Sweden’s hiking trails take you from Arctic mountain landscapes in the far north to archipelagos, forests and sandy beaches in the south. Whether you’re looking for a remote multi-day adventure or a hike close to the city, there’s something for every type of hiker.
Here are some of Sweden’s top hiking trails, listed from north to south, combining striking nature with cultural experiences
The King’s Trail (Kungsleden) is Sweden’s longest and most famous trail, and is mostly frequented during summer and autumn.
Photo: Michael Jönsson/Scandinav Bildbyrå/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Michael Jönsson/Scandinav Bildbyrå/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Asaf Kliger/Swedish Lapland
Photo: Felix Oppenheim/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Wangkun/Fjällräven/imagebank.sweden.se
Abisko-Hemavan: 450 kilometres, five sections.
Often considered not just one of Sweden’s most beautiful hiking trails but one of the finest in the world, the King’s Trail stretches through the far north, crossing mountain plateaus, birch forests, rivers and lakes. The trail, known in Swedish as ‘Kungsleden’, passes four national parks and parts of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Laponia.
The most popular section runs between Abisko and Nikkaluokta and typically takes around seven days. In early summer, the Midnight Sun keeps the trail lit around the clock, and in many places, the water is clean enough to drink straight from the streams.
High Coast Hike - Sweden's second largest hike. The High Coast in the Ångermanland province of north eastern Sweden, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique and highly scenic land and seascape and its distinctly red Nordingrå granite cliffs and rocks.
Photo: Friluftsbyn Höga Kusten/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Friluftsbyn Höga Kusten/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Martin Edström/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Friluftsbyn Höga Kusten/imagebank.sweden.se
Hornöberget-Örnsköldsvik: 135 kilometres, nine sections.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sweden’s 12 Signature Trails, the High Coast Trail offers a unique landscape shaped by the world’s highest coastline, still rising from the sea. This route, known in Swedish as ‘Höga Kustenleden’, combines steep climbs with gentler stretches through forests, meadows and along sandy shores.
Many hikers begin at the High Coast Bridge, with the dramatic peak of Skuleberget as one of the route’s most iconic landmarks. Rising 286 metres above sea level, it offers sweeping views across the coastline – and for those wanting more of a challenge, Europe’s largest via ferrata.
With its 60 metres wide and 38 metres high waterfall, Tännforsen is one of Sweden's largest waterfalls and offers a spectacular experience for visitors.
Photo: Lukasz Warzecha/Epic Trails
Photo: Lukasz Warzecha/Epic Trails
Photo: Darren Hamlin/Jämtland Härjedalen Turism
Selånger-Trondheim, Norway: 580 kilometres, five sections.
The St Olavs Trail (St Olavsleden) is the northernmost pilgrim route in the world, often compared to Spain’s Camino de Santiago, though far less travelled. The trail begins on Sweden’s east coast and stretches across the country, passing forests, lakes and mountain landscapes before continuing into Norway and ending in Trondheim.
The route follows in the footsteps of Olav Haraldsson, a Viking king born in 995. According to legend, he set out from Selånger to reclaim the Norwegian throne, but was killed in battle. Soon after his death, stories of miracles began to spread, and he was later canonised as Saint Olav. Today, the trail combines natural beauty with a rich cultural and spiritual history.
Exploring the giant boulders of Tiveden National Park feels like stepping into a fairytale – perfect for little adventurers with big imaginations.
Photo: Fredrik Wilde/Naturvårdsverket
Lekhyttan-Nora: 280 kilometres, 17 sections.
Running through the Bergslagen region, the Bergslagsleden Trail passes landscapes shaped by centuries of mining and iron production. Stretching across Örebro County from north to south, the trail passes through forests, lakes and wetlands in Sweden’s inland, where traces of the region’s industrial past meet quiet natural surroundings. Nearby, Tiveden National Park offers rugged forest landscapes, often described as Sweden’s southernmost wilderness.
Pershyttan Cultural Reserve is a popular stop along the route, a well-preserved mining village where ore was extracted and processed from medieval times into the modern era. For those looking for shorter options, there are also nine circular day hikes along the trail.
The Stockholm Archipelago Trail is a 270-kilometre-long hiking trail through the outer archipelago of Stockholm. The trail is well-marked and connects 20 islands where you will find conveniences such as shelters, fireplaces, B&Bs and restaurants.
Photo: Roger Borgelid/Visit Sweden
Photo: Roger Borgelid/Visit Sweden
Photo: Roger Borgelid/Visit Sweden
Photo: Roger Borgelid/Visit Sweden
Arholma-Landsort: 270 kilometres, 22 sections.
Launched only a few years ago, the Stockholm Archipelago Trail has quickly gained international attention. In 2025, National Geographic named it one of the world’s top destinations. Stretching from Arholma in the north to Landsort in the south, the trail connects around 20 islands across the Stockholm archipelago.
Each section offers something different – from well-known islands to quieter, less visited spots – all linked by public ferries, making it easy to explore the archipelago without a car. Expect coastal scenery, pine forests, rocky shores and countless opportunities for a swim along the way.
Älgafallet is located in the northern part of Bohuslän on the border between Sweden and Norway.
Photo: Lukasz Warzecha/Westsweden.com
Photo: Lukasz Warzecha/Westsweden.com
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Lukasz Warzecha/Västsverige
Älvsåker-Strömstad: 350 kilometres, 27 sections.
The Bohusleden Trail is often described as one of the most scenic long-distance hikes in southern Sweden. Starting just outside Gothenburg, the trail winds north through forests and varied terrain, passing waterfalls and historic sites on its way to the coastal town of Strömstad.
The southern sections are easily accessible by public transport and well-suited for day hikes or less experienced walkers. Further north, the trail becomes more challenging and remote, but the rewards are greater, with sweeping views across the landscape, including from Björnerödspiggen, where you can see all the way to Norway.
Sörmlandsleden is a 1,000-kilometre hiking trail in Sweden's Sörmland region. It offers diverse landscapes and cultural sites. Here, hikers can enjoy camping, berry picking, and other activities. This is made possible by ‘allemansrätten’ – the right of public access – which gives everyone the right to enjoy Sweden’s outdoors. It is a right that comes with responsibilities – to treat flora and fauna and other people’s property with care. It can be summed up in the phrase ‘don’t disturb, don’t destroy’.
Photo: Emmie Bolmstedt/imagebank.sweden.se
Björkhagen-Svarvetorp: 1,000 kilometres, 94 sections.
One of Sweden’s longest hiking trails, the Sörmland Trail (Sörmlandsleden) stretches over 1,000 kilometres through the Sörmland region. Starting at Björkhagen metro station in southern Stockholm, it offers easy access and a wide range of options, from short day hikes to longer multi-day sections.
The trail winds through a varied landscape of forests, open countryside and more than 80 lakes, passing towns such as Södertälje, Katrineholm and Nyköping. With its extensive network of connecting routes and circular walks, it’s a flexible trail suited to both beginners and experienced hikers.
Hiking along the Emigrant Trail in Småland takes you through historic villages, where red wooden houses and rural landscapes reflect Sweden’s past.
Photo: Eric Solie/Destination Småland
Photo: Eric Solie/Destination Småland
Photo: Alexander Hall/Destination Småland
Circular route through Emmaboda, Lessebo and Tingsryd: 110 kilometres.
The Emigrant Trail (Utvandrarleden) is a historic route through Småland that traces the paths of thousands of Swedes who left for the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Passing through forests, meadows and small villages, the trail offers insight into the harsh conditions that once drove many to seek a new life abroad.
The story of the emigrants was famously captured by author Vilhelm Moberg, who grew up in the region and based his novels on real events and places. Several of the villages featured in his books – including Ljuder, Långasjö and Duvemåla – can still be visited along the trail. Today, the route can be explored on foot or by bike, following quiet forest paths and country lanes past red cottages and stone walls.
Ale’s Stones (Ales stenar), a ship-shaped stone setting overlooking the Baltic Sea, is one of Skåne’s most iconic landmarks.
Photo: Frits Meyst/WideOyster.com/Visit Skåne
Photo: Frits Meyst/WideOyster.com/Visit Skåne
Photo: Mickael Tannus/Visit Skåne
Photo: Apelöga/Visit Skåne
Photo: Frits Meyst/WideOyster.com/Visit Skåne
Across Skåne: 1,600 kilometres, divided into seven sub-trails and 147 sections.
Stretching across Sweden’s southernmost region, the Skåneleden Trail offers a varied landscape that combines nature with culture. Divided into seven sub-trails, it passes through forests, open farmland, coastal scenery and picturesque villages, making it suitable for both shorter walks and longer hikes.
This is a trail where hiking is easily combined with local experiences. Expect everything from quiet lakes and deep gorges to sandy beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs. The Kullaleden section, running through Kullaberg Nature Reserve, is one of the most popular, known for its rugged scenery and outdoor activities. Along the way, you’ll also find two national parks – Stenshuvud and Söderåsen – as well as plenty of places to swim, eat well and explore local culture.
