Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Panorama of Platåleden - Hållvallens hike in Åre, Sweden

    Hiking In Sweden

    Is hiking in Sweden on your travel bucket list? If not, it should be! Sweden is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful and dramatic countries and a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. With deep blue archipelagos, Baltic beaches, high alpine lakes, and forested mountain trails, this country really has it all. One of the most sparsely-populated countries in Europe, Sweden has a plethora of wild, open spaces where you can truly lose yourself and escape the rigors of day-to-day life.

    Sweden is a land of natural and historical riches, with plenty of ancient sites littered across the spectacular landscapes. You might find ancient rune stones in a grassy meadow, or travel along medieval Viking trails through the pine-scented forests. What’s more, the scenery here is simply stunning. The drama of the mountains in the west and north form the ideal location for more challenging treks, and you can even hike along the rocky coastline in the south and east. Wherever you go, you’ll find pleasant lakes, atmospheric forests, dramatic ridges, and trails lined with colorful cloudberry bushes.

    If this has sparked your curiosity, start planning your hiking trip to Sweden today! To give you some ideas, and whet your appetite even further, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to hiking in Sweden. Read on to find out more, and to start planning your next Scandinavian adventure.

    Types Of Hiking In Sweden

    Sweden has so much to offer adventure travellers, with something to please all tastes! The ski resort of Åre is one of the best places in the country for hiking, with a wide variety of options for hikers of all fitness levels. You’ll find many fun, family-friendly trails with some spectacular views and plenty of opportunities for nature spotting. Kids will love the chance to see reindeer, elk, and even moose alongside some of the most popular hiking routes.

    Sweden’s lakes and forests also create many opportunities for low-level, undemanding hikes with easy access from nearby towns. From Åre, it’s possible to take the ski lifts up the mountain, providing access to some fabulous trails without expending too much energy! However, if you’ve come to Sweden for a challenging hike, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The mountainous area of Jämtlandsfjällen offers some demanding treks over rough, rocky terrain, far above the treeline. This spectacular mountain range will take your breath away, and the views over the craggy peaks and alpine lakes are a fitting reward after a tough climb.

    Easy Hikes In Sweden

    Nulltjärnsrundan Hike: If you’re looking for easy hikes in Sweden or the perfect first trek with young children, this beautiful trail from the Vålådalens mountain station is ideal. Passing by a beautiful meadow with an interesting nature museum, the path enters a leafy forest, punctuated by regular information panels adorned with paintings. The mountain views are simply stunning, and you’ll even pass through a ravine that was formed during the last Ice Age.

    Family Hikes In Sweden

    Blankjärnsrundan Hike: Kids will absolutely love this beautiful hike in Åre, especially as it offers the possibility of glimpsing some wild reindeer! The destination is a stunning turquoise lake, surrounded by green forests. The trail is accessible and easy to follow, and you’ll have wonderful views of the distant, snowcapped Anaris Mountains.

    Day Hikes In Sweden

    Storulvån-Sylarna Hike: For a challenging day hike with a difference, look no further than this epic trail from the Storulvån mountain station. It’s a long trek that can be broken in two if you spend a night at STF Sylarna Fjallstation, a fantastic place for reindeer spotting! The route is truly spectacular and includes forest trails, a suspension bridge, colorful cloudberry mires, and babbling brooks. This is a magnificent day trek in some of Sweden’s most beautiful scenery.

    Challenging Hikes In Sweden

    Helagstoppen Hike: If you’re looking for a challenging hike in the heart of the Scandinavian mountains, don’t miss this unique and satisfying trek. The route ascends steeply up the ridge, all the way to the summits of the Helags, and provides wonderful panoramic views of the nearby peaks. Don’t miss the iconic Predrikstolen Mountain, featuring a rocky outcrop reminiscent of Pride Rock from the Lion King! It’s no wonder this inspiring hike takes second place on National Geographic’s list of the best hikes in the world.

    Best Hikes In Sweden

    Åreskutan Hike: Perhaps the most famous hike of the Åre region, this trek up the biggest mountain in the range is sure to delight adventure travelers. The route passes mountain streams and ascends through cool forests all the way up to Totthummeln, where you can enjoy magnificent views over the mountains around Åre. Finish the day with a well-earned sauna in the central square of Åre – the perfect reward after a hard day of hiking!

