The Hallandsleden trail

Experience the West coast through Hallandsleden. Hike through tranquil settings along the rolling coastal landscape. On this page, you'll find descriptions of the three sub-trails: the northern, central, and southern Hallandsleden. In addition, there is also a connecting trail to and from Varberg.

The Hallandsleden trail in short

Length: 435 kilometers
Number of stages/hiking days: 25, divided into 3 sub-trails
Length of stages: 9–25 km (3-8 hours of hiking per day)
Water/food along the trail: The trail passes by some communities where you can replenish water and food. However, be sure to check available resources for your chosen section before setting out.
Accomodation during the hike: Shelters are available at many section endpoints, as well as hostels and B&Bs.
Map and more information: Map and more information is available at Hallandsleden.se (opens in new tab)

Map of Hallandsleden

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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).

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Discover Hallandsleden

Hallandsleden offers a rich variety of landscapes, from coniferous and deciduous forests to moors and cultivated lands. You’ll pass by many inviting lakes perfect for a refreshing swim. The terrain is often rolling, with both easy sections and challenging slopes. Most of the trail runs on paths, gravel roads, and forest tracks. There’s a good selection of accommodations near the trail, as well as shelters at nearly every section endpoint. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.

South of Gothenburg, at Lake Blåvättnerna, Bohusleden transitions into Hallandsleden. The trail winds southward for over 430 kilometers, connecting to Skåneleden just north of Ängelholm. In the central part, you have a choice of routes: you can follow either the eastern or western track, which converge again in Åkulla, east of Varberg. The description below follows the eastern route.

Hallandsleden is part of the 5,000-kilometer North sea trail around the North Sea, connecting the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and finally, Norway.

See and do along the trail

The trail offers opportunities for lake swimming and river paddling. The proximity to Kattegat’s coastal towns — Halmstad, Falkenberg, and Varberg – invites coastal experiences. You can also combine your Hallandsleden hike with a visit to Gothenburg and its wide array of activities.

Don’t miss

If you’re hiking here in June, keep an eye out for Halland’s golden-yellow county flower, “hårginst.” You can spot it, among other places, on Mästocka heath.

Transport to the trail

To reach the northern starting point of Hallandsleden, take a train to Gothenburg. From there, travel by train and/or bus via Västtrafik (opens in new tab) to Hjälmared. You can start the trail in Hjälmared or hike a couple of kilometers north to Blåvättnerna, where the trail officially begins, and then return along the same path. Find the start of the hiking trail (opens in new tab, Google maps link).

Trail markers

The trail is marked with orange paint on trees, posts, and rocks. You’ll also find blue signs with white text.

Hiking Tips Hallandsleden

Here you’ll find hiking tips for those who want to explore parts of Hallandsleden. Each tip includes multiple day sections. For more information on each section, visit Hallandsleden.se (opens in new tab).

You can, of course, hike in the opposite direction of the order presented.

Northern Sub-trail: Blåvettnerna–Åkulla

133 kilometers, divided into six days

Begin your journey on Hallandsleden along the Göteborg Moraine’s ridgeline in moderately hilly terrain. Between Stensjön and Äskhult, you’ll pass several lakes, including Halland’s largest lake, Lygnern. Near the lake is the Fjärås Bräcka Nature Reserve, a large gravel and moraine ridge offering sweeping views over the sea, forests, and fields. The cultural reserve Äskhult, a well-preserved 18th-century village, is also along the way. Continue through Visadalen and the Skuttran Valley towards Dranstugan, where some ups and downs await. You’ll cover 587 meters in elevation, so remember to stay hydrated. The final stretch to Åkulla leads you through a varied forest landscape.

Central Sub-trail: Åkulla–Gyltige

114 kilometers, divided into six days

At Åkulla, you can choose between the eastern and western routes; below, the eastern route is described.

The first section is easy, relatively short, and through forest. You then hike along Högvadsån to Kärnebygd. The route continues with an interesting stretch featuring an extensive lake system and glacial formations. After the village of Ätran, the landscape alternates between dense forest and open countryside. You’ll walk along what was once the national border between Sweden and Denmark, with historical markers of past conflicts. The final section to Sandsjön is a long one at 31 kilometers but is still an easy hike. Marshland, coniferous forests, and lakes accompany you on the last leg through Fylleån.

In Gyltige, the eastern and western routes merge, continuing southward as a single trail.

Southern Sub-trail: Gyltige–Bramarp

98 kilometers, divided into six days

The southern section begins along four long lakes in a rift valley. After passing through Simlångsdalen, you’ll see more oak, beech, and birch forests. In Mästocka, you’ll enjoy wide expanses of heather, once a common sight in Halland. On the fourth day, you’ll pass Vippentorpet, a traditional Hallandian farmhouse, offering a glimpse into historical Halland life. A section later, you’ll reach the famous beech forests of Hallandsåsen. On the final day between Koarp and Brammarp, Hallandsleden transitions into Skåneleden.