Hiking in middle Sweden combines deep forests, cultural landscapes and coastal scenery with easy accessibility from cities such as Stockholm and Uppsala. From historic pasture settlements in Dalarna to trails inspired by Carl Linnaeus, this part of Sweden offers hiking experiences shaped as much by culture as by nature.
From deep forests and lakeside paths to coastal hikes and trails shaped by history, hiking in middle Sweden offers a little bit of everything. Many routes are easily accessible from cities such as Stockholm and Uppsala, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced hikers.
While famous trails such as the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Bergslagsleden, and the Sörmland Trail are already featured in our guide to Sweden’s top hiking trails, here are some other routes that showcase the diversity of hiking in middle Sweden.
Hikers near Fryksås in Dalarna, overlooking Lake Orsasjön along The Siljan Trail.
Photo: Per Hagdahl/Visit Dalarna
Circular trail around Lake Siljan and Lake Orsasjön, 340 kilometres.
The Siljan Trail (Siljansleden) circles Lake Siljan and Lake Orsasjön in the heart of Dalarna. Divided into 21 stages, the trail passes through forests, lakeside scenery and traditional mountain pasture settlements known as ‘fäbodar’. Hikers can start from several towns around the lakes, including Leksand, Rättvik, Mora and Orsa, making it easy to tailor both shorter walks and multi-day hikes.
One particularly scenic stretch runs between Fryksås and Rättvik, where trails lead through historic pasture landscapes high above Lake Orsasjön. Fryksås is home to Sweden’s largest preserved collection of ‘fäbod’ cottages and offers wide-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. Along the route, you’ll encounter red cottages, swimming spots and traces of local history, including paths once used by people from Dalarna who walked all the way to Stockholm in search of work during the 16th century.
Discover more hiking in Dalarna.
Hiking through the deep pine forests of Värmland in middle Sweden.
Photo: Roger Borgelid/Visit Värmland
Ransby–Höljes, 52 kilometres.
Nordvärmlandsleden takes hikers through some of Värmland’s most remote and dramatic landscapes. The trail passes forest-covered hills, lakes and marshlands, with views stretching across the surrounding countryside.
Starting near Branäs, Värmland’s largest ski resort, the trail continues through landscapes more commonly associated with Sweden’s far north. On clear days, hikers at Långberget, a well-known destination for cross-country skiing, can see all the way to the ski resorts of Sälen in Dalarna and Trysil in Norway.
The forests and wetlands along Nordvärmlandsleden are home to moose, deer and a variety of bird species. Along the route, you’ll pass several historic summer pasture cabins, some of which are open to visitors, while a rest area by Lake Näcksjön offers opportunities for swimming and fishing.
Explore more hiking trails in Värmland.
Linnaeus' Hammarby outside Uppsala, reached via one of the eight Linnaeus Trails.
Photo: Gustav Dalesjö/Destination Uppsala
Eight trails around Uppsala, 6–20 kilometres.
The Linnaeus Trails (Linnéstigarna) invite hikers to explore the landscapes around Uppsala through the eyes of Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (Carl von Linné, 1707–1778). The eight routes are based on the excursions Linnaeus himself once led for his students, combining nature, history and science within easy reach of the city.
The trails can be experienced in two ways: as traditional ‘Herbationes Upsalienses’ walks or as modern treasure hunts. On several routes, you can also listen to Linnaeus as an audio guide while walking through forests, meadows and cultural landscapes that shaped his work.
Along the way, the trails pass several sites connected to Linnaeus and his research. The Danmark trail leads to Linnaeus’ Hammarby, his former summer residence and home to the most extensive collection of plants linked to his studies. Meanwhile, the Gamla Uppsala trail begins at the Linnaean Garden in central Uppsala, where Linnaeus once cultivated plants for teaching and scientific research.
Discover more nature activities in and around Uppsala.
View from Kilsbergen, also known as the Blue Mountains, west of Örebro.
Photo: Fredrik Kellén/Örebro kommun
Blankhult circular route, 10 kilometres.
Known as the Blue Mountains, Kilsbergen is a forested ridge west of Örebro with extensive hiking and cycling trails. Part of the well-known Bergslagsleden, the 10-kilometre Blankhult circular route offers a varied hike through dense forests, dramatic ravines and historic landscapes shaped by centuries of mining and forestry.
One of the highlights along the trail is Rusakulan, one of Kilsbergen’s best and most accessible viewpoints, with sweeping views across the provinces of Närke and Västmanland. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, hikers can spot as many as 21 church towers from this point.
The route also passes old croft ruins and woodland streams, once important to the iron industry. Don’t miss Norra Trolldalen, a deep ravine whose name – ‘the northern troll valley’ – hints at the almost mythical atmosphere of the surrounding forest.
Discover more hiking trails in Örebro.
Taking a fika break along Roslagsleden in the Stockholm archipelago.
Photo: Henrik Trygg/Visit Stockholm
Danderyd–Grisslehamn, 190 kilometres.
While Stockholm Archipelago Trail and Sörmlandsleden often steal the spotlight, Roslagsleden offers a quieter hiking experience through forests, lakeside scenery, coastal landscapes and historic countryside north of Stockholm.
Several highlights along the route combine nature with local history. Angarnsjöängen is one of Stockholm County’s best birdwatching areas, while Wira Bruk is a historic ironworks village where swords were once forged for the army of King Charles XII. Today, the red cottages and old smithies remain part of a well-preserved cultural environment.
Near the northern end of the trail lies the studio of artist and author Albert Engström, dramatically perched on the cliffs overlooking the Sea of Åland. Designed partly as a navigational landmark for sailors approaching Grisslehamn, the building is painted red towards land and white towards the sea.
With its mix of coastal scenery, forests and cultural landmarks, Roslagsleden offers a varied introduction to hiking in the middle of Sweden.
Explore other hiking trails near Stockholm.
