Hiking in Dalsland: Wilderness, lakes and the Pilgrims' Trail

Dalsland is often described as “Sweden in miniature”, but for the hiker it is above all a lake kingdom and a wilderness. With its deep forests, rift valleys and endless waterways, it is a place for those who seek solitude rather than crowds. Here the tourists are not as crowded as in the mountains, but the nature is still demanding enough that you need to think through both the route and your packing.

As Sweden's lake-richest region, Dalsland offers an unusual combination of waterside hiking, long stretches of forest and hilly terrain. It's beautiful, but it's not free. The differences in altitude are noticeable in your legs, especially when the path gets rocky or wet. Therefore, it's wise to keep your hiking equipment organized and choose something that works when the surface gets uneven and the weather changes.

Favorites for hikers in Dalsland

There are plenty of smaller trails and local tours in the landscape, but three areas stand out for those who want to capture what makes Dalsland special:

1. Pilgrims' Trail in Dalsland – An approximately 100 km long trail from Vänersborg to Edsleskog. Here you will get a varied hike with both cultural environments, forest stages, climbs and fine views of the lake landscape.
2. Tresticklan National Park – One of the most untouched wilderness areas in southern Sweden. Here you walk over mountain ridges, through old forest and along narrow lakes in an area where the feeling of solitude is a big part of the experience.
3. Kroppefjäll – A large plateau mountain area with several trails and many possible day trips. The terrain alternates between bog, forest and rocky terrain, making the area interesting for both beginners and those who want to go further.

The Pilgrim Trail – Dalsland's crown jewel

The Dalsland Pilgrim Trail stretches over 100 kilometres, from Vänersborg in the south to Edsleskog in the north. But for the serious hiker, it is the stretch between Mellerud (Holm Church) and Edsleskog that is the real highlight. Here you leave the agricultural landscape behind and step into a wilderness characterized by steep climbs, rift valleys and a silence that is becoming increasingly rare.

Hiking here is all about balance. The trail is well marked, but the terrain is technical. You pass places like Upperud and the mythical "Dalsland Mountains". This is where a lightweight tent really comes into its own. Carrying unnecessary kilos on the steep climbs around Edsleskog is a mistake that you will feel in your knees after the first day.

Practical planning for the Pilgrim's Trail

When planning your trip, you should allow 2–3 days for the northern part. Water supply is good thanks to the many lakes, but we always recommend using a water filter. The market today offers lightweight solutions that weigh no more than a couple of grams but save you from unnecessary stomach problems.

Tresticklans National Park: The roadless wilderness

If the Pilgrimsleden is the social and historical experience, Tresticklan is its exact opposite. Located close to the Norwegian border, you will find one of southern Sweden's largest roadless areas. There are no summer cottages, no power lines and no mobile phone coverage in the depressions.

Tresticklan is unique because it is one of the few national parks where the right of way is somewhat more generous when it comes to camping, although you should always check the regulations in force. Here you hike through a hilly pine forest and pass long, narrow lakes that run parallel to the characteristic mountain ridges.

Wilderness hiking requires the right gear

Dalsland's strength is also its challenge. In areas like Tresticklan and on longer sections of the Pilgrims' Trail, you need to be relatively self-sufficient. The distances are not alpine, but the terrain is hilly and sparse enough that poor choices in your pack will quickly become noticeable. Therefore, you should start from function: what must carry you safely through a long day of slopes, moisture and changing weather?

Why a lightweight tent is often the right choice

Many people buy a tent that is too heavy to feel safe. It is understandable, but in Dalsland a tent weighing 3–4 kilos quickly becomes an unnecessary burden to carry up the last climb of the day. A modern lightweight tent from, for example, Naturehike or Lanshan will go a long way for most trips here, as long as it ventilates well and is easy to set up when the rain comes.

The point is not to chase the lowest possible weight at all costs. The point is to remove things that make you unnecessarily tired, without compromising on protection and sleep. The mountain rarely punishes those who pack lightly, but it often punishes those who pack thoughtlessly.

Water, backpack and accessibility in the step

There is plenty of water in Dalsland, but that doesn't mean that fluid planning is a no-brainer. Lakes and streams are everywhere, but you still want to be able to drink directly during the day without having to stop every time. A backpack with good side pockets or bottle holders makes a bigger difference than many people think, especially in hilly terrain where the rhythm of your stride is valuable.

Layering and rain protection

The weather in Dalsland can change quickly. A sunny morning by the lake can quickly turn into persistent rain and chilly wind over more open areas. A sturdy rain poncho or a technical shell jacket should always be easily accessible in your backpack. It's a small detail until the weather turns. Then it suddenly becomes crucial.

Sleep and recovery: Don't forget the ground chill

Although the days may be warm, the cold often creeps in from the lakes at night. The cold ground is the hiker's biggest enemy to a good night's sleep. A good sleeping pad with an adequate R-value is at least as important as the sleeping bag itself.

When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag or quilt, down is the superior material for weight and packability. But there are important differences between different types of down. For a deep dive into how CUIN and feather blend affect your sleep, read our complete guide to down in sleeping bags . There, we explain why a lighter bag with higher quality down is often a better investment than a thicker, cheaper option.

The balance between weight and comfort

It’s easy to get caught up in the grams, but remember that safety and recovery are non-negotiable. Saving 200 grams on a sleeping pad that won’t let you sleep is a bad deal. The tired hiker makes poor decisions and is at greater risk of injury. Choose gear you can trust when the going gets tough.

The checklist for your Dalsland trip

Before you set out on the Pilgrimsleden Trail or into Tresticklan, go through your packing one last time:

• Weight: Is your base weight (pack minus food/water) under 10 kg? If not, review what you can leave at home.
• Water: Do you have a plan for purification? The lakes are clean, but the wildlife is active.
• Energy: Pack food that is calorie-dense. On the slopes of Dalsland, you use up more energy than you think.
• Map: Don't rely solely on GPS. A physical map of Tresticklan is cheap life insurance.

Dalsland awaits you with its mirror-like lakes and challenging trails. With the right attitude and a pragmatic view of your equipment, you will discover why this landscape is one of Sweden's best-kept hiking secrets.