High Coast Hike

THE HIKE

High Coast Hike was first held in 2013 and has since grown into one of the world’s most popular hiking festivals. Over three days, you’ll experience spectacular nature, take part in inspiring outdoor workshops, relax and have plenty of fun along the way. You bring your own gear and hike at your own pace, choosing between the original distance, ”The Original”, or ”Wanderlust”, which is slightly shorter and gives you more time for breaks.

Play the video to get a feel for High Coast Hike.

HIKING FESTIVAL HIGH COAST HIKE

HHigh Coast Hike is so much more than a hike. The best way to describe it is probably as a three-day, 43-kilometre outdoor festival where you hike at your own pace between meeting points we call checkpoints. At these checkpoints, some choose to join outdoor workshops and talks, while others go for an evening swim or hang out around the campfire with friends – all while meeting new people from around the world.

Choose between The Original and Wanderlust
During the first and second days of the hike, you can choose between The Original and Wanderlust. The Original follows the classic route and takes you to more mountain viewpoints, while Wanderlust gives you more time for breaks. If you’re new to hiking or hiking with children, Wanderlust is a great choice for the first day.

Come prepared
Both routes require some preparation, as you’ll be hiking up and down mountains. Daily distances range from 10 to 16 kilometres, and your backpack will probably weigh between 12 and 20 kilos, so we recommend doing some hikes with a loaded pack at home before you arrive. It will make the experience much more enjoyable.

Time to unwind
The distances leave plenty of time to stop and relax – maybe even take a nap on a sun-warmed rock 200 metres above the sea, or enjoy something tasty around the campfire. But that doesn’t mean the hike is easy. Experiencing the very best of the High Coast takes some effort – so come prepared!

How does it work?
We take care of all the practical details. When you check in on Wednesday or Thursday, we’ll go through the map and you’ll pick up your food for the adventure. From there, we take the bus to the start and the adventure begins. You hike at your own pace – on your own or together with others – to our shared campsites, where we relax and hang out around the campfires. You carry your own gear between campsites and sleep in your own tent.

During the adventure, you can join talks and outdoor workshops together with some of Sweden’s leading outdoor brands, before we wrap things up with a great After-Hike.

Program

Route Description

You could be here too.

ONE OF THE WORLDS MOST POPULAR HIKING ADVENTURES

The High Coast Hike attracts hundreds of hikers from all over the world every year. Come along and experience the beautiful scenery, the pleasant atmosphere, the workshops, and all the fun activities happening

What is the High Coast Hike?

Höga Kusten Hike is one of Sweden’s most popular hiking adventures, attracting hundreds of participants from around the world each year. Over three days, we experience the very best of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed High Coast.

The adventure includes transportation, guides, meals, outdoor workshops, the After-Hike celebration, and plenty of fun surprises along the way.

Your journey begins with check-in at Friluftsbyn, and on Thursday morning, buses depart from Friluftsbyn to the start of the hike.

We hike at our own pace through spectacular landscapes, carrying our own gear and tents to the shared overnight camps along the route.

In the evenings, you can relax, spend time with fellow hikers around the campfires, or join one of the outdoor workshops hosted by some of Sweden’s leading outdoor brands and companies.

The adventure begins with a cozy welcome evening and concludes with an unforgettable After-Hike celebration at Friluftsbyn. If you're arriving by car, you can leave it parked at Friluftsbyn throughout the entire adventure.

What's included?

The High Coast Hike is all about making it easy to set out on a grand adventure. We take care of the planning, logistics, meals, and guides. Your registration includes:

High Coast Hike T-shirt
Shuttle transport from Friluftsbyn
Six meals of freeze-dried outdoor food
A freshly prepared dinner at the second campsite
Water supplies transported to locations with lower natural water flow
A hiking map of the route
Outdoor seminars hosted by Woolpower and Naturkompaniet
A finisher’s medal
Admission to the After-Hike celebration
Free camping at Friluftsbyn from Saturday to Sunday

How challenging is the hike?

There are two main route options – The Original and Wanderlust. You can also choose Wanderlust Light, where your tent and sleeping bag are transported to the overnight camps for you.

Whichever option you choose, your experience will be much more enjoyable if you prepare beforehand. We recommend spending some time hiking with a backpack before the adventure, especially to strengthen your knees, shoulders, and back. If you encounter challenges along the way, we’ll do everything we can to help you continue the adventure, whether that means suggesting shortcuts or finding other solutions as needed.

The Original (Level 4/5)
This is a challenging hike with some demanding sections. You'll cover 10–16 kilometres per day, including steep ascents and descents on trails with varied terrain.

More Information: The Original »

Wanderlust (Level 3/5)
This route is considered moderate, based on the distances and the time available each day. Even so, some preparation is recommended. There are still steep climbs and descents, though fewer than on The Original, and the terrain remains varied throughout the adventure.

More Information: Wanderlust »

Wanderlust Light (Level 2/5)
With part of your gear transported to the overnight camps, you can hike with a lighter backpack. This makes Wanderlust Light the easiest option within the context of the adventure. The route still includes varied terrain with some steep ascents and descents, but it has become especially popular with families and first-time hikers.

More Information: Wanderlust Light »

Who usually join this adventure?

The High Coast Hike attracts both adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world – from experienced hikers to curious beginners. Some come on their own, while others join with a partner, friends, or the whole family.

Whoever you are, there’s an adventure that’s right for you. Click below for tips to make your hiking experience even better:

I'm coming on my own »

I'm coming with a partner or friends »

I'm bringing the kids »

All the information you need!

On this website, you'll find all the information you need to prepare for the hike. In the weeks leading up to the adventure, we'll also share reminders and important updates in our Facebook group, “High Coast Hikers”.

You can already explore:

Program »
– an overview of the entire hike.

Participant Information »
– detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions.

We won’t be sending out a separate information email, as all the information is already available here on the website and emails can easily be missed. Be sure to visit these pages to make sure you're well prepared for the adventure.

The hike finishes at the Skuleberget Summit Cabin before we head down to FriluftsByn for the After-Hike party.

“An amazing experience with absolutely incredible views. I came on my own and made new friends.”

Åsa Olofsson

“For me, the hike was just as much an inner journey, giving me time to reflect on life.”

Sanne van der Veer

“As a seasoned mountain hiker, it was almost an otherworldly experience to hike across mountains right by the coast. The atmosphere was both festive and friendly.”

Sofia Furstenberg Stott

WHICH ADVENTURE SUITS YOU BEST?

Many come alone and return year after year for the pleasant camaraderie. Others bring friends, family, or partners and combine time together with participating in the community. Here, we have gathered some tips just for you.

First time? Here are some tips >>