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Swedish Tourist Association
A woman taking pictures in the mountains.

Mobile coverage in the mountains

In the mountains, you cannot rely on being able to use your mobile phone. This is due to the rugged terrain, long distances and limited network coverage. It’s a good idea to let friends and family know that you may be unreachable while enjoying your trip.

Mobile phones only work within the networks they are connected to. Coverage is usually good in larger towns and along major roads. In the mountains, Telia generally offers the best—though still limited—coverage. In short, be prepared to disconnect rather than stay connected.

Best coverage near mountain stations

If you need mobile coverage in the mountains, your best chances are along larger roads and near STF mountain stations. If you use the Telia network, you may have decent coverage in southern Lapland, around Storulvån–Blåhammaren–Sylarna–Helags in the Jämtland Mountains, and in the Vindelfjällen area—but you typically need to be within sight of the stations.

In northern Lapland, mobile coverage is very limited and often non-existent due to the vast area and the small number of mountain stations. This includes routes such as the King’s Trail (Kungsleden) between Abisko and Kvikkjokk, the Padjelanta Trail and the Nordkalott Trail.

Tips for mobile phone users

  1. Remember that mobile batteries are sensitive to cold. Keep your phone in an inner pocket to prevent it from losing charge.
  2. Bring a power bank to extend battery life if you are staying in a tent or mountain cabin without electricity.
  3. Many map apps are available in offline mode. Perfect as a complement to your map and compass.
  4. Consider bringing a waterproof phone case or a small plastic bag to protect your phone on rainy days.

More pages about the mountains

Mountain guide

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

Mountain safety

With the right knowledge, your time in the mountains will be both safer and more enjoyable. Learn about avalanches, find out how to prevent injuries, or read about how to ford rivers safely during your hike. You’ll find all our related pages on mountain safety further down.

Mountain hiking

The Swedish mountain range stretches from Treriksröset in the north to Dalarna in the south. Here, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes and hundreds of kilometres of marked hiking trails.