Basic tips to get ready for your day hike (or run) on High Coast paths

The great outdoors is calling: a walk's quality need not be determined by its duration or level of difficulty, nor does it have to be an intense hike.

Being on the High Coast represents an opportunity to move in nature in an unparalleled way.

It's a good idea to keep in mind a few recommendations to ensure the success of any excursion you have planned that may be completed in four or five hours, even if it's only a few kilometers on paper.

6 suggestions to prepare you for your outdoor walks on the Höga Kusten

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1. You need suitable footwear. With few exceptions, all the paths that lead you to climb or descend on the reliefs are very technical, you will also walk on rocks, roots and pebbles. You do not need heavy or rigid shoes, good shoes are enough, for example for hiking or trail running, that are comfortable, with a good grip and possibly tasselled.

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2. Move with a light backpack, always carry a reservoir of water with you and something to eat to replenish your energies. Remember that you won't be able to easily access stores to "supply" or just stop for a drink when you're in the woods or on the national park's trails.

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3. Check the weather forecast, bringing appropriate clothing (to stay warm and dry, particularly).

The applications YR.no and SMHI.se are excellent for puntual locality forecasting.

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4. Plan your route. The paths within the national park or protected natural areas, and the Höga Kusten Leden are average well marked, you will generally find signs with the indications that are needed or more easily than signs made with colored paint on rocks and trees.

Taking a look at a map, to know the territory where you are moving, is always a good idea. Tourist information points can in most cases provide you with a useful one.

👉 You can find many maps even downloadable online, (below, you can free download our info-maps, too), or use apps (like Kamoot, Outdoorsactive...), when you have network coverage. A good resource are naturkartan.se website and app.

👉 Have a look also at our outdoor MAP-POSTERS >

If you're adventuring on trails that you don't think are popular, let someone know about your route and your excursion plans.

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5. Bring a cell phone with the batteries charged but remember that you will not always have the coverage guaranteed, especially if you are in roaming with a non-Swedish telephone contract.

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6. Carrying hiking or Nordic walking poles in your backpack could be an excellent alternative if they are foldable. Although they are helpful equipment, many of the rough and rooty pathways you may come upon are not suitable for them.

Little etiquette guidelines

Additionally, you will find here a few basic etiquette rules for a more environmentally conscious outdoor experience.

📍Keep it wild.

Just remember that the natural environment you are moving into is unique and delicate.

Stay on the existing paths (do not venture off the trails creating new ones or cutting switchbacks). Remain on it to avoid harming the natural spaces around it. With so many visitors enjoying natural areas for their outdoor recreational activities, a simple shortcut through a dune, around a wet trail, or across a meadow can have long-lasting negative impacts.

📍Do not disturb wildlife.

Your surroundings are home to many plants and animals: you are the visitor.

📍Do not litter.

Take all of your belongings home with you :)

Set your #hiking BASE CAMP to explore the Höga Kusten World Heritage site:

These coastal Airbnbs are located at the marina in Docksta, along the Höga Kusten Leden (Etapp 5: Ullånger–Skuleberget) and just a step away from the Skuleskogen National Park and the Skuleberget Mount. The accommodations are seaside and perfectly located to explore the Höga Kusten World Heritage.

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.

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In the light of the midnight sun, a run on the rocky cliff of Rotsidan

Rotsidan Nature Reserve, located between Barstahamn and Fällsvikshamn, a few kilometers south of Bönhamn, is a unique four-kilometer low-lying "beach" made of smooth, flat, gigantic rocks.

Running these cliffs is going to be one of your most memorable High Coast vacation experiences. For trail runners and hikers, Rotsidan is a fantastic place to be!

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The waves' slow labor continuously buffs the rocks' surface and the route along the long ribbon of stone shoreline offers an incredible evocative spectacle, but the highlight is the truly amazing experience of running on a diabase rock bottom that appears to have been there since the beginning of time.

Come here to run in the springtime, when the sky is clear all night and the light always casts the sea and the coast in a softly toned filter, or when the sun is already far above the sea horizon even if you get here very early in the morning.

You'll probably find yourself exploring alone, free to enjoy all of the sensations that this trail out of the patterns has to offer.

In some parts, the smooth and compact rocks of the cliff interrupt to leave room for large beaches of rocks and rounded, smaller stones. Aside from a few algae, occasionally, you will come across old tree trunks that have been bleached white by the sea.

On the north-south axis, the trail along Rotsidan that is shown on the maps is somewhat longer than 4 kilometers. It extends a little inside, but you can walk the beach off-road without restriction by keeping much closer to the water's edge and “dancing” on the rocks—basically, just staying in the bathtub.

Starting and returning from Barsta or Fällsvikshamnen along the entire distance of Rotsidan, you will cover less than ten kilometers; the difference in altitude of the route is minimal. Running free-style, jumping and improvising from time to time a direction on the rocks will be very fun.

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Bring a light backpack with your supply of liquids and something to stop you making a snack, but nothing heavy or that hinders your freedom of movement. Even shoes do not necessarily have to be lugs; they just have to have a good grip.

“Not just in Rotsidan, but anywhere else on the High Coast too, running in the late evening or at night under the midnight sun is an unforgettable experience”.

In addition, I enjoy doing it in two other very special locations: Mount Skuleberget, where my favorite trails to run in these conditions are "the Elk" descent trail and "the Lynx" and "the Eagle" paths for climbing to the summit. The second excursion that I suggest running "in the night" between June and July is a ring route that stretches just over 10 kilometers and travels through some of Skuleskogen National Park's most picturesque trails and thought-provoking spots.

#HIGHCOASTRUNNER

”I’m sharing running experiences within the High Coast World Heritage site in Sweden”

Feel free to contact me:

Tommaso De Rosa

@tominthehighcoast

+46 (0)76.3136909

or +39.335.1309207 (WhatsApp too)

dockstahavet@gmail.com

Looking for a base camp by the seaside to start for your High Coast excursions?

The Airbnbs at Docksta Havet are located close to the National Park and the Skuleberget trails. Choosing a seaside lodging will set your vacation apart from the others.

Highlighting the best, selected trailrunning races in the Höga Kusten

Do you ever miss the opportunity to experience a run in the stunning wildness of the North?

Many runners, particularly those from abroad, have the dream of being able to run in the great outdoors while visiting this region of Sweden, which is renowned for its exceptional natural heritage.

There are several appointments throughout the year that offer the opportunity to take a few days of vacation and to participate in some truly unique races.

For all lovers of running, and trail-running in particular, I created this basic calendar, collecting some info and video, which highlights the best spots to compete along some of the most breathtaking routes on the High Coast.

You should put at least one of these amazing races in Sweden on your bucket list! :)

Trail running competitions in the High Coast World Heritage to add to your racing season

CALENDAR 2024

Reccommended by #HighCoastRunner

[ SPRINg ]

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Sundsvall, 11 may 2024

SUNDSVALL TRAIL

Video @DavidHolmberg on Vimeo

This trail along the magnificent Sundsvall coastline paths is one of the highlights. The race, which brings together athletes and teams, kicks off the Höga Kusten racing season in the spring.

