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Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail) is a long-distance trail in Sweden's High Coast, spanning about 140 km from Hornöberget in the south to Örnsköldsvik in the north. It traverses the High Coast World Heritage Area, offering a unique mix of coastal cliffs, islands, deep forests, and mountains. Hikers will experience elevations up to 286 m (938 ft) at Skuleberget, the trail's highest point, providing views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding landscape. A full trek usually takes 5-7 days, but shorter trips covering select stages are also possible.
Understand
[edit | edit source]The Höga Kustenleden runs through the heart of the High Coast (Höga Kusten), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic post-glacial rebound, an ongoing geological process where the land rises after being compressed by Ice Age glaciers. This makes the region one of the most rapidly uplifting coastlines in the world. The result is a rugged landscape of steep cliffs, pine forests, serene lakes, and exposed granite outcrops.
It was established in 1972, by which time this area was already a settled, working landscape rather than untouched wilderness. The trail feels somewhat bolted on: it connects gravel roads, asphalt roads, towns, and forest paths, with road walking making up a noticeable share of the route rather than a minor connector. Much of the hiking trail follows a repeating pattern: it branches off from a road or village, climbs over a mountain, then descends again into the next village or road — presumably because it's inconvenient to build a road over a mountain, and there are roads just about everywhere else. Don't expect a wilderness hike, but more like a series of wilderness dips.
The trail is divided into 7 marked sections, the longest being 33 km. It is suitable for both thru-hikers and day-trippers, with frequent shelters and campsites and good access by car or public transport. The best time to hike is from May to September, when daylight is long and the weather is generally stable. Spring can be muddy, and summer often brings mosquitoes.
Prepare
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The Höga Kustenleden is well-marked, but carrying a map or GPS app is helpful, especially in forested or remote areas. The trail includes uneven terrain with roots, rocks, and some steep climbs. While it is not technical, a moderate level of fitness is needed.
Mosquito repellent, weatherproof clothing, and a backup power source like a power bank are recommended.
Eat
[edit | edit source]Bring enough food for several days. Shops are limited along the route.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Water sources are fairly common but not always reliable, so a filter or purification tablets are recommended.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]Most hikers carry gear for wild camping, as shelters and basic cabins are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are spaced irregularly.
Climate
[edit | edit source]The Höga Kustenleden in Sweden is best hiked from late spring to early autumn. Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time with comfortable temperatures, long daylight hours, and the "midnight sun." Be aware that mosquitoes are active during this season, so repellent is a must. Autumn, from September to October, brings cooler weather, beautiful fall colors, and a chance to see the Northern Lights. Be prepared for rain and wind with waterproof gear. The winter months, from November to March, are cold and snowy, and require specialized equipment like snowshoes or skis.
Get in
[edit | edit source]- 1 Hornöberget, the southern terminus of the trail, is easily accessible from Stockholm. For a direct journey, you can take a Ybuss bus from Stockholm Cityterminalen, a scenic route that typically lasts 6-7 hours. Alternatively, you can combine train and bus travel by taking an SJ train from Stockholm to 2MISSING WIKILINK Härnösand (a 4.5-5.5 hour ride) and then a local DinTur bus to Hornöberget.
- To reach Örnsköldsvik, the northern terminus of the trail, you have several options. The fastest and most direct way is often by train, with SJ offering services from Stockholm that take between 5.5 and 7 hours. For those who wish to fly, you can catch a flight from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN IATA) to Örnsköldsvik Airport (OER IATA), a journey of about an hour, followed by a local bus or taxi to the city center.
Walk
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9.8 km
The hike begins at the High Coast Bridge (Högakustenbron), near Hornöberget. Hornöberget is little more than a bus stop and parking area beside 3 Hotell Höga Kusten, but the trail 4 starts directly beside the hotel. At first the route rather inconspicuously disappears into the vegetation, then descends through the forest and loops underneath the enormous suspension bridge.
After passing below the bridge, the trail reaches a small harbour with a kiosk and toilet. It soon joins a paved road for a relatively long stretch. Although the road is not particularly large, traffic can make this one of the less peaceful parts of the stage, especially where it crosses high above the water on a bridge.
Eventually the trail leaves the road and returns to the forest. Camping is possible soon afterwards, although better camping spots can be found on top of Kulberget, near 5 Over the edge (ArkNat). The ArkNat shelter itself is very small and realistically accommodates only one person.
From Kulberget the trail descends towards 6 Lövvik, a small coastal settlement. Near the restaurant is an open-air theatre and parking area.
26.8 km
Soon after leaving Lövvik, a side trail leads about 800 m towards 7 Valkallen hut. This detour is well worthwhile. The path climbs through the forest towards a historic beacon site and is equipped with ropes on some sections, although the terrain is not exceptionally steep. The cabin near the summit is unusually well equipped, with electricity and an open fireplace, and there is a privy nearby.
The descent from Valkallen is straightforward and does not require ropes. The path drops steadily until the forest floor gradually gives way to sandy terrain closer to the sea, with heather growing alongside the trail. 8 Halsviken Vindskydd, beside the route provides a place to rest, although it is not intended for sleeping.
The route then follows the coast, at times crossing unusual fields of large boulders. Further along are 9 Norrvarp Vindskydd, 10 Stranded (ArkNat) both suitable for overnight stays. Stranded is particularly impressive.
A side road through raspberry bushes leads towards 11 Fäbodvallen, where there are several cabins, a toilet, a spring and a jetty. The water here is much more sheltered than along the exposed coast, making it a particularly good place for swimming.
Back on the main route, the trail continues through forest and patches of raspberry bushes and begins a long but gradual climb. A side trail eventually leads to 12 Nipstugan, which has an excellent view over the sea.
The descent beyond Nipstugan is easy. After a stream crossing, the route increasingly follows gravel roads. Near Eden the trail divides between an old and a newer alignment. The older route is considerably shorter, while walking conditions are broadly similar.
The stage ends at 13 Gavik. Gavik has limited facilities, although there is a B&B and water is available.
11.5 km
Beyond Gavik the trail soon returns towards the coast before heading inland again. A worthwhile side trail of about 400 m leads to 14 Älgaberget Vindskydd, the highest point of this section, with views over the surrounding landscape.
The route then alternates between paved roads and easy forest paths. There are few technical difficulties, and the walking is generally straightforward before reaching 15 Lappudden, on a peninsula in Lake Vågsfjärden. Lappudden Friluftscenter offers cabins and other facilities, although accommodation here can be relatively expensive.
The trail then continues to 16 Nordingrå. Nordingrå has considerably more services than the smaller settlements encountered earlier on the trail, including a supermarket, restaurants and art galleries or studios, making it a useful place to resupply.
Beyond Nordingrå, the trail climbs another hill. A side path leads to 17 The tree cube (ArkNat). This unusual suspended shelter is worth seeing, although it can sway considerably when the tree to which it is anchored moves in strong wind. Camping spots can be found nearby.
15 km
The trail descends through forest and past several lakes before returning to roads for part of the approach to Ullånger.
The final approach includes another climb, near which 18 Eriks stugan provides a simple place to stay. From here the route continues towards 19 Ullånger, eventually descending towards the settlement.
Ullånger is a useful resupply point, with a supermarket and other services. It is also a good place to stop for ice cream.
20.8 km
Leaving Ullånger, the trail climbs steeply out of the village through the forest. The climb eventually reaches 20 Äskjastugan, a well-equipped cabin with cooking facilities.
The route continues to 21 Mäjabodarna, a tiny settlement with numerous sleeping places as well as a bathing area and jetty. From Mäjabodarna the route consists largely of unpaved roads as it continues towards 22 Skoved.
Beyond Skoved, a relatively short forest section climbs again to a fork that leads to the 23 Per Olsbo shelter and viewpoint before descending towards 24 Docksta. Docksta is an important service stop, with food and other facilities available.
Shortly beyond Docksta is 25 Friluftsbyn, an outdoor centre at the foot of Skuleberget and a particularly convenient place for hikers to stop. It offers accommodation and food, and its restaurant can provide a considerably more elaborate meal than is normally found directly along a long-distance hiking trail.
From here the route begins its climb of Skuleberget. The ascent initially passes through a wooden structure and then follows stairs uphill, passing 26 Forest Cradle (ArkNat). Higher up, the route crosses broad slabs of exposed rock on its way to the summit.
