Hiking in Sweden
Including Fulufjället National Park, Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail), and Kungsleden (The King's Trail). On the map.
The vibe
Sweden’s vast, gently rolling forests and archipelago make hiking feel like wandering through a quiet, water‑streaked wilderness rather than steep alpine climbs. Late summer through early autumn, when daylight lingers and berries are ripe, is ideal, though many trails stay open year‑round with snowshoes. It’s a mix of organized day‑trip groups and solitary locals, so you can blend in whether you book a guided walk or just set off on your own.
park ticket
Fulufjället National Park
Dalarna County
Etienne Pauthenet epauthenet / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Home to Njupeskär, Sweden's highest waterfall, this park features a unique high-altitude plateau landscape. The hike to the waterfall is a classic, while the surrounding plateau offers gentle, expansive walking across lichen-covered tundra.
Access. Located near the Norwegian border; accessible by car via Särna.
Notes. The boardwalk to the waterfall is easy, but the plateau trails require proper gear for wind and cold.
Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail)
Västernorrland County
P.Lindgren / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This stunning coastal trail winds through the UNESCO World Heritage High Coast, where the land is still rising from the sea after the last ice age. The route offers a mix of dramatic granite cliffs, dense forests, and sweeping Baltic Sea views.
Access. The trail spans 129km from Hornöberget to Örnsköldsvik; accessible by bus from Kramfors or Umeå.
Notes. The terrain is undulating and can be physically demanding despite the relatively low elevation.
Kungsleden (The King's Trail)
Norrbotten County
Robin van Mourik Camera location 68° 21′ 27.17″ N, 18° 46′ 54.39″ E View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 68.357548; 18.781775 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
This legendary 440km route offers the quintessential Swedish Lapland experience, traversing vast arctic tundra, deep valleys, and alpine plateaus. Hikers can choose shorter segments, such as the popular Abisko to Nikkaluokta stretch, which features dramatic mountain vistas and proximity to Sweden's highest peak, Kebnekaise.
Access. Accessible via train to Abisko or bus to Nikkaluokta; the trail is well-marked with STF mountain huts located at regular intervals.
Notes. Best hiked from late June to mid-September; be prepared for rapidly changing weather and potential snow even in summer.
Sarek National Park
Norrbotten County
Arto Marttinen wandervisions / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Often called Europe's last true wilderness, Sarek is a roadless, rugged expanse of high peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys. It is a destination for experienced trekkers seeking solitude and challenging terrain far from marked paths or tourist infrastructure.
Access. Access is primarily via hiking in from the Kungsleden trail or by helicopter charter from Kvikkjokk or Ritsem.
Notes. No marked trails or cabins; requires advanced navigation skills and self-sufficiency. High risk of river crossings during spring melt.
Stora Sjöfallet National Park
Norrbotten County
Богдан Митронов-Слоб… / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This park serves as a gateway to the high mountains of Lapland, featuring massive waterfalls, glacial rivers, and the iconic Akka massif. It offers a range of trails from valley walks to challenging ascents into the heart of the mountains.
Access. Accessible by road from Gällivare; serves as a base for many mountain expeditions.
Notes. Remote area; ensure you have offline maps and emergency supplies.
Tiveden National Park
Örebro County
Perengstrom / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Characterized by its dense, ancient forests, massive glacial boulders, and hidden forest lakes, Tiveden offers a magical, rugged hiking experience. The trails are known for their technical nature, winding through mossy terrain and rocky gorges.
Access. Located between Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern; accessible by car from Askersund or Karlsborg.
Notes. Trails are short but can be strenuous due to the boulder-strewn landscape.