The High Coast of Sweden – breathtaking nature away from the crowds - Anthony Norman

 Sweden’s High Coast offers awe-inspiring views at every turn. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure or a leisurely hiking excursion with your family, the High Coast caters for all this, and much more.

Set in the northeast province of Ångermanland on the Gulf of Bothnia, the High Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting the highest coastline in the world at approximately 286 metres above sea level. Due to a geological process called post-glacial land uplift – occurring since the most recent ice age – the land continues to rise at a rate of approximately 8 millimetres per year. This phenomenon is in direct contrast to Finland’s Kvarken archipelago, situated on the opposite side of the Gulf of Bothnia, with its flat, low-lying islands and shallow bays.

The High Coast’s dramatic world heritage landscape includes a beautiful archipelago and is a vast, uncrowded wonderland – a natural year-round arena for any outdoor activity you can imagine, from hiking and climbing to watersports and skiing. The region is also interesting from a cultural perspective, serving up a rich plethora of sights and places of historic interest. Highlights include centuries-old fishing villages as well as Nämforsen’s famous Bronze Age rock carvings. It also offers cultural experiences in the High Coast Art Valley and an array of intriguing museums and art galleries. And the towns of Kramfors, Härnösand, Örnsköldsvik and Sollefteå are all destinations in their own right.

 

Hit the mountains, archipelago and enchanted forests of the High Coast

Any manner of outdoor activity is on offer across these unexploited shores. Hiking in the High Coast is a definite draw – the nearly 130-kilometre-long High Coast Trail will have you trekking from Hornöberget mountain through the entire World Heritage site, until you reach the finish line in Örnsköldsvik. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in nature that ranges from forests and mountain tops to sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and expansive meadows. Allow 5-7 days to complete the full trail or opt to hike a few of the 13 marked hiking sections.

Many scenic trails snake through the magnificent Skuleskogen National Park. This hilly destination is known for its 294-metre high Skuleberget mountain and 40-metre high mountain crevice Slåttdalsskrevan. It is also perfectly geared for climbing adventures, courtesy of Via Ferrata Skuleberget, with its four routes of varying difficulty.

Wintertime, Skuleberget transforms into a snow-covered haven, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Sollefteå’s Hallstaberget mountain is another skiing hotspot – with 6 downhill skiing runs and around 60 kilometres of well-prepared, highly rated cross-country ski trails.

The High Coast is also a much-loved archipelago destination with Swedes, but less busy and touristy than other Swedish archipelago hotspots. Visit the popular Ulvön islands in Örnsköldsvik’s archipelago – with a past as northern Sweden’s largest fishing community. The northern and southern Ulvön islands are often referred to as the “gem of the Bothnian Sea” and are studded with delightful little cottages, fishing huts and boathouses. To discover more of the High Coast’s stunning coastline, rent a kayak and set off on a voyage of discovery, or take advantage of the many boat services running within this popular cruising destination.

The cultural highlights of the High Coast

The High Coast’s awe-inspiring natural beauty has been a magnet for artists and craftspeople since the early 1900s, and this cultural heritage is still thriving. Summertime, you’ll find numerous craft exhibitions and events across the region. The beautiful Nordingrå peninsular is a particular hotspot. Stroll around the town centre and its many galleries, art studios and workshops to watch artists, potters and silversmiths at work. While in the district, don’t miss the open-air museum Mannaminne, featuring some 50 historic buildings and vehicles, along with an ever-changing series of exhibitions and activities.

A more contemporary affair, High Coast Art Valley is a scenic cultural trail – stretching from the Ulvön islands up along the Nätraälven valley – studded with 25 large-scale sculptures and installations. You’ll find many of these distinctive artworks dotted around the Herrgårdsparken park in the town of Köpmanholmen.

To immerse yourself in the history and fishing heritage of the High Coast, pay a visit to Norrfällsviken in Kramfors municipality. This charming 350-year-old fishing village forms part of a nature reserve defined by its cobble field and Bronze Age cairns.

A highlight of international repute, Nämforsen, located in Näsåker near Sollefteå, is home to northern Europe’s largest number of Bronze Age rock carvings. There are as many as 2,600 carvings, depicting both people and animals, to admire. In addition, there’s a rock art museum and summer café.

 

The High Coast on a plate – authentic flavours and fresh, seasonal produce

As a culinary destination, the High Coast has much to offer, with fresh, seasonal produce and authentic flavours to delight and, occasionally, challenge. After all, this is where Sweden’s famously smelly fermented herring ‘surströmming’ hails from and where it is still produced on the must-visit islands of Ulvö. Traditionally, the surströmming season starts on the third Thursday of August and the festive dish is eaten outdoors, between paper-thin layers of potato and dried Swedish flatbread such as Mjälloms Tunnbröd – a local classic in its own right. Ulvö Hotell restaurant is a good place to try the unique custom (check the website for booking details) – as well as other local delicacies.

Hallstaberget Hotel in Sollefteå – located on a mountain top with magnificent views – boasts a number of restaurants serving everything from à-la-carte menus to international bistro-style dishes.

Artisan spirits lovers are in luck, too. The High Coast boasts two premium spirits producers – Hernö Gin and High Coast Whisky. Handcrafted from natural organic botanicals, the award-winning Hernö Gin – based in Dala just outside Härnösand – is open for guided tours and gin tastings.

High Coast Whisky in Bjärtrå, meanwhile, invites you to take in its stupendous views of the Ångermanälven river by dining in its onsite restaurant, or join a guided tour or tasting session. A decidedly local affair, this is where Sweden’s award-winning, single malt High Coast Whisky is crafted and matured, with flavours inspired by this unique region’s climate and natural beauty.

 

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