The Roslagsleden trail
Roslagsleden is a wilderness trail close to urban areas, following in the footsteps of the Vikings. The trail is easy to access, with many people taking the bus to the sections and then hike for an evening or a weekend. The trail is 190 kilometers long and runs from Danderyd, north of Stockholm, to Grisslehamn in Roslagen. The entire trail is described here in three parts.
The Roslagsleden trail in short
Map of the Roslagsleden trail
This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).
Discover Roslagsleden
Roslagsleden runs from Danderyds Church, past Norrtälje, towards Väddö Canal, and ends in Grisslehamn. You mostly follow forest trails or gravel roads through cultural landscapes and various types of forests. Roslagsleden is a trail close to water, and you will hike past several charming lakes. During the final days, you walk along the sea. The trail passes through many industrial towns and villages, where you’ll find plenty of outdoor recreation centers, guesthouses, cafés, and campsites. You will also come across pleasant hotels and restaurants. Just make sure to check the opening hours before setting off.
Feel free to create your own sections, based on your fitness level and ambitions. There are plenty to choose from!
Trail Markers
The trail is marked with orange paint on trees, posts, and other natural features. Directional signs are also available.
See and do along the trail
Along the entire trail, you will find several historical sites. There are also many opportunities for swimming and fishing.
Don’t miss
A tip is to combine a hike on Roslagsleden with a visit to the capital city. In central Stockholm, you can choose from five unique and genuine STF accommodations.
Transport to the trail
To get to Stockholm, take the train (sj.se). From Stockholm Central Station, take the subway to Mörby Centrum. The trail starts in Rinkebyskogen, which is located right next to it. The hiking trail begins here (Google Maps link).
Hiking tips for the Roslagsleden trail
Here are some hiking tips if you’d like to hike part of the Roslagsleden trail. Each tip includes several daily sections. If you want more information about each section, you can find it on Roslagsleden.se.
Of course, you can hike in the opposite direction from the order of the hiking tips.
Section 1-4: Danderyd–Dommarudden
56 kilometers, 4–5 hours of hiking per day over four days
You begin your hike by escaping the city noise. First, you walk through Rinkebyskogen, followed by easy hiking through the Rösjön outdoor recreation area. Along Lake Vallentunasjön, the trail runs right next to the water. After Karby Gård, you enter Stolpaskogen, which is followed by a walk through an untouched forest area until you reach the town of Angarn. Nearby is the Angarnssjöängen Nature Reserve, a bird lake with about 25 nesting species. For bird lovers, there is also a birdwatching tower next to the trail. At Örsta, you can see a large rock carving over three meters long.
In Brottby, Roslagsleden crosses Långhundraleden, a beautiful canoe route with campgrounds. After Lövhagen, the trail follows paved roads for a few kilometers, followed by forest roads to Dommarudden in the Trehörningsskogen Nature Reserve. Dommarudden offers family-friendly swimming and good fishing.
Section 5-8: Dommarudden–Roslagsbro
78 kilometers, 5–7 hours of hiking per day over four days
The first 20 kilometers of Roslagsleden take you through forests and near lakes, on both trails and forest roads. By the lakes Oppsjön and Viren, you will find rest areas and shelters. The trail passes Wira Bruk, a preserved smithy with red cottages. Several art blacksmiths work here. Every year, the Wiraspelen outdoor theater is performed, a popular musical drama about 18th-century Wira Bruk and its villagers.
Between the smithy and Penningby, the trail continues through forest and cultural landscapes. Ten kilometers later, you’ll experience city life as the trail passes through Norrtälje. In Vigelsjö, in the eastern part of Norrtälje, there are campsites, a beach, and food service. The last stretch to Roslagsbro follows alongside the Broströmmen stream, a paddling route between Lake Brosjön and Norrtäljeviken.
On the way to Norrtälje, between Lännaby and Sågen, the trail has been removed.
Section 9-11: Roslagsbro–Grisslehamn
54 kilometers, 3–8 hours of hiking per day over three days
You continue your hike towards the sea through a classic Roslagen landscape. Here, you will find historical sights and untouched nature. The more kilometers you leave behind, the closer you get to the sea. From Sandviken and northwards, you walk right next to or near the Åland Sea, all the way to the trail’s end in Grisslehamn. It is a coastal hike that gives a great sense of freedom. Simply put, it’s a worthy and beautiful conclusion to Roslagsleden.
Accomodations along the Roslagsleden trail
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