FAQ - The European long-distance paths

The trails are marked, usually with orange bands around trees and posts. At suitable starting and ending points, there are usually information boards with an overview map. To indicate that a trail is part of E1 or E6, there are also information boards at greater distances, and in between, more frequent European trail markers—blue background with 15 yellow European stars surrounding E1 or E6. The E-markers are therefore an addition to the regular Swedish trail markers.

Twelve European long-distance trails currently cross Europe, and two of them pass through Sweden. The designations E1, E2, and E12 refer to European hiking trails, which represent something far more exciting than European highways.

In Sweden, you can find information about the regional trails that are part of E1 and E6 through brochures, maps, and guidebooks. However, most of the information is available online. On our website, each section has links to more detailed information about each trail and section. An overview map in PDF format of E1 and E6 in Sweden is also available (currently being updated).

Please note that you will be hiking through several protected areas. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for each area you pass regarding overnight stays, fires, and other activities.

Hiking on the E1 and E6 paths in Sweden means you’ll be walking on regional and local trails. You can hike from early spring to late autumn in many areas. In parts of southern Sweden that don’t experience obstructive winter snow, hiking is possible year-round. No special equipment is required, but good shoes/boots and rain gear are essential. In several places, you will pass through smaller communities where you can resupply and refill water. However, make sure to carefully plan for each section, as some stretches involve several days of hiking without access to resupply or water refills.

The majority of the trails are well-marked, often with orange bands around trees and posts. At suitable starting and ending points, there are usually information boards with an overview map of the local trail. Most trails currently lack specific markings for the European long-distance trails. These signs feature a blue background with 15 yellow European stars surrounding either E1 or E6. Where E-path markers exist, they complement the regular trail markers.

Please note that the E-paths consist of continuous regional trails where different municipalities, regions, foundations, etc. are responsible for maintenance, signage, and updating information on markings, trail maps, shelters, and rest cabins.

Many trails are equipped with rest stops or shelters, sometimes also with toilets, water, and fire pits. With a sleeping bag in your pack, these shelters can be used for overnight stays. Some trails also offer unmanned cabins for overnight stays. Carrying a hammock is another popular option. The standard of rest stops, shelters, and overnight cabins can vary between trails. Additionally, you can make use of hostels, campsites, inns, hotels, and bed & breakfasts if you’re on a multi-day hike. Sometimes these options are close to the trails, and other times you may need to venture further from the trail to find them.

The European long-distance trails were created by the European Ramblers’ Association. The idea behind the European trails (European long-distance footpaths – E-paths) is to express the unity among people from different European countries. In Sweden, the European trails were initiated by STF by naturally connecting existing regional trails.

Two European long-distance trails pass through Sweden: E1 and E6. E1 continues through Denmark, down through Germany and Switzerland, and into Italy. E6 from Sweden continues through Denmark, Germany, and Austria, into the Balkans, and ends in Greece. This means you can hike from, for example, Norrtälje all the way to the Mediterranean. For more information about the European trails in other countries, please visit the European Ramblers’ Association website.

We recommend using up-to-date paper maps, supplemented with digital maps and GPS apps. We suggest the GPS app Topo GPS Sverige, Lantmäteriet’s Min Karta, and Naturkartan.