E-path 6

The E6 in Sweden was inaugurated in 1992 and runs between Malmö/Helsingborg and Grisslehamn.

The entire European long-distance trail E6 continues south all the way to Alexandroupolis in Greece. If you want to continue south on the E6, you can cross over to Copenhagen. In Sweden, the trail passes through lowland areas but offers varied natural landscapes.

The Swedish section of the E6 covers approximately 1,400 kilometres of trails and connects Skåneleden, Hallandsleden, Gislavedsleden, Höglandsleden, Östgötaleden, Sörmlandsleden, and Roslagsleden.

Please note that the E6 consists of connected regional trails, where different municipalities, regions, foundations, and other organisations are responsible for maintenance, markings, and updating information about waymarking and trail maps. Unlike trails such as Kungsleden in northern Sweden, there is no continuous network of STF cabins or emergency shelters. The standard of rest areas, wind shelters, and overnight cabins may vary between sections. In some cases, there may be short transfer stretches between different trails.

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Skåneleden (Malmö – Koarp or Helsingborg – Koarp)

There are two sections of Skåneleden marked with E6 symbols. You can choose to follow the E6 starting in Malmö and heading north along approximately 290 kilometres of Skåneleden. You first hike the section called the North–south trail (SL2) (opens in new tab) for about 222 kilometres. This trail takes you to Hårsjö near Vittsjö. There, you switch to the Coast-to-coast trail (SL1) (opens in new tab), heading west for around 67 kilometres. Before reaching the coast, there is a connection to Hallandsleden at Koarp.

The second option is to take the Öresund trail (SL5) from Helsingborg. You follow the trail north to Ängelholm, where you continue on the Coast-to-Coast Trail (SL1) until you reach the connection to Hallandsleden at Koarp.

Skåneleden offers plenty of rest shelters with toilets and drinking water. The trail passes through varied landscapes and is generally easy to hike.

Distance: Malmö – Koarp approx. 290 km, Helsingborg – Koarp approx. 165 km
Trail marking: The trail is marked with blue E6 symbols and is well signposted with painted markers, directional arrows, and information boards where needed.
Tip: Read more about Skåneleden (opens in new tab)
Trail maps and books:
The links below open in a new tab.
Skåneleden route planning tool, Vandra Skåneleden (Calazo), Friluftsatlas Skåneleden 1:50,000 (Calazo)

STF accommodation nearby: STF Malmö Ohboy Hotel, STF Klåveröd Logi & Café, STF Blentarp Hostel, STF Nyrup Naturhotell Hostel

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Hallandsleden (Koarp – Kinnared)

The E6 continues for 110 kilometres along Hallandsleden to the area near Kinnared. The trail is generally easy to hike and takes you through varied landscapes, mainly forest. In addition to accommodation options near the trail, you’ll find rest shelters with toilets and fresh water (approximately every 15 kilometres). It is also easy to access trains and buses near the route.

Distance: 110 km
Trail marking: Orange markers and blue signs with white text “Hallandsleden”
Tip: Read more about Hallandsleden (opens in new tab)
Trail maps and books:
The links below open in a new tab.
Hallandsleden route planning tool, Naturkartan

STF accommodation nearby: STF Vallåsens Värdshus

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Gislavedsleden (Kinnared – Isaberg/Hestra)

During this section of the E6, you continue into Småland. Gislavedsleden runs from Kinnared in Halland to Isaberg/Hestra in Småland. The trail is part of the longer Smålandsleden.

Distance: approx. 100 km
Trail marking: Orange markings. There are plans to improve the trail with better markings, signage, and facilities.
Tip: Read more about Gislavedsleden (opens in new tab)
Trail maps and books:
The links below open in a new tab.
Map Smålandsleden, Naturkartan

STF accommodation nearby: STF Gnosjö Hostel

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Höglandsleden (Isaberg/Hestra – Munkebro)

Höglandsleden is also part of Smålandsleden. The section included in the E6 starts in Hestra and eventually turns northeast after Eksjö. After Eksjö, you leave Höglandsleden/Smålandsleden at Munkebro, just south of Lake Västra Lägern. From here, there is a connection to Östgötaleden. This part of the E6 offers a mix of easier stages as well as more challenging terrain.

Distance: approx. 250 km
Trail marking: Orange markings. There are plans to improve the trail with better markings, signage, and facilities.
Trail maps and books: Map Smålandsleden (opens in new tab)

STF accommodation nearby: STF Gnosjö Hostel

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Östgötaleden (Munkebo – Kvarsebo)

Östgötaleden consists of several sub-trails that are generally easy to hike. You join the trail at Munkebo from Höglandsleden/Smålandsleden, where there is a direct connection to Östgötaleden. The sections included in the E6 total 210 kilometres and pass near Kisa, Rimforsa, Åtvidaberg, and Skenäs. From Skenäs, you need to take the Skenäsleden car ferry (opens in new tab) across Bråviken. At Kvarsebo, there is a connection to Sörmlandsleden.

Distance: approx. 210 km
Trail marking: Orange markings
Trail maps and books:
The links below open in a new tab.
Map Östgötaleden, Naturkartan

STF accommodation nearby: STF Vårdnäs Stiftsgård Hotel & Conference

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Sörmlandsleden (Kvarsebo – Björkhagen)

Sörmlandsleden is a hiking trail of approximately 1,000 kilometres through Södermanland. The section included in the E6 is about 300 kilometres long. You start in Kvarsebo by the beautiful Bråviken and finish in the Stockholm suburb of Björkhagen, next to the Nacka Nature Reserve.

Distance: approx. 300 km
Trail marking: The trail is well marked, with orange rings around trees and posts, signs reading “Sörmlandsleden,” and S-shaped arrows. Parts of the trail are also marked with blue E6 symbols.
Tip: Read more about Sörmlandsleden (opens in new tab)
Trail maps and books:
The links below open in a new tab.
Map Sörmlandsleden, Friluftsatlas Sörmlandsleden (Calazo), Vandra Sörmlandsleden (Calazo)

STF accommodation nearby: STF Bränneriet vid Nynäs slott, STF Sävö Hostel, STF Hellasgården Hostel Stockholm

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Roslagsleden (Björkhagen – Grisslehamn)

From Sörmlandsleden in southern Stockholm, you can travel by public transport or on foot to the start of Roslagsleden in Danderyd, just north of Stockholm. Parts of the trail run close to the coast, with opportunities for detours out into the beautiful Roslagen archipelago. Along Roslagsleden, you pass places such as Trehörningsskogen Nature Reserve, Norrtälje, and Älmsta. You finish your hike at the end of the E6 in Grisslehamn.

Distance: approx. 190 km
Trail marking: Marked in orange. However, information about markings is missing on some sections.
Trail maps and books: Naturkartan (opens in new tab)

STF accommodation nearby: STF Stockholm Skeppsholmen Hostel, STF Långholmen Hotel Stockholm, STF Zinkensdamm Hotel & Hostel Stockholm

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