Höga Kusten (The High Coast)
A UNESCO coast still rising from the sea after the last ice age. Hike the Höga Kustenleden through pine forest and red-granite cliffs, cross the deep Slåttdalsskrevan gorge, and hop out to quiet fishing islands.
Weather
Spring averages 4–10°C, summer 15–22°C, autumn 6–12°C, and winter −5 to 2°C on the High Coast. This summer itinerary enjoys long days and mild hiking weather. Coastal breeze cools cliff-top trails. Mosquitoes can be fierce in inland forest sections.
Activities
Hike Skuleberget for views over the High Coast bridge and Gulf of Bothnia. Walk the Slåttdalsskrevan gorge in Skuleskogen National Park. Ferry to Ulvön island for quiet fishing-village trails and red granite shores.
Culture
The High Coast is a UNESCO geopark where land rises 8 mm per year as the crust rebounds from Ice Age ice load. Small fishing villages preserve Swedish coastal life. Right of public access (allemansrätten) lets you hike freely with respect for property.
Natural history
Post-glacial land uplift is fastest here in the world — old harbours now sit inland. Pine forest covers red granite cliffs shaped by ancient seas. The Skuleberget cave and Slåttdalsskrevan gorge cut through dramatic fault lines.
Local food
Ulvön and coastal villages serve smoked fish, herring, and potato pancakes. High Coast whisky distilleries offer tastings. Summer cafés do cinnamon buns and shrimp sandwiches with views over the archipelago.
Fun fact
The High Coast rises about 8 millimetres per year — since the last ice age, the land has lifted nearly 300 metres, turning former seabed into forested hills.
- Fly into: Sundsvall / Örnsköldsvik
- Day 1: Skuleberget + High Coast bridge
- Day 2: Skuleskogen NP, Slåttdalsskrevan
- Day 3: Boat to Ulvön island trails
- Day 4: Coastal path + depart
- Est. total: ~$1,900