Discover some of the best hiking trails in southern Sweden, from coastal paths and island landscapes to deep forests and cultural routes. With a long hiking season and easy access to nature, southern Sweden offers everything from gentle day walks to more challenging multi-day hikes.
Hiking in southern Sweden offers a different experience compared to the mountainous north. Here, the terrain is often gentler, the distances between towns and villages are shorter and the hiking season stretches across much of the year. That said, there are still plenty of rewarding challenges to be found.
Expect a varied landscape of dense forests, open farmland, rugged coastlines and picturesque seaside villages. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed walk with scenic views or a longer adventure through shifting landscapes, southern Sweden has something to offer. Here are some of the region’s most appreciated hiking trails.
Hiking the Hallandsleden Trail near Steninge. During 2026, the trail is getting a new coastal section.
Photo: NORR Agency/Erik Thor
Sandsjöbacka–Båstad, approx. 140 kilometres (coastal stretch, stages will be added gradually).
Hallandsleden is a well-established long-distance trail linking Skåneleden in the south with Bohusleden in the north. In 2026, a new coastal section opens, making it possible to hike along Sweden’s west coast all the way from Skåne to Gothenburg.
Divided into several sections, the new stretch offers easy and accessible hiking through open farmland, along quiet country roads and via coastal forests. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Sweden’s finest beaches, including Tylösand – so don’t forget your swimwear!
Hiking in Halland is easy to access, with plenty of family-friendly options on offer. Discover more hiking trails in Halland.
Gotaleden Trail winds through the forests of West Sweden, where peaceful woodland paths are never far from the city.
Photo: Jonas Ingman/Westsweden.com
Gothenburg–Vårgårda, 99 kilometres.
West Sweden offers a wide range of hiking experiences. You can follow pilgrim paths, explore island trails in the Gothenburg archipelago or walk along Göta Canal, Sweden’s best-known waterway. One of the most popular options is Gotaleden Trail, connecting Gothenburg with Alingsås.
The trail passes through varied landscapes, from forests and nature reserves to open countryside, and includes cultural highlights such as Nääs Castle and Jonsered Gardens. Towards the end of the trail, you’ll reach Alingsås – often called the capital of fika – where cafés line the streets and guided fika walks offer a chance to sample Swedish coffee culture before continuing towards Vårgårda.
Discover more hiking trails in West Sweden and explore hiking in and around Gothenburg.
ARK56 is a network of trails in the Blekinge archipelago.
Photo: Visit Blekinge
Eriksberg area, 12 kilometres.
Eriksbergsleden Trail is part of ARK56, a network of routes designed for exploring the Blekinge archipelago on foot, by bike, kayak or boat. The area is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its well-managed natural environments and living cultural landscapes.
Often described as one of the most scenic and challenging hikes in Blekinge, Eriksbergsleden Trail follows the coastline near Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Reserve. As it runs alongside the park’s fence, you may spot animals such as deer, bison and wild boar, with views of the archipelago never far away.
ARK56 also connects trails with places to stay, eat and explore, making it easy to plan a journey through this coastal landscape. Explore ARK56 or discover more hiking in Blekinge.
The Sörmland Trail is a 1,000-kilometre hiking trail in Sweden's Sörmland region. It offers diverse landscapes and cultural sites.
Photo: Emmie Bolmstedt/imagebank.sweden.se
All over Sörmland county, 1,000 kilometres.
Sörmland Trail (Sörmlandsleden) is one of Sweden’s longest and oldest hiking trails, stretching over 1,000 kilometres through the Sörmland region. With its wide variety of landscapes and well-marked paths, it’s a great choice for both beginners and more experienced long-distance hikers.
One of its key advantages is how easily accessible it is. From the Stockholm underground station Björkhagen, you can step straight into nature and reach forests, nature reserves, castle grounds and more than 80 lakes.
The trail also offers several circular routes. One popular option is Marvikenleden Trail, part of section 15. This six-kilometre route takes you through mixed woodland, past small bathing coves, archaeological remains and a viewing tower.
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Hiking on the John Bauer trail in the dense forests of Småland. The trail passes several sights, such as historical homesteads, remnants of an old monastery, a historical village and a mountain with beautiful views over the surrounding nature.
Photo: Patrik Svedberg/imagebank.sweden.se
Huskvarna–Gränna, 52 kilometres.
Småland Trail (Smålandsleden) is a network of hiking routes across the region, including the well-known John Bauer Trail. Named after artist John Bauer (1882–1918), the trail reflects the landscapes that inspired his illustrations of trolls, elves and fairy-tale scenes.
The route between Huskvarna and Gränna leads through dense forests and moss-covered ground, with parts along the shores of Lake Vättern. It’s easy to see where Bauer found his inspiration.
Once in Gränna, take the opportunity to try a local speciality: the red and white striped candy known as a ‘polkagris’, first made in this charming town in 1859.
Learn more about John Bauer or discover other hiking trails in Småland.
Views from Hjässan, the highest point on Omberg, overlooking Lake Vättern. Signature Trail Omberg is a part of the Östgötaleden Trail.
Photo: Fredrik Neregård/Region Östergötland
Ödeshög–Vadstena, 51 kilometres.
Signature Trail Omberg is part of Östgötaleden Trail and one of STF’s selected signature trails – routes that are well maintained and distinctive for their region. The area around Omberg offers a mix of forest and cultivated landscapes, with paths leading through nature reserves and past historic sites.
As the trail follows the shores of Lake Vättern, there are plenty of opportunities for a swim along the way. Don’t miss Hjässan, Omberg’s highest point, or Emerge, one of the distinctive ArkNat wind shelters that appear to float above the landscape.
The trail also follows St. Birgitta Ways, a well-known pilgrimage route. Towards the end you’ll reach Vadstena. Here, you can visit the impressive Monastery Church, founded on the initiative of Saint Birgitta.
Discover the rest of Östgötaleden Trail and explore hiking in Östergötland.
Enjoy magnificent views of the sea, dramatic cliffs and picturesque villages as you hike along the Kullaleden Trail.
Photo: Apelöga/imagebank.sweden.se
Helsingborg–Utvälinge, 70 kilometres.
Kullaleden Trail is part of Skåneleden Trail, stretching across the Kulla peninsula and through the dramatic Kullaberg nature reserve. It is certified as a Leading Quality Trail by the European Ramblers’ Association, highlighting it as one of Europe’s top hiking routes.
The trail offers a varied coastal experience, from sandy beaches to steep cliffs and sea caves. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks such as Krapperup Castle and Sofiero Palace, as well as the picturesque village of Mölle. A short detour leads to Nimis, the well-known driftwood artwork by Lars Vilks.
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Hiking across Stora Alvaret on Öland, one of the world’s largest alvar landscapes.
Photo: Alexander Hall/Öland & Co
Färjestaden–Ottenby, 84 kilometres.
Signature Trail Öland, also known as Mörbylångaleden, runs through the southern part of the island of Öland. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its unique agricultural landscape shaped by limestone bedrock, a mild climate and centuries of human activity.
The trail leads through open landscapes and rugged terrain, across beach meadows and wetlands, and along old railway embankments. From here, you’ll have uninterrupted views of the Baltic Sea and Stora Alvaret – one of the world’s largest alvar landscapes, a unique type of limestone plain.
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Jungfrun, Gotland’s tallest sea stack, is situated along the Klintkustleden Trail.
Photo: Helena Lundberg
Björkume–Harudden, 30 kilometres.
On Sweden’s largest island, Gotland, Klintkustleden Trail is often considered one of the most scenic coastal hikes in the country. Despite its relatively short distance, the trail links six nature reserves along the island’s northwestern coast.
The route follows dramatic cliffs with sweeping views of the Baltic Sea, leading through ancient forests and down to beaches and small fishing villages. Along the way, you’ll pass Jungfrun, Gotland’s tallest sea stack and a popular landmark.
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