# Höga Kustenleden

Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail) is a long-distance trail in Sweden's High Coast, spanning about 130 km from Hornöberget in the south to Örnsköldsvik in the north. It traverses the High Coast World Heritage Area, offering a unique mix of coastal cliffs, islands, deep forests, and mountains. The trail is typically divided into 13 stages, each with overnight options like campsites or cabins along the way. Hikers will experience elevations up to ~286 m at Skuleberget, the trail's highest point , providing sweeping views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding landscape. A full trek usually takes 5-7 days, but shorter trips covering select stages are also possible.

## Walk
### Hornöberget to Lövvik (9.8 km)

The hike begins at the High Coast Bridge (Högakustenbron) near 62.80417.95161 Hornöberget, where the 1.8 km suspension bridge stretches across the Ångermanälven river. From here, the trail immediately climbs steeply through pine forests, offering sweeping views of the estuary as the bridge fades behind you. At Kulberget, the Over the edge (ArkNat) shelter is available. Further on, you will pass by Hålviken Vindskydd and Norrvarp Vindskydd The Hornöberget viewpoint is a perfect stop to take in the landscape before continuing towards 62.802318.15492 Lövvik. Lövvik, a quiet seaside hamlet, welcomes hikers with camping spots by the bay, small guesthouses, and the striking Stranded (ArkNat).
* 62.8094218.053531 Over the edge (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
* 63.18236918.6460472 Hålviken Vindskydd. Shelter for sleeping
* 62.79662618.1512913 Norrvarp Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting
* 62.8023318.154914 Stranded (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping

### Lövvik to Fjärdbotten (9.6 km)

Leaving Lövvik, the trail winds through mixed forests with gentle climbs, crossing small streams that may dry up in late summer. Early on, a short 800 m detour leads to Valkallen hill, where ropes assist the steepest section up to a historic beacon site. The reward is a sweeping 360° view of the High Coast archipelago, once a vantage point for warning fires. Back on the main path, the route undulates through spruce woods before descending towards 62.816818.15653 Fjärdbotten, a sheltered cove where the trail meets the water.

### Fjärdbotten to Gavik (12.8 km)

This stage is a tougher one, with more distance and elevation changes, but rewards along the way. The trail skirts Grönsviksfjärden Bay, where glimpses of the sea appear through the trees, before climbing through dense forest and over rocky hills. You will pass Nipstugan on the way. Midway, a short side trail leads to Hörsångs Havsbad, a rare sandy beach on this rugged coast—perfect for a swim or a summer ice cream at the small café. Back on the main path, boardwalks cross marshy sections, before the trail begins its descent toward 62.87418.1954 Gavik, a quiet village by the water. Accommodation options are simple: locals sometimes rent cabins, and hikers can camp or use shelters like Nipstugan just before town. Those who took the Hörsångs Camping detour may choose to stay there, with cabins and showers available. Near Gavik, a short marked trail leads to Bölesskogen.
* 62.854218.157315 Nipstugan. Rest cabin

### Gavik to Lappudden (11.5 km)

Leaving Gavik, the trail follows gentle gravel roads and well-trodden paths, rolling through farmland and light forest. About 3 km in, a 700 m detour leads to Rödklitten, a hilltop with sweeping views over lakes and sea. Back on the main trail, the route continues past the Norrfällsviken turn-off, winding through birch groves before descending to 62.931318.25715 Lappudden, a tranquil peninsula on Lake Vågsfjärden. Here, the Lappudden Friluftscenter welcomes hikers with cabins, tent pitches, a lakeside sauna, and rowboat rentals. A little further on, The tree cube (ArkNat) is available as well.
* 62.89130118.239566 Älgaberget Vindskydd. Shelter for sleeping
* 62.9347818.272547 The tree cube (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping

### Lappudden to Ullånger (15 km)

Just before reaching the end of this stage, Erikskojan is available for rest. As you near 63.012118.18676 Ullånger, the trail descends toward civilization, passing under the E4 highway before the church spire and rooftops of Ullånger come into view—a welcome sight after a long trek.
* 62.9796718.2191698 Erikskojan. Rest cabin

### Ullånger to Skoved (10.5 km)

Leaving Ullånger, the trail gently climbs back into spruce and pine forests, soon reaching Äskjastugan and Mäjabodarna. As the trail nears 63.023418.21817 Skoved, it briefly follows a country lane before reaching this small village near the western entrance of Skuleskogen National Park. The STF Kustladan Hostel Höga Kusten, provides a comfortable stay. Wild camping is permitted beyond Skoved as the trail enters park territory, setting the stage for the more rugged terrain ahead.
* 63.023418.21819 Äskjastugan. Rest cabin
* 63.0250318.2262310 Mäjabodarna. Rest cabin
* 63.0294818.30672511 STF Kustladan Hostel Höga Kusten.