Distances: 24, 10, 3 kilometres

Info: sundsvalltrail.se

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Örnsköldsvik, May/June 2024

HÄGGLUNDS JOGGEN

Unmiss this weekly appointment in Örnsköldsvik to run around Lake Höglandsjön! There are five dates every Wednesday, from the first week of May to the first of June. The course is 4 km long, which you can run in a race or freestyle without timing.

Distance: 4 km

Info: Hägglundsjoggen

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Docksta, 25 May 2024

SKULEBERGET #BIG5 UPHILLS CHALLENGE

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For a few years, when the snow melt on the Skuleberget, the collective run on the five uphill paths of the mountain was renewed. It's not a race, it's a challenge between brave athletes.

Distance: ~25Km, approximately D+1.500m

Info: the #BIG5 Uphills Challenge

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Höga Kusten, 7/8 June 2024

HIGH COAST ULTRA

There is also an ultra race that crosses the entire High Coast from south to north, and that follows, in part, the famous Höga Kusten Leden track.

Distances: 130 km, start at Höga Kusten Hotell; 58 km, start in Docksta

Info: highcoastultra.se

[ SUMMER ]

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Örnsköldsvik, Sunday, 30 juni 2024

ATEA TRAILÖVIK

To mark the start of the Swedish holiday season, there is the most anticipated trailrunning race with the best technical content along the gorgeous trails on the mountains that overflow Själevad at the gates of Ö-vik. Thanks to the expert organization of the Skogslöparna team, which designs the path in the woods, the fun is ensured. It's the next "A-race" to include in your international racing calendar!

From this year on, the TrailÖvik 22k race is part of the Outnorth Trailtour 2024 Championship calendar.

Distances: 22, 12, 6, 2 kilometres

Info: trailovik.se

Info: skogsloparna.se

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Örnsköldsvik, August 2024

HÄGGLUNDS TRAIL

It's a quick, exciting, and challenging race. It set off in the evening, following a very entertaining route that crosses amazing woodland sections as well as paths with rocks, roots, and—occasionally—a lot of mud.

Distances: 6.7 and 2.4 kilometres

Info: hagglundsskiteam.se

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Docksta, 6/7 September 2024

HÖGA KUSTEN TRAIL

There is a race that will take you to cross long and wide the Skuleskogen National Park and then, along paths in the woods, to reach the foot of the Skuleberget mountain. From there, it will push you to climb up to the top and back down from the opposite side before climbing back to the summit again for your arrival. After the summer and early fall, but also in February, when snow and ice cover the trails, hundreds of runners from everywhere meet in Docksta to participate in the two seasonal editions of this trail that are unmatched in the Scandinavian running landscape.

Distances: 43, 25, 15 kilometres

Info: hogakustentrail.se

[ AUTUMN ]

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Härnösand, 5 October 2024

HÄRNÖ TRAIL 2024

The race travels through expansive natural and coastal landscapes before finishing at the summit of the mountain above Härnösand. Traveling through the protected natural area, down to the sea, and then to the beach at Smitingen is an unforgettable experience. Every year, an increasing number of competitors take on this demanding test. This race is becoming more and more well-known in the Swedish trailrunning scene.

Distances: 21 km, 14 km, 7 km

Info: harnotrail.se

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Örnsköldsvik, Sunday, october 2024

NIGHT EDITION TRAILÖVIK

The race's nighttime version, which follows the well-known TrailÖvik routes, is unbeatable—every competitor races with their front lights on! Arriving, coming from the forest, the last peak and the finish line lighted by the fires creates an experience that will never be forgotten.

Distances: 12, 6 kilometres

Info: trailovik.se

Info: skogsloparna.se

[ WINTER ]

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Docksta, February 2025

HÖGA KUSTEN WINTER TRAIL

Distances: 50, 35, 25 kilometres

Info: hogakustenwintertrail.se

#highcoastrunner

”I’m sharing running experiences within the High Coast World Heritage in Sweden”

Feel free to contact me:

Tommaso De Rosa

@tominthehighcoast

+46 (0)76.3136909

or +39.335.1309207 (WhatsApp too)
dockstahavet@gmail.com

Set your trail-running base camP:

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

READ MORE ABOUT #TRAILRUNNING IN THE HIGH COAST:

Ready for the call of a new trailrunning challenge at Skuleberget?

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The "Lynx," the "Elk," the "Bear," the "Eagle," and the "Fox" are recognized as the five paths that lead uphill to the magnificent summit of Skuleberget Mountain, which overlooks the High Coast World Heritage Site in northern Sweden.

When you embark these trails, you will encounter the most breathtaking scenery the natural area has to offer.

The Skuleberget #BIG5 challenge at Skuleberget Mount takes you on a journey along all its uphill segments, running kilometers of rough terrains, far from the tourist season routes, to magic spots and the best hidden stretches that dare to be found.

The trial consists to run across all five uphill segments in a single session, beginning and ending on the same day.

The challenge has a course length of approximately 25 kilometers and a positive gap of approximately 1500 meters. In order for the challenge to be considered valid it must be completed by at least two athletes.

The #BIG5 Challenge is open to everyone, with no time limits, intensity choice, no cash fee, and no formal registration.

You are welcome to join us on the 25th of May, 2024!

Why the Skuleberget #BIG5 Uphills Challenge?

Besides the dramatic landscapes at every turn of the mountain, what makes this an adventure that will remain in your soul for life is an experience you can’t get anywhere else: the shared, unforgettable outdoor challenge.

You will be able to meet running buddies and approach the mountain with the same purpose: to have fun together along its trails.

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A course with an altimeter profile for brave runners

There is no right or wrong timing, nor is there a proper or incorrect pace. You are the one who determines what the intensity is to face the challenge. However, it's true that the #BIG5 paths will be demanding.

The itinerary for running all the challenge's trails on Skuleberget requires crossing between 3 and 5 kilometers from one uphill segment to the next and running and hiking for a total of 4 and 6 hours in a row session. The course is ~25km and ~D+1.500m

The official sequence of the paths that is runned during the #BIG5 Uphills Challenge:

#BIG5pathLYNX uphill -> BEAR downhill -> #BIG5pathELK uphill -> FOX downhill -> #BIG5pathBEAR uphill -> LYNX downhill -> #BIG5pathEAGLE uphill -> ELK downhill -> #BIG5pathFOX uphill -> BEAR downhill

This has continued to be the official track to finish the #BIG5 Challenge as of the first edition.

 
Set your #PB:

Search the #BIG5 segments and register your session with the Strava app. Join the High Coast Runner club on strava.com: you are welcome in the group!

High Coast runners are calling for a new spring edition: the 4th #BIG5 Uphills Challenge is scheduled on Saturday, 25/5/2024. Are you one of us?

[ SPRING EDITION ]

4th Skuleberget #BIG5 Uphills Challenge

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Read all about the details!
 

