Skip to content

E-path 1

E1 (E-path 1) in Sweden is a scenic hiking trail that stretches from Halmstad to Grövelsjön. The E1 trail was inaugurated in 1992 and has a total length of approximately 1,200 kilometers in Sweden.

E1 in Sweden – an overview

The E-path 1 in Sweden was inaugurated in 1992, beginning in Halmstad in the south and ending at the Grövelsjö Mountains in Northern Dalarna. Currently, pedestrians are unable to take the ferry between Grenå and Halmstad. Please see suggested alternative route below. From Grövelsjön, you can continue into Norway, all the way to Nordkapp. From Denmark, you can continue south through Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, all the way to the Mediterranean coast. For those who stick to the equally beautiful Swedish sections, you’ll encounter diverse trails mostly in lowlands, except in the north where you hike through magnificent mountain terrain.

The Swedish section of the E1 covers about 1,300 kilometers of trails that connect Hallandsleden, Bohusleden, Vildmarksleden, Sjuhäradsleden, Västra Vätterleden, Bergslagsleden, Malingsbo-Klotenleden, Sméleden, Gagnefs Fäbodstigar, Romboleden, Siljansleden, Vasaloppsleden, and the southern portion of Kungsleden.

The ferry between Grenå and Halmstad, operated by StenaLine, currently runs once a day and does not accommodate pedestrians due to traffic issues in Halmstad harbor.

Please note that E1 consists of interconnected regional trails where various municipalities, regions, foundations, etc., are responsible for maintenance, markings, and updating trail maps and signage information. Unlike trails like Kungsleden in northern Sweden, there isn’t a continuous network of STF huts or emergency shelters. The quality of rest areas, wind shelters, and overnight cabins may vary between trails, and there may be occasional short transport stretches between different trails.


Hallandsleden (Halmstad – Simlångsdalen – Lindome/Blåvättnerna)

The first section of the E1 trail in Sweden starts at Halmstad’s travel center and leads to Simlångsdalen. The path partially follows the Fyleådalen and the old railway embankment of the Bolmen Line, making it an easy and pleasant hike. In Simlångsdalen, you continue north on Hallandsleden and then choose the western route towards Lindome/Blåvättnerna. This part of Hallandsleden is primarily easy to hike and traverses a diverse landscape with plenty of forests. In addition to overnight accommodations near the trail, there are rest shelters with toilets and fresh water spaced roughly every 15 kilometers. The trail is conveniently accessible by train and bus nearby.

In 2023, a new route for this section will follow Fylleåleden up to Brogård and then take Bolmenbanan/Hylteslingan towards Simlångsdalen.

Distance: 218 km
Trail markers: Orange markings and blue signs with white text “Hallandsleden”
Tip: Learn more about Hallandsleden
Trail maps and books: Hallandsleden’s map planning tool, Vandra Hallandsleden (Calazo Publishing), Norra Halland 1:50,000 (Calazo Publishing), Södra Halland 1:50,000 (Calazo Publishing), Södra Göteborg 1:50,000 (Calazo Publishing) (Note that the books are in swedish) and Naturkartan
Accommodation nearby: Bråtadal Hostel (Not STF)


Bohusleden (Lindome/Blåvättnerna – Skatås)

A small portion of Bohusleden is part of the E1 trail, running from the county border with Halland in the south to Gothenburg, where it leaves Bohusleden at Skatås. This section of the trail takes you through deep forests, meadows, fields, and along beautiful lakes. It also brings you close to the scenic surroundings of Gunnebo Castle. Parts of this trail are included in the Signature trail Göteborg.

