Sweden's best cycling routes

Kattegattleden is Sweden’s first national cycling route and was named ‘European Cycle Route of the Year’ in 2018. This scenic coastal route stretches from Helsingborg in the south, through the province of Halland, up to Gothenburg in West Sweden. Along the way, you’ll pass idyllic fishing villages, beautiful gardens and iconic bathhouses. Kullaberg Nature Reserve makes an excellent stop for hiking and rock climbing.

3 highlights along Kattegattleden:

• Domsten: Just north of Helsingborg, this coastal village offers a tranquil harbour, charming cottages and scenic walks overlooking the Öresund strait.
• Träslövsläge (Läjet): South of Varberg, this quaint fishing village is known for its harbour, fresh seafood and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
• Bua Hamn: North of Varberg, Bua’s marina, seafood restaurants and summer ice cream kiosks make it a popular stop along the coast.

Sydostleden winds through some of Sweden’s finest scenery, from the forests and lakes of Småland to the sandy beaches of Skåne’s east coast. There are plenty of opportunities for memorable food experiences along the way, including Michelin-starred PM & Vänner in Växjö and seafood restaurant Buhres in Kivik. Don't miss the forests of Småland, the Blekinge archipelago and Stenshuvud National Park. If you want to continue your cycling holiday, Sydkustleden connects to the route further south.

3 highlights along Sydostleden:

• The Mörrum River is known for its salmon and trout fishing. Fishing permits, equipment and guided experiences can all be booked online.
• Kristianstad Vattenrike covers a diverse landscape of wetlands, forests and waterways rich in birdlife and biodiversity.
• Try glamping at Urshult Camping on the shores of Lake Åsnen – a vast lake archipelago and national park offering kayaking, cycling and other outdoor activities.

Sydkustleden picks up where Sydostleden leaves off and is the ideal route for a bicycle holiday that combines city life and beach escapes. Get ready to discover Skåne county’s most beautiful beaches, like Mossbystrand, and the vibrant cities of Malmö and Helsingborg. The route boasts several cultural landmarks, including the ancient Viking fortress Trelleborgen and Landskrona Castle. The latter is one of the best-preserved fortresses from the 16th century in the Nordic region and is also known as the Citadel in Landskrona. Should you long for a tranquil detour, bring your bike on the boat to the island of Ven.

3 highlights along Sydkustleden:

• The films and TV series about Inspector Wallander have made fans worldwide travel to the medieval town of Ystad. Join a guided tour and follow Wallander’s footsteps along the cobblestone streets.
• Enjoy lunch at a cosy restaurant in one of the old fishing villages, such as Abbekås or Smygehuk, Sweden’s southernmost point.
• Malmö is one of the world's top ten cycling cities and is worth spending a night or two in. Make sure to sample Malmö's excellent restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining to street food.

By following the three beautiful subtrails comprising Cykelleden Skåne, cyclists can experience the varied landscapes of Skåne. Cycle over rolling hills and discover everything from dense forests, fields, and meadows to vibrant towns and peaceful countryside.

You can create your own route by combining sections with the national cycling routes Kattegattleden, Sydostleden, and Sydkustleden.

3 highlights along Cykelleden Skåne:

• Wanås Castle is set in the forests of northern Skåne and is home to an internationally renowned sculpture park featuring artists from around the world.
• Söderåsen National Park is known for its beech forests and stunning nature. Here, you will find Skåne's highest point – a rewarding stop after a steep climb.
• The medieval university town of Lund. Don’t miss Lund Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, and one of Sweden’s most visited churches.

Unionsleden got its name from the union between Sweden and Norway established in Moss in 1814 and dissolved in Karlstad in 1905. You’ll find plenty of historical and cultural sites along the route, including churches and manor houses. Nature-wise, Unionsleden takes you through rolling landscapes and past spellbinding lakes – after all, Värmland county is known as 'the land of lakes'. Parts of the route follow the Dalsland Canal, offering plenty of opportunities for wild swimming, kayaking and fishing. In Karlstad, Unionsleden connects to another national cycling route, Vänerleden.

3 highlights along Unionsleden:

• The Dalsland Canal is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways. In Lennartsfors, you can rest your feet at the local ice cream café and watch the boats pass through the lock.
• Sliperiet in Borgvik is an art hall and gastronomic bistro combined. Enjoy Nordic cuisine and modern exhibitions in a cultural heritage building in the Swedish countryside.
• Stay comfortable at the elegant Baldersnäs Manor, which combines turn-of-the-century charm with modern comfort. Baldersnäs is also a nature reserve with several hiking trails.