WHERE:

SKULEBERGET MOUNTAIN

87396 Docksta, Västernorrland, Sweden
 

WHEN:

25 MAY 2024

 
START:

10:00 a.m.

The runners will meet at the parking area of the Naturum Höga Kusten World Heritage Centre shortly before, around 09:30. Last-minute changes to the start times may occur.

AFTER-CHALLENGE:

#BIG5 “THIRD TIME”

As you finish running, we are waiting for you at the #BIG5 after-challenge, where participants and guests are coming to meet together to share and celebrate the experience. The event that take place at the marina club house in Docksta includes snacks and drinks of a frindly fika, parking, and a service house for changing and showering. By car, the marina is just a few minutes from Naturum.

Join us in this epic adventure.

For any inquiries about the challenge, feel free to contact me:

Tommaso De Rosa

@tominthehighcoast

+46 (0)76.3136909

or +39.335.1309207 (WhatsApp too)
dockstahavet@gmail.com

Read more about the Skuleberget Mount, the #BIG5 paths and trailrunning in the High Coast:

Trail running in the High Coast: recommended paths around Docksta

If you love to combine hiking, running, and the passion for the great outdoors, what better way to do it than into the heart of the Höga Kusten UNESCO world heritage in Sweden?

Any trailrunning enthusiast is captivated by the long sunny spring/summer days and enchanting by varied hilly paths through breathtaking landscapes between the mountains and the Baltic Sea.

Reconnecting with nature and recharging your body, mind, and soul in peaceful natural environments makes you feel like you've stepped into a whole other universe.

Docksta is the homeland of the outdoors, and for runners, there is no exception: each path winds through forests and hills and combines breathtaking sea views with a perfectly Nordic setting.

The village is located in the center of all of this, a step from the famous Skuleberget mountain and the trails of Skuleskogen National Park.

A run here is definitely a unique experience, and there is pure joy in discovering the scenic beauty of the High Coast!

Did you know that there are at least five great trails you can run or hike to reach the top of Skuleberget Mount?

These trails are very popular in the runner community; you run all year round, and all the paths lead to the summit, rising from different sides. High Coast runners name them “Lynx, Eagle, Bear, Elk, and the Fox”; they are “the #BIG5”.

The Lynx, the Fox and the Bear will bring you uphill and downhill on the final segments of the “Höga Kusten Trail” race course, too.

On the Skuleberget, a challenge arose that led the runner to run all five paths in a single session: the #BIG5 Challenge is not a race, it's a call for a bunch of bold athletes.

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For trailrunners, the playground is not only Skuleberget Mount. Docksta is surrounded by beautiful paths: on the seafront, on the hills, or in the countryside. Many of them will lead you to the heights of the mountains that surround the land.

You will experience the thrill of running through natural scenery: real nordic forests, red Nordingrå granite rocks covered by lichen, and stunning mountain trails.

Vårdkallberget, Getsvedjeberget, Skovedsberget, Herrestaberget, Fäberget, and Skuleberget summits offer extraordinary views over the High Coast Archipelago to hikers and trail runners.

The Vårdkallberget Mount has one of the most breathtaking views of the High Coast

One of the most amazing locations for trailrunning is the magnificent Skuleskogen National Park.

All the Skuleskogen trails are extraordinary and are a few minutes' drive from the village (during the summer, there is also a free bus to reach the national park).

Even with a session of a couple of hours of trailrunning, you will be able to reach its most interesting sights: the summit of the Slåttalsberget Mount, the Slåttdalsskrevan cracks, the beautiful Tvärnättevattnen lakes, an amazing path in the forest by the seaside, and the beaches along Kälaviken Bay.

You will love trail running connected with nature on the trails of the High Coast World Heritage

“Nature running” has been shown to combine the benefit of physical exercise with the restorative effects of being immersed in natural environments.

Running a natural trail is mindful: you constantly have to find your balance, control your steps, and adapt your speed and pace to the variety in terrain and elevation.

Take a deep breath in the woods; it will clear your mind. Running or walking outdoors in nature—in Japan, it’s called ”forest bathing"—is an experience that boosts your wellbeing. You must try.

High Coast landscapes are not flat, you will likely encounter significantly more hills on the trails than you are used to on urban routes.

This is a fun opportunity to add to your standard training. Running hills will make you a stronger runner and improve your breathing efficiency.

Slow down, and just walk. Pair your breathing with your pace: inhale counting 2, 3,... 4 steps, and exhale counting 4, 5,... 6 steps. Slow, nasal breathing will fill the lungs and power your body with fresh energy. Here, the air is clean, and it’s easier to oxygenate the muscles and to have more energy to tackle the hills.

On a trail, it doesn’t matter how fast you're running. Enjoy the beautiful place you travel and the moment you’re living. High Coast runners are lucky runners, and now can be your time, too.

On the physical side, this kind of run will develop fitness, power, endurance, and strengthen different muscles. Trail running will change you into a faster and happier runner.

Before you start your run or hike, have a good dynamic warm-up and give your training a boost with 5–10' of basic bodyweight exercises: it is the best to prepare your body for trail and hill running.

Here below, you find a list of selected (and tested!) trail running paths around Docksta and Skuleberget Mount. We focus on where the local trail runners train or race, and particularly the spots where they have fun.

More than 100 kilometres of snaking trails to run, hike, or walk are highlighted, starting seaside from the pier of the marina in Docksta.

Each path has its meaning: you should definitely give them a try!

Looking for a base camp to explore the High Coast?

Get ready to explore some of the most fun trail hotspot for beginners & expert runners around Docksta and the Skule area:

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Trail 12km - D+294m

Trailrun to the summit of Vårdkallberget

starting from Docksta Havet, Höga Kusten

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Trail 7.4KM - D+224m

Trailrun in the forest to reach Skovedsberget, a lookout point over Dockstafjärden

starting from Docksta Havet, Höga Kusten

The short segment along the Höga Kusten Leden from Docksta to the wind shelter at Skovedsberget pays you back with stunning views of Dockstafjärden. Here you have a free map >

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Trail 11.5km - D+420m

Höga Kusten Trail race segment: running North Skuleberget uphill (12.1%↗️) and Höga Kusten Stigen downhill

starting from Docksta Havet, Höga Kusten

This route takes you past the Naturum museum & High Coast Visitor’s Center, goes up along the #BIG5 path named “LYNX” to the “Toppstugan” and down to the south side of the hill along the #BIG5 path named “FOX” (Höga Kusten Stigen) to the “outdoor village”, FriluftsByn.

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Trail 9.3Km - D+332m

#BIG5 path BEAR: vertical running on “Skulebacken” (ski tracks) uphill & downhill

starting from Docksta Havet, Höga Kusten

This is the final steep segment that leads to the finish line at the peak of Skuleberget Mountain during the 43k of the “Höga Kusten Trail” race.