Distance: 30 km
Trail markers: The trail is well-marked with orange paint and Bohusleden logos. E1 markers are planned to be installed in 2023.
Tip: Learn more about Bohusleden
Trail maps and books: Bohusleden’s map planning tool, Naturkartan
STF accommodation nearby: STF Stigbergsliden Hostel Göteborg, STF Wendelsberg Hotel & Hostel Göteborg


Vildmarksleden (Skatås – Hindås)

The trail runs between Skatås, not far from central Gothenburg, and Hindås. There is road access midway at Härkeshult. The trail is relatively easy to hike, though a steep incline awaits at the beginning. The landscape is varied, with several lakes along the way. You’ll find some rest shelters and picnic areas along the trail.

Distance: approximately 38–42 km
Trail markers: Currently, the trail is not fully marked according to national standards. When markings are present, they are orange and display the Vildmarksleden logo.
Tip: Learn more about Vildmarksleden
Trail maps and books: Gröna kartan, Naturkartan


Sjuhäradsleden (Hindås – Mullsjö)

Sjuhäradsleden is divided into 10 sections, starting in Hindås and passing through Bollebygd, Borås, and Ulricehamn before ending in Mullsjö. The trail is easy to walk and takes you through diverse landscapes, including forests, farmland, and urban areas. There are several pleasant rest areas along the way, as well as some fixed wind shelters where you can spend the night.

Please note that there have been reroutes on Sjuhäradsleden that are not yet updated on naturkartan.se or on STF’s trail page for Sjuhäradsleden.

Distance: 140 km
Trail markers: The trail is well-marked, except for some parts in Borås. It uses orange paint and signs with the Sjuhäradsleden logo. E1 markers are planned to be installed in 2023.
Tip: Learn more about Sjuhäradsleden
Trail maps and books: Naturkartan
STF accommodation nearby: STF Årås Kvarn


Västra Vätterleden (Mullsjö – Granvik/Stenkällegården)

This trail takes you from Mullsjö (Mullsjö Friluftsgård just south of Mullsjö) to Granvik (Stenkällegården) near Karlsborg. It is divided into 8 sections and primarily goes through forests. The trail does not follow the shore of Lake Vättern but instead leads further inland. You’ll find many wind shelters along the way.

Distance: 177–195 km
Trail markers: Maintenance and markings can vary between sections, as they are managed by different municipalities. The trail is marked with orange paint on trees, posts, and more.
Tip: Learn more about Västra Vätterleden
Trail maps and books: Google Maps
STF accommodation nearby: STF Hjo Villa Eira Hostel


Bergslagsleden (Granvik/Stenkällegården – Kloten)

The trail connects to Västra Vätterleden at Stenkällegården near Karlsborg. After 280 kilometers, it ends in Kloten. Bergslagsleden leads through Tiveden and Kilsbergen, reaching the Bergslagen region. The trail is divided into 17 sections and offers a varied hiking experience. Many rest shelters with toilets and often drinking water are available along the way.

While many sections of the trail are easy to walk, there are also parts with steep elevation changes and rocky terrain. Throughout your hike, you’ll encounter plenty of forests, lakes, and historical mining sites.

Distance: 280 km
Trail markers: The trail is well-marked. Traditionally marked with orange paint, the markings are being updated with bands featuring the Bergslagsleden logo. Blue arrows with the Bergslagsleden logo are on posts with orange tops. Loops along the trail are marked only with blue bands/logos. E1 markers are planned for installation in 2023.
Tip: Learn more about Bergslagsleden
Trail maps and books: Bergslagsleden Maps, Naturkartan, Friluftsatlas Bergslagsleden 1:50,000 (Calazo Publishing) (Note that the book is in swedish).
STF accommodation nearby: STF Tivedstorp Hostel


Malingsbo-Kloten circuit (Kloten – Björsjö)

The E1 trail utilizes approximately 20 kilometers of this loop trail in the Malingsbo-Kloten Ecopark. From Kloten, the trail leads to Björsjö. Here, you’ll hike through a landscape that alternates between enchanting pine forests and open meadows. There are rest shelters and cabins available along the trail.

