The High Coast (High Coast) is a real playground for hiking lovers. Between deep forests, sculpted cliffs, panoramas of the archipelago and waterside trails, each route has its share of surprises and grandiose landscapes.
Of all the possible hikes in the region, three particularly stood out to us. They perfectly capture the essence of this park single national : raw nature, spectacular relief and breathtaking views.
Whether you are on a road trip on the Swedish east coast or just passing through, these hikes are clearly worth the detour!
Skuleskogen Sud – Trollgaten – Slåttdalsskrevan – Tärnättstugan
If you're looking for a day hike (or even a half-day if you're an early riser), we recommend the loop of Skuleskogen South. This trail offers a incredible diversity of landscapes : 4h30 of pure pleasure, without an ounce of monotony.
From the start, you will find maps available in the car park. The trail begins with a crossing in the forest, with wooden footbridges built to facilitate the passage. Along the way, several small waterfalls punctuate the route. Then, you will discover many rock formations and landslides that characterize the region, notably the famous walls of Closing dateThese cliffs, with their sharp lines as if cut by laser, face each other and offer a striking geological spectacle – you have surely already seen them in photos!
After a rather simple but sometimes steep climb, you will be rewarded with a exceptional panorama on the archipelago, a perfect setting for a lunch break! If the spots are taken (the park is very popular in summer), don't panic! On the way back down, you will come across a superb lake, a few steps from the sea, offering pretty shaded spots to relax.
The return alternates between forest and coast, with a few beaches where you can breathe the fresh air and immortalize these landscapes before returning to the parking lot.
PS: This hike takes High cost results, a very famous trail in the country which crosses the entire Haute Côte region!
Valkallen
For a hike shorter, but just as emblematic of the landscapes of the Haute Côte, we recommend Valkallen. This first one, about 2 hours long, takes you to the top of the mountain, accessible by two separate trails. You can therefore choose between a loop or a round trip; we recommend the first option outside the winter period.
From the car park, the trail starts on a wide path before turning left towards a climb in the forest (don't worry, everything is well signposted!). Here we go for a bit of a climb, made easier by wooden structures and even a few ropes to pull you up some rock faces!
At the top, a adorable chalet well-equipped restaurant awaits you, with picnic tables and even something to grill your sandwiches and kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls). All with a 360° panoramic view of the archipelago, the surrounding forests and even the famous High Coast Bron.
The descent takes another path, more gradual and less steep, which brings you gently back to your starting point.
⚠️ Attention : In winter, avoid the path with ropes, because the frozen walls can make the ascent difficult. In this case, prefer a return trip by the other path, the one used for the descent, or equip yourself with cleated shoes / studs.
Skuleberget
Skuleberget is one of the most iconic destinations on the Haute Côte. This imposing mountain offers a multitude of activities, including several hiking trails that lead to its summit.
We opted for the path no. 4, at the start of the cable car. The beginning of the trail was a little bushy when we passed, but we quickly reached a beautiful section in the forest, much more pleasant. The climb is steep, certainly, but it is easy to do, and we quickly enjoy superb views of the surrounding area.
Once you reach the top, head towards the Toppstugan : a small hilltop café with one of the most beautiful views in the entire region. It's the perfect spot to admire this unique landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if you're visiting in summer or winter, take the opportunity to enjoy lunch on the terrace – a real treat!
(Small downside: the Toppstugan is generally closed between the two seasons.)
The advantage of coming out of season, like we did in April? Absolute peace and quiet, sometimes with the summit all to yourself!
Please note : if you do not wish to go up on foot, the cable car operates in high season and allows you to reach the summit effortlessly.
Hiking on the Swedish High Coast: the routes
To avoid getting lost along the way (even if the markings are pretty well done!), we recommend that you follow the detailed itineraries on AllTrails or on the official website of the Haute Côte:
To learn more about the Skuleskogen National Park and the High Coast, find our pillar article : Exploring the High Coast in Sweden . And if you go hiking in the region, come and talk to us about it on Instagram – we love it exchange with you and discover your adventures!
