The Sörmlandsleden trail
Sörmlandsleden is 1000 kilometres of beautiful rambling and hiking through the cultural landscape of Sörmland, full of history, deep forests, rugged rocky knolls and dark glittering lakes. The Sörmlandsleden Association (Föreningen Sörmlandsleden) maintains the trail on a voluntary basis, with the goal of providing people with accessible and unique experiences.
Sörmlandsleden in short
Discover the Sörmlandsleden
Sörmlandsleden, established in 1973, is Sweden’s first lowland trail and remains one of the longest. The trail starts almost in the heart of Stockholm, at Björkhagen subway station, and passes through scenic places and exciting towns like Södertälje, Katrineholm, and Nyköping. You can opt for short day hikes, select some beautiful stretches, or walk the entire trail in one go.
The terrain is highly varied, ranging from more challenging hikes to easier walks. One moment you’ll cross a boardwalk over marshland, and the next, you’ll gaze out over the sparkling Baltic Sea. At times, you’ll walk in wilderness areas with no sign of human habitation, while in other stretches, the trail passes through small towns. A hike along the Sörmlandsleden offers everything from open landscapes to wilderness, large and small lakes, historical landmarks, and winding coastlines.
The trail surface varies between forest paths, meadow trails, forest roads, gravel roads, exercise tracks, and sometimes asphalt. Some sections are demanding, while others are easier. There are also plenty of lakes suitable for swimming.
Sörmlandsleden has 62 sections and 36 extra loops and connecting trails. Here, we describe the 62 sections, which make up the main trail spanning over 600 km. A great tip is to explore the Northern Sörmlandsleden, which will take you past some true hidden gems.
See and do along the trail
Swap nature for a castle setting and take a guided tour at Nynäs Castle (Stage 51) or Tullgarn Castle (Stage 56).
Don’t miss
Most people associate Kolmården with a zoo, but it’s also a vast forest area with dense and impressive old-growth forest. If you want to experience solitude and silence, choose the forested Stage 30 between Djuvik and Åbo.
Transport to the trail
The first stage of Sörmlandsleden starts in Björkhagen in southern Stockholm. You can take the subway directly to the start of the trail at Björkhagen station. There are many starting and ending points along the 1,000 kilometers of the Sörmlandsleden, so choose the one that suits you. Parking is available at most trail sections.
Trail markers
Orange markings around trees and posts, as well as signs marked “Sörmlandsleden.” There are also “S” arrows. Stage signs with maps can be found at stage boundaries.
Hiking tips for Sörmlandsleden
Here are some hiking tips for those looking to explore parts of Sörmlandsleden. These suggestions include several daily stages. For more information, visit sormlandsleden.se.
You can, of course, hike in the reverse order of the suggested routes.
Sub-trail 1–26: Björkhagen–Korranvägen (Katrineholm)
270.5 kilometers, 2–6 hours of hiking per day
The northern part of Sörmlandsleden stretches from Stockholm through Södertälje and Malmköping to Katrineholm. Close to the capital, you’ll experience exciting hiking through rugged terrain with ravines and cliffs. During Stage 3, you’ll pass through Tyresta National Park, the largest old-growth forest south of the Dalälven River. Between Harsjöhult and Finnssjön, you’ll encounter a rich birdlife, with moss-covered ground and yellow cloudberries shining in late summer. Later, you’ll come across Aborrmossen, which, despite its name, is a lekking site for black grouse. Henaredalen Nature Reserve during Stage 20 offers a rich display of spring and summer blooms.
Sub-trail 27–45: Korranvägen–Oppeby
176.5 kilometers, 2–6 hours of hiking per day
Along the entire Sörmlandsleden, there are numerous lakes, both large and small. South of Katrineholm, you’ll pass the narrow Hönstorparsjön, Lake Viggaren, and Lake Näsnaren on the way to Djupvik. Wilderness landscapes await along several stretches, particularly during Stage 30, which passes through uninhabited areas. You’ll also pass Sörmland’s highest peak, Vensbrinksberget. A detour during Stage 32 takes you to Kolmården Zoo. Stages 36–39 follow or pass close to Bråviken’s steep coastline, offering stunning views and swimming spots. After this, the trail veers north. The final stretch takes you through the scenic town of Nyköping.
Sub-trail 46–62: Oppeby–Svarvaretorp
158 kilometers, 4–8 hours of hiking per day
After leaving Nyköping, the trail winds through cultural landscapes and agricultural areas. You’ll pass mining areas and small towns. The Nynäs Nature Reserve and Nynäs Castle, south of Trosa, are popular destinations. North of Trosa, the trail leads to Anderviken and Tullgarnsviken, heading toward Tullgarn Nature Reserve and Tullgarn Castle. After your castle visit, the trail continues through Djurgårdsparken, where many princes and princesses once strolled. During Stage 62, the trail reconnects with Stage 7, bringing the circuit full circle.
Accomodations along the Sörmlandsleden
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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.
More about lowland hiking
Sweden has many paths and trails suitable for walking, in which you take the time needed to discover the natural world at your own pace.