Hiking trails in Sweden

Some are 4 or 5 hours away by car, others accessible from any of the major cities by night train or an hour and a half by air. 

  • Peace and quiet, fresh air and a careful usage of nature along with accessible trails has made Grövelsjön a favorite among families with little children and elderly hikers. The STF Mountain Station offers convenient and spacious accommodations in both rooms and cottages. Photo: STF

  • Hiking trails in Sweden
    Hiking in the mountainous region of Scandinavia's north can be anything from a week’s expedition to a simple daily walk. We earlier covered how the mountainous region of Sweden's north is no longer just for survivalists and hardcore connoisseurs. The allure of the mountains The region in mid-Sweden is accessible from any of the major cities by night train or an hour and a half by air. The wilderness in Lapland will take a bit longer to get to, but once you’re smitten by the experience, getting there will be a breeze. Of course, say you're in New York City or another major metropolis and want to try it out first, every city offers the experience; in New York: Best hikes in NY according to the Swede who escapes his East Village apartment during weekends to live in a tent...
    Now, back to Sweden:

  • Hemavan in Västerbotten County. Photo: Emil Sergel

  • Kungsleden
    Kungsleden is, hands down, Sweden’s most popular hiking trail. The more than 270 miles of trails starts in Abisko and finishes in Hemavan. Sleep in your tent or in a cabin bed—the choice is yours, as is the distance: pick one that suits you. Many people choose to hike to the Kebnekaise massif, which is of course beautiful but also very popular. A tip is to instead begin in the south and walk up to the mountainous area of Vindelfjällen from Hemavan, where there are fewer hikers.
    How to get here: Abisko is easiest accessed by train; the trip takes 18 hours from Stockholm and 22 from Gothenburg. If you want to go to Hemavan, you do so easiest via Umeå.
    More on Mountain Hiking in Sweden

  • The 270 miles of Kungsleden are clearly marked. Photo: Emil Sergel

  • Sarek
    Sarek’s national park is Sweden’s biggest high mountain area. Here you will find over 100 glaciers, steep mountaintops and wild streams. Sarek is usually called Europe’s largest wilderness, where you can choose to hike outside the trodden paths, though it may not be recommended for the inexperienced hiker, as Sarek lacks overnight cabins. One great point of departure is the little mountain village of Kvikkjokk.
    How to get here: Local busses leave from Jokkmokk and the trip takes three hours.

  • Map of the 270 miles of Kungsleden. (Source: STF)

  • Jämtlandsfjällen
    (Mountains of Jämtland)
    Relatively easy to reach from Stockholm or Gothenburg, Jämtlandsfjällen is only a night train ride away. Most people go up to the mountain station at Storulvån, which functions as a great springboard to the rest of the mountains. Sylan, or Sylarna, the mountain range on the border between Norway and Sweden, is within comfortable distance and a nice day hike from here. Just north of Sylan is Skäckerfjällen, a nature reserve that’s a hidden gem with enormously beautiful massifs. South of Sylan you’ll find somewhat kinder mountains around Gräftåvallen and Bydalen, a great area for the inexperienced hiker.
    How to get here: Take the night train all the way from Stockholm or Gothenburg to Storulvån. You’ll get off in the middle of nowhere and get picked up in an old military bus. Check it out in advance to be sure the bus will be there to pick you up. Otherwise look for Östersund, the main hub for local busses to the mountains.

  • Hiking through Storuman Municipality, Västerbotten County, Sweden, near Hemavan. Photo: Emil Sergel

  • Grövelsjön
    Grövelsjön in Dalarna is Sweden’s southernmost mountain with vast expanses. It’s a popular destination for families with children as there are a number of comfortable living arrangements and mountains kind enough for shorter legs and less stamina. Grövelsjön is also a great choice for mountain fishing and kayaking. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see the local muskox!
    How to get here: A great starting point is Grövelsjön itself, which is located 35 kilometers north of Idre, Älvdalen (also an interesting visit and in many ways a return in time). Local buses leave from Mora, a trip that takes four hours. Driving to Mora from Dalarna is a beautiful trip that takes a while but is well worth it - 166 miles. The train ride is about four hours.

  • Kebnekaise mountain lodge, elev 690 m, located at the base of Mount Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain range. Photo: Markus Alatalo