Sweden walking holidays travel guide

Sweden might conjure images of wild mountain landscapes near Lapland, but set off into the open meadows and pine forests further south and a whole new world of easygoing, summertime strolls unfurl with the warmer weather. The regions of Stockholm and Sörmland in southeastern Sweden offer walkers a veritable smorgasbord of rural and coastal scenery, with self guided tours – complete with trip notes and luggage transfers – one of the best ways to make the most of a week away. A combination of well-posted paths, efficient public transport and locally run B&Bs, allows walking holidays in Sweden to assemble as effortlessly as an IKEA flat-pack. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet local folk making the most of the great outdoors, literally on Stockholm’s doorstep. So, grab your Fjällräven rucksack, if you must, and our Sweden walking holidays guide, and set off for summers down south where the sun always shines, and not just on TV.

Walking holidays in southeast Sweden are usually pretty easy going with gently rolling fields and curious cattle in the Sörmland countryside or a few slippery rocks around Stockholm’s islands, the only things presenting any notable challenges. Routes will often be flexible – ranging from 2km to 20km – which gives you the chance to factor in more time at the beach if the weather’s warm or dive into a spa if things are looking a bit grim.

Midsummer (first Friday after June 21st) is a big cultural festival in Sweden. Maypoles are erected in Dalarö, Mariefred, Trosa and Utö to coincide with traditional celebrations, including singing, dancing and eating lots of pickled herring, usually washed down with beer and aquavit. Take note: Many hembygdsgårdar (folklore museums) and island cafes/snack bars may close down for the day, so pack your own provisions if you’re going out for a midsummer walk.