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Trail 9.1Km

Vertical runs: extreme (31.5%↗️) uphill to Skuleberget from Naturum museum and downhill via “Skulebacken” ski slopes

starting from Docksta Havet, Höga Kusten

The #BIG5 EAGLE (Grottanstigen) is really a very steep “climb” but it's the shortest path to go up to the hill and the #BIG5 BEAR (on ski slopes) is the fastest to go down. Going up, you can take a short detour to reach the cave (the Kungsgrottan or Rövargrottan is famous for being visited by Linné in 1732).

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TRAIL 10.3km - D+457m

Trailrunning up to the summit of Skuleberget (11.3%↗️) via Höga Kusten Stigen uphill & downhill

starting from Docksta Havet, Höga Kusten

Relive '🇸🇪 Run | Docksta Havet - Höga Kusten Stigen - Docksta Havet'

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Run 7.3KM - D+142M

Warm-up run around the lake Gällstasjön: clockwise round.

starting from Docksta Havet, Höga Kusten

The full loop around the lake on is perfect for an easy and hilly run. It offers Skuleberget south side views nearly the whole run and passes through the Church, the Linbana and Friluftsbyn.

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TRAILRun 12.2km - D+313m

>10k around Herrestaberget hill training from Docksta to... Docksta!

starting from Docksta Havet, Höga Kusten

Relive '🇸🇪 Run Around Herrestaberget'

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On the High Coast, there is a trailrunning race that will take you across the Skuleskogen national park long and wide and then reach, along the Höga Kusten Leden, the foot of the Skuleberget mountain, and from there it will push you to climb to its top, back down the other side, before climbing back to the summit again until the finish line.

After the summer, in early autumn and in February, when snow and ice cover the trails, hundreds of runners meet in Docksta to participate in the two editions of this prestigious trail run that has no equal in the Scandinavian landscape.

Enjoy in Docksta the Höga Kusten Trail race

Visit hogakustentrail.se >

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Join the "High Coast Runner" club on Strava

#highcoastrunner

Sharing running experiences within the High Coast World Heritage in Sweden.

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TRAIL RUNNING RESOURCES:

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A SELECTION OF OUR FAVORITE VIDEOS:

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your boat safely moored

to experience the best trail runs aronud Docksta & Skuleberget

DOCKSTA HAVET BASE CAMP >

Vårdkallberget Mount offers the taste of a wild hike on the High Coast

This mount remains in your heart.

The trail to Vårdkallberget (or Värnsberget, as someone started to nickname it) is a well-balanced hike, with only one rugged path along the hilltop leading to the summit at 265m a.s.l.

The name "Vårdkallberget" means "beacon mountain”, and it evokes memories of the old signal fires. In the past centuries, big signal fires in the High Coast Mountains alerted the locals to impending enemy attacks. The beacon chain extended all the way along the coastline so that the armies could be gathered.

Overview from the summit toward south: on the right, the Fäberget Mount at the entrance of the Docksta fjord.

Rising from the sea, the mountain forms a peninsula, never more than a couple of kilometers wide, that divides the Docksta fjord from the Norrfjärden.

Between the North fjord and the Dockstafjäerden, the peninsula with Vårdkallberget Mount (panoramic view from the summit of Skuleberget)

On the right of the panorama, the summit of the Vårdkallberget Mount from the overview point at Getsvedjeberget.

From the Per Olsbo’s shelter, near the Höga Kusten Leden, view of the Vårdkallberget Mount. From its height, it overlooks the smaller Valabergen Mount, characterizing the shape of the promontory overlooking the fjord “Ullångerfjärden” to the south.

Along the coast, there aren't many houses, and the mountain retain its amazing natural features.

The trail that leads to the top of Vårdkallberget is mostly known by locals and, fortunately, little visited, so it will be much easier to meet some wild animals, though you will probably only see traces of them in the summer.

The Vårdkallberget Mount from the pier at Docksta Havet.

From the village of Docksta, looking south-east, you can see the mountain dominate the landscape at the beginning of the fjord. It is curious to think that it is only thirty meters lower than the top of the most famous Skuleberget.

🧭

Trail to Vårdallberget Mount: back and forward from the Antenna in Myre:

4.6KM, D+180M, ~2HRS

(for hikers of all levels)

From the marina, it's easy to get to the beginning of the path by foot, bicycle, or by parking your car in Myre.

Here you can DOWNLOAD A FREE INFO-MAP about the path to reach the Vårdkallberget mountain >

The trail climbs steeply along the short terrain road to the antenna in Myre, then crosses over a short stretch of recently cleared forest before entering the breathtaking wild area. This section of the woods is distinguished by its openness and exposure to the sun.

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These particular forested areas, precious to biodiversity for flora and fauna, are called "rocky pine forests". You will understand what it means to cross a natural and undirsturbed old-growth wood in the High Coast.

The rocky pine forests are still dominated by natural dynamics and low human impact since they are considered low productive due to the low tree density (lack of water and rocky and nutrient-poor hilltops may contribute to it).

These are structurally diverse and heterogeneous forests and valuable habitats for organisms connected to sun-exposed dead woods; both snags and logs can be present for several centuries after death.

During your excursion, you will see very old pines (Pinus Sylvestris, particularly) that have been twisted by wind and snow, and you will likely need to climb or surround some storm-fallen trees, whose exposed roots will show you how almost everything here clings to a small layer of soil and to bare bedrock to survive.

At Vårdkallberget Mountain, you get a real taste of what hiking Nordic trails in areas with low human impact looks like

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By walking a narrow single track surrounded by blueberry bushes, you will pass portions of thicker forest, passing next to a wet area, and walk a few tens of meters next to a beautiful lake but invisible from the path if you don't start looking for it.

Finding the lake on the map and orienting yourself to get there should be fairly simple if you have a smartphone and a trekking app (like Komoot or Outdoorsctive). Just be cautious when approaching the wet area that is surrounded by a frequently occurring layer of moss under the surface of which there is water.

You will also cross a couple of the typical cobble fields whose pebbles have been rounded by the work of the waves because they were once at sea level around 10.000 years ago.

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The final stretch of the trail has sparser vegetation, making it easy to jump over some broad, rocky reliefs of typical red granite that are covered in moss and lichen.

You will be able to identify the southern summit of the mountain by the stacked stones that accentuate some of the 360-degree panoramic points over the archipelago.

If you start exploring the surroundings a little from there, you will discover charming views to the Ullånger’s fjord and, just below the top, on the north side, a particular wind shelter.

Photo ©: courtesy by ArkNat

It's name is “He”, and it was built in 2019 within the ArkNat project by students from different Scandinavian schools of architecture. Because of the shelter's two-sided architecture, guests can tilt the main body for shade, or wind protection, or a gorgeously framed view of the Norrfjärden, toward the Skuleberget and the Skuleskogen National Park.

The whole route to the summit of Vårdkallberget, back and forth from the antenna, is roughly five kilometers long and has a level of difficulty that most people can handle.

