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Wade safely

Along the marked trails, there are often bridges over the larger watercourses. When hiking in unmarked areas, wading is one of the biggest risk factors. The force of the flowing water can cause the hiker to lose balance, and the ice-cold water quickly cools down feet and legs.

Risk assessment before wading

When you encounter a watercourse that you deem difficult or impossible to wade, follow these steps to cross as safely as possible:

1. What does the inflow look like?
Can I bypass the difficult part by going upstream and instead wade several small streams?

2. What does it look like downstream?
Streams and watercourses are often widest, and thus shallowest and least rapid, at their outlet into the next water course.

3.Can I camp nearby and wait for lower water levels?
If the stream comes from snowfields or glaciers, the water level is almost always lowest early in the morning before the sun starts melting the snow and ice.

How to wade safely

  1. Start by packing away any loose items hanging outside your backpack to avoid losing them. Do not have your camera hanging on your chest.
  2. Loosen your hip belt. Then you can quickly remove the backpack if you fall.
  3. Cross at the widest point. It is the shallowest and least rapid there.
  4. Do not wade where the water reaches above your knees.
  5. Never wade without shoes. Feet go numb in the cold water, and the risk of injury is high. Use sneakers or sandals.
  6. A wading stick can provide valuable support, such as a sturdy pole you bring with you.
  7. Walk at an angle against the current to reduce the risk of your feet being swept away.
  8. Walk on the bottom and seek solid footing! Balancing on stones can end badly if you lose balance on a slippery or loose stone.

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.