Experience the High Coast: A Personal Guide to Sweden’s Most Beautiful Coastline

There are places that linger in your memory. Places where it’s easier to breathe. Places where your shoulders can finally drop. Where nature is dramatic, the light is soft, and the pace is slower. For me, that place is the High Coast (Höga Kusten).

The High Coast is one of Sweden’s most famous World Heritage sites—a perfect combination of adventure, sea, small-scale charm, and unexpected gems. In this guide to the best experiences in the High Coast, I share my absolute favorites. And remember, the High Coast is a great destination year-round. Personally, I find early autumn the most beautiful time, when the colors explode and the air feels crisp and clear. Plus, you get that feeling of being completely alone with nature.

1. Adventure in Skuleskogen and Local Craftsmanship at Docksta Shoe Factory

Hiking up Skuleberget is almost mandatory. It’s steep, sweaty, and absolutely magical. The view over the sea and the rolling mountains is something you’ll carry with you for a long time. If it feels too daunting, you can take the lift to the top for a coffee. For the more adventurous, you can climb the mountain with the team at Via Ferrata, which offers several different routes for both beginners and seasoned climbers.

Combine this with a day in the national park. In Skuleskogen, ancient forests meet beautiful coastal clearings in a mystical landscape. The trails wind between cliffs, old pines, and the iconic Slåttdalsskrevan, one of the High Coast's most famous natural phenomena. It is grand yet peaceful. Bring coffee, sit on a cliff, and just breathe. I have spent many hours here and absolutely love the park's variety.

When you’ve had your fill of nature and views, stop by and see us at Docksta Shoe Factory, located at the foot of Skuleberget. You’ll find us right next to the E4 highway.

Even from the parking lot, you can catch a glimpse of our shoemaking through the large factory windows—proof that the craftsmanship happens right here on site. Our lifestyle boutique in Docksta is a popular stop for those looking for local craftsmanship and sustainable fashion. We offer handmade shoes and slippers, clothing, accessories, bags, interior decor, books, and more. Most of our shoes are manufactured in the factory right next door, and many of our visitors are pleasantly surprised by the experience.

2. Island Trips to Trysunda and Ulvön – The High Coast’s Most Beautiful Islands

The High Coast archipelago is magnificent. The boat trip out to Trysunda and Ulvön is an experience in itself—sea breezes, islets, and red fishing villages that look like postcards. You can easily catch a boat from Ullånger, Docksta, or Köpmanholmen, but remember to book your ticket in advance as it can get crowded during the summer months.

Trysunda is quiet, authentic, and almost meditative. Here, you can swim from both cliffs and sandy coves, and even in mid-July, you can find your own private spot. It’s perfect for a morning dip before the island wakes up. Visit the charming wooden chapel, one of the most photographed motifs in the High Coast. Hike around the island and climb the heights to watch the horizon at any time of day. Bring a picnic and just enjoy the stillness.

Ulvön offers more life, restaurants, and history. Often called the "Pearl of the Bothnian Sea," it’s easy to see why. Here, genuine fishing history meets salty baths, red boathouses, and excellent food. Ulvön is the home of fermented herring (surströmming). Even if you’re not a fan, it’s fun to experience the tradition on-site. There are several restaurants in the harbor where you can try it or just enjoy top-class seafood.

3. Örnsköldsvik Surprises: My Favorite Spots in the Heart of the High Coast

Örnsköldsvik is a city that surprises. The sea is constantly present, the harbor promenade is lively, and the city feels both modern and personal. Having grown up here, I want to share a few favorite spots. Visit the city's parks with their fantastic plantings and fountains, or the popular skatepark where you can enjoy an ice cream by the water.

The restaurant selection is wide, but I’d like to highlight the small bistro run by Linnea & Peter—personal, cozy, and always great food. Alternatively, head down to the harbor where restaurants line the waterfront. The unique thing about Örnsköldsvik is how quickly you can reach nature. In just a few minutes, you can access hiking trails and swimming coves. Take a short walk along the "Gula Leden" (Yellow Trail) for a beautiful view of the city and the horizon.

4. Sun, Swimming, and Local Food: Discover Rotsidan, Storsand, and Gårdsbutiken

Rotsidan Nature Reserve in Nordingrå is a beautiful coastal stretch where the sea has polished large flat rocks, perfect for hiking, sunbathing, and picnics. It’s a true High Coast classic. The area is easy to reach, with good parking and accessible paths for both children and adults.

If you’re looking for a classic sandy beach, Storsand near Norrfällsviken offers a wide, shallow beach with soft dunes nestled in pine forest. It’s one of the coast's best sandy beaches and perfect for long days by the sea.

Gårdsbutiken in Nordingrå is a beloved culinary destination in the rolling countryside. It combines a restaurant based on local ingredients, a world-class café, and a charming garden. With David and Anna, you’re never disappointed.

5. Stockholmsgatan – A Wild Canyon in the Middle of the Forest

Forget the alleys of Stockholm’s Old Town. This is a real detour into the inland forest near the village of Solberg. The real "Stockholmsgatan" is a 50-meter deep and 1.5-kilometer long canyon cutting through the wilderness. Formed 9,400 years ago by a violent glacial river, it features vertical walls up to 40 meters high and a hiking experience that feels raw and powerful.

There is also a four-meter deep giant’s kettle, carved by swirling waters during the Ice Age. Rare lichens grow in the damp bottom, and with a bit of luck, you might see a golden eagle soaring above or find traces of moose, bear, and lynx. It’s a unique experience that I’ve hiked many times, always discovering something new.

My father grew up here, and my first memory was falling into a sinkhole full of water when I was four years old. It was scary and cold, but since then, I’ve been fascinated by this powerful nature and how it affects us. It’s a great alternative if you want a break from the sea horizon.

Welcome to the High Coast.
/Lisa Edin