Top 5 Places To Go Hiking In Sweden
Hiking in Sweden is a popular recreational activity with both the Swedes and travellers alike. Sweden is best known for its abundance of forests, parks and nature reserves so hiking in amongst all the beauty seems like a no brainer. Hiking trails are dotted around the whole of Sweden, and thanks to a special Swedish law, hiking in Sweden may be even easier than you think. Let's take a look at the top 5 best places to go hiking in Sweden.
Photo by Scott Goodwill
Allemansrätten, literally translating to 'The everyman's right', has been part of the constitution of Sweden since 1994 and implies that everyone has the freedom to access land, regardless of ownership. That's right - this suggests that there is no such crime as trespassing in Sweden, and gives everyone the right to roam freely. This makes hiking in Sweden an easy and accessible activity for everyone.
This ties in with the socialistic Swedish ideology that the land belongs to everybody and it is everyone's duty to keep it in order. Hiking, camping and outdoor swimming in Sweden remain such popular activities as little prior planning is involved. So, are you an adventurer? Read on for the best places in Sweden to lace your boots this summer.
1. Höga Kusten
Photo by Höga Kusten
Is hiking your thing? Then Höga Kusten is the destination for you! The 128 km of hiking trails span across the coastline of one of Sweden’s favourite places to camp and hike. This hiking trip is recommended especially for intermediate explorers, due to the length and sometimes complexity of the trails, although shorter and easier options are also in place for those who just wish to make a weekend trip.
Höga Kusten was once a hidden gem but is now becoming an increasingly popular place for both natives and travellers to visit. The dramatic cliffs and rolling green valleys are just some of the reasons tourists are drawn in. Additionally, the park sits adjacent to the world’s highest coastline in Skuleskogen - a whopping 286 m above sea level. So, have your camera at the ready because there will be breathtaking views.
Check out their website for more information.
2. Fulufjället National Park
Photo by European Wilderness Network
Situated just meters from the Norwegian border, Fulufjället is a national park that is home to the 1,044 m mountain in which it shares its name. The top season for camping and hiking in this area is between mid-June and late September. This is a top spot if you're a forest lover who likes to explore, and what's more - It's totally free. Mobile signal can be very weak so it's best to bring a GPS if hiking.
The park is also a great place to see some of Sweden's native animals, including the moose, and if you look closely amongst the marshlands, you may even spot a Eurasian beaver. And don't worry, if it's too icy to trek through the mountains, the national park also offers cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and reindeer sledges with a cup of hot chocolate!
Check out their website for more information
3. The Island of Fårö
Photo by Camels and Wine
This island sits slightly North of Gotland and is home to some breathtaking views. Although Gotland is well linked to the mainland, it can be a trek in itself to make the remainder of the journey to Fårö, but certainly worth it! Fårö is ideal for those who wish to have a more relaxed, beach trip as opposed to a serious hiking holiday as the island itself is only 114km² and has a relatively flat terrain.
The island has a remote feel to it, being separated from the Swedish mainland and having its own dialect, so it's almost a holiday within a holiday. If that hasn't tempted you yet, Fårö was once voted as having the second-best beach in the world. So, forget the Bahamas and head on over to the Island of Fårö where you can experience an authentic Swedish walking holiday and luxury beach vacation all in one.
Check out their website for more information.
4. Tyresta National Park and Nature Reserve
Photo by Tyresta National Park
If you live in Stockholm and want a weekend getaway without spending the miles, then head over to this Nature Reserve that's just a 30-minute drive from central Stockholm. Tyresta boasts beautiful scenery combined with 55 km of authentic, marked hiking trails through the forest. Here, you will also find uncommon plant and animal species, if you happen to take an interest in botany or zoology.
The area is a real historic gem and is said to have been inhabited since the iron age, so there are plenty of cultural sites and buildings to break up the hiking, alongside oak trees that date back 300 years. A day trip to Tyresta could be a great alternative if you don't have the time to go on an outdoor excursion, but if you do want a longer stay, then the park offers overnight camping, on a nightly basis.
Check out their website for more information.
5. Kungsleden
Photo by Christoph Strässler
This 400 km hiking trail was established in the early 1900s and remains one of the most famous places to go camping and hiking in the world. The long trails make for a rich and varied terrain, spanning across alpine forests and rocky mountains. Kungsleden or The King's Trail covers four different national parks; Abisko, Great Sjöfallet, Sarek and Pieljekaise, so an overnight stay in a tent is a must.
If you prioritise comfort, then the trail also offers 16 mountain cabins for hikers. The trails busiest times are between week 28 and week 33 (8th of July to 18th of August). Mid-June is the period where you can expect the least trail congestion whilst still benefit from good weather. If you want to visit in the winter, then, of course, you are welcome to do so as the trails are equally as fun on skis!
Check out their website for more information.
Have I inspired you to take a hiking holiday in Sweden? If so, which of the National Parks most appealed to you? My favourite hiking location was the island of Fårö - remote, calm and beautiful beaches. Okay, I guess I just want a beach vacation!
This article was written for Globuzzer, the social network for travelers and expats in the Nordic regions.
