Walking Holidays in Sweden: Best Routes, Regions, and What to Expect

Sweden offers a peaceful and nature-focused walking holiday with remote wilderness trails, forest paths, lake routes, coastal walks, islands, and cultural landscapes.

This guide looks at where to walk, how to choose the right style of trip, and what to expect from the food, accommodation, scenery, and local experiences along the way.

Choosing the Right Walking Holiday in Sweden

Most walking holidays in Sweden focus on a single region, trail, national park, or coastline rather than trying to cover the whole country in one trip. This makes the experience more relaxed and gives you more time to enjoy the forests, lakes, villages, wildlife, and wide-open landscapes along the way.

• Best for remote wilderness → Kungsleden, where walkers can follow Sweden’s most famous long-distance trail through mountains, valleys, rivers, and Arctic scenery.
• Best for accessible Lapland scenery → Abisko National Park, with well-marked trails, dramatic valleys, alpine meadows, and the famous Lapporten mountain pass.
• Best for forest walking → Tiveden National Park, where pine woods, mossy boulders, hidden lakes, and quiet paths create a classic Swedish nature escape.
• Best for coastal and island scenery → Gotland, Bohuslän, Skuleskogen, and Öland, where sea views, fishing villages, cliffs, beaches, and open limestone landscapes shape the route.

“Avoid rookie mistakes. Our free ebook Hiking for Beginners shows you how.”

Why Should You Explore Sweden On a Walking Holiday?

For those of you who love the idea of walking through landscapes that look like they belong in a fairy tale, Sweden is literally the perfect destination.

With vast forests, glistening lakes, and rugged coastlines, this Nordic gem offers some of the most peaceful and scenic hiking trails in Europe.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re trekking through the untouched wilderness of the north, following coastal paths along the Baltic Sea, or exploring the cultural charm of Sweden’s historic towns, there’s a trail here for every kind of walker.

And if you’re after something truly remote, Swedish Lapland offers wild and open landscapes where you might not see another soul for miles…except for a wandering reindeer or two.

For those of you who prefer a more relaxed pace, Sweden’s countless lakes and rolling countryside provide endless opportunities for easygoing nature walks and scenic picnics as ell.

And if history and culture are more your style, Sweden’s ancient trading routes and Viking-era paths let you follow in the footsteps of explorers from centuries past.

No matter where you go, Sweden’s clean air, well-maintained trails, and deep connection to nature make it a fantastic place to be.

Nestled right in the middle of Norway and Finland, this Scandinavian country is a fantastic place to visit for any kind of a walking holiday.

Are you ready to check out Sweden?

These Are The Best Places in Sweden For A Walking Holiday

Here are the top destinations in Sweden for a walking holiday:

Wild Nordic Wilderness in Swedish Lapland

For those of you who love remote landscapes and the thrill of untouched nature, Swedish Lapland offers some of the most breathtaking and rugged trails in all of Scandinavia:

Kungsleden (The King’s Trail)

One of Sweden’s most famous long-distance hikes, Kungsleden stretches through the Arctic wilderness. It takes you past towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and vast open valleys.

Regardless of whether you tackle a short section or go for the full 440-kilometer route, this trail is a dream for anyone looking for solitude and stunning landscapes.

Ready for a challenge? Then be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Hiking the Kungsleden Trail for itinerary, accomodation and logisitc info!

Abisko National Park

For a taste of Lapland’s dramatic scenery without the need for a long-distance trek, Abisko National Park offers well-marked trails that take you through deep valleys, alpine meadows, and even to the famous Lapporten mountain pass.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights on an autumn evening!

Sarek National Park

For the true adventurers, Sarek National Park is Sweden’s wildest and most challenging hiking destination.

There are no marked trails or huts. This is just raw, untouched nature at its finest.

To be more specific, this is where you go for a real back-to-basics hiking experience, with dramatic peaks and a chance to see Sweden’s most remote landscapes in the process.

Lakes, Forests, and Countryside Strolls

If you prefer peaceful nature walks over extreme wilderness treks, Sweden’s lake district and countryside offer endless scenic routes with rolling hills, charming villages, and shimmering waters:

Tiveden National Park

This dense forest area in central Sweden is full of winding trails that take you through deep pine woods, past hidden lakes, and over moss-covered boulders.

Tiveden has an almost mystical atmosphere, which really makes it feel like you’ve stepped into an old Scandinavian folktale.

Dalarna’s Lake Siljan Trail

Dalarna is often considered the heart of Sweden’s folk traditions, and the Lake Siljan Trail offers a perfect mix of culture and nature.

This scenic loop around Lake Siljan takes you through red-painted villages, traditional wooden farms, and tranquil lakeside forests, which should give you a true taste of classic Sweden.

Skuleskogen National Park

Located along Sweden’s High Coast, this park features deep forests and panoramic views of the Baltic Sea.

The trail to Slåttdalsskrevan (which is a massive crevice in the rock) is one of the highlights of the region, offering an unforgettable blend of woodland and coastal scenery.

