Map and compass

Along a marked trail, you can hike without constantly checking the map or using the compass. However, you should always carry a map and a compass with you. If you venture off marked trails, the map becomes crucial for planning your route, making wise decisions, and navigating correctly.

It is both exciting and important to sit down with the map to plan tomorrow’s hike. You can see what awaits you, plan breaks, identify where you can find water, and note any difficulties along the way.

Tips! On the majority of our hiking trail web pages, there are interactive maps with distances, elevation profiles, points of interest, and much more.

Maps are perishable – always use the latest edition. Trails can be rerouted or closed, new trails, bridges, and shelters can be added. So even though nature changes very little, much can happen with all the printed information on the actual topographic map.

Digital maps for downloading to your GPS or computer are also available for purchase, from the digital map store at Lantmäteriet.

Physical maps can be purchased from retailers such as Kartbutiken.se (opens in new tab), where members receive a discount.

Compass

The compass helps you maintain your direction, even in poor weather. You can also orient yourself to your surroundings; determine the directions and identify which mountain peak you are looking at. A GPS can be useful to have, but it is absolutely not necessary. If you learn how to use a compass for aiming, you can, just like with a GPS, determine your exact location. This is an invaluable skill in case your GPS  run out of batteries.

How to use a compass

1. Place one of the long sides of the compass, or one of the auxiliary lines, over the start and end points on the map. The course arrow (not the compass needle) should point towards the destination.
2. Rotate the compass dial until the lines inside the dial are parallel with the map’s meridians (north-south lines). The compass dial’s N mark (N=north) should point towards the map’s north.
3. Hold the compass in your hand. Turn yourself around until the red part of the compass needle aligns with the arrow inside the compass dial. The needle’s arrow should point towards the N mark on the compass dial, meaning the needle should cover the arrow inside the dial. When you then follow the course arrow (not the compass needle), you will reach your intended destination.
4. To maintain the same direction over a longer distance, aim at an object that lies exactly in your direction of travel according to the compass. When you reach that object, aim at a new object further along the direction of travel. It is crucial to use the compass each time you choose an object, as even the slightest deviation will accumulate over time, potentially causing you to miss your target completely.

Discover more

Mountain guide

Find important information about mountain safety, waste management, and what it’s like to stay in a mountain cabin.

Mountain safety

Learn about avalanches, find out how to best prevent injuries, or read about how to safely ford rivers during your hike.

Mountain hiking

The Swedish mountain range stretches from Treriksröset in the north to Dalarna in the south. Here, breathtaking landscapes and hundreds of miles of marked hiking trails await.