    Ristafallsrunden Hike: You’ll hear the sound of the Rista Falls long before you get close – such is the power of the water that comes cascading down the mountainside. This lovely trail takes you right up to the falls, where you’ll catch glistening rainbows in the mist and spray. The hike actually takes in two separate waterfalls and passes along a pretty trail lined with meadows and forests.

    Hållvallens Chalet – Ottsjö Hike: If you’re looking for a relatively easy hike in some truly marvelous scenery, try this route from Ica Ottsjobua. The trail begins at an old chalet and continues through the forest, passing beautiful meadows and a serene lake. Look out for wild moose along the paths, and don’t miss the fascinating storyboards along the side of the road, which tell the history of this ancient region.

    Mullfjället Hike: This stunning walk begins with a steep climb up the ski field, passing lively mountain streams and offering beautiful views of the mountains around Åre. The climb may be tough, but the reward at the end is surely worth the effort – a pristine mountain lake, surrounded by forest and perfect for swimming! This route takes in waterfalls, lakes, streams, and woodland, and is one of the most popular hikes in the Åre region.

    Platåleden-Hållvalens Chalet Hike: The chalet at Hållvalens is the destination on this beautiful hike, and it offers the perfect, cozy place to stay after a day of trekking through Sweden’s mountains. The route to the chalet is covered in vibrant cloudberry mires, and the views over the Ottfjället Mountain and the lake are stunning. Don’t miss Platåkåtan, a friendly restaurant along the way that serves up fantastic waffles!

    Välliste Runt Hike: Calling all botanists! This trail around the Välliste Runt is littered with pretty mountain flowers, including some rare and delicate varieties. If you can take your eyes off the trail floor, the views of the neighboring mountains are spectacular. You’ll also pass many quaint mountain houses – the perfect place for a romantic retreat! This pleasant hike is one of the prettiest and most distinctive treks in Sweden.

    When Is The Best Time To Hike In Sweden?

    The hiking season in Sweden largely depends on how far north you hope to travel. In the north of the country, the days are very short indeed, constraining the possibilities for hiking. However, in summer, the northernmost reaches of Sweden experience the Midnight Sun, and the weather is usually mild and pleasant. In the north, the hiking season typically runs from mid-June until September, although sometimes snow can linger on higher slopes until the beginning of July. At the peak of summer you may find yourself sharing the trails with lots of mosquitos, so come prepared!

    The climate in the south of Sweden is more temperate and the season is much longer, running from April until September or October. Although spring and autumn can be quite cool, these are both wonderful seasons for hiking in Sweden. The trails are quiet and in autumn the forests shine in a blaze of colors! The summer weather is typically warm and sunny, and although you won’t see the Midnight Sun, the days are very long indeed, creating many opportunities for long day hikes.

    Best Regions For Hiking in Sweden

    Sweden is a long country, stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Circle, which means that its landscapes are full of variety. The most popular region for hiking is Åre, located in the mountains of west Sweden, close to the border with Norway. This beautiful mountainous area is well known as a ski resort, but in summer it’s the perfect place to come for hiking and other adventures. You’ll find colorful cloudberry mires, crystal-clear lakes, and aromatic forests.

    Skåne, in the south of the country, offers countless possibilities for hiking through untouched, ancient forests or next to Sweden’s rocky coastline. The 1250km-long Skåneladen Trail is a wonderful place to start if you’re looking for some fantastic hiking through tremendously diverse scenery.

    In the far north of Sweden, in Lapland, adventure travelers will find no shortage of amazing activities. The Abisko National Park contains many hiking trails that pass through flower-strewn meadows, close to serene alpine lakes and dramatic rapids. From Abisko you can also join the so-called ‘Royal Trail’ of Kungsleden, Sweden’s most famous hiking trail that stretches for 440km through the Arctic Circle.

    Other Outdoor Activities in Sweden

    Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Scandinavia, but there are also many other outdoor activities in Sweden that you can enjoy as part of your adventure holiday. Åre is best known as a ski resort, and you can enjoy the slopes on skis, a snowboard, or even on snowshoes! What’s more, Sweden is an excellent destination for cyclists, with some fantastic road biking routes and mountain biking trails. If you’re full of energy, you could even try your hand at trail running!

    How To Plan A Trip To Sweden

    Want to know how to plan a trip to Sweden? If you want to go hiking in Sweden, we’ve got everything you need to know before you leave, including transport advice, recommendations for where to stay, and all the best adventure activities. Check out our guide to Åre for all the details!

