13 Best Day Hikes in Sweden – Stockholm, Gothenburg

Sweden is a hiker’s paradise for numerous reasons, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the world to its picturesque trails and landscapes. The country’s natural beauty is both diverse and accessible, making it a top destination for hiking. In this article, we will guide you through some of the best day hikes in Sweden. At the heart of Sweden’s appeal is its variety in its terrain.

Whether you’re trekking through the lush forests of the south or navigating the rugged mountain paths of the north, the landscape offers a rich experience that caters to every type of hiker. The scenic beauty is not just limited to the variety of terrain but also to the changing seasons.

Each season brings a unique charm, transforming the trails and offering a fresh perspective on the natural surroundings, such as the seeing Northern Lights or the experiencing the midnight sun during summer in Northern Sweden.

Things to Know Before Your Hike

Sweden’s commitment to nature conservation is shown in its well-maintained trails. These paths are designed to be safe with minimal impact on the environment. Most trails are marked clearly, making it easy for hikers of all experience levels to navigate the terrain without the fear of getting lost.

Another unique aspect of hiking in Sweden is the “Allemansrätten”, or the Right of Public Access. This right allows everyone to roam freely in the countryside, forests, and mountains, as long as you respect the land and the privacy of others. This freedom to explore is a rare privilege and adds to the sense of adventure and exploration that hikers seek. However, this doesn’t give you the right to trespass.

Sweden encourages sustainable practices, ensuring that its natural landscapes remain mostly undisturbed by human activity. This not only preserves the environment for future generations, but also provides a more enjoyable and authentic hiking experience.

Exploring the Best Day Hikes Near Stockholm

Tyresta National Park

Just a short journey from the city center, Tyresta National Park and Nature Reserve is a popular destination for hikers. Here, you can immerse yourself in one of the most well-preserved forests in southern Stockholm.

The park features a network of trails varying in length and difficulty, making it suitable for both families and seasoned hikers. The beautiful lakes and diverse wildlife add to the experience.

Nacka Nature Reserve

Another notable hiking destination near Stockholm is Hellasgården. Located in Nacka Nature Reserve, just a 15 minutes drive from the city, this area offers plenty of hiking trails winding through the forest and around the vast lake. It is an ideal spot for a leisurely hike, refreshing swim in the lake during summer, ice skating in the winter, or some cozy “fika”.

Sörmlandsleden

Sörmlandsleden, stretching over 1000 km and with several sections easily accessible from Stockholm, is perfect for those looking for a longer hike. The path takes you through a diverse landscape of dense forests, open fields, and along the beautiful coastline. The marked paths and resting areas along the route make it a convenient and enjoyable day hike.

Björnö Nature Reserve

For a unique experience, the archipelago trail on the island of Björnö just outside Stockholm, is a must-visit. Accessible by public transport, or a 40 minutes’ drive, Björnö offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea, secluded beaches, and rocky cliffs. It is a moderate hike that summarizes the beauty of Sweden’s archipelago.

Exploring the Best Day Hikes Near Gothenburg

Delsjön Nature Reserve

The Delsjön area, just outside Gothenburg, is a popular choice for both locals and visitors. The area is known for its two beautiful lakes, “Delsjön” and “Lilla Delsjön”, which are surrounded by tall trees. There are many clearly marked trails, the paths range from easy strolls around the lakes to more challenging hikes through the forest, offering something for every level of hiker.

Vättlefjäll Nature Reserve

Another great, but less known, hiking destination near Gothenburg is the Vättlefjäll Nature Reserve. This area offers diverse landscapes, including open meadows, dense forests, and still lakes. The trails here are relatively well-maintained and provide an opportunity to experience the tranquility of the Swedish wilderness. Vättlefjäll’s natural beauty makes it a perfect spot for a day of hiking and relaxation.

Gothenburg archipelago

For coastal hiking enthusiasts, the Gothenburg archipelago is a must-visit. Only accessible by ferry, the Gothenburg archipelago offers unbelievable trails along its rocky coastline, with stunning views of the sea. The islands’ paths are relatively easy, however, you need to wear appropriate hiking boots to avoid slipping and falling.

Bohusleden

Another notable coastal hike is the Bohusleden Trail, a 340 km long trail starting from southern Gothenburg. This trail takes you through valleys, lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. Every part of Bohusleden is clearly marked and offers sections that vary in length and difficulty, making it a very flexible choice for day hike.

Other Notable Destinations

Kullaleden

One of the gems of coastal hiking in Sweden is the Kullaleden Trail in the Kullaberg Nature Reserve. This trail, part of the larger Skåneleden Trail, winds along the steep cliffs of the Kullaberg Peninsula. As you hike, you will encounter stunning sea views, picturesque lighthouses, and assorted flora and fauna.

Klintkustleden

For those seeking a blend of cultural history and natural beauty, the Gotland coastal path, Klintkustleden, is an excellent choice. This path covers a significant portion of Gotland, Sweden’s largest island known for its medieval history. The path takes hikers through historic sites, rich meadows, and along sandy beaches, offering a peaceful yet enriching hiking experience.

Tiveden National Park

Located between Lake Vättern and Lake Vänern, Tiveden National Park is a prime example of Sweden’s forested scenery. The park’s hiking trails lead you through ancient and mystical forests, past enormous boulders left by retreating glaciers. The dense canopy above and the rich undergrowth below create a feeling of walking in a different world, one that is calm, cool, and full of life.

Abisko National Park

The Abisko National Park, known for its unique Arctic biodiversity and the famous Kungsleden Trail, is another hiking highlight in northern Sweden. Kungsleden offers plenty of hiking options, from shorter day hikes to multi-day treks. Hikers are awarded with a landscape that includes everything from alpine meadows to glacial valleys. The park is also one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights, adding a magical element to your adventure.

Mount Skierfe

For those who enjoy open vast nature, the Skierfe hike in Sarek National Park is a must. This hike not only offers stunning vistas of the Rapadalen valley, but also provides insight into the indigenous Sami culture. The park, often referred to as ‘Europe’s last wilderness,’ is untouched and offers a true escape into nature.