The Gästrikeleden trail
In a 270-kilometer route around Gästrikland, the Gästrikeleden trail winds its way. Starting in Gysinge in the south, it heads up to Hofors in the west, then continues to Lingbo in the north, and passes between Sandviken and Gävle on its way back down to Gysinge. There are numerous options for start and end points, and public transport connections in the area are excellent.
The Gästrikeleden trail in short
Map of Gästrikeleden
Navigate past map or other external content.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 Gästrikeleden
The idea for a trail around the province of Gästrikland was born in the 1970s. Gävle municipality, together with Friluftsfrämjandet and the equivalent of the Forestry Board at that time, worked to clear and mark the trail. Today, with its 32 sections, Gästrikeleden is a well-established part of outdoor life in the region. The sections are of moderate length, making them suitable for both new and younger hikers. The landscape is dominated by forest, especially in the west and north. Lakes and streams are found along the trail, particularly common between sections 29–32, where the trail runs close to the Dalälven river. Signs of the area’s rich industrial heritage are also visible along the trail, with Gysinge as an example.
In addition to the main trail, there are several connecting paths and trail loops, such as Fäbodleden, which runs between Kungsberget and Högbo Bruk.
See and do along the trail
Gävle, with its range of activities, accommodations, and restaurants, can serve as both a starting and ending section – or a stop along the way.
Don’t miss
For those who want a break from hiking boots, Högbo Bruk offers excellent XC cycling on its MTB arena. In Jädraås, you can also enjoy lovely nature trails on a bike along the marked loops. Both Högbo and Jädraås offer bike rentals.
Transport to the trail
There are many options for your hiking start and endpoint. Trains or the county’s public buses will take you to several towns along the trail, such as Jädraås, Lingbo, Sandviken, Gävle, Ockelbo, and Hofors.
Trail markers
The trail markers are orange on trees and trail posts.
Hiking tips Gästrikeleden
Here are some hiking tips for those wanting to explore parts of Gästrikeleden. The suggestions include several daily sections.
Of course, you can hike in the opposite direction from the order presented here.
Sections 1–7: Gysinge–Hofors
78.5 kilometers, 1–7 days of hiking
Accommodations: Hotel, hostel, tent, and shelter
The first kilometers run alongside the Dalälven River in Färnebofjärden National Park. After section 2, you can choose to take a shortcut between Rödängsgruvan and Ulvkisbosjön. Otherwise, the main trail takes you past Kungshöghällarna Nature Reserve. The area is high terrain, rich with ancient pines, some over 400 years old. In section four, the trail crosses bogs, including Jungfrumossen, Storstensmossen, and Lurmossen. There are traces of former ironworks along various sections. In Hofors, you have different lodging options to choose from.
Sections 8–17: Hofors–Lingbo
106 kilometers, 1–10 days of hiking
Accommodations: Hotel, hostel, tent, and shelter
The trail continues through forests and alongside lakes and streams. During section 12, you reach Kungsberget, which offers skiing during the winter. You’ll find STF Jädraås Herrgård during section 13. The area also has a museum railway where vintage steam trains run during the summer—a favorite activity for younger hikers. Sections 13–17 lead north from the main circuit. To remain on the circuit, take sections 13.2 and then 18.
Sections 18–25: Tansen–Hemlingbystugan
78 kilometers, 1–8 days of hiking
Accommodations: Hotel, hostel, tent, and shelter
This part of the trail skirts Ockelbo and heads south toward Högbo Bruk. You’ll pass several ridges and lakes along the way. Högbo Bruk offers various other trails, both for biking and hiking, as well as accommodations. When you arrive at Hemlingbystugan, you are at the edge of the city of Gävle, which has plenty of activities.
Sections 26–32: Hemlingbystugan–Gysinge
81 kilometers, 1–7 days of hiking
Accommodations: Hotel, hostel, tent, and shelter
The final sections frequently follow rivers and lakes. In section 29, you’ll hike beside Spjutkanalen and Hyttöfjärden, while in section 31, the trail runs along Bramsöfjärden.
Accomodation along the Gästrikeleden trail
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.