Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail) is a long-distance trail in Sweden's High Coast, spanning about 140 km from Hornöberget in the south to Örnsköldsvik in the north. It traverses the High Coast World Heritage Area, offering a unique mix of coastal cliffs, islands, deep forests, and mountains. Hikers will experience elevations up to 286 m (938 ft) at Skuleberget, the trail's highest point, providing views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding landscape. A full trek usually takes 5-7 days, but shorter trips covering select stages are also possible.
Understand
[edit]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
[edit]
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
[edit]Bring enough food for several days. Shops are limited along the route.
Drink
[edit]Water sources are fairly common but not always reliable, so a filter or purification tablets are recommended.
Sleep
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- 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
[edit]
Hornöberget to Lövvik
9.8 km
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
Lövvik to Gavik
26.8 km
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
Gavik to Lappudden
11.5 km
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.
Lappudden to Ullånger
15 km
Just before reaching the end of this stage, Erikskojan is available for rest. As you near 5 Ullånger, the trail descends toward civilization, passing under the E4 highway before the church spire and rooftops of Ullånger come into view.
- 8 Erikskojan. Rest cabin
Ullånger to Skuleberget
20.8 km
Leaving Ullånger, the trail gently climbs back into spruce and pine forests, soon reaching Äskjastugan and Mäjabodarna. As the trail nears 6 Skoved, it briefly follows a country lane before reaching this small village near the western entrance of Skuleskogen National Park. The STF Kustladan Vandrarhem Höga kusten, provides a comfortable stay. Crossing the main road, the trail soon enters Skuleberget Nature Reserve, circling the base of 7 Skuleberget.
This mountain marks the world's highest ancient coastline 286 m (938 ft), where the sea once reached during the Ice Age. The trail follows gentle gravel tracks before reaching the stage's end near Naturum Skuleberget wind shelter and Berras Lägda, near Naturum Höga Kusten visitor center, an excellent stop to learn about the area's geology and wildlife. Consider a side trip to Skulegrottan, a cave halfway up the cliffs, once said to be a robber's hideout.
- 9 Äskjastugan. Rest cabin
- 10 Mäjabodarna. Rest cabin
- 11 STF Kustladan Vandrarhem Höga kusten.
- 12 Naturum Skuleberget. Shelter for sitting
- 13 Berras Lägda. Campsite
Skuleberget to Köpmanholmen
24.2 km
Leaving Skuleberget, the trail winds northward through mixed pine forests, marking the transition into Skuleskogen National Park. About 5 km in, a detour leads to Bergsbodarna, a hillside meadow where an old mountain farm cabin. Back on the main path, the trail crosses into the park near Kälsviken Bay, where Kälsviken Vindskydd is available for overnight stays. Afterwards, the trail enters Skuleskogen National Park. Here, you will pass by Slåttdalsskrevan, a 40-meter-deep gorge cutting through the mountain. Walking between its sheer reddish walls is a unique experience, with wooden steps helping to navigate the rocky floor.
Beyond the gorge, a short climb leads to Slåttdalsberget at 275 m (902 ft), offering wide views of the forest and coastline. The trail then descends past Tärnättvattnen and continues toward the coast, where it passes Tärnättholmarna, a series of rocky islets. Passing Komponerar (ArkNat) before reaching 8 Näske marks the end of the national park section. An easy flat hike leads to 9 Köpmanholmen. Köpmanholmens hamn Stuga as well as Motte (ArkNat) are available here.
- 14 Kälsviken Vindskydd. Two shelters available. The floor is gravel, campsite for 20+ nearby.
- 15 Tärnättvattnen. 4 sleeping spots, table and benches. Toilet and wood storage nearby.
- 16 Komponerar (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
- 17 Köpmanholmens hamn Stuga. Cabin
- 18 Motte (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
Köpmanholmen to Örnsköldsvik
32.9 km
This challenging stage takes you through Balesuddens Nature Reserve, a rugged peninsula with a mix of forest trails, rocky shores, and sea views. Leaving Köpmanholmen, the path quickly enters the reserve, where Hålviken Vindskydd is available. About 6 km of the route runs through protected wilderness, with an optional 2 km detour to Balesberget, passing Balestjärnen, a clear forest tarn surrounded by pines. The hike continues past Bodviken Stuga and along the shores of Sör-Balesviken Bay, before reaching Sandlågan Vindskydd.
Leaving Sandlågan, the trail heads inland, passing through young forests and logging areas before reaching the Småtjärnarna lakes, a peaceful series of small forest ponds. The trail here is less distinct, with boardwalks over wet sections, before joining logging roads for a stretch. As the route nears 10 Svedje. There are no steep climbs, but a gradual uphill is followed by a gentle descent into Svedje, a quiet residential area on the edge of Örnsköldsvik's suburbs.
While Svedje itself has no official lodging, hikers can wild camp earlier along the trail, at Bergom stuga, Off-Centered (ArkNat) or Småtjärnsstugan. Most, however, continue to Örnsköldsvik. The route follows sidewalks and a footpath over the Moälven River, passing through the quiet Hörnett neighborhood. The trail then enters Hörnsjön Nature Reserve, going past Hörnsjön parkeringen Vindskydd before ending at 11 Örnsköldsvik.
- 19 Hålviken Vindskydd. Shelter for sleeping
- 20 Bodviken Stuga. Rest cabin
- 21 Sandlågan Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting
- 22 Bergom stuga. Rest cabin
- 23 Off-Centered (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
- 24 Småtjärnsstugan. 4 sleeping spots
- 25 Hörnsjön parkeringen Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting
Go next
[edit]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.