Coastal and Island Walking Routes

For those of you who prefer the sea breeze and stunning ocean views, Sweden’s coastal and archipelago walks provide some of the most beautiful and unique trails in the country.

Gotland Coastal Trail

Sweden’s largest island, Gotland, is home to one of the best coastal walking routes in the country.

The Gotland Coastal Trail takes you along windswept beaches, past medieval ruins, and through picturesque fishing villages.

Walking here will feel like stepping back in time while you can enjoy some of Sweden’s most breathtaking sea views.

The Bohuslän Coast

This stunning stretch of Sweden’s west coast is famous for its rugged cliffs, picturesque harbors, and seafood-rich culture.

Walking through the Bohuslän region, you’ll pass charming coastal towns like Smögen and Fjällbacka, which is where you can stop for fresh shrimp and take in views of the rocky coastline.

Öland Stora Alvaret Walk

For something completely different, you should head to the island of Öland.

This is where the Stora Alvaret (which is a vast limestone plain and UNESCO World Heritage Site) offers a surreal walking experience.

The landscape here is flat, open, and covered in rare wildflowers, which makes it a truly peaceful and almost otherworldly place to explore on foot.

Explore More Walking Routes in Sweden

If you’re planning more hikes across the country, these guides can help you explore Sweden’s wilderness trails, coastal routes, lake walks, and city-based routes in more detail.

• Best Hikes in Sweden
• Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Sweden
• Stockholm: A City Guide for Hikers

Example 7-Day Walking Holiday in Sweden

Most walking holidays in Sweden focus on a single region or trail to reduce travel time and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

To give you an idea of how a trip might come together, here’s an example one-week itinerary based around Swedish Lapland and the Kungsleden area.

Day 1 – Arrive in Kiruna
Arrive in northern Sweden and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon taking a gentle local walk and getting ready for the trails ahead.

Day 2 – Travel to Abisko National Park
Head to Abisko and take a shorter walk through the national park, enjoying valley views, mountain scenery, and a first taste of Lapland’s open landscapes.

Day 3 – Abisko day walk
Spend the day exploring one of Abisko’s marked trails, with options ranging from easier valley walks to more demanding routes depending on conditions.

Day 4 – Kungsleden section
Walk a manageable section of the Kungsleden, focusing on rivers, open valleys, mountain views, and the feeling of being deep in Sweden’s northern wilderness.

Day 5 – Lakes and mountain scenery
Continue with another Kungsleden-inspired walking day or choose a shorter lake route, allowing time for photography, wildlife watching, and a slower pace.

Day 6 – Return toward Kiruna
Travel back toward Kiruna or stay another night near Abisko, with time for a final short trail, sauna, or relaxed countryside walk.

Day 7 – Short final walk and departure
Enjoy a gentle morning walk before travelling onward or heading home.

“Turn your dream trek into a plan — get your free Plan Your Own European Walking Holiday ebook ”

Best Time of Year for a Walking Holiday in Sweden

Sweden’s best walking season depends on the region, with northern mountain routes having a shorter summer window than southern forests, lakes, and coastal trails.

Spring – Good for southern Sweden, countryside walks, forests, and quieter coastal areas, though northern mountain trails may still be snowy.

Summer – Best for Lapland, Kungsleden, island walks, long daylight hours, national parks, lake routes, and mountain huts.

Autumn – A beautiful time for forest colours, quieter trails, crisp air, and northern landscapes, though weather can become colder quickly.

Winter – Better suited to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, northern lights trips, and winter lodge stays rather than classic walking holidays.

Typical Costs of a Walking Holiday in Sweden

Sweden is usually a moderate to higher-cost walking holiday destination, with prices depending on region, season, accommodation style, and how remote your route is.

Accommodation: €70–€180 per night for guesthouses, hotels, cabins, lodges, or countryside stays

Food: €12–€30 for a casual meal, with bakeries, supermarkets, cafés, and self-catering cabins helping manage costs

Transport: €5–€60 for local buses, trains, ferries, or longer regional journeys depending on distance

Self-guided tours: Around €900–€1,900 per week, depending on the region, hut or hotel choice, route planning, transfers, and luggage support

🗒️ Free Checklist: “Pack light, pack right — download The Ultimate Hiking Packing List.”

What Can You Expect During a Walking Holiday in Sweden?

Here’s what you can really expect from a fun walking holiday in Sweden:

Adventures Beyond Walking

For those of you who like to mix up your hiking with other outdoor activities, Sweden offers plenty of ways to add adventure to your trip.

If you’re walking in Lapland, why not swap your hiking boots for a canoe and paddle through the pristine waters of the Torne River, surrounded by endless wilderness?

Or in the winter months, many of Sweden’s national parks transform into cross-country skiing and dog-sledding paradises, which offers an entirely new way to experience the landscapes.

If wildlife is your thing, Sweden is a haven for animal lovers. Head to Fulufjället National Park, where you might spot moose, lynx, and even the elusive Arctic fox while walking through untouched forests.

And for a truly unique experience, you can even book a guided bear-watching tour in the forests of central Sweden, where specially designed viewing huts allow you to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Sweden’s walking holidays are easy to pair with extra experiences, from canoeing and wildlife watching to island hopping, Sami cultural visits, saunas, skiing, dog-sledding, and northern lights trips.

For those of you who enjoy cultural experiences, Sweden’s deep history and local traditions are easy to explore beyond the trails.

After a day of hiking, you can visit a Sami reindeer farm in the north, where you can also learn about the indigenous way of life and even try traditional reindeer herding.

Or alternatively, you could take a boat tour through the Stockholm Archipelago, hopping between islands and exploring the fishing villages that have thrived along Sweden’s coastline for centuries.

The Food and Drink Experience

After a long day of walking, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a hearty Swedish meal.

Sweden’s food culture is simple, fresh, and deeply connected to nature. The dishes here reflect the landscapes you’ve just explored.

If you’re hiking in the forests of central Sweden, for instance, you’ll quickly notice the abundance of wild berries, so don’t be surprised if your post-hike snack includes a freshly baked blueberry pie or cloudberry jam spread over a warm slice of rye bread.

For those of you who love seafood, the Swedish coast is a dream come true.

Along the Bohuslän Coast, make sure to stop at a harborside café for a plate of freshly caught shrimp or a traditional gravlax (cured salmon) sandwich.

Food is part of the slower Nordic rhythm, with fresh seafood, berries, rye bread, cinnamon buns, gravlax, local cheeses, hearty meals, and fika adding comfort between walks.

And if you’re visiting in August, you might just find yourself invited to a kräftskiva. This is a Swedish crayfish party, where piles of bright red crayfish are served alongside dill, bread, and shots of schnapps.

And let’s not forget Sweden’s deep love for fika, the daily tradition of pausing for coffee and a sweet treat.

And it doesn’t matter if you’re in a tiny mountain lodge or a charming café in Stockholm, you won’t want to miss out on kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns) paired with a strong cup of coffee.

It’s the perfect way to refuel and embrace a little Swedish coziness.

Fun Accommodations

For those of you who love staying somewhere with a bit of charm, Sweden offers some truly unique and unforgettable accommodations.

If you’re exploring Lapland, why not spend the night in a glass igloo or a cozy wooden cabin, where you can watch the northern lights dance across the sky from your bed?

Many of these remote lodges also offer saunas, which makes for quite literally the perfect way to relax after a long day on the trails.

Accommodation can make the trip feel especially memorable, whether you choose a lakeside cabin, red wooden cottage, mountain hut, countryside guesthouse, glass igloo, Treehotel stay, or remote Lapland lodge.

For a more traditional experience, Sweden’s rural guesthouses and countryside hotels provide a warm and welcoming retreat.

Imagine staying in a classic red wooden cottage, which is nestled in the forests of Dalarna where you’ll wake up to birdsong and enjoy a homemade breakfast of freshly baked bread and local cheese before heading out on your hike.

And for something truly one-of-a-kind, Sweden is home to some of the most unusual hotels in the world.

If you’re walking in northern Sweden, for instance, you could consider spending a night at the Treehotel where you can sleep in a modern treehouse suspended high in the forest canopy.

Or if you’re visiting in winter, try the world-famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, where everything )walls, beds, and even the glasses at the bar) is made of ice.

Conclusion

A walking holiday in Sweden is about more than just stunning trails—it’s about fully immersing yourself in a country where nature and culture go hand in hand.

Whether you’re trekking through the remote Arctic, wandering alongside shimmering lakes, or taking in the salty breeze of the rugged coastline, every step brings something new to discover.

Beyond the trails, Sweden’s warm hospitality, delicious food, and unforgettable accommodations make the experience even richer.

So lace up your boots, embrace the Nordic way of life, and get ready for a walking holiday filled with breathtaking views, fresh air, and moments that will stay with you long after your adventure ends.

Are you ready to breathe in that fresh Nordic air? Sweden is waiting for you to come visit!

Where to Next?

If Sweden has inspired you to explore more of northern Europe on foot, nearby Nordic and Baltic destinations offer forests, lakes, islands, wilderness trails, coastlines, and peaceful countryside routes.

Nearby or Related Destinations

• Walking Holidays in Norway – Explore fjords, mountain plateaus, coastal routes, valleys, and dramatic northern scenery.
• Best Hikes in Finland – Discover national parks, lake trails, forests, Lapland routes, and quiet wilderness landscapes.
• Copenhagen: A City Guide for Hikers – Use Denmark’s capital as a base for harbour walks, parks, coastal paths, and nearby nature escapes.

Wider European Inspiration

• Walking Holidays in Scotland – Plan a walking trip through Highlands, lochs, glens, islands, coastal paths, and historic landscapes.
• Best Hikes in Slovenia – Explore alpine valleys, turquoise rivers, lake walks, national parks, and mountain routes.
• The Rota Vicentina – Follow Portugal’s wild southwest coast through fishing villages, Atlantic cliffs, sandy beaches, and quiet countryside trails.