We hiked with our two girls 4 and 7 years old. It was amazing. I am still so very proud, just as they are themself.
Weisser Øhlenschlæger, Danmark

I hiked with my 9 year old daughter. It was definitily a challenge but a really incredible experience. Bring extra candy.
Marcus Eklånge Gindemo, Sweden.

HIGH COAST HIKE
WITH KIDS

The High Coast Hike is one of the most popular hiking adventures in Europe and a really great one for the active outdoor family. Every year parents join, by themself or with their partner, to experience the World heritage High Coast together with their children. Come and create memories of a lifetime.

On this page we’va gathered information specifically for you who plan to hike the High Coast Hike with kids.

Join this adventure of a life time, one you’ll always remember and cherish. Here you can read more about it more about the hike >>

There will be lots of time to relax. Bring a boardgame, candy and a book where you document this experience.

At the first night camp you’ll meet Woolpower and get a chance to make your own cellphone case or seating pad from scrap material.

HIGH COAST HIKE WITH KIDS

This truly is an adventure the whole family will enjoy. 2022 is the 9:th edition of the High Coast Hike that quickly become one of the m ost popular hiking adventure in all of Europe. Over the coarse of three days you’ll experience the absolut highlights of the world heritage – coastal mountains, beautiful beaches and magical forests mixed with fun crafts, outdoor schools and relaxation.

We meet up at the Pre-Evening to have plenty of time to go over the event and answer any questions. On Thursday we take buses to the starting point and from there you you hike at your own pace  while carrying your own equipment , food and tent to the shared night camp. Some chose the ”Original” while those with younger kids might go for the shorter ”Pleasure” route which offers more time for breaks. In the evenings we gather top listen to some of Sweden’s leading outdoor companies, go for a swim in the ocean or just relax after a beautiful day by the camp fire.

Here we’ve gathered a few tips for hiking with kids. If you want a quick overview take a look here: Program High Coast Hike >>

1. JOIN THE PARTICIPATION GROUP >>

Many families have hiked the High Coast Hike. Some by themself with one or two kids, others with their partner as well. In our Facebook group we share tips and reminders leading up to the adventure. This is a great place for you to ask quesitons and also get tips from other hikers who hiked with kids.

Before the event we put up a thread in the group with the questions ”Who is joining with kids?” which is a great way to get in contact with others who are doing the High Coast Hike as a family.
Great, take me to the participation group >>

2. STAY IN FRILUFTSBYN >>

This might be out best tip. If you stay in Friluftsbyn before the adventure you’ll get a chance to meet other families and your kids will most likely apprechiate getting to know the other children a little bit before settin gout on the trails.

A camp spot in FriluftsByn is included the night between Saturday and Sunday. We don’t recommend that you get right in the car on Saturday after hiking for three days straight. Take a day and just relax and enjoy. 
Best tent site in the High Coast >>

4. HIKE ”PLEASURE”-ROUTE

During the first and second day you can chose between two different routes. If you are hiking with kids 10 years or younger we recommend the shorter ”pleasure-route”. Then the first day is about 8 kilometers, the second about 9 km and the thirds around 10 km. We set out together and there are guides along the trail, in the front and in the very back.

High Coast Hike is not a guided hike where you’ll be led by someone every step of the way. You hike at your own pace carrying your own equipement and tent. Since you are sharing buses to the starting point many end up hikin gtogether parts of the way but split up to walk by them self for other parts.
Vandringen >>
Seminarier & Workshops >>
Tips till förstagångsvandrare >>

5. TAKE LOTS OF BREAKS

The High Coast Hike has an exciting and varied nature. You might want to run up every mountain top bit your responsibility is to take lots of breaks and make sure you have plenty of snacks to keep the energy levels up throughout the whole day.

That might mean fuling up on some extra nuts or candy right before a climb or maybe at the half way point up to the breathtaking views on top. That increases the likelihood of keeping the energy levels upp all day. Make sure you go for a swim at Tärnättvattnet, Tärnättholmarna and Kälsviken. Enjoy this experience. You will most likely remember and cherish this for the rest of your life.

7. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

It is really important that you as a parent take care of your self to make sure you have the energy when other parties might lack in some. A first step is to really know how your own equipment works. Especially the tent and the outdoor stove. Pitch your tent a few times in the backyard and cook a meal or two on the outdoor stove.

If someone temporarily looses the motivation – take a break. Let the kids play for a little bit – there will be other kids there too. Have a fika or go for a swim while you relax and realize what a truly unique experience this is to have together as a family.

8. SHARED NIGHT CAMPS

Every night everyone meet up at the shared night camps. You chose if you want to pitch your tent close to others or more secluded. At the first night camp many chose to go for a late night swim before its time for a seminar with Woolpower where the kids get to create something from scrap pieces of wool. This is typically really popular.

At the second night camp many hike up to Mt Gyltberget to take in the views and to attend another seminar with Naturkompaniet, but if you hike with kids a better idea might be to go for a swim in our little waterfall called Dalsjöfallet not far from the camp.
Tips for first time hikers >>

HOW TOUGH IS THE HIGH COAST HIKE?

Well this is very individual and depending if you hike the Classic or the Pleasure routes. First of all, lets just say that looking at kilometers could trick you since we will hike along coastal mountains. 

But we have created two routes through the absolute most beautiful spots in the High Coast of Sweden and if you come prepared and in decent shape you will be able to take the Classic Route.

However, if you are not that used to hiking with a backpack, know that you can get sore knees or a sore back or hike with children we recommend you to take the Pleasure route the first day to get a feeling of te terrain. In order to enjoy the High Coast Hike you must have hiked with your packed backpack a few times. Most people who have to quit the hike have not prepared for the hike. If you come prepared, this will be an amazing experience.

Wed: Pre-Evening >>
Thur 16 km or 8 km about 6-8h*
Fri: 13 km or 9 km about 6h*
Sat: 10 km about 4h* + After-Hike >>
Sun: Sleep-in travel home.
* Each day, add 2-3 hours for breaks, food, photographing, relaxing, swiming etc.