Höga Kustenleden

Understand

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. 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

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 Bring enough food for several days. Shops are limited along the route.

Drink Water sources are fairly common but not always reliable, so a filter or purification tablets are recommended.

Sleep 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 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

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 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

The hike begins at the High Coast Bridge (Högakustenbron) near 1 Hornöberget, where the 1.8 km suspension bridge stretches across the Ångermanälven river. From here, the trail immediately climbs steeply through pine forests, offering views of the estuary as the bridge fades behind you. At Kulberget, the Over the edge (ArkNat) shelter is available. The trail continues towards 2 Lövvik. Lövvik is a quiet seaside hamlet, welcoming hikers with camping spots by the bay as well as small guesthouses.

1 Over the edge (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping

Leaving Lövvik, the trail winds through mixed forests with gentle climbs, crossing small streams that may dry up in late summer. Early on, a short 800 m detour leads to Valkallen hill, where ropes assist the steepest section up to a historic beacon site. The trail skirts Fjärdbotten and Grönsviksfjärden Bay, passing by Halsviken Vindskydd, Norrvarp Vindskydd and Stranded (ArkNat). Midway, a short side trail leads to Hörsångs Havsbad, a rare sandy beach on this rugged coast. Back on the main path, the trail passes Nipstugan before it begins its descent toward 3 Gavik, a quiet village by the water. Accommodation options are simple: locals sometimes rent cabins, and hikers can camp or use shelters like Nipstugan just before town. Those who took the Hörsångs Camping detour may choose to stay there, with cabins and showers available. Near Gavik, a short marked trail leads to Bölesskogen.

2 Halsviken Vindskydd. Shelter for sleeping 3 Norrvarp Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting 4 Stranded (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping 5 Nipstugan. Rest cabin

Leaving Gavik, the trail follows gentle gravel roads and well-trodden paths, rolling through farmland and light forest. About 3 km in, a 700 m detour leads to Rödklitten, a hilltop with views over lakes and sea. Back on the main trail, the route continues past the Norrfällsviken turn-off, passing Älgaberget Vindskydd before reaching 4 Lappudden, a tranquil peninsula on Lake Vågsfjärden. Here, the Lappudden Friluftscenter welcomes hikers with cabins, tent pitches, a lakeside sauna, and rowboat rentals. A little further on, The tree cube (ArkNat) is available as well.

6 Älgaberget Vindskydd.

Go next

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.