Skuleskogen National Park

Skuleskogen National Park is a national park on the High Coast (Höga Kusten) in Västernorrland County, Sweden. It is part of the High Coast World Heritage Site and is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, steep cliffs, deep forested valleys, ancient forests and the spectacular Slåttdalsskrevan gorge.

Skuleskogen is one of the most remarkable natural areas of the High Coast. The national park covers approximately 30 km² and stretches from the coast into the forested hills. It is located in the municipalities of Örnsköldsvik and Kramfors.

The park has more than 30 km of marked hiking trails, several open overnight cabins, designated camping areas and numerous viewpoints. It can be visited throughout the year.

Skuleskogen National Park was established in 1984 as Sweden's nineteenth national park. It was extended in 2009.

The forested landscape preserves traces of how the region looked before modern forestry and settlement. Historically, Skuleskogen formed a natural boundary between the northern Norrland region and the more southerly forested areas.

The area is part of the High Coast, which was shaped by the last Ice Age and subsequent post-glacial land uplift. The land is still rising relative to sea level, making the region an internationally important area for studying this geological process.

The landscape consists of steep hills, deep valleys, bare rock surfaces, boulder fields, lakes, streams and sandy beaches.

The characteristic red Nordingrå granite is visible in many of the cliffs and rocky outcrops. The coastline is particularly steep, and the park contains extensive evidence of ancient shorelines and land uplift.

The highest ancient shoreline in the park is approximately 282 m above the present sea level.

One of the park's best-known geological features is Slåttdalsskrevan, a dramatic crevice cutting through Slåttdalsberget. Its vertical rock walls reach approximately 30 m in height.

Skuleskogen contains one of the few remaining areas of old-growth forest along the coast of the High Coast. Spruce forests, moist streamside woodland and mixed forests cover much of the park.

The forest is home to rare lichens, beetles and woodpeckers. The variety of habitats, from coastal areas and wetlands to old forests and bare rock, supports a diverse range of wildlife.

The coastal climate is influenced by the Baltic Sea. Summers are generally suitable for hiking, while autumn brings colourful foliage. Winters can be snowy, particularly in the higher parts of the park.

Snow and icy conditions can make hiking difficult during winter. Snowshoes or skis may be useful, and traction cleats are recommended during slippery periods.

• Skuleskogen National Park – official website in English.
• Official hiking map.
• County Administrative Board of Västernorrland (in Swedish).

63.083318.351 Naturum Höga Kusten (High Coast visitor centre), Skuleberget, Docksta (Next to the E4, approximately 10 km from the southern and western entrances of the national park.), ☏ +46 613 700 200, info@naturumhogakusten.se. May-September; check the website for current opening hours.. Visitor centre for the High Coast World Heritage Site and Skuleskogen National Park. Exhibitions, maps, leaflets, information and guided activities. Food and snacks are also available. Free admission.  (updated Oct 2026)

The national park is located between Örnsköldsvik and Härnösand, close to the E4 highway.

There are three main entrances:

• Entré Syd – The southern entrance, a convenient starting point for hiking to Slåttdalsskrevan.
• Entré Väst – The western entrance, accessible from the E4. It is cleared of snow and accessible throughout the year.
• Entré Nord – The northern entrance, providing access to the northern parts of the park and the coastal trail.

All three entrances are signposted from the E4. Parking areas are available at the entrances.

Trains serve Härnösand and Örnsköldsvik. Local buses operated by Din Tur connect the area with stops near the national park entrances and Naturum Höga Kusten.

On weekdays, bus line 50 serves the stop Skuleskogen entré V E4, near the western entrance. Services are limited, so check the timetable before travelling.

For bus schedules, see Din Tur.

Naturum Höga Kusten, near Skuleberget, is also served by public transport. It is approximately 10 km from the southern and western entrances.

There is no admission fee to the national park. Overnight stays in the park's open cabins are free.

Special regulations apply within the national park. Camping and fires are restricted to designated areas between 1 May and 30 September. Camping at the same location is limited to three consecutive nights during this period.

The park is best explored on foot. More than 30 km of marked hiking trails connect the entrances, viewpoints, beaches, lakes and overnight cabins.

The terrain is very hilly, and many trails are steep and demanding. The coastal trail between Entré Syd and Entré Nord is relatively easier than the routes through the interior.

There are accessibility adaptations at all three entrances, including information decks, benches and accessible composting toilets.

An accessible path from Entré Väst leads to a viewpoint on Nylandsruten.

• Slåttdalsskrevan – The park's best-known natural attraction. This approximately 200 m long, 30 m deep and 7 m wide crevice cuts through Slåttdalsberget. It is one of the most spectacular geological features of the High Coast.
• Slåttdalsberget – A mountain offering excellent views over the surrounding forest, valleys and coastline.
• Långtjärnshällorna – A viewpoint with extensive views over the High Coast and the national park.
• Nylandsruten – A viewpoint accessible by a relatively easy path from Entré Väst.
• Tärnättholmarna – Coastal islands and beautiful natural scenery accessible from the northern and southern entrances.
• Kälsviken – A sandy beach and camping area along the coast.
• Ancient shorelines – Traces of the post-glacial land uplift can be seen throughout the park.

• Hiking. Explore the more than 30 km of marked trails. A popular excursion is the route from Entré Syd to Slåttdalsskrevan and Slåttdalsberget.
• Coastal hiking. Follow Kuststigen between the southern and northern entrances, enjoying beaches and coastal scenery.
• Nature watching. Look for old-growth forest, unusual lichens, woodpeckers and other wildlife.
• Winter hiking. Explore the snowy landscape on skis or snowshoes when conditions permit.
• Photography. The viewpoints and rocky coastline provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography.

There are no major shops inside the national park. Naturum Höga Kusten sells food and snacks during its opening season.

For supermarkets and other shopping facilities, visit Docksta or nearby towns.

There are no restaurants inside the national park. Bring your own food for longer hikes.

There are picnic areas and designated fireplaces in the park. Between 1 May and 30 September, fires may only be made at designated places and using firewood brought by visitors or provided at the site.

Naturum Höga Kusten offers food and snacks during its opening season.

Bring sufficient drinking water for your hike. Water availability in the park is limited and should not be assumed to be suitable for drinking without treatment.

There are accommodation options in nearby Docksta, Ullånger, Köpmanholmen, Bjästa, Skoved and Kornsjö. These include hotels, hostels, guesthouses, cottages and bed and breakfasts.

Naturum Höga Kusten and the High Coast tourist information website can provide further information.

There are designated tent sites near the overnight cabins and along the coast at Kälsviken and near the outlet of Salsviken in the northern part of the park.

Between 1 May and 30 September, camping is permitted only at designated sites and for a maximum of three consecutive nights at the same location. Camping elsewhere or for longer periods requires permission from the County Administrative Board.

There are six open overnight cabins in the national park. They are free to use and cannot be booked in advance. Visitors must share the facilities with others when necessary.

The cabins have simple facilities, and visitors should bring their own sleeping bags and food. Clean up after yourself, take all rubbish away and leave the cabin ready for the next visitors.

New arrivals have priority over visitors who have already spent a night in a cabin.

The terrain is very hilly, and some hiking trails are steep, rocky and demanding. Allow enough time for your planned route.

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
• Bring sufficient food, water and suitable clothing.
• Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, especially along the coast.
• During winter, trails can be icy and snow-covered. Snowshoes, skis or traction cleats may be necessary.
• Check current trail and entrance conditions before travelling.
• Mobile phone coverage may be limited in some parts of the park.

Follow the national park regulations:

• Dogs must be kept on a leash.
• Drones are prohibited.
• Cycling is prohibited except on the coastal trail between Entré Syd and Entré Nord.
• Fishing in lakes, ponds and streams is prohibited.
• Do not damage trees, plants, rocks or other natural features.
• Fires are permitted only at designated places between 1 May and 30 September.

• Skuleberget – A prominent mountain with hiking trails and spectacular views over the High Coast.
• Docksta – A small settlement with accommodation and services near the national park.
• Örnsköldsvik – A coastal town north of the park.
• Härnösand – A historic coastal town south of the park.
• Ulvön – An island in the High Coast archipelago.
• Trysunda – A picturesque island with fishing village scenery and coastal landscapes.
• High Coast – Explore the wider World Heritage Site and its other natural attractions.