Ulvöleden Trail Guide: High Coast's newest hiking challenge from Docksta

The amazing view of Ulvön from Lotsberget

Discover Ulvöleden, the newest trail segment on Höga Kusten Leden. Book your strategic base camp at Docksta Havet marina - 50m from ferry, perfect for island hikers.

The High Coast Trail community is buzzing about Ulvöleden - the newest island segment added to the legendary Höga Kusten Leden. But here's what every serious hiker needs to know: conquering this trail requires strategic planning, and Docksta Havet offers the perfect launch pad just 50 meters from the ferry departure.

What makes Ulvöleden special?

Ulvöleden represents a groundbreaking expansion of the famous 130-kilometer Höga Kusten Leden (High Coast Trail), one of Sweden's prestigious 12 Signature Trails. This new island segment takes hikers beyond the mainland to explore the pristine archipelago that makes the High Coast truly unique.

The trail winds through Ulvön island, offering:

• Dramatic coastal vistas across the World Heritage archipelago

• Historic fishing village charm with traditional red cottages

• Cultural heritage sites including the 17th-century Ulvö Chapel

• Unique geological formations showcasing post-glacial land uplift

• Authentic Nordic island atmosphere away from mainland crowds

The Ulvöleden challenge: What hikers need to know

Ferry Reality Check:

• Single daily service: Departure 10:16AM, return 4:15 PM during summer season, from 16/6 to 17/8 (2025)

• Journey time: 1.5-2 hours each way (perfect for scenic viewing of the fjords)

• Ferry tickets: Book online in advance during peak season

• Island camping required: Serious trail completion means overnight stays

• Backpacker-friendly: Most hikers bring their own camping gear

• Season dependent: Service to reach the island can be affected by calendar

• Ferry operator from Docksta to Ulvön island: M/S Kusttrafik - HögaKustenBåtarna - Book online https://www.hkship.se/

IMPORTANT: “This isn't a casual day hike - it's a committed trail segment that demands proper preparation and staging.”

What sets Docksta apart for trail hikers

Strategic Location Benefits:

• Ferry proximity: Closest accommodation to departure point

• Trail integration: Direct connection to main Höga Kusten Leden

• Multi-trail proximity: Skuleberget, Vårdkallberget, Getsvedjeberget trails start just few km away

• Resupply access: ICA supermarket and essential services nearby

• Weather shelter: Secure base regardless of conditions

Authentic Hiker Understanding:

• The host is trail runner: Tommaso gets the hiking mindset

• Minimalist comfort: Boathouse offers exactly what hikers need

• No unnecessary luxury: Focus on practical staging benefits

• Flexible service: Adapt to hiker schedules and needs

Why HögaKusten Leden hikers choose Docksta Havet as their island adventure base camp

The Night Before Strategy

👍 Our cozy Boathouse (350 SEK/person) offers the perfect pre-adventure setup and early morning ferry access just 50 meters to departure pier.

What’s included:

• Fresh linens provided & made beds ready: No setup stress before your big day

• Kitchenette access: Fuel up with proper meals at our Sailors Club House (2025)

• Towel kit option: No need to pack heavy towels for your island adventure

• Gear organization space: Spread out and pack equipment properly before or after island camping

Service House Facilities - your trail recovery center:

• Shower rooms and toilet facilities: clean, comfortable, maintained daily

• Laundry facilities: Washer and dryer for trail clothes (50 SEK)

• Dishwashing area: Clean your camping gear properly

Unique boathouse stay: overnight by the sea >

“This is exactly what sets us apart from basic camping - you get the adventure experience with proper restoration amenities. After days of trail camping, there's nothing like a real shower, clean towels, and the ability to properly wash your gear.”

The Two-Night Adventure Strategy

The Dock House (900 SEK/night) provides luxury staging for hiking couples who choose our over-water accommodation.

👌 Romantic memorable experience: Combine trail achievement with special moments.

• Space to plan: Review maps and routes together

• Stress-free morning: Walk to ferry without rushing

• Complete restoration hub pre/post-hike: recovery and comfort in between your camping adventure

Enjoy Höga Kusten Seaside Living >

Success Story: the German Couple

Last summer, a German couple arrived very tired from mainland HKLeden sections. They'd smartly booked our Dock House for two full nights.

Night One: Restoration

Hot showers, a real double bed with sea view, and hours on their private terrace overlooking the water. "We need to feel human again before tackling the island," they told us.

Day Two: Preparation

Refreshed, they spent the day at Naturum Höga Kusten Museum getting detailed trail maps, then returned to reorganize packs and study island routes. That evening, they enjoyed a romantica aperitivo & dinner on the dock of the boathouse as their "last supper" before island camping.

Ferry Day: Success

After an espresso together at the Club House, "Tommaso," they said, "this two-night strategy made Ulvöleden feel like a complete experience, not just a trail segment we survived." They walked calmly to the 10:15 AM ferry - no rushing, no stress, just two people ready for adventure.

What You'll Discover on Ulvön

The island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage:

Natural Highlights:

• Lotsberget viewpoint with panoramic archipelago views

• Pristine coastal trails along granite shorelines

• Rich birdlife and marine ecosystems

• Traditional Nordic island landscapes

Cultural Experiences:

• Ulvö Museum showcasing maritime heritage

• Historic Ulvö Chapel (built by Gävle fishermen)

• Traditional fishing village architecture

• Famous surströmming (fermented herring) traditions

Connecting to the greater High Coast Trail

Ulvöleden brilliantly complements the main Höga Kusten Leden experience:

• Trail integration: Seamless connection to mainland segments

• UNESCO context: Experience the World Heritage site from both land and sea

• Geological story: Witness post-glacial rebound from unique island perspective

• Complete adventure: Combine mainland mountains with archipelago exploration

Why this matters for High Coast hikers

“Ulvöleden represents more than just a new trail – it's a paradigm shift in how we experience the High Coast. For the first time, hikers can seamlessly integrate island exploration with mainland adventures, all while using Docksta as their strategic base camp.

This positions the High Coast as not just a hiking destination, but as a complete outdoor adventure ecosystem where mountains meet the sea, and where every day brings new possibilities for discovery.”

Ready to be among the first to experience Ulvöleden this season? Ferry service starts 16/6 - book your strategic base camp at Docksta Havet now. Limited Boathouse and Dock House availability during peak hiking season.

Tommaso De Rosa

See my host profile and contact me on Airbnb

If you would like assistance planning your stay in one of our waterfront accommodations at the marina, need hiking advice at Skyleskogen Park or Mount Skuleberget, or have any other questions regarding things to do on the High Coast during the summer, please contact me via the Airbnb chat. You are welcome :)

_Tommaso

Please write me by email or WhatsApp at +46.763136909

P.S. I’m a trail runner. I like to explore new routes with a hiking mindset, especially those on the High Coast. Here below you find what I highlighted in these blog posts.

Vacation lodgings along the Höga Kusten Leden ideal for trekkers

While trekking, sometimes all you want is a place to rest and spend the night; other times, you want an experience in and of itself.

Set your trekking base camp

These coastal Airbnbs are a little different from other places you might stay. They are located at the Docksta marina, along the Höga Kusten Leden route (Etapp 5: Ullånger–Skuleberget).

They are in a prime location near Skuleskogen National Park and the Skuleberget Mount trails.

You find one or two sleeps in the comfortable, tiny room of a real Nordic boathouse.

In the dock house, which is a glamorous lodging above the sea, you will find a 40sqm cabin with a spectacular double bed facing the sea, living room, and kitchenette.

For families or a group of friends, a spacious, well-equipped apartment overlooking the Docksta fjord with a breathtaking sea view is ideal.

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Highlighting the Boathouse's features for backpackers

During your trekking vacation, the Boathouse is an ideal place to locate a safe haven in inclement weather or to have a "rest" day to recover.

Accommodation: 2 sleeps - 1 bedroom (~ 8 sqm)

1 sleep: 350:-sek

or 2 sleeps: 650:-sek

DURING THE SUMMER ONLY:
check on AIRBNB the availability of the boathouse between May and September.

Visto su AirbnbAlloggio · Höga Kusten, Docksta · ★4.88 · 1 camera da letto · 2 letti · 1 bagno

• Flexible check-in and check-out times and last-minute reservations (we are aware that you can hike from the forest)

• When you arrive, your bed is already made; bed lines are included.

• There is a “towel kit” available at 50:- sek if you are traveling with little luggage (1x 140x70, 1x 70x50, 1x 50x30).

• SERVICE HOUSE - A laundry room, a countertop for dishwashing, a changing room, toilets, and warm water showers available all day.

• You're welcome into the Sailor's Club House, with free espresso coffee and a living area.

• You can park free your car or motorcycle at the marina and recover your sporting equipment, such as bikes and kayaks, into the boathouse.

• MTBs are available for rental (100:- sek/day)

• 200 meters from the ICA supermarket in Docksta or the Höga Kusten Leden track that crosses the village's main road.

• 50 meters from the "Docksta Marina" bus stop on the E4 (in summer, the bus that takes you to the national park stops here as well).

• 50 meters from the dock of the ferry "Höga Kusten Trafik," which cruises to Ulvön island.

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Some ideas and tips to make the most of your vacation break in Docksta:

👉 The highest point of land in the globe to have been raised by a postglacial isostatic rebound is located at 286 meters above sea level highest at the summit of Skuleberget Mounth: there are beautiful trails to reach it.

👉 Hiking the Skuleskogen national park's wonderful routes and taking in its breathtaking scenery should take up an entire day.

👉 Naturum Museum, Via Ferrara, and concerts at Skuleberget Mount: have fun with outdoor activities a step away from the marina.

👉 The old church of the village (2 km from the marina) and Per-Olsbo wind shelter (at 3,8 km)  can be reached with an easy walk along the southerly segment of the Höga Kusten Leden.

👉 The magnificent trail that leads to the summit of Vårdkallberget Mount is surrounded by rocky pine forests.

👉 A day trip with the ferry to discover the renowned Ulvön island and beauty of the archipelago: the ferry starts from the harbor in Docksta at 10am.

👉 The outdoor sessions of functional group training with Marcus Lindberg (every Monday or Wednesday at 6:30 in Berg).

👉 Shops & Highlights in Docksta: that’s my guide >

Your holiday accommodation at our Airbnb is just a step from the trails at Skuleskogen National Park and Skuleberget mountain in Docksta. We are seaside and perfectly located to explore the top spots in the paradise for trail running Höga Kusten.

Tommaso De Rosa

See my host profile and contact me on Airbnb

If you would like assistance planning your stay in one of our waterfront accommodations at the marina, need hiking advice at Skyleskogen Park or Mount Skuleberget, or have any other questions regarding things to do on the High Coast during the summer, please contact me via the Airbnb chat. You are welcome :)

_Tommaso

Please write me by email or WhatsApp at +46.763136909

P.S. I’m a trail runner. I like to explore new routes with a hiking mindset, especially those on the High Coast. Here below you find what I highlighted in these blog posts.