sweden’s Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) gives everyone the right to enjoy nature freely, as long as you comply with a few basic rules, including leaving nature as you found it and not disturbing residents or property. Excellent public transportation puts many trails, even seemingly remote ones, within reach without a car.

Kungsleden: Best Long-Distance Arctic Wilderness Hike

Up to 280 miles (450 km), 4-31 days, difficulty varies

For spectacular alpine wilderness, you can’t beat Kungsleden (the King’s Trail), which traverses northern Sweden from Abisko to Hemavan, passing through four national parks and a variety of stunningly beautiful landscapes. Some sections require significant hiking experience; however, others are suitable for novices with proper clothing and equipment.

If you want to hike just a part of Kungsleden, the northernmost section from Abisko to Nikkaluokta (66 miles/108km) is a great option. Scenery includes birch forests, alpine plateaus, green valleys, flower-filled meadows, and Sweden’s highest mountain, 6,879-foot (2,097m) Kebnekaise. Allow seven days, plus an extra day if you want to summit Kebnekaise.

The Jämtland Triangle: Best Balance of Wilderness and Comfort

29 miles (47km), 3 days, moderate

Suitable for all levels, this popular route connects three mountain stations at Storulvån, Blåhammaren, and Sylarna in Jämtland, passing through birch forests and alpine meadows and across bare rock faces and gurgling brooks, with mountains rising dramatically in the distance. Since accommodations and dining are available at each station, you don’t have to worry about carrying excessive gear, thereby allowing you to concentrate on enjoying the spectacular scenery.

St Olavsleden: Best Blend of Nature and History

360 miles (580km), 1-29 days, difficulty varies

Scandinavia’s answer to the Camino de Santiago, this pilgrimage route crosses Sweden and part of Norway from Selånger near Sundsvall to the grave of Norway’s patron saint, King Olav Haraldsson, at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Following in the saintly king’s footsteps offers a beautiful journey filled with sites of natural and historical interest. Consequently, hikers can easily mix walking days with road or rail travel, or enjoy day hikes on various stages of the trail.

Skuleskogen: Best Hike for Interesting Geology

4-7.5 miles (7-12km), 3-6 hours, hard

Since the end of the last Ice Age, the shoreline of Sweden’s High Coast has risen approximately 8mm per year ⁠— about 984 feet (300m) overall ⁠— making it not only scenic but also a unique example of geological forces at work. A highlight of the region is Skuleskogen National Park, featuring Slåttdalsskrevan, a deep, steep-sided chasm only 23 feet (7m) wide. From the park’s south entrance, head north on the Höga kustenleden long-distance trail. You can either stay on this trail to Slåttdalsskrevan or detour over Slåttdalsberget for fantastic views of the forest, coast, and islands.

Tyresta: Best Wilderness Near Stockholm

Distances vary, 1 hour to a full day, easy-moderate

For wild nature within easy reach of Stockholm, Tyresta National Park offers the largest expanse of virgin forest in southern Sweden, less than an hour from the city center by public transportation. Here, knotty pines and towering firs rise above rocky ground covered with moss and lichens in a mystical landscape dotted with sparkling lakes. A visitor center at the Tyresta By entrance provides trail information and various route options suitable for all skill levels.

Bohusleden: Best Long-Distance Wilderness Hike in Southern Sweden

Up to 230 miles (370km), 3 hours to 27 days, moderate-hard

Bohuslän, north of Göteborg, is known as a great coastal destination, with picturesque towns clinging to rocky shores. This long-distance trail showcases a different side of the region, meandering through nature reserves and other scenic areas in the interior from Lindome to Strömstad.

The southernmost sections around Göteborg and Kungälv can be done as undemanding day trips, with easy access by public transportation. As you continue north, the trail becomes more remote and challenging; however, it rewards hikers with deep forests, secluded lakes, high cliffs, and panoramic vistas. The sections through the Svartedalen valley and across the Kynnefjäll plateau are particularly wild and scenic.

Stendörren: Best for Easy Archipelago Access

Distances vary, 1-4 hours, easy

On the Södermanland coast south of Stockholm, the stunning Stendörren Nature Reserve is one of the easiest places to get out into the archipelago on foot. Wooded trails and pedestrian suspension bridges lead to small islands with smooth rocks sloping into the sea ⁠— perfect for a picnic or a refreshing dip. This reserve is also great for observing boat traffic navigating between the mainland and the island of Krämpö.

Omberg: Most Diverse Day Hike

Distances vary, 2-9 hours, easy-moderate

Steeped in history and legend, craggy Omberg rises 862 feet (262m) from the eastern shore of Sweden’s second-largest lake, Vättern. A hike to its summit, Hjässan, is one of many fine options in the wonderfully diverse Omberg Ecopark, which was once a private royal hunting ground. If you’ve got time, a full-day hike on the Östgötaleden loop allows you to experience the park’s varied nature and many of its points of interest.

Klintkustleden: Best for Dramatic Coastline

18.6 miles (30km), 1-2 days, easy-moderate

One of Sweden’s newest organized hiking trails is this route, which traces the northwest coast of Gotland from Björkume Nature Reserve to Hallshuk, the island’s northernmost point. The trail passes through fishing villages and varied scenery, including beaches and flower meadows. Highlights along the route include Gotland’s highest rauk (sea stack) and scenic cliffs with sweeping views.

Prins Bertils Stig: Best Semi-Urban Coastal Walk

11 miles (18km), 5-6 hours, easy

The beloved uncle of King Carl XVI Gustaf, Prince Bertil was Duke of Halland until his death in 1997. This walking path in his province is an enjoyable ramble through varied scenery in and around Halmstad on Sweden’s southwest coast. Starting at the 17th-century Halmstad Castle, the trail runs from the city center to the sea, winding along the coast past beaches and sites of cultural interest.

Kullaberg: Best for Rugged Coastal Scenery

10.6 miles (17.2 km), 8-9 hours, moderate-hard

Northwest of Helsingborg, the triangular Kullaberg peninsula slopes steeply toward the Öresund strait. For a beautiful full-day adventure, hike the Kullaleden trail between the idyllic seaside villages Mölle and Arild, near Sweden’s most powerful lighthouse. If conditions allow, you may spot seals and porpoises during your journey.