At the top are a shelter, café and toilet. A cable car also serves the mountain.
Skuleberget rises to 286 m (938 ft) and marks the world's highest known ancient coastline. Following the last Ice Age, the land was compressed beneath the enormous weight of the ice sheet; as the land subsequently rebounded, the former shoreline was left high above the present sea.
The descent is considerably easier than the climb and passes 27 Berras Lägda and 28 Naturum Skuleberget, where exhibits explain the geology, wildlife and exceptional post-glacial land uplift of the High Coast.
24.2 km
From Naturum the trail continues past Veåsand before climbing again over Getsvedjeberget. Near the summit is one of the more memorable resting places along this section: a wooden bench tucked beneath an enormous overhanging boulder.
Beyond the summit the trail becomes rougher for a while before eventually reaching a gravel road towards 29 Käl. A spring with a tap at Käl provides a useful opportunity to refill water bottles. Käl is nothing more than a couple of houses and 30 Lydias Hälla that lie close to the southern entrance to Skuleskogen National Park. The nearby beach is worth the short diversion, particularly in good weather.
Entering the national park, the character of the hike changes considerably. The trail becomes rockier and more rugged as it crosses the distinctive terrain for which Skuleskogen is known. 31 Kälsviken Vindskydd provides one possible overnight stop near the coast, there are a few more wind shelters at the beach here, as well as plenty of great camping spots.
After passing through 32 Trollporten, you'll be able to see the park's major landmarks, 33 Slåttdalsskrevan. Slåttdalsskrevan is a deep, narrow gorge cutting through Slåttdalsberget. Because of rockfall risk, the gorge itself is closed and the trail is routed to its west, from where viewpoints allow hikers to look into the cleft between its steep reddish rock walls.
The trail continues over Slåttdalsberget, at about 275 m (902 ft), with broad views across the forest and towards the coast. Beyond the mountain the route passes 34 Tärnättvattnen and continues towards the coast and Tärnättholmarna.
It later passes 35 Komponerar (ArkNat) before leaving the national park towards 36 Näske.
From Näske, easier and flatter walking leads towards 37 Köpmanholmen. 38 Köpmanholmens hamn Stuga and 39 Motte (ArkNat) provide possible places to stay.
32.9 km
This long final stage crosses Balesuddens Nature Reserve, a rugged coastal peninsula of forest, rocky shores and small bays. Leaving Köpmanholmen, the route heads towards the reserve, where 40 Hålviken Vindskydd provides shelter.
An optional excursion leads towards Balesberget, passing Balestjärnen, a clear forest tarn surrounded by pine forest. Back on the main route, the trail continues past 41 Bodviken Stuga and along Sör-Balesviken before reaching 42 Sandlågan Vindskydd.
Beyond Sandlågan the trail turns inland. The scenery becomes less dramatic as the route crosses young forest and areas affected by forestry. Around the Småtjärnarna lakes the path can be less distinct, with boardwalks carrying hikers across wetter sections before the route joins forestry roads.
Possible overnight stops on this part of the route include 43 Bergom stuga, 44 Off-Centered (ArkNat) and 45 Småtjärnsstugan.
The route gradually climbs before descending towards 46 Svedje, on the outskirts of Örnsköldsvik. From here the surroundings become increasingly suburban.
The final kilometres follow roads, pavements and footpaths, crossing the Moälven and passing through Hörnett. The trail then enters Hörnsjön Nature Reserve, passing 47 Hörnsjön parkeringen Vindskydd before continuing to 48 Örnsköldsvik, the northern end of the Höga Kustenleden.
Go next
[edit | edit source]If you've enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Höga Kustenleden, Sweden offers a wide range of other fantastic long-distance trails to explore. For an iconic Arctic experience, consider the 450 km Kungsleden, a trail stretching between Abisko and Hemavan. A quieter alternative is the 350 km Södra Kungsleden, which winds through forests from Sälen to Storlien. For a different kind of journey, the 280 km Bergslagen trail takes you through forests and historic mining areas in central Sweden, while the 190 km Roslagsleden offers a coastal hike from the outskirts of Stockholm to the Baltic Sea.