Ätradalsdelen connects with the previously mentioned Kattegattleden in Falkenberg and takes you from the coast through West Sweden's lush inland. Half the route consists of car-free, disused railway embankments that cut through a landscape of fertile fields and glittering lakes. You’re never far from a farm café along Ätradalsleden, offering locally grown food and homemade sweets.

3 highlights along Ätradalsleden:

• Torpa Stenhus is a privately owned estate and one of the country’s best-preserved medieval castles, situated on the shores of Lake Åsunden. It's open for guided tours and exhibitions during the summer.
• Falkenberg is a foodie destination with gems like Lilla Napoli – considered to serve some of the best Neapolitan pizza in the country – and Skrea Matbruk, a farm-to-table restaurant and culinary community hub.
• Påarps Gård in Håcksvik is an idyllically located farm hotel with various accommodation options, from suites and cabins to military tents. The hotel has its own beach and offers fishing guides.

Vänerleden takes you around Sweden’s largest lake, Vänern, making it an ideal route for water activities such as fishing, kayaking and swimming. But Vänerleden is about more than outdoor activities. Discover the porcelain town of Lidköping, admire the baroque architecture of Läckö Castle and take in the spectacular views of Kinnekulle’s limestone quarries, also called the 'Little Grand Canyon'. Vänerleden connects with two other national cycling routes – Unionsleden in Karlstad and Göta Kanalleden in Sjötorp.

3 highlights along Vänerleden:

• Take a break from cycling and explore the archipelago of Lake Vänern and the Klarälven River by boat bus. The boat buses are part of the local public transport system and operate during summer.
• In Fengersfors, you’ll find Not Quite, a vibrant cultural centre in a former paper mill. Enjoy exhibitions, artist studios, and music events, or stop for lunch or fika at the café.
• Discover Ecopark Halle-Hunneberg, where you can embark on a moose safari, take guided hikes and experience the surrounding nature. The twin mountains offer a unique forest landscape, and the ecopark forms part of Platåbergens Geopark, recognised as Sweden’s first UNESCO Global Geopark.

Göta Kanalleden is Sweden’s newest national cycling route and was awarded ‘European Cycle Route of the Year’ in 2025. The iconic waterway Göta Canal is one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations, and watching boats pass through the locks is a highlight when cycling along the canal. Half of the route follows the car-free canal bank, and some lakes along the way can be crossed on bicycle ferry while the canal is open. You’re never far from sights and stops along Göta Kanalleden, with cafés, museums and accommodation dotted along the route.

3 highlights along Göta Kanalleden:

• Karlsborg Fortress Museum forms part of Sweden’s military heritage. Join an adventure tour that takes you back to 1865 and descend into the dark underground passages.
• Göta Hotel is a classic canal-side hotel situated beside the historic Göta Canal. Dating back to 1908, each room has its own unique story and distinctive style.
• Experience a Göta Canal cruise aboard the M/S Wasa Lejon, passing through nine locks along the way.

Opened in May 2026, Ljungleden links together Kattegattleden in Gothenburg and Ätradalsleden in Falköping. The route is mostly on asphalt, passing through heathland, forests and farmland. You’ll come across cosy cafés, local farm shops and lakeside swimming spots along the way. A stop in Sweden’s fika capital, Alingsås, is a must.

Hylteleden takes you through the provinces of Halland and Småland, past small villages, deep forests and large lakes. Halmstad, where the route starts and ends, is one of Sweden’s most picturesque summer towns. This is also where Hylteleden connects with the longer Kattegattleden.

Runn Runt is a regional cycling route around Lake Runn, Dalarna county’s second-largest lake. Along the way, you’ll pass plenty of bathing spots and cafés, while the lake is dotted with around 100 islands. Falun and Borlänge, Dalarna’s largest towns, make good starting points.

Lelångenleden winds through the tranquil lake landscapes of Dalsland and Värmland, along gravel roads and forest paths. The route follows the former railway line between Bengtsfors and Ed, taking you past glittering lakes, charming rest spots and the historic Dalsland Canal. Stop in Bäckefors for a break in a classic mill town setting.