High Coast
The coastline with the world's highest post-glacial rebound and a World Heritage Site; the Slåttdalsskrevan gorge trail in Skuleskogen National Park is a classic, while red-cottage fishing villages, offshore islands and a great bridge make up quintessential northern Swedish scenery.
The High Coast lies in Västernorrland County in northeastern Sweden, stretching along the Gulf of Bothnia between Härnösand and Örnsköldsvik, with its heart around the High Coast Bridge near Kramfors. When the last Ice Age ended, the ice sheet pressing down on the Earth's crust melted, and the land has since risen by about 800 m—the greatest uplift anywhere in the world. In 2000 it was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage Site together with Finland's Kvarken Archipelago. The landscape features steep red granite hills, old-growth forest, fjords, archipelagos and red fishing villages. Highlights: hike the Slåttdalsskrevan gorge in Skuleskogen National Park; climb Skuleberget to see the highest ancient shoreline and try the via ferrata; drive around the Nordingrå peninsula linking Bönhamn, Barsta, Rotsidan and Norrfällsviken; and in summer take a boat to Ulvöhamn, Trysunda or the lighthouse island of Högbonden. The High Coast Trail, about 130 km long, runs through the whole area. Getting there: the train from Stockholm to Kramfors or Örnsköldsvik takes about 4–5 hours, or it's about 5 hours by car on the E4; public transport within the area is limited, so having your own car is strongly recommended. The best season is June–September, with autumn colours in September; winters are cold and boat services stop. Plan to stay 2–4 days.
Top sights
- Skuleskogen National Park – A primeval forest national park at the heart of the High Coast World Heritage Site, where cliffs, lakes, boulder beaches and coastal trails…
- Slåttdalsskrevan – A rock ravine in Skuleskogen National Park, about 200 meters long and 40 meters deep, and the High Coast's classic hiking destination.
- Skuleberget – An isolated hill 295 meters above sea level, marked with the world's highest ancient coastline. You can reach the top by cable car, on foot…
- High Coast Bridge – A white suspension bridge spanning the mouth of the Ångerman River, with a main span of 1,210 metres. It is the iconic gateway to the High…
- Naturum Höga Kusten – A visitor centre at the foot of Skuleberget, the World Heritage site’s official information point, offering free exhibits on post-glacial l…
- Ulvön (Ulvöhamn) – The most famous island fishing village on the High Coast, with red fishermen’s houses lining the harbour, a 17th-century chapel and ferment…
- Trysunda – A red-house fishing village island wrapped around a small harbour. Cars are banned on the island, and a coastal trail winds past rocky head…
- Högbonden – A steep rocky islet in the sea, where a century-old lighthouse on the summit has been converted into a youth hostel. It is ideal for watchi…
- Bönhamn – A small fishing harbour beneath steep cliffs, with red boathouses lining the shore and a fish restaurant. It is the departure point for Hög…
- Barsta – A fishing village at the southeastern tip of the Nordingrå Peninsula, with red boathouses and a small chapel facing the open sea, offering…
- Rotsidan – Vast sheets of dolerite bedrock, smoothed by waves, extend into the sea. It is one of the High Coast’s most distinctive coastal landscapes.
- Norrfällsviken – An old fishing village with a beach and campsite, where a 17th-century fishermen's chapel and red boathouses surround the harbour.
- Mannaminne – An open-air museum created by artist Anders Åberg, gathering old buildings, art and quirky collections from across Sweden.
- Hemsö Fortress – A Cold War sea-defence fortress blasted into a mountain, now a museum where you can explore underground tunnels.
- High Coast Trail (Höga Kustenleden) – One of Sweden's most famous long-distance trails, about 130 km through the High Coast World Heritage Site past bays, cliffs and forests; yo…
Where to eat
- Gårdsbutiken Nordingrå – A family farm shop and restaurant in Nordingrå, recommended by the White Guide and known for local ingredients and past…
- Skutskepparn Barsta – An affordable restaurant by the harbor of Barsta fishing village, specializing in Norrland fish and moose meat. No rese…
- Ulvö Hotell Restaurang – A hotel restaurant on Ulvö island, home of fermented herring. Listed in the White Guide, it is known for fish dishes an…
Itineraries
- High Coast, Åre & Dalarna Northern Loop – Drive along the Baltic Sea to the High Coast, head west into the Åre mountains, and return to the capital via Dalarna