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Hiking In Sweden on Map

    View Map

    Hiking regions in Sweden

    Best Hikes in Sweden

    Showing 1 to 10 of 10
      Open details for Blanktjärnsrundan

      Blanktjärnsrundan

      Moderate
      11.8 km
      217 m
      2.5-4h

      Blanktjärnsrundan is a wonderful family hike, but also a really spectacular walk through the forest with beautiful mountain views. You will find yourself in the middle of nowhere with clear turquoise water and snowy mountains in the background.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.9
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Helagstoppen

      Helagstoppen

      Very Hard
      31.8 km
      1,836 m
      10.5-15h

      A majestic hike to the top of Sweden’s south glacier. Good chances to see mountain foxes and reindeers. This hike is second place on National Geographic best hikes in the world! If you hike it, you will understand why!

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.9
      Technical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Open details for Hållvallens chalet – Ottsjö

      Hållvallens chalet – Ottsjö

      Hard
      12.4 km
      774 m
      4.5-6h

      Hållvallens chalet is an easy and beautiful hike! It takes you from the old chalet over meadows, mires and through the forest. There is a high probability to see moose along this trail. This hike will be best if you start with the hike, “Platåleden,” there you walk over the mountain table-land.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Mullfjället

      Mullfjället

      Moderate
      11.3 km
      590 m
      3.5-5h

      Located very close to Åre, Mullfjället is a beautiful hike with majestic mountain scenes all the way up. Behind small waterfalls and many mountain lakes - it´s perfect for a hot summer day!

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.9
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Nulltjärnsrundan

      Nulltjärnsrundan

      Easy
      9.1 km
      161 m
      2-3h

      Nulltjärnsrundan is a light hike that is a perfect way to get to know the Swedish mountains and a great first hike for kids. On this hike you you will find brooks, history about the area, and at the mid-point be welcomed by a sandy beach with mountain views. You can find wooden benches and maybe some mires with cloudberries.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Platåleden- Hållvallens chalet

      Platåleden- Hållvallens chalet

      Hard
      15.3 km
      878 m
      5-7h

      Platåleden- Hållvallens chalet is one of the most beautiful hikes for the ease at which it is done. This hike goes to an open chalet where you can stay overnight with a fireplace. On the way you will go over mires, brooks, mountain restaurant and an outlook tower on the middle of the mountain.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Ristafallsrundan

      Ristafallsrundan

      Easy
      10.5 km
      138 m
      2-3h

      The Ristafallsrundan hike has it all with forest behind rapids, meadows, and two big waterfalls with rainbows. This is an easy hike with history boards about the Swedish army that walked this way.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.9
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Storulvån-Sylarna

      Storulvån-Sylarna

      Very Hard
      32.9 km
      1,111 m
      9-12.5h

      The Storulvån-Sylarna hike covers open landscapes, everywhere you look there are mountains, rivers with clear water, and good chances to see reindeers. This is a very long day, but it is a fun 2-day trip, with a night at STF Sylarna Fjallstation.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Open details for Välliste runt

      Välliste runt

      Moderate
      9.7 km
      507 m
      3-4.5h

      Hiking the Välliste runt takes you through forest and up the mountain with miles of views. Here you will also find many mountain flowers which thrive in this high and cold environment. For example, the white “Isranunkel”, “Fjällglim” and many more.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Åreskutan

      Åreskutan

      Hard
      14.7 km
      976 m
      5.5-7.5h

      Åreskutan is the most famous hike in Åre. The hike takes you up to the biggest mountain in the village. From the central square in Åre, hike through forest, brooks, over 3 mountain tops, above the tree line and with a 360 view on the top. You see mountains in Norway, Härjedalen and Sylarna.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.

      Essential Tools for Any Adventure

      Find a hotel in some of the most beautiful locations on earth.

      Book your own car to have complete freedom on your next adventure.

      Gear-up for your next adventure.

      This page may include affiliate links. We may get a small commission for the purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
      We only recommend tools we personally think are great.

      Detailed Route Guides
      Real GPS Coordinates
      Reliable Trail Reports
      Experienced-Based Travel Tips
      GPS App
      Extensive Travel Guides

      Tours

      Routes

      Blogs

      Get travel inspiration and discounts

      Join our weekly travel newsletter