### Skoved to Skuleberget (6.8 km)

This short and easy stage blends village streets with forest paths, starting in Skoved and passing through the coastal hamlet of Docksta, where hikers can resupply at a small grocery or enjoy Swedish fika at a bakery. Crossing the main road, the trail soon enters Skuleberget Nature Reserve, circling the base of 63.084318.34998 Skuleberget. The region's glacial past—this mountain marks the world's highest ancient coastline (286 m), where the sea once reached during the Ice Age. The trail follows gentle gravel tracks before reaching the stage's end near the Naturum Höga Kusten visitor center, an excellent stop to learn about the area's geology and wildlife. Consider a side trip to Skulegrottan, a legendary cave halfway up the cliffs, once said to be a robber's hideout.
* 63.0740418.3575312 Naturum Skuleberget. Shelter for sitting
* 63.077618.357713 Berras Lägda. Campsite

### Skuleberget to Käl (9.2 km)

Leaving Skuleberget, the trail winds northward through mixed pine forests, marking the transition into Skuleskogen National Park. About 5 km in, a detour leads to Bergsbodarna, a hillside meadow where an old mountain farm cabin stands among wildflowers—an inviting rest spot with open views. Back on the main path, the trail crosses into the park near Kälsviken Bay, where the forest gives way to the Baltic Sea's shore. The terrain here becomes rooty and rocky, but the reward is Kälsviken, a scenic cove with a rare sandy beach, a striking contrast to the High Coast's rugged cliffs. At 63.1118.489 Käl (Entré Syd). There are no shops or water sources, so supplies must be carried or filtered from nearby streams.
* 63.0864118.4939114 Kälsviken Vindskydd. Two shelters available. The floor is gravel, campsite for 20+ nearby.

### Käl to Näske (8.6 km)

This stage takes you through Skuleskogen National Park, a varied and scenic section of the Höga Kustenleden. The trail begins with a steady climb through old-growth forest, where tall spruces and mossy boulders set a quiet, untouched atmosphere. After about 3 km, you reach Slåttdalsskrevan, a 40-meter-deep gorge cutting through the mountain. Walking between its sheer reddish walls is a unique experience, with wooden steps helping to navigate the rocky floor. Beyond the gorge, a short climb leads to Slåttdalsberget (~250 m), offering wide views of the forest and coastline. The trail then descends past Tärnättvattnen and continues toward the coast, where it passes Tärnättholmarna, a series of rocky islets. The final section is gentler, emerging at 63.160618.513910 Näske, where old Näskebodarna fishing huts provide basic overnight shelter. Many hikers choose to camp near Tärnättvattnet or Näskebodarna, while others continue to Näske or Köpmanholmen for lodging. Reaching Näske marks the end of the national park section. At Näske, Komponerar (ArkNat) is available for rest.
* 63.11218.5090615 Tärnättvattnen. 4 sleeping spots, table and benches. Toilet and wood storage nearby.
* 63.1532418.5132116 Komponerar (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping

### Näske to Köpmanholmen (6 km)

This easy, flat stage serves as a transition from the wilderness of Skuleskogen to the small coastal town of 63.177318.575311 Köpmanholmen. The route follows a quiet country road, passing scattered farms and red-painted houses in the Nätra region. At times, the road winds along the coast, offering glimpses of the Baltic Sea and offshore islands. With little elevation gain, most hikers complete this stretch in 1-2 hours, making it a relaxing walk. Some hikers continue onward or take a ferry to Ulvön island, though this detour is outside the Höga Kustenleden. Köpmanholmens hamn Stuga as well as Motte (ArkNat) are available here.
* 63.17734818.57534617 Köpmanholmens hamn Stuga. Cabin
* 63.1796518.5931218 Motte (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping

### Köpmanholmen to Sandlågan (12.7 km)

This challenging stage takes you through Balesuddens Nature Reserve, a rugged peninsula with a mix of forest trails, rocky shores, and sea views. Leaving Köpmanholmen, the path quickly enters the reserve, where Hålviken Vindskydd is available. About 6 km of the route runs through protected wilderness, with an optional 2 km detour to Balesberget, passing Balestjärnen, a clear forest tarn surrounded by pines. The hike continues past Bodviken Stuga and along the shores of Sör-Balesviken Bay, before reaching Sandlågan Vindskydd.
* 63.18236918.64604719 Hålviken Vindskydd. Shelter for sleeping
* 63.18334818.69873920 Bodviken Stuga. Rest cabin
* 63.19700618.70264821 Sandlågan Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting

### Sandlågan to Svedje (11.6 km)

Leaving Sandlågan, the trail heads inland, passing through young forests and logging areas before reaching the Småtjärnarna lakes, a peaceful series of small forest ponds. The trail here is less distinct, with boardwalks over wet sections, before joining logging roads for a stretch. As the route nears 63.2618.63512 Svedje, occasional houses and farm fields signal the return to civilization. There are no steep climbs, but a gradual uphill is followed by a gentle descent into Svedje, a quiet residential area on the edge of Örnsköldsvik's suburbs. While Svedje itself has no official lodging, hikers can wild camp earlier along the trail, at Bergom stuga, Off-Centered (ArkNat) or Småtjärnsstugan. Most, however, continue the final 4 km to Örnsköldsvik.
* 63.25224418.63182322 Bergom stuga. Rest cabin
* 63.2561118.6388123 Off-Centered (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
* 63.25668318.63710824 Småtjärnsstugan. 4 sleeping spots

### Svedje to Örnsköldsvik (4 km)

The final stage of Höga Kustenleden is a short and easy walk, transitioning from suburban paths to one last scenic climb before reaching the end of the stage Leaving Svedje, the route follows sidewalks and a footpath over the Moälven River, passing through the quiet Hörnett neighborhood. The trail then enters Hörnsjön Nature Reserve, going past Hörnsjön parkeringen Vindskydd before ending at 63.2654918.67618313 Örnsköldsvik.
* 63.28314518.69621825 Hörnsjön parkeringen Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting