The Botnia Trail (Swedish: Botnialeden) is a 48 km long hiking trail in Västernorrland County in northern Sweden, running from Södra berget on the outskirts of Sundsvall to Galtström. It passes through several natural and cultural sites along the way.
Understand
[edit]The Botnia Trail is a marked hiking trail inaugurated in 2024. It runs roughly north–south, starting at Södra berget and ending at Galtström, passing through Kvissleby as an intermediate point. The trail offers scenic views of the Bothnian Sea, forests, rivers like Ljungan, and historical sites along the coast.
The route connects with other trails in the region, offering flexibility for multi-day hikes. It also provides access to public transport at key points for those not planning to hike the full length.
Prepare
[edit]Bring enough water, as supplies along the trail may be limited, particularly in low season. Depending on your plan, you may need to carry snacks or meals.
The terrain is mostly moderate, with forest paths and coastal tracks. Hiking boots are recommended, especially for the northern and coastal sections where rocks and roots are common.
Get in
[edit]
By taxi
[edit]- TaxiKurir Sundsvall, ☏ +46 60 15 00 00. Smart phone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them.
By plane
[edit]- 1 Sundsvall-Timrå Airport (SDL IATA) (21 km north of Sundsvall). There are daily flights from Stockholm (both Arlanda and Bromma).
By public transport
[edit]Local buses are operated by Din Tur. Their website offers searching for transits and showing the result on a map.
Check local schedules, as service may be limited in rural areas. Bus routes from Sundsvall are the main public access points to the trail.
There are six direct express trains per day from Stockholm, reaching Sundsvall in 3½ hours, for a standard fare of 200-900 kr. Buy tickets in advance for the best price. Other connections are possible by changing at Gävle to the X-Tåget regional trains. Norrtåg services link Östersund (for connections to Trondheim) and Umeå.
- 2 Sundsvall Central station (Sundsvalls Centralstation). Main railway station, all trains stop here and it's close to the centre. There are ticket machines but no staffed ticket kiosk. There's a newsagent, café and left-luggage lockers.
- 3 Njurundabommen railway station (Njurundabommen järnvägsstation). Minor station in the southern parts of the municipality.
By car
[edit]Parking is available near trailheads at Södra berget and Galtström. Having a car offers flexibility for starting and finishing points.
Destinations
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel Södra Berget, Södra Berget, Sundsvall, Sweden (Accessible by car and public transport. Nearest bus stop: Södra Berget.), ☏ +46 60 60 50 00, [email protected]. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 11:00. Comfortable hotel located on Södra Berget, offering panoramic views of Sundsvall. Ideal for tourists and business travelers alike. Free Wi-Fi and on-site parking available. Approx. 1000 SEK per night (2025).
- 2 Hotel Aina, Svartviksvägen 39, 862 33 Kvissleby, Sweden (From the E4, take the exit toward Njurundavägen (coming from the south) and follow Svartviksvägen north for about 8 km. The hotel is on the left. Coming from the north, from Sundsvall, take exit 224 toward Kvissleby/Svartvik/Bredsand/Stockvik. Turn right at the second roundabout and drive south along Kustvägen for 2 km (it becomes Svartviksvägen), the hotel is on the right.), ☏ +46 60 56 16 10, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Hotel Aina is a family-owned hotel located in a historic building in Svartvik, about 9 km south of Sundsvall. The hotel offers 17 individually decorated rooms with free WiFi, cable TV, and seating area. Breakfast buffet is included. Free parking is available on site. Pets are allowed in some rooms for a fee. The hotel is non-smoking and has a 24-hour reception. From 880 SEK per night.
Hike
[edit]- 1 Södra berget. Northern trailhead, connection to Sundsvall city, easy public transport access.
- 2 Kvissleby. Midpoint of the trail, small town with basic services and public transport access.
- 3 Galtström. Southern terminus, historical industrial village, coastal views, and public transport access.
Hikers can plan day trips between these points or combine sections for multi-day hikes. The distance from Södra berget <-> Kvissleby is approx. 12 km.
Stay safe
[edit]Beware of ticks, slippery rocks along the coast, and sudden changes in weather. Mobile reception may be limited in some forested areas.
Go next
[edit]The trail connects with Kustleden.