Naturally, it is advised to wear a good pair of trekking shoes and a pair of long trousers (the single track path narrows between bushes at certain segments). You won't be disappointed when blueberries are in season, but don't forget to pack a water bottle and possibly some snacks.

When windy, the summit is typically fairly exposed. At Vårdkallberget, however, the sun will shine through the trees for a good chunk of your journey if the weather is good. Have fun!

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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

Superior panoramic views of the High Coast World Heritage archipelago

If you are planning a vacation on the High Coast and you love hiking, Docksta is a great place to start, making it your base camp to explore some of the most stunning trails on the World Heritage site.

Which destinations would I suggest? First, the Skuleskogen National Park and the Skuleberget Mountain Nature Area.

The list of summits is as follows: Skuleberget, Slåttdalsberget at Skuleskogen, Getsvedjeberget, Vårdkallberget, Fäberget, and Herrestaberget. From these mountains, the sweeping views of the archipelago are breathtaking.

They're all well worth the effort, but you'll probably have to decide which to focus on during your excursions. So, the following information may be helpful to you :)

Hiking to the best 6 viewpoints offering sweeping views of the Höga Kusten archipelago

All of these are a few-hour excursions, except for the one to the national park Skuleskogen where you will do well to devote an entire day.

Generally speaking, I advise you to leave the car parked and point out a few of these stunning mountains' peaks, which you can even reach on foot, starting from Docksta.

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Skuleberget

296m above sea level

You can absolutely not miss the Skuleberget mountain; there are five gorgeous trails to reach its summit.

At the top, the circular path marked with red dots and named Kalottstigen allows you to walk, at 286m a.s.l., along the anchient coastline (it is the world’s highest point of land to have been uplifted by a postglacial isostatic rebound). Here you will enjoy some of the best overview points of the High Coast World Heritage.

It is a short walk or bike ride from the Docksta marina to the base of the mountain, which is less than two kilometers away.

I suggest you go up the east side, where there are the Naturum Museum and the Via Ferrata, because from there two unforgettable paths start: the "Eagle" (Grottstigen) and the "Lynx" (Östra Bergstigen).

• The first begins just besides the museum; it is the steepest and takes you on top in just over 800m. The view towards the sea is incredible. It is a challenging path; at some points you will find iron steps in the rock, you will have to walk on large massifs, and you will also have to use your hands. It's not a climb, of course, but I don't recommend it if the ground is wet, just as I'd avoid going through it to get down.

• The second option starts just under a kilometer north of the museum, following the Höga Kusten Leden. It climbs up the mountain through the beautiful forests of the natural area and, turning around the north side, offers a couple of truly unique sights, eastward and then towards the national park.

To return, I recommend following downhill the Höga Kusten Stigen / Södra Bergstigen Stigen (the #BIG5 path named “FOX”).

This panoramic path is facing south and 2.5 km long; crossing the summit of Litoberget Mountain brings you back to the valley along the sunny side of the mountain and its stunning panoramas over the Dockstafjärden and Norrfjärden.

Here you find more detailed descriptions of all the trails of the Skuleberget mountain, and the history of the path nicknames inspired by the wild animals of the area.

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Slåttdalsberget

at 276m a.s.l, spanning between the archipelago and the horizons on the National Park

Since 2023, an unprecedented perspective has been opened towards the archipelago from the top of the mountain Slåttdalsberget. Its top, a basically flat “terrace” of red granite rock, where the vegetation is very scarce, can now be traveled along the path from both sides of the mountain that is split in half by the Slåttdalsskrevan, a 200-meter-long and 30-meter-high fissure.

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Getsvedjeberget

Overlooking the Norrfjärden

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The one that leads to the top of Getsvedjeberget mountain is a short excursion marked by satisfaction, although a bit challenging.

The segment that leads up begins steep and continues to be, but the effort is abundantly rewarded by the beauty it offers on the landscape of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. If you go there on a sunny, windy day, your jaw will drop in astonishment.

From Docksta, you can go there walking or biking (~3km); there is a pleasant road that leads to the Norrfjärden, avoiding crossing the highway. The path starts right inside the campsite.

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Vårdkallberget

360 degrees views over the wild + the joy to walk the 2.5Km single track segment to the peak

Hiking in the stunning scenery of the High Coast can be experienced firsthand on this delightful and simple trail.

No component is left out. The path, almost a single track between blueberry bushes, slides quietly along the back of the mountain, crossing a beautiful rocky pine forest, where light easily penetrates. The contact with the sky is constant.

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From the antenna, in Myre, you reach the summit at 265m a.s.l. in less than 3 kilometers, crossing wet areas, stretched on rocks covered with lichens and surrounded by very ancient pines, contoured by the wind. The path runs through a hidden and almost "secret" lake and crosses in a couple of points some of the typical cobble fields with round stones formed by the waves and sea ice around 10.000 years ago.

From the village, you can walk or bike to Myre to the “Antenna”, and start there your trail to Vårdkallberget: here you can download a free info-map about >

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Herrestaberget

A special and privileged observation spot

This mountain protects Docksta and the northern part of the fjord from strong western winds coming from Norway.

From the main street of the village, you can hardly see but the Herrestaberget Mountain is there, at less than 1km; it rises in all its natural beauty, enclosing the precious treasure of a small natural area that preserves a portion of its oldest forest heritage from woodcuts.

The trail begins along the southwestern shore of Lake Gällstasjön; in this case, the track does not lead to the summit of the mountain but reaches a beautiful promontory overlooking the southeast. An observation point over Docksta, its fjords, and mountain reliefs will easily stay in your heart.

From the road that coasts the lake, you get there by a steep path in the woods, a little more than 500 meters and an oscillating divide of 129 meters.

From this panoramic point, the trail descends back and forth by taking a wide anti-clock tour around the mountain, leading to Sätra, with the wonderful old 1400 church of the village and the charming fields overlooking the south towards the fjord.

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Fäberget

At the top of the mountain carved by ice and the sea

From its summit, there is an observation point with an incredible perspective. The mountain sits on the water at the intersection between Dockstafjärden and Ullångerfjärden. It is a cult deviation for all hikers walking along Stage No. 5 of the Höga Kusten Leden.

From the old church in Docksta, the trail crosses the Sätra meadows and enters, after a few hundred meters, into the forest. It is a really suitable walk for everyone, along a beautiful segment of the Höga Kusten Leden. At Skoved, you can safely cross the highway and walk the road toward the mountain and its shelter, facing east over the sea. Make time to explore the few small tracks around the summit toward the north, too. The peak has large, flat rocks covered by lychens and small trees.

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During your walk to Fäberget, the short deviation to the shelter of “Per Olsbo” is unmissable.

This spot is a magical place, with a spectacular peak view of the fjord and Vårdkallberget, towards Docksta and the Skuleberget mountain.

Don’t miss to download the free info-map of Per Olsbo’s Shelter >

Along the Höga Kusten Leden, it is marked with the "Utsight" sign approximately a few kilometers south of the church. Remember to sign the guestbook :)

Some tips to prepare your excursions

• Move with a light backpack, always carry a reservoir of water with you and something to eat to replenish your energies.

