Skuleskogen National Park: Dramatic crevices and coastal wilderness

There are few places in Sweden where the contrasts are as striking as in Skuleskogen National Park. Here, in the heart of the High Coast, the rugged mountain-like landscape and the sparkling Bothnian Sea meet in a way that has no equal. For those of us who love hiking, this is a playground that demands respect, but which gives back fourfold in the form of views and nature experiences.

In our series on Swedish national parks, we have previously visited the vast expanses of Abisko and the ancient pine forest of Fulufjället . Now we have come to a place where land uplift has created a unique vertical landscape: Skuleskogen.

South Entrance: The Gateway to Adventure

If you are planning a day trip or want to reach the park's most famous attractions quickly, the South Entrance is your best starting point. The parking lot is spacious, but during high season it fills up quickly - a sign of the park's popularity. The High Coast Trail starts from here, which takes you straight into the magical Troll Forest.

The terrain here is characteristic of the area: rocky, steep in places and full of roots. This is no Sunday walk in the city park. Here, every gram of your pack is noticeable, and choosing the right hiking equipment quickly becomes crucial to how much you can enjoy the view. A light backpack with a good carrying system is essential when you are going to climb the last tough meters of altitude towards Slåttdalsberget.

Slåttdalsskrevan – An important update

Many visitors come to Skuleskogen with a specific image in mind: the dramatic hike through the Slåttdalsskrevan ravine. However, we must raise a warning finger here and provide an important update.

The trail now goes AROUND the crevasse.

For safety reasons, the County Administrative Board has closed the passage through the ravine itself due to the risk of falling boulders. However, that doesn't mean you miss out on the experience. The new route takes you up Slåttdalsberget , which actually gives an even more impressive view. You can still look down into the deep gorge, but from a safe distance from above. The view from the top over the archipelago is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful in all of Sweden.

When you stand up there on the red Nordingrå granite, you understand why lightweight is so central. Carrying unnecessary weight while balancing over boulder fields and steep paths quickly becomes tiring. It's in these moments that a well-thought-out kit really shines.

Camping in Skuleskogen: Keep an eye on the rules

Skuleskogen is a national park with strict regulations to protect the sensitive nature. Unlike in most other mountain areas, there is no general right of way for camping here.

You are only allowed to camp in designated areas. These are clearly marked on the maps at the entrances. Some of the most beautiful sites include:

• Kälsviken: A fantastic sandy beach near Entrance Syd, perfect for those who want a little more comfort.
• Tärnättholmarna: A personal favorite where you camp right by the sea. There are also fireplaces and a feeling of being far out in the archipelago.
• Näskebodarna: Old fishing huts that provide a historical setting for your night in tents.

Remember that during the period May 1 to September 30, you can stay a maximum of three nights at the same location.

For these designated camping sites, a flexible hiking tent is a must. We often recommend the Lanshan 1 or Lanshan 2 for this type of terrain. It is an extremely popular lightweight tent that takes up minimal space in your backpack but provides adequate protection against both wind and the infamous coastal blizzards.

Sleeping system for coastal nights

Even though Skuleskogen is located on the coast, nights can be surprisingly cool, especially when the sea breeze blows in. Choosing the right insulation is crucial for recovery. An Ice Flame quilt or a compact down sleeping bag is often the most effective choice to keep weight down without compromising on warmth.

When it comes to down, it’s important to know what you’re buying. If you want to delve deeper into the difference between goose and duck down, or what CUIN actually means for your night’s sleep, we recommend our complete guide to down in sleeping bags . It’s knowledge that will allow you to choose gear that actually performs when the weather takes a turn.

Pragmatic tips for your trip

1. Water: During dry summers, the availability of potable water up the mountain can be limited. Fill up at the entrances or in the streams down in the valleys (but always boil or purify the water if you are unsure).
2. Footwear: Skip the lightest trail running shoes if you're not used to rocky terrain. The trails in Skuleskogen eat soft soles for breakfast. A pair of sturdy boots or shoes with good grip are preferable.
3. Time: Don't underestimate the time it takes to walk in this terrain. 7-8 km in Skuleskogen can take as long as 15 km on flat ground.

Skuleskogen National Park is a place that demands your presence at every step. It's no coincidence that we at HikingStore often return here to test new equipment. It's an environment that puts both the psyche and the gadgets to the test.

Are you planning a trip to the High Coast this summer? Make sure to double-check your packing. There's a big difference between "dragging" and actually hiking with light steps. As we say: the mountain rarely punishes those who pack lightly, but it always rewards those who are well prepared.

See you on the trail!