Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail) is a long-distance trail in Sweden's High Coast, spanning about 140 km from Hornöberget in the south to Örnsköldsvik in the north. It traverses the High Coast World Heritage Area, offering a unique mix of coastal cliffs, islands, deep forests, and mountains. Hikers will experience elevations up to 286 m (938 ft) at Skuleberget, the trail's highest point, providing views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding landscape. A full trek usually takes 5-7 days, but shorter trips covering select stages are also possible.
Understand
[edit]The Höga Kustenleden runs through the heart of the High Coast (Höga Kusten), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic post-glacial rebound, an ongoing geological process where the land rises after being compressed by Ice Age glaciers. This makes the region one of the most rapidly uplifting coastlines in the world. The result is a rugged landscape of steep cliffs, pine forests, serene lakes, and exposed granite outcrops.
The trail is divided into 7 marked sections, the longest being 33 km. It is suitable for both thru-hikers and day-trippers, with frequent shelters and campsites and good access by car or public transport. The best time to hike is from May to September, when daylight is long and the weather is generally stable. Spring can be muddy, and summer often brings mosquitoes.
Prepare
[edit]The Höga Kustenleden is well-marked, but carrying a map or GPS app is helpful, especially in forested or remote areas. The trail includes uneven terrain with roots, rocks, and some steep climbs. While it is not technical, a moderate level of fitness is needed.
Most hikers carry gear for wild camping, as shelters and basic cabins are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are spaced irregularly. Bring a tent, a sleeping bag suited for cool nights, cooking equipment, and enough food for several days. Shops are limited along the route. Water sources are fairly common but not always reliable, so a filter or purification tablets are recommended.
Mosquito repellent, weatherproof clothing, and a backup power source like a power bank are also useful.
Get in
[edit]By Bus:
Take a Ybuss bus from Stockholm Cityterminalen to Hornöberget. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.
By Train and Bus:
- Take an SJ train from Stockholm to Härnösand (4.5-5.5 hours).
- From Härnösand, catch a local bus to Hornöberget via DinTur.
By Air and Bus:
- Fly from Stockholm to Höga Kusten Airport, then take a bus or taxi to Hornöberget.
- Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Walk
[edit]
Hornöberget to Lövvik
[edit]- Distance
- 9.8 km
The hike begins at the High Coast Bridge (Högakustenbron) near 1 Hornöberget, where the 1.8 km suspension bridge stretches across the Ångermanälven river. From here, the trail immediately climbs steeply through pine forests, offering views of the estuary as the bridge fades behind you. At Kulberget, the Over the edge (ArkNat) (9.1 km) shelter is available. The trail continues towards 2 Lövvik (9.8 km). Lövvik is a quiet seaside hamlet, welcoming hikers with camping spots by the bay as well as small guesthouses.
- 1 Over the edge (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
Lövvik to Gavik
[edit]- Distance
- 26.8 km
Leaving Lövvik, the trail winds through mixed forests with gentle climbs, crossing small streams that may dry up in late summer. Early on, a short 800 m detour leads to Valkallen hill, where ropes assist the steepest section up to a historic beacon site.
The trail skirts Fjärdbotten and Grönsviksfjärden Bay, passing by Halsviken Vindskydd (13.8 km), Norrvarp Vindskydd (15.8 km) and Stranded (ArkNat). Midway, a short side trail leads to Hörsångs Havsbad, a rare sandy beach on this rugged coast. Back on the main path, the trail passes Nipstugan (16.5 km) before it begins its descent toward 3 Gavik (36.6 km), a quiet village by the water. Accommodation options are simple: locals sometimes rent cabins, and hikers can camp or use shelters like Nipstugan just before town. Those who took the Hörsångs Camping detour may choose to stay there, with cabins and showers available. Near Gavik, a short marked trail leads to Bölesskogen.
- 2 Halsviken Vindskydd. Shelter for sleeping
- 3 Norrvarp Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting
- 4 Stranded (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
- 5 Nipstugan. Rest cabin
Gavik to Lappudden
[edit]- Distance
- 11.5 km
Leaving Gavik, the trail follows gentle gravel roads and well-trodden paths, rolling through farmland and light forest. About 3 km in, a 700 m detour leads to Rödklitten, a hilltop with views over lakes and sea. Back on the main trail, the route continues past the Norrfällsviken turn-off, passing Älgaberget Vindskydd (41.8 km) before reaching 4 Lappudden (48.1 km), a tranquil peninsula on Lake Vågsfjärden. Here, the Lappudden Friluftscenter welcomes hikers with cabins, tent pitches, a lakeside sauna, and rowboat rentals. A little further on, The tree cube (ArkNat) (50.3 km) is available as well.
Lappudden to Ullånger
[edit]- Distance
- 15 km
Just before reaching the end of this stage, Erikskojan (57.8 km) is available for rest. As you near 5 Ullånger 
(63.1), the trail descends toward civilization, passing under the E4 highway before the church spire and rooftops of Ullånger come into view.
