# Höga Kustenleden

Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail) is a long-distance trail in Sweden's High Coast, spanning about 140 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. Hikers will experience elevations up to 286 m (938 ft) 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 Gavik (26.8 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. The trail skirts Fjärdbotten and 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. Back on the main path, boardwalks cross marshy sections, before the trail begins its descent toward 62.87418.1953 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 62.931318.25714 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 63.012118.18675 Ullånger, the trail descends toward civilization, passing under the E4 highway before the church spire and rooftops of Ullånger come into view.
* 62.9796718.2191698 Erikskojan. Rest cabin

### Ullånger to Skuleberget (20.8 km)

Leaving Ullånger, the trail gently climbs back into spruce and pine forests, soon reaching Äskjastugan and Mäjabodarna. As the trail nears 63.023418.21816 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. Crossing the main road, the trail soon enters Skuleberget Nature Reserve, circling the base of 63.0747518.3464397 Skuleberget . This mountain marks the world's highest ancient coastline 286 m (938 ft), 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 cave halfway up the cliffs, once said to be a robber's hideout.
* 63.023418.21819 Äskjastugan. Rest cabin
* 63.0250318.2262310 Mäjabodarna. Rest cabin
* 63.0294818.30672511 STF Kustladan Hostel Höga Kusten.
* 63.0740418.3575312 Naturum Skuleberget. Shelter for sitting
* 63.077618.357713 Berras Lägda. Campsite

### Skuleberget to Köpmanholmen (24.2 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. Back on the main path, the trail crosses into the park near Kälsviken Bay, where Kälsviken Vindskydd is available for overnight stays. Afterwards, the trail enters Skuleskogen National Park. Here, you will pass by 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 275 m (902 ft), 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. Reaching 63.160618.51398 Näske marks the end of the national park section. At Näske, Komponerar (ArkNat) is available for rest. An easy flat hike leads to 63.177318.57539 Köpmanholmen. Köpmanholmens hamn Stuga as well as Motte (ArkNat) are available here.
* 63.0864118.4939114 Kälsviken Vindskydd. Two shelters available. The floor is gravel, campsite for 20+ nearby.
* 63.11218.5090615 Tärnättvattnen. 4 sleeping spots, table and benches. Toilet and wood storage nearby.
* 63.1532418.5132116 Komponerar (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
* 63.17734818.57534617 Köpmanholmens hamn Stuga. Cabin
* 63.1796518.5931218 Motte (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping

### Köpmanholmen to Örnsköldsvik (32.9 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. 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 63.2618.63510 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. 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 63.2654918.67618311 Örnsköldsvik.
* 63.18236918.64604719 Hålviken Vindskydd. Shelter for sleeping
* 63.18334818.69873920 Bodviken Stuga. Rest cabin
* 63.19700618.70264821 Sandlågan Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting
* 63.25224418.63182322 Bergom stuga. Rest cabin
* 63.2561118.6388123 Off-Centered (ArkNat). Shelter for sleeping
* 63.25668318.63710824 Småtjärnsstugan. 4 sleeping spots
* 63.28314518.69621825 Hörnsjön parkeringen Vindskydd. Shelter for sitting