Trail Running in Sweden: Your Ultimate Guide

Trail running has long been a hobby for outdoor-loving, sporty Swedes, offering an ideal combination of exercise and access to Sweden’s abundant natural beauty. The 30km (18.6-mile) Lidingöloppet, held just outside Stockholm, is one of the world’s biggest cross-country races and has been captivating runners since 1965.

The sport has saw an increase in popularity over the past decade, with a surge in amateur races that cater to all levels, from picturesque lakeside loops to challenging high-altitude adventures on the Lappland peaks. While trail running involves a greater level of endurance and preparation compared to road running, anyone can get started without needing to be an elite athlete or wilderness expert.

Sweden boasts an array of accessible routes that weave through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, ensuring that there are plenty of quiet places to explore. Here’s an informative guide for those looking to dip their toes into the world of trail running.

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The Essential Gear for Year-Round Running in Sweden

Given Sweden’s varied climate, runners can experience everything from sweltering heat to frigid cold. A running backpack is invaluable in any season, allowing for easy transport of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a cap on warm days.

During colder months, layering is critical. Along with a good pair of gloves and a hat or headband, you’ll want a breathable waterproof jacket. A headlamp is essential in winter, especially in areas where daylight is scarce.

Classic running shoes are enough for many entry-level trails, but if you’re planning on long-distance routes with uneven terrain, investing in trail shoes is advisable. Since ice can be a significant risk in winter, detachable ice grips or studded running shoes can make all the difference. Lastly, carrying a phone or a GPS watch will help you navigate trails and stay safe in case of emergencies!

How to Find the Perfect Trail Running Route in Sweden

In addition to utilizing running apps such as Strava and Map My Run, fitness travel applications like AllTrails and Komoot are excellent resources for discovering well-trodden scenic trails, complete with user ratings, photos, and travel tips. For those proficient in Swedish, Trail Running Sweden offers fantastic downloadable guides that can be stored on your phone or smartwatch. Familiarizing yourself with the word ‘runt’ (meaning ‘loop’ in Swedish) can also be beneficial during your trail research. Another helpful resource is Naturkarten, which provides offline hiking maps.

Given that Swedes are known for their proficiency in English, seeking out a local guide can enhance your experience significantly. Runacademy has clubs across Sweden, and Forest Femmes organizes all-female social trail runs in Gothenburg and Stockholm. There are also internationally-minded running communities such as Ssideline City in Stockholm and Malmö Gerillalöpare in Malmö.

Top Six Stunning Running Trails in Sweden

While Sweden hosts numerous incredible running trails, here are six of the finest to guide your trail running journeys:

National City Park, Hälsans Stig

Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)

Located just outside Stockholm, this scenic trail around Brunnsviken lake showcases blooming allotment gardens, sandy beaches, and views of the city’s Natural History Museum. Its mostly flat terrain makes it ideal for beginners, with the waterfront path ensuring it’s hard to get lost. The trail starts at the Stallmästaregården Hotel.

Mölle to Arild, Kullaberg Nature Reserve

Distance: 16km (10 miles)

This dramatic trail offers breathtaking clifftop views and begins at the charming seaside village of Mölle in southern Sweden. From this picturesque location, runners traverse towards the iconic Kullen lighthouse through the Kullaberg Nature Reserve, ultimately reaching the medieval village of Arild. This is a segment of the greater SL5 Öresund trail, part of a network of marked trails spanning 1300km (807 miles).

Skuleberget, The High Coast

Distance: 5km (3 miles)

If short yet steep runs intrigue you, Skuleberget mountain, located near Docksta, is perfect. This peak sits at 286m (938ft) above sea level, providing panoramic views. There are three established paths to the summit, with both the Södra Bergstigen and Östra Bergstigen being 5km (3 miles) round trips, while the Grottstigen offers a steeper 2km (1.2-mile) alternative. The effort to reach the top is rewarded with stunning vistas.

The Bear Triangle, Åre

Distance: 16.2km (10 miles)

Famous for its ski slopes during winter, the Åre region in northern Sweden offers extensive trail running opportunities once the snow melts. The Björnen Triangeln (Bear Triangle) is a local favorite, offering trails that meander through stunning mountain scenery and lush birch forests while maintaining enough elevation gain to prove a worthwhile challenge for experienced runners. Look for path number 221.

Fornborgslingan Loop, Tyresta National Park

Distance: 6.4km (4 miles)

Only a short bus or car journey from Stockholm, Tyresta National Park features a plethora of running and hiking trails set amidst enchanting forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rocky outcrops. The Fornborgsslingan loop, marked with green and white, covers 6.4km (4 miles) and offers spectacular views over Stensjön lake.

Stora Delsjön Lake Loop, Delsjöområdet Nature Reserve

Distance: 7.5km (4.6 miles)

This classic waterfront loop encircles Stora Delsjön lake, located in Delsjöområdet Nature Reserve just outside Gothenburg. Surrounded by lush woodland, the trail is predominantly gravel and relatively flat, with plenty of opportunities for a refreshing dip in the summer months. Celebrate your run’s completion with a delicious waffle at Kaffestugan, a charming red wooden coffee shop located near the start and finish of the trail. You can add an additional 4km (2.5 miles) by including the smaller Lilla Delsjön lake in your run.

Sweden’s Most Scenic and Unique Trail Races

One of Sweden’s most prominent cross-country events, the 30km (18.6-mile) Lidingöloppet takes place every September and attracts numerous participants. Conveniently located just a tram ride from Stockholm, this race traverses through lush forests, making it feel incredibly remote. Expect bustling trails and enthusiastic supporters, as this competition is seen as a rite of passage for many Swedes. A shorter 15km (9.3-mile) course is also available for those looking for a lighter challenge.

For a unique running experience, the Áhus winter trail run in December in southern Sweden offers distances ranging from 6km (3.7 miles) to 17km (10.5 miles), featuring runs through frozen forest paths and sandy beach stretches. Another noteworthy event is the Höga Kusten Trail in September, with options of 25km (15.5-mile) and 43km (27-mile) distances that showcase high-altitude views across the stunning High Coast region. Additionally, Gotland island hosts a challenging coastline competition in October with a demanding 50km (31-mile) course.

Those adventurous enough to explore Sweden’s mountainous terrain should consider the Arctic Circle Run, taking place in August in a remote area of Lappland. Participants might need to hike or take a helicopter to reach the starting line. For a more relaxed challenge, the Fjällmaraton near Åre, held in July, offers a scenic long-distance mountain event with numerous rest stops featuring locally sourced food items, including chanterelle mushroom soup and reindeer sausages.