- 8 Erikskojan. Rest cabin
Ullånger to Skuleberget
[edit]- Distance
- 20.8 km
Leaving Ullånger, the trail gently climbs back into spruce and pine forests, soon reaching Äskjastugan (65.7 km) and Mäjabodarna (66.1 km). As the trail nears 6 Skoved (71.4 km), it briefly follows a country lane before reaching this small village near the western entrance of Skuleskogen National Park. The STF Kustladan Vandrarhem Höga kusten (71.3 km), provides a comfortable stay. Crossing the main road, the trail soon enters Skuleberget Nature Reserve, circling the base of 7 Skuleberget .
This mountain marks the world's highest ancient coastline 286 m (938 ft), where the sea once reached during the Ice Age. The trail follows gentle gravel tracks before reaching the stage's end near Naturum Skuleberget wind shelter and Berras Lägda (83.9 km), near Naturum Höga Kusten visitor center, an excellent stop to learn about the area's geology and wildlife. Consider a side trip to Skulegrottan, a cave halfway up the cliffs, once said to be a robber's hideout.
- 9 Äskjastugan. Rest cabin
- 10 Mäjabodarna. Rest cabin
- 11 STF Kustladan Vandrarhem Höga kusten.
- 12 Naturum Skuleberget. Shelter for sitting
- 13 Berras Lägda. Campsite
Skuleberget to Köpmanholmen
[edit]- Distance
- 24.2 km
Leaving Skuleberget, the trail winds northward through mixed pine forests, marking the transition into Skuleskogen National Park. About 5 km in, a detour leads to Bergsbodarna, a hillside meadow where an old mountain farm cabin. Back on the main path, the trail crosses into the park near Kälsviken Bay, where Kälsviken Vindskydd (98.1 km) is available for overnight stays. Afterwards, the trail enters Skuleskogen National Park. Here, you will pass by Slåttdalsskrevan, a 40-meter-deep gorge cutting through the mountain. Walking between its sheer reddish walls is a unique experience, with wooden steps helping to navigate the rocky floor.
Beyond the gorge, a short climb leads to Slåttdalsberget at 275 m (902 ft), offering wide views of the forest and coastline. The trail then descends past Tärnättvattnen (98.1 km) and continues toward the coast, where it passes Tärnättholmarna, a series of rocky islets. Passing Komponerar (ArkNat) (103.8) before reaching 8 Näske (104.6) marks the end of the national park section. An easy flat hike leads to 9 Köpmanholmen (108.1 km). Köpmanholmens hamn Stuga (108.8 km) as well as Motte (ArkNat) (109.8 km) are available here.
- 14 Kälsviken Vindskydd. Two shelters available. The floor is gravel, campsite for 20+ nearby.
- 15 Tärnättvattnen. 4 sleeping spots, table and benches. Toilet and wood storage nearby.
- 16 Komponerar (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
- 17 Köpmanholmens hamn Stuga. Cabin
- 18 Motte (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
Köpmanholmen to Örnsköldsvik
[edit]- Distance
- 32.9 km
This challenging stage takes you through Balesuddens Nature Reserve, a rugged peninsula with a mix of forest trails, rocky shores, and sea views. Leaving Köpmanholmen, the path quickly enters the reserve, where Hålviken Vindskydd (113.8 km) is available. About 6 km of the route runs through protected wilderness, with an optional 2 km detour to Balesberget, passing Balestjärnen, a clear forest tarn surrounded by pines. The hike continues past Bodviken Stuga (119 km) and along the shores of Sör-Balesviken Bay, before reaching Sandlågan Vindskydd (120.8 km).
Leaving Sandlågan, the trail heads inland, passing through young forests and logging areas before reaching the Småtjärnarna lakes, a peaceful series of small forest ponds. The trail here is less distinct, with boardwalks over wet sections, before joining logging roads for a stretch. As the route nears 10 Svedje (124 km). There are no steep climbs, but a gradual uphill is followed by a gentle descent into Svedje, a quiet residential area on the edge of Örnsköldsvik's suburbs.
While Svedje itself has no official lodging, hikers can wild camp earlier along the trail, at Bergom stuga (122.9 km), Off-Centered (ArkNat) (123.5 km) or Småtjärnsstugan (123.6 km). Most, however, continue to Örnsköldsvik. The route follows sidewalks and a footpath over the Moälven River, passing through the quiet Hörnett neighborhood. The trail then enters Hörnsjön Nature Reserve, going past Hörnsjön parkeringen Vindskydd (129 km) before ending at 11 Örnsköldsvik (141 km).
- 19 Hålviken Vindskydd. Shelter for sleeping
- 20 Bodviken Stuga. Rest cabin
- 21 Sandlågan Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting
- 22 Bergom stuga. Rest cabin
- 23 Off-Centered (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
- 24 Småtjärnsstugan. 4 sleeping spots
- 25 Hörnsjön parkeringen Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting
Go next
[edit]- Kungsleden - Sweden's iconic 450 km Arctic trail between Abisko and Hemavan.
- Södra Kungsleden - A quieter 350 km route through forests from Sälen to Storlien.
- Bergslagen trail - 280 km through forests and historic mining areas in central Sweden.
- Roslagsleden - A 190 km trail from Stockholm's outskirts to the Baltic coast.