Distance: 20 km
Trail markers: The trail is well-marked. E1 markers are planned for installation in 2023.
Tip: Learn more about Malingsbo-Kloten trail
Trail maps and books: Naturkartan
STF accommodation nearby: STF Malingsbo Herrgård


Information about the section Björsjö – Leksand

If you plan to hike what is known as Sméleden and Gagnefs Fäbostigar, we recommend careful planning with both GPS and paper maps, along with a solid understanding of navigation using these tools. Some sections between Björsjö and Leksand consist of local trails where the condition and markings are currently unclear or in the process of being updated. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Björsjö to Smedjebacken or Ludvika, and then take a train to Leksand to connect with Siljansleden.


Sméleden (Björsjö – Jätturn/Tunsan)

Sméleden is 57 kilometers long and runs through Smedjebacken municipality, from Björsjö via Smedjebacken to Långsjön. From Björsjö, you’ll follow the trail south of Dammsjön. After a stretch along Highway 50, Sméleden turns northwest towards Göberget. Here, you can choose to walk along the utility corridor (as described on Naturkartan) or follow the trail according to a paper map/GPS until you reach Lake Jätterun, south of Lake Tunsan.

Distance: approximately 57 km
Trail markers: Currently, the trail is not fully marked according to national standards. Where markings are present, they are orange on trees and signs. The trail is not fully marked in the terrain, but efforts are underway to improve markings.
Tip: Learn more about Sméleden
Trail maps and books: 66 Ludvika Sverigeserien 1:50,000 (Norstedts Kartor), Naturkartan


Gagnefs Fäbodstigar (Jätturn/Tunsan – Ljusbodarna)

The E1 section between Jätturn and Prästbodarna is primarily a transport stretch along roads and forest tracks before connecting with Gagnefs Fäbodstigar. The following description is based on information from local heritage associations, outdoor organizations, and municipal officials.

From Jätturn, follow the trail east of Tunsan on gravel roads toward Highway 50. Reach Highway 50 at Långsjön’s rest area. Head towards Ludvika for about 200 meters, then turn right through a wildlife gate onto a smaller road. Cross the railway and continue on forest roads to Rämshyttan. Follow an old railway bed (parallel to Road 646) towards Tuna-Hästberg. Where the railway bed splits, keep right towards Tuna-Hästberg. Continue on Road 640 through the village and another couple of kilometers west. Pass the swimming area at Lake Hästbergs-Flatnan, then take a larger road towards Orrberget Wind Farm. Follow the road past turnoffs leading up to the turbines, then take an older, smaller road past Lake Lilla Spånsan. Continue until the road ends, where a steep path heads directly north to Bergslagsstugan. Overnight stays are possible at Bergslagsstugan and nearby Dragbergsstugan. From here, both summer and winter trails lead to Prästbodarna, which has a rest cabin with a woodshed and outhouse.

From Prästbodarna, follow Gagnefs Fäbodstigar through Backbodarna and Västjärnslindans Fäbod to Mockfjärd. Continue from Mockfjärd to Gråbodarna, Forsbodarna, and Ljusbodarna.

Distance & trail markers: Currently, information is unavailable.
Tip: Learn more about Gagnefs Fäbodstigar
Trail maps and books: Lantmäteriet Terrängkartan 638 and 648, Jätturn’s nature reserve, Prästbuan’s nature reserve/Gyllbergen nature reserve, Kägelberget nature reserve (Gråbodarna – Ljusbodarna)


Romboleden (Ljusbodarna – Granberg)

Romboleden, a 1,000-year-old pilgrimage route from Lake Mälaren to the shrine of Saint Olav in Trondheim, begins at Ljusbodarna. From Blåbergsbacken, the trail heads towards the summer pasture site at Skinnaråsen. Along the way, you’ll pass Flaten, a large and often very wet marsh. To avoid the marsh, there is an alternative route around it leading up to Skinnaråsen. The trail then takes you to Djursjön, Balkbodarna, and follows paths and gravel roads until you reach Granberg, north of Lake Yxen. At Granberg, you can connect with Siljansleden.

Distance: 18 km
Trail markers: The trail is marked with orange rings on trees or top-painted posts. The Romboleden symbol, Saint Olav’s emblem, and small red directional arrows further guide the way.
Tip: Learn more about Romboleden
Trail maps and books: Lantmäteriet Terrängkartan 648, Romboleden Ljusbodarna–Granberg


Siljansleden (Granberg – Mora)

This trail takes you around Lake Siljan and Lake Orsa. It primarily follows old summer pasture paths, along lakes, over marshes, and up mountains. The E1 portion begins at Granberget near Leksand, covering about 70 kilometers to Mora. There are rest shelters and cabins along the trail, but since much of the route goes through uninhabited areas, it’s essential to be well-prepared.

Distance: 70 km
Trail markers: The trail is marked with orange paint and direction signs designed specifically for Siljansleden. E1 markers are present in some sections along the trail.
Tip: Learn more about Siljansleden
Trail maps and books: Siljanskartan, which includes Siljansleden, is available for purchase at local tourist offices, Naturkartan
STF accommodation nearby: STF Orsa Hostel


Vasaloppsleden (Mora – Sälen)

This trail between Mora and Sälen primarily follows the route of the Vasaloppet. It’s easy to walk and equipped with rest shelters and cabins for those who need them. Enjoy the nature reserve and admire picturesque summer pastures. Along the way, you’ll pass Vasaloppet checkpoints and historic sites where Gustav Vasa is said to have stopped during his journey through Dalarna. There are nine overnight cabins along the trail, available for a fee.

From the end of Vasaloppsleden in Sälen, there is a transport stretch of approximately 20 kilometers to the start of Södra Kungsleden at Sälens Högfjällshotell. If you prefer, you can take local transit from the Vasaloppet start in Berga by to Sälens Högfjällshotell.

Distance: approximately 90 km
Trail markers: The trail is well-marked with orange paint and the Vasaloppsleden logo (Gustav Vasa symbol). E1 markers are planned for installation at the start, end, and at the nine overnight sites in 2023. Otherwise, follow Vasaloppsleden markings along the route. Note that Vasaloppet race markings run parallel to and sometimes differ from the hiking trail.
Tip: Learn more about Vasaloppsleden
Trail maps and books: VasaloppsArenan 1:50,000 (Calazo Publishing) (Note that the book is in swedish), Arenafolder map (pdf)
STF accommodation nearby: STF Älvdalen Tre Björnar Hostel, STF Sälen Gräsheden Hostel


Södra Kungsleden (Sälen – Grövelsjön)

From Sälen, the E1 trail heads towards Grövelsjön, passing through Norra Transtrandsfjällen, Skarsåsfjället, Fulufjället National Park, Drevfjället, and Bredåsen. Along the trail, there are rest shelters and cabins. Note that sections of the trail traverse mountain terrain, requiring solid skills in map and compass navigation. From Grövelsjön, you can continue on the E1 trail into Norway towards Nordkapp. Alternatively, you can hike northward in Sweden on the Gröna Bandet all the way to Treriksröset.

Distance: approximately 160 km
Trail markers: Orange paint. Much of the trail follows a combined winter/summer route, marked with red crosses as well.
Tip: Learn more about Södra Kungsleden
Trail maps and books: Sälen & Fulufjället 1:50,000 (Calazo Publishing), Idre & Lofsdalen 1:50,000 (Calazo Publishing) (Note that the books are in swedish).
STF accommodation nearby: STF Sälen Gräsheden Hostel, STF Grövelsjön Mountain Station

Do you have more questions about the European trails in Sweden?
Here we have gathered common questions and answers.


All Swedish trails along the E-path

Below are all the Swedish trails that make up the Swedish section of the European long distance path.

  1. E-path 1 (The current page)
  2. E-path 6