• With few exceptions, all the paths that lead you to climb or descend on the reliefs are very technical, you will also walk on rocks, roots and pebbles, you need suitable shoes. You do not need heavy or rigid shoes, good shoes are enough, for example for hiking or trail running, that are comfortable, with a good grip and possibly tasselled.

• The paths that I have described are average well marked, you will generally find signs with the indications that are needed or more easily than signs made with colored paint on rocks and trees.

• Bring a cell phone with the batteries charged but remember that you will not always have the coverage guaranteed, especially if you are in roaming with a non-Swedish telephone contract.

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

The Skuleberget's #BIG5 uphill challenge boosts trailrunners' souls

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Racing alongside someone in a natural environment elevates the beauty of trailrunning. However, when the experience is connected to a mountain like the Skuleberget, a sort of trace left by the paths remains in the runner’s soul.

One of the most suggestive places for hikers in Sweden is the summit of Mount Skuleberget, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Höga Kusten, or the High Coast. This place is a collection of unforgettable experiences and sensations for runners who enjoy being into the wild.

All year round, hundreds passionates get epic trailrunning sessions in its natural reserve.

The #HighCoastRunner group named the five trails and their steep segments that bring to the summit of the mountain “ELK, FOX, BEAR, EAGLE and LYNX”.

They are the “BIG5 uphill paths” of the Skuleberget.

Every run on these uphills will push you out of your comfort zone.

Know all the #BIG5 segments

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The mountain stands proudly next to the village of Docksta, facing the fjords and the Skuleskogen National Park.

The peak at 296 m above sea level is paradoxically not the most significant point: at a just lower altitude, at 286 meters, there is the highest coastline in the world, which, due to the melting of the ice after the last glacial period, has risen from the sea level and continues to do so today, about 6/8mm per year.

This is where a challenge arose. It’s for athletes, not between athletes.

The #BIG5 Uphills Challenge is a call to gather a handful of daring runners with the goal of completing all five trails—the respective ascending segments, in particular, leading up to the top of the Skuleberget.

How the #BIG5 uphill paths were born

The #BIG5 segments names (and their challenge!) born in the 2019 summer, when two “brave” trailrunners - Johnny and me - wanted to complete one time all of the five uphills up to the peak of the Skuleberget. For the first time in one single long running session.

The first #BIG5 uphills Challenge (2019/07/09)

Johnny and Tom ran the 1st challenge of the 5 uphill segments in the evening, enjoying the summer light, estimating a course of ~20km and 4 hours long. Then, start and finish had been set from the sea level, at the marina in Docksta.

They have completed every uphill by touching the "Skrubban", the bronze sculpture at the summit. That starts to be a tradition when a trailrunner ends the segments by reaching the top.

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Here you see how they ran the sequence of all the #BIG5 paths, in a course of 25km and ~ D+1.414m.

#BIG5pathLYNX uphill -> BEAR downhill -> #BIG5pathELK uphill -> FOX downhill -> #BIG5pathBEAR uphill -> LYNX downhill -> #BIG5pathEAGLE uphill -> ELK downhill -> #BIG5pathFOX uphill -> BEAR downhill

A little history about the #BIG5

Before this trail, we already had considered how difficult is to agree on the names of the segments... people used different names, or not at all, Strava highlights segments with very fancy nicknames, historical paths have lost fame and walkers risk losing them...

The increase in people running on the mountain in recent years was not accompanied by the knowledge of all paths. Many runner didn't even know how to call them, between Swedish definitions and fantasy strava segments.

The mountain fortunately remained largely wild, especially between autumn and spring but the western and northern sides experienced few opportunities to be mentioned and discovered by new runners and hikers. The two editions, in September and February, of the famous race "Höga Kusten Trail," which crosses and ends at the Skuleberget, are carrying competitors only on some of the most popular, the new "Höga Kusten Stigen" and the steep path on the ski slopes.

The “Gula Stigen”, one of the trails historically used to reach the summit from the western side of the mountain, running in the woods to the left of the ski slopes, was entering into oblivion.

It was then that Johnny and me invented the names to make all five ascending trails memorable and we decided to run and highlight them all during a single trailrunning session.

Johnny suggested connecting the five paths to the wild animals that live in these parts and also thought of a name for all the paths: "the BIG5".

That's the simple story of how this adventure began. Then, as soon as it was feasible, we tried to replicate the experience by growing the group, and other runners began to think about it as well. We arranged the second and third iterations of the #BIG5 uphill Challenge in 2022 and 2023.

So, the High Coast Runners did it again. The last two challenges have been held in early “Spring” editions. The runners attacked the steep paths when some of them were still presenting wide, snowy stretches. Definitely a couple of a bit crazy trails, from a weather point of view, with a mountain that gifted its best (sun, wind, snow, mud, icy rocks, and flowing water).

In the three editions to date, there are 10 athletes who have completed the challange: one woman and eight men, from Sweden, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

#BIG5 UPHILL CHALLENGE - 2022 SPRING EDITION

2022 EDITION of the #BIG5 uphill CHALLENGE

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#BIG5 UPHILL CHALLENGE - 2023 SPRING EDITION

2023 EDITION of the #BIG5 uphill CHALLENGE

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The rules of the #BIG5 uphill Challenge

We set it with very few rules: the challenge is open to everyone; you choose the intensity according to your abilities; there are no time limits; but it must be started and completed within the same 24 hours. To be codified, it must require the participation of at least two athletes to complete it. There's no cash fee and no formal registration. But High Coast Runners always start together :)

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Roots, mud, rocks and stones, branches and trees, berries, lichens and flowers, leaves and pine needles, ice, snow, water, wind, the sound of your steps and the rhythm of your breathing… face the challenge by running or walking on Elk, Fox, Lynx, Beat, and Eagle uphills (for experience, not speed :)

Every walk or run—fast or slow—up to the summit following one of these trails has a proper meaning and will leave emotions in your memory.

Through the year, anyone can challenge themselves on the mountain climbing segments

All the 5 trails at the Skule have their dedicated #stravasegments and the ranks of the runners that completed them.

Set your #PB on the #BIG5 segments registering your running session with the STRAVA app.

Search the segments and join the High Coast Runner club on STRAVA.COM: you are welcome in the group!

Elite runners show impressive Personal Best on these uphills:

#BIG5 ELK segment

#BIG5 EAGLE segment

#BIG5 FOX segment

#BIG5 BEAR segment

#BIG5 LYNX segment

SKULEBERGET MAP

Enjoy the experience to set your new PB!

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The MAP-POSTER above can be customized with your notes to record your #PB on the #BIG5 upphills.

You find it on the E-SHOP: the collections of map posters tailored for trailrunning in the Höga Kusten >

The High Coast Runner group is sharing running experiences within the High Coast World Heritage in Sweden: join the group on Strava.com!

Are you looking for information regarding the Skule #BIG5 and the #HighCoastRunner group?

