Skuleberget: A hidden gem for hikers
Living in Sweden means you have access to some of the most beautiful hiking trails. Unfortunately, most Swedes tend to spend their vacation days abroad because people long for tropical heat and beaches. But that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing in Sweden – quite the contrary! Sweden’s landscape is known to be one of the most stunning ones in Europe and what’s even better is that the nature here is unspoilt. There’s also a thing called “Allemansrätten” which means that everyone can roam the countryside in Sweden. That’s why being outdoors is highly popular in Sweden and you’ll most likely run into a few hikers almost all year round.
If you’re interested in hiking in Europe, you must visit Sweden. One of the best hiking spots in Sweden lies in the north. It’s called “The High Coast” and has some excellent hiking trails. You can either choose to do easier hikes for a few hours or you can go on the longer ones that can last up to a few days. If you don’t want to hike alone or you’re lacking knowledge to go out on hiking adventurers on your own, you can hike with a guide. It’s a fun way to get to know other people as well.
The High Coast Trail extends all the way from Hornöberget in the south to Örnsköldsvik city in the north. Along the trail, you’ll see how the environment shifts from deep forests, mountain tops, steep cliffs, green meadows and even sandy beaches. If you want to do the entire trail, the total length is 128,6 km and takes about one week to finish, depending on your speed.
The best season to hike in Sweden is by far in summer, when the weather becomes a bit warmer. But it’s also the peak season so you won’t be hiking by yourself. So if you want to go when there’s less people, try to do it late spring or late summer. Summer in Sweden is absolutely fantastic and the landscape turns all green and filled with flowers. It’s the best time to visit The High Coast.
To get there, you can either rent a car and drive from Stockholm if you arrive in Arlanda. It will take you about 4-5 hours, so if you’re not keen on driving that far, there are many buses and trains that runs to the north as well. You can also catch a flight to Örnsköldsvik and from there continue onwards with the bus to Docksta Marina, only 2 km walk from Friluftsbyn, where the trails start.
Remember to pack snacks, don’t litter, bring a map and enjoy the beauty of Sweden!