High Coast Trail

The High Coast Trail (Swedish: Höga Kustenleden) is a 129km (80.2 mile) long trail on the east coast of central Sweden.

Overview

Length: 129km (80.2mi)

Standard direction(s) of travel: nobo, although sobo is also easily possible

Season: spring, summer, autumn, (winter)

Trail Association:

Permits and Regulations

Sweden has a right-to-roam. Campfire restrictions may be in place depending on the season.

Maps

Printed Maps

A small trail booklet with essential information is available. The maps are not very detailed.

Information Resources

Websites

https://www.hogakusten.com/en/highcoasttrail

Other

The trail is clearly marked with large signposts and abundant orange blazes on rocks and trees in both directions.

Sections

The official guide book and website list 13 sections:

1. Hornöberget - Lövvik (9.8km)
2. Lövvik - Fjärdbotten (9.6km)
3. Fjärdbotten - Gavik (12.8km)
4. Gavik - Lappudden (11.5km)
5. Lappudden - Ullånger (15km)
6. Ullånger - Skoved (10.5km)
7. Skoved - Skuleberget (6.8km)
8. Skuleberget - Entré Syd (9.7km)
9. Traversing Skuleskogens National Park (6.9km)
10. Entré Nord - Köpmanholmen (7.0km)
11. Köpmanholmen - Sandlågan (12.7km)
12. Sandlågen - Svedjeholmen (11.6km)
13. Svedjeholmen - Örnsköldsvik (4.7km)

Water

All year round water is plentiful and safe to drink. The official trail guide lists reliable water sources (such as a hikers' tap in the village of A tap not mentioned in the guide is in the village of Gavik, at this location.

Weather

Weather depends strongly on the season.

Getting To and From the Trail

When walking the trail nobo, the trail head at Hornöberget can be reached by bus from the train station of Härnösand, stopping at the High Coast Bridge (bus stop Hornöberget E4). Walking sobo, the town of Örnsköldsvik has a train station a short walk from the trail head. The trail crosses the E4 motorway near Ullånger.

Resupply

The trail crosses several towns and villages, however, apart from Örnsköldsvik these towns only have basic shops/supermarkets and it is unlikely that you will find hiking accessories theres (e.g., stove canisters). Örnsköldsvik has an outdoor store with a reasonable selection; moreover it houses a Fjällräven outlet store somewhat out of the city centre.

Geographic Features

Varied terrain ranging from large boulders to forest trails. In times of rainfall sections can be very wet or muddy/marshy.

Administrative Territories

The trail traverses Skuleskogens National Park. Detailed national park trail maps are available at both entrances (Entré Syd, Entré Nord).

External Links

https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/trails/hoga-kustenleden/ https://www.hogakusten.com/en/highcoasttrail