CONTACT ME:

Tommaso De Rosa

@tominthehighcoast

+46 (0)76.3136909

or +39.335.1309207 (WhatsApp too)
dockstahavet@gmail.com

SHARE YOUR #HighCoastRunner PASSION:

HANG YOUR #HÖGAKUSTEN PASSION ON A WALL:

Hiking in Skuleskogen National Park during enchanted summer nights

The summer solstice is celebrated in June over a long weekend, and is known as "Mittsommar" in Sweden. It honors the longest day of the year.

But since the High Coast is above 60° North latitude, both June and July celebrate endless summer days that have 24 hours of daylight to enjoy!

Spending time outside right now is ideal to explore the Höga Kusten Unesco World Heritage.

During one of these bright "nights" and when the sun just dips a few degrees below the horizon, can you image yourself traversing the Slåttdalsskrevan cracks and hiking the Skuleskogen trails?

This is specifically the subject matter I wish to cover on the summers excursion in Skuleskogen, (and there could be no better base in Docksta where to leave for an unforgettable outdoor experience at the national park ;)

Step by step, along the nicest paths in the Skuleskogen in summertime.
This trek rocks.

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MAP: hike the best trails at the Skuleskogen national park

🧭

~11.4KM, D+321m, ~4/6Hrs

(medium difficulty)

• 🔵 Leave your car at the Southern Entrance of the park (Entré Syd);

• 🟡 start heading to “Näskebodarna” on the beautiful path between the forest and the sea that follows the coastline;

• 🟠 then, hike up along the trail (blue markings) to reach the "Tärnättvattnen" lakes and packed dinner there;

• ⚫ next, in the midnight summer light and with a certain "Lord of the Rings" suggestion, traverse the 7 meters wide, 30 meters deep “Slåttdals” crevice (“Slåttdalsskrevan”) from north to south.

• 🔴 from there, up on the short segment that climbs on the "Slottdalsberget" hill summit for coffee and chat with an overview of the whole archipelago;

• 🟣 downhill from the summit, and slow walk back in the forest along the path marked with orange dots (boardwalks on about half of the segment);

• 🔵 ending greeting of the day and the reborn sun with breakfast or a packed snack on the beach at “Kälaviken”, before to return to the parking of the Southern Entrance.

Tips and recommendations for your overnight hike

• Pack lightly because the trail is tough. Only bring what is necessary to ensure that your hike is safe and pleasant enough in your backpack.

• There are no shops or bars nearby! Carry your own food and water, including coffee or te. Stay hydrated and consider that you'll burn a lot of calories.

• Even in the summer, the weather might quickly change. Be sure you are dressed appropriately. The paths are rough and some sections are challenging, with many rocks and roots: a pair of shoes with a good grip is highly recommended (you will need it a lot, particularly on the downhill or with wet conditions). Even a light pair of gloves to keep your hands safe when resting against the rocks might be helpful.

• To orient yourself, stay on the indicated paths and follow the signs. Don't rely exclusively on your smartphone, which might not have reception or have a low charge, and instead bring a map of the national park with you. The permitted fireplaces and restrooms that are located along the trail are highlighted on the maps.

• Beautiful spots are available to pause for a late dip at Kälaviken's sandy beach and the fresh waters of the lakes. Be mindful that while you could be hot after your hike, water is typically cold.
  

  WHERE YOU FIND TOILETS: Entré Syd, Näskebodarna, Tärnättvattnen, Kälaviken.

There are alternative trails and routes, of course, but I advise taking this trek at Skuleskogen* (during the summer) because it's balanced to give you a memorable experience of the national park's top locations and scenery.

(*) It's a hike that I have tested and wholeheartedly endorse. @Tominthehighcoast :)

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BE IN TUNE WITH THE PARK

#SKULESKOGEN ETIQUETTE

• keep the curves and the steps in the trails (or limit your go off trail), to avoid to contribute to the erosion of the path

• leave nothing but footprints (don't litter)

• keep it wild

• say hello to those you meet

• share the experience with other hikers

See also: safety and rules within Skuleskogen National Park >

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Recommended places to overnight nearby the Skuleskogen National Park:

Order online and receive at home the MAP-POSTER of the Skuleskogen National Park >

 

Trailrunning in the High Coast: the #BIG5 paths of the Skuleberget Mount

The summit of the Skuleberget mountain in Docksta is one of the top destinations for people visiting in Sweden the High Coast UNESCO world heritage.

In every season of the year, a trip at the Skuleberget is a phenomenal opportunity for people and families aiming to have fun spending an exciting day in the Nature.

People running within this natural reserve collect unique sensations and long-lasting memories of epic trailrunning sessions.

The Skuleberget stands proud on its surrounding area and has bagged itself a mountain status even topping out at “only” 296 m above sea level.

It has the character of a real mountain and encompasses its characteristics:

• at 286m a.s.l. on its summit, the world’s highest point of land to have been uplifted by a postglacial isostatic rebound

• natural reserve

• breathtaking views over the fjords and the islands of the archipelago, and over the surrounding mountains and forests

• paths in the woods, walkable safely, and segments on large rocks of red Nordingrå granite

• wide natural areas still wild and parts that became an astonishing playground for hikers, runners, climbers, and skiers

• hosting ski slopes - with an unique seaview! - and a brand new chairlift on the sunny side of the mountain and, at its steep eastern slope, the climbing routes of the "Via Ferrata"

• at its summit, few well positioned shelters and the Toppstugan

• at its feet, the museum Höga Kusten Naturum and the Tourist Center, the Via Ferrata, campsites and accommodation areas, and opportunities for organized outdoor activities (climbing, kayaking, cycling, classes of fitness outdoor).

Trailrunning passionates found at Skuleberget an unique playground because there are at least five different path to follow to run up and down on the mountain.

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The #HighCoastRunner group named these five steep segments: “ELK, FOX, BEAR, EAGLE and LYNX”.

They are the “BIG5 uphill paths” of the Skuleberget.

Every walk or run - fast or slow - up to the summit following one of these trails have a proper meaning and will leave emotions in your memory.

Every run on these uphills will push you out of your comfort zone.

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Know all the #BIG5 segments

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The FOX path at the Skuleberget

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This is the youngest path: it was born in 2017 and it is known as the “Höga Kusten Stigen”.

Facing to southwest, the segment starts strong from the first hundreds of meters in the wood, where it engages you on steeps stairs, roots and stones.

When you're just out of the woods, your track will be an imaginary line drawn on the large rocks that brings you up-up-up to the first peak at the Litoberget.

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From there, it will be a never-ending up and down in the wood again, over rocks and terrain paths of stones and roots before to restart again to firmly climb up to the last technical segment that will slow you to see the Toppstugan at the summit of the Skuleberget.

Find on Strava.com the segment:

SKULEBERGET FOX path [ BIG5™ uphills ]

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"SKULEBERGET FOX PATH"

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The EAGLE path at the Skuleberget

This is the shortest and steepest segment to reach the summit following an almost vertical route on the east face of the mountain.

Starting from the museum, the path takes you directly to the top in just 800 meters, climbing big stones and steep steps of stairs fixed into the rocks.

On this segment, vertical runners and climbers are in their playground, but everyone will really enjoy this mission out of the comfort zone. Remember to have charged your camera: there are breathtaking views from up there that you can’t miss.

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This is a one-way segment, from down to up: to walk it downhill is not recommended. Also wet conditions should have to be avoided, since this hike can become very difficult.

Find on Strava.com the segment:

SKULEBERGET EAGLE path [ BIG5™ uphills ]

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Celebrate your vertical run on the EAGLE path!

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"SKULEBERGET EAGLE PATH"

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The ELK path at the Skuleberget

You'll love to run or walk this segment because the “old yellow" is probably the most preserved path.

It is one of the historic trails leading to the top of the mountain but now very few hikers know it and is rare to meet people up there even during the summer.

It's marked with yellow dots, on trees & stones and few remaining wooden poles.

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The late afternoon and the evening in the summer is the best moment of the day to be there: the light that filters through the trees from west is magical. It's a wonderful segment if you like trailrunning in the real nordic nature.

Downhill it is very technical: a mix of steep segments and challenging trails into the wood. Rocks and roots to "manage" and continue changes of direction. It's 100% pure fun.

During raining days, a lot of water flows downstream on the trail. It happens also to have to jump over a tree, even large ones, that obstructed the path blown down by the wind. It's impossible to lose the flow during this sort of mindful running…

Find on Strava.com the segment:

SKULEBERGET ELK path [ BIG5™ uphills ]

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Celebrate your exploring the ELK path!

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"SKULEBERGET ELK PATH"

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The BEAR path at the Skuleberget

The final meters of this segment reaching the summit at the Toppstugan are definitely challenging

Here you are on the ski slopes at the westerly side of the mountain.

The BEAR segment follows the steep terrain road that runs up to the summit from the start of the chairlift (Skulebergets Linbana). It is steep: it starts steep, continues steep, and finishes eve steeper at the summit by reaching the Toppstugan.

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Runners that raced the 43k of Höga Kusten Trail remember this uphill: it represents the shocking final vertical segment that brings them to the finish line (and the second ascend to the peak of the mountain that the competitors run in the last 5k of this fantastic ultra trail).

Find on Strava.com the segment:

SKULEBERGET BEAR PATH [ BIG5™ UPHILLS ]

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Celebrate your steep run on the BEAR path!

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"SKULEBERGET BEAR PATH"

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The LYNX path at the Skuleberget

If you are in Docksta, don't miss to run this segment, following the northerly path that starts from the east side of the mountain.

If you pass the High Coast tourist center and the museum "Naturum" following the Höga Kusten Leden to North, you find where the LYNX starts: it's a challenging, very steep segment that is shaped on rocks and roots and climbs up in the woods.

It is marked with blue dots of paint on trees and stones. To dominate it, you have to run, walk and also climb, keeping on changing the pace.

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If it's raining hard, you find a lot of mud and water on the trail. In winter, if the snow is deep, it can be really challenging to find the track (check if someone that really knows it have been there marking with his steps the route in the snow before to venture alone up there).

High Coast runners like this two kilometers uphill trail because there is a sort of tension that brings you up despite the rocks, roots and stones. Nevertheless, in summer it is unusual to find many people there: the trail is very technical and to keep effective your proceeding uphill you need to adapt fast your running to approach the different ground surfaces until the last meters of the segment at the peak.

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Find on Strava.com the segment:

SKULEBERGET LYNX PATH [ BIG5™ UPHILLS ]

SHARE YOUR #HIGHCOASTRUNNER PASSION:

Celebrate your hiking the LYNX path!

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"SKULEBERGET LYNX PATH"

Sale Price:€18.00 Original Price:€20.00

[ SKULE BIG5 #TAGMUG ]

Color:

Select Color ceramic blueceramic greenceramic pinkceramic redceramic yellow

ceramic blue ceramic green ceramic pink ceramic red ceramic yellow

Quantity:

Add To Cart

The #BIG5uphills are calling your name and are waiting for you in Docksta!

If you're based in Docksta, the trails of the Skuleberget are one step away from your front door (and from the piers of the Marina, too).

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All the segments start at a distance that you can cover by running (or walking) during your warm-up.

If you overnight in Docksta or if your boat is moored at the gästhamn, the feet of the mountain are less than 2km from the village.

Trailrunning the #BIG5

High Coast Runner’s tips to get the most of the Skuleberget Mount

Roots, mud, rocks and stones, branches and trees, berries, lichens and flowers, leaves and pine needles, ice, snow, water, wind, the sound of your steps and the rhythm of your breathing.

Take your time to walk or run at the Skule: every path is different, with nuances that you can grasp by opening your real senses. Enjoy the outdoors.

• DRINKING WATER: you don’t need to carry large supplies to hydrate yourself because at the summit you can stock up on drinking water at the sink which is available to the hikers you find at the back of the Toppstugan cabin.

• TOILETS: at the Visitor Center and in the large parking area at the feet of the mountain close to the E4 road. At the summit, close to the Toppstugan and the chairlift's station.

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SHOES: the paths are rough: wear a pair with the necessary grip (you will need it a lot, particularly on the downhill or with wet and icy conditions). You will run on ever-changing surfaces, over rocks and stones, encountering roots almost everywhere but also dirt and mud. On the snow, specific outsoles with deep lugs or metallic studs and a good pair of gaiters are reccommended.

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Be in tune with the mountain

#BIG5 trailrunning ETIQUETTE

• keep the curves and the steps in the trails (or limit your go off trail), to avoid to contribute to the erosion of the path

• leave nothing but footprints (don't litter)

• keep it wild

• say hello to those you meet

• share the experience with other runners

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The MAP-POSTER above can be customized with your notes to record your #PB on the #BIG5 upphills.

You find it on the E-SHOP: the collections of map posters tailored for trailrunning in the Höga Kusten >

How to sequence the #BiG5

Do you have 3 trailrunning sessions to spend in Docksta?

Here we would suggest you how to mix the experiences of these paths at Skuleberget:

DAY 1#

LYNX path UPHILL

FOX path DOWNHILL

DAY 2#

EAGLE (or BEAR) path UPHILL

ELK path DOWNHILL

DAY 3#

FOX path UPHILL

LYNX path DOWNHILL

The High Coast Runner group is sharing running experiences within the High Coast World Heritage in Sweden: join the group on Strava.com!

Do you need info about the Skuleberget #BIG5 and the #HighCoastRunner group?

CONTACT ME:

Tommaso De Rosa

@tominthehighcoast

+46 (0)76.3136909

or +39.335.1309207 (WhatsApp too)
dockstahavet@gmail.com

HÖGA KUSTEN SOUVENIRS

🧭

HÖGA KUSTEN SOUVENIRS 🧭

HANG YOUR #HÖGAKUSTEN PASSION ON A WALL: