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.

Topographic maps and maps fo the mountain areas

Lantmäteriet produces topographic maps that cover the entire country. These maps show terrain elevations, roads, paths, trails, buildings, and more. The map type is called topographic maps for the majority of the country, except for the maps covering the mountain range, which are logically called Mountain Area Maps.

The Mountain Area Map 1:100,000 is the most commonly used map for longer tours in the mountains. The map series consists of 23 sheets and is named with the old county letters (W, Z, AC, BD) and a number. For example, the area between Abisko and Kebnekaise with the Kungsleden trail is called BD 6. On each mountain cabin page on this website, and in the various tour suggestions, the map most suitable for tours in the area is indicated. For day trips in the mountain areas, you are better of using the Mountain Area Map with a scale of 1:50,000. It is more detailed, easier to read, and simpler to plan your route. This map series is also named with county letters and numbers. Today, this map series is available for the entire southern part of the mountain range and for a few popular locations in Norrbotten. For Kebnekaise, Lantmäteriet has produced a map with a scale of 1:20,000.

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

Which peaks are the highest? What should I keep in mind if I encounter reindeer? What is it like to stay at a mountain station?

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.