Sweden’s 9 best hikes to do this summer

Length: 66-85 kilometres. 5-6 days

What is it? Many people want to climb Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise. But why not walk around the mountain instead, and see more of the alpine landscape? Start with a boat from the village of Nikkaluokta (book via nikkaluokta.com) into Vistas Valley. From there, continue on foot to Vistas hut, Nallo hut, Sälka huts, Singi huts and finally Kebnekaise mountain station. Then the final 19-kilometre stretch back to Nikkaluokta awaits. Some do this by helicopter, shortening the trip to five days.

Why go? Walking around the Kebnekaise massif means experiencing several beautiful valleys and mighty peaks. A favourite is Nallo, which rises like a sharp needle (hence the name, in Northern Sami) as you approach from Vistas Valley. If you want to do summit hikes along the way, that’s of course possible too, taking in sweeping views of rugged peaks, glaciers and sparkling lakes.

This part of Sweden really is exotic, even for most Swedes. From Singi onwards you join the Kungsleden trail, sharing the path with those hiking the popular sections between Nikkaluokta and Abisko.

Time Out tip: If you’re up for a challenge, have good mountain safety knowledge and plan your route carefully, you can turn into Kuopervagge just before Singi and include Tarfala on the way back. There are huts and a glacier research station there. Kuopervagge consists of boulder terrain, and the pass crossing is also rocky.

Length: 57 kilometres. 3–4 days

What is it? This circular route takes you past the point where the national parks Padjelanta, Stora Sjöfallet and Sarek meet – hence the name Three Parks Meeting. In English, the route is called the Laponia Circuit. Start in Ritsem, take a boat to Vaisaluokta, and continue to Kutjaure hut, which sits next to beautiful waterfalls (take a dip!). Continue across marshland, ridges and a few suspension bridges to Kisuris hut. The final stage leads to Akka huts, and the boat back. Hut accommodation is available along the entire route. Dogs are not allowed as the hike passes through national parks where this is prohibited.

Why go? Here you’ll experience high alpine peaks, blue-green glacial lakes, wild rapids and sweeping views. From the gently rolling mountain heath around Vaisaluokta to the imposing Akka massif (2,015 metres above sea level), where snowfields linger even in midsummer. Here, in the Laponia World Heritage Site, you’re not only in extraordinary nature but also in a Sami cultural landscape. In the Sami settlements you pass, it’s often possible to buy gáhkku (a chewy, soft flatbread) and smoked fish.

Time Out tip: If you’re lucky, you’ll pass Vaisaluokta during a mountain church service in the Sami church hut, followed by coffee outdoors, organised by Jokkmokk parish. An experience out of the ordinary!

Length: 30 kilometres. 1–2 days

What is it? A beautiful coastal trail on north-west Gotland, from Hallshuk in the north to Björkume in the south. If you’re short on time, you can do it in a day and adjust the distance as you like, but otherwise it’s magical to camp on a deserted beach or perhaps on a cliff. Buses run from Visby to Hallshuk and Björkume, but the stops aren’t right by the trail. Along the way, you pass places such as Irevik and Lickershamn, where you can refill water in summer.

Why go? If you want to experience Gotland’s wild side, you’re in the right place. Here you walk along beaches, through pastureland and forest, and up hills with dramatic views of the sea and limestone formations. You’ll also pass the old fishing village of Sigsarve with weather-beaten huts, and the 12-metre-high sea stack Jungfrun, the tallest on Gotland.

Time Out tip: This is Sweden’s densest white-tailed eagle coastline – so keep an eye out for these majestic gliders!

Length: 24 kilometres (plus 9 kilometres for the summit). 2–3 days

What is it? Helags stands at 1,796 metres above sea level and is Sweden’s highest peak south of the Arctic Circle, with the country’s southernmost glacier. Start the hike from the car park in Kläppen, just outside the village of Ljungdalen, and enjoy a pleasant day’s hike of around 12 kilometres across mountain heath. Once there, you can either camp or stay at the mountain station, whose restaurant is still open (but will close by 2028 at the latest). You can hike back the next day – but if you’ve come this far, you’ll probably want to stay and summit the peak.

Why go? Helags is a striking mountain. So much so that it’s been named one of the world’s most beautiful climbs by National Geographic. And we agree. There’s something about the prominent cliff face and the glacier on the eastern side, and the way it rises abruptly from flatter surroundings. There’s also a sauna and (for now) a restaurant. From the summit, you’ll see many other mountains, including the Sylarna massif to the north and peaks in Norway.

Time Out tip: Book a guided Arctic fox safari. Read more at svenskaturistforeningen.se/aktiviteter/helags-fjallravssafari

Length: 4–15 kilometres. One day

What is it? In north-west Dalarna lies one of Sweden’s highest waterfalls, Njupeskär. The walk there from the car park is two kilometres each way, and it’s a popular destination. The water plunges down Fulufjället’s steep side, and of course you can also hike up onto the plateau itself. Here you can choose how long you want your hike to be – there are several loops to pick from.

Why go? Fulufjället National Park is an accessible mountain area with several hiking trails and plenty to discover. It’s not far up to the bare mountain, and once there it’s easy to walk across the plateau on well-marked trails. Near where Njupeskär falls, you’ll also find the world’s oldest tree, Old Tjikko, a clone of a spruce that has grown in the same spot for 9,550 years.

Time Out tip: If you want to extend your trip, both the Swedish Tourist Association and the Dalarna County Administrative Board have simple huts on Fulufjället that can be booked, often near fishing lakes.

Length: 31 kilometres. 2 days

What is it? Hike from Brösarp Hills out to the sea and down to Simrishamn. This hike works perfectly with comfortable hotel stays. Talldungen in Brösarp is a lovely rural hotel with excellent food, right by the trail. After a day’s walk, you’ll reach Kivik, where there are plenty of places to stay. The next day brings 20 kilometres along the coast to Simrishamn. It’s easy to cut the hike short (hop on a bus), or why not continue even further? The Skåneleden is long!

Why go? This hike takes in many of Österlen’s highlights. You start by following Brösarp’s rolling countryside, then reach the sea and continue south along sandy beaches and wind-swept pine forest. It becomes clear you’re in apple country as you pass Kivik’s cider mill, and not long after you enter Sweden’s southernmost national park, Stenshuvud. And on the white sandy beach at Knäbäckshusen, you’ll get a hint of the ‘Little Caribbean’.

Time Out tip: From Brösarp, both the Backaleden and Skåneleden trails lead out to Haväng by the coast. Take Backaleden to get higher up for the views!

Length: 78 kilometres. 5–6 days

What is it? In Hemavan lies the southern gateway to the Kungsleden trail, the starting or finishing point for those hiking the full 400-plus-kilometre route to or from Abisko. Many choose to only hike the northern section and miss this beautiful stretch entirely. Between Ammarnäs and Hemavan, you can stay in huts the whole way if you wish, and walk trails that are less worn than those between Abisko and Nikkaluokta.

Why go? This southern section of Kungsleden is lusher and greener than the north. You’ll find green valleys, rolling mountains and shimmering lakes, but also high alpine terrain. Starting in Ammarnäs means you’ll have the sun in your face, finishing with the dramatic snow-covered peaks above Hemavan and the beautiful Syterskalet valley. Huts are available along the entire route, often with saunas and nearby swimming lakes. Both locations can be reached by bus from Umeå.

Time Out tip: Prefer day hikes or a shorter loop of a couple of days? You have every opportunity to do that from Hemavan.

Length: 47 kilometres. 3 days

What is it? A true hiking classic that conveniently forms a triangle, starting and ending at the same place in Storulvån (reachable by bus from the train). The Jämtland Triangle runs via Sylarna and Blåhammaren, offering everything from rolling open mountain heath to the dramatic peaks of the Sylarna massif. Organised accommodation at mountain stations is available along the entire route. It’s a popular trip, and to reduce visitor pressure, the number of beds has been reduced in recent years, and Blåhammaren’s restaurant has closed.

Why go? Many people have had their first experience of off-road mountain hiking here – not least because the logistics are simple, with indoor accommodation all the way and easy terrain. But the Jämtland Triangle is also beautiful, with the grand Sylarna massif and countless other peaks surrounding you in what feels like infinity. Sitting in the sauna at Blåhammaren after a day on the trail, gazing out of the window, feels like a dream. Always remember to respect Sami reindeer herding and keep your distance from the herds.

Time Out tip: Fancy extending the loop with a trip into Norway? If you want to go around the Sylarna massif, you can stay at the Norwegian huts Nedalshytta and Storerikvollen. Remember your dog needs to be dewormed by a vet within the approved time if it’s coming across the border.

Length: 1–15 kilometres. 1–2 days

What is it? Ramsvikslandet is effectively an island, partly separated from the mainland by a canal. Here you’re met by a granite landscape of smooth, rounded rocks and abrupt potholes that sometimes look as if an artist has sculpted them – but it’s of course our old friend the ice age that’s been at work. Wander freely or follow one of the marked trails. The longest, Ramsvik runt, is 15 kilometres.

Why go? A full day on Ramsvikslandet gives you forest, grazing meadows and delicate flowers. But the star here is the dramatic granite landscape. And, of course, the sea views. Naturally, you’ll have swimwear and a picnic with you. Birdwatchers or geology enthusiasts in your group will have plenty to analyse, while you might prefer hopping from rock to rock or climbing Sote Bonde, which rises 58 metres above sea level.

Time Out tip: For a beautiful sunset with views towards the Väderöarna islands, head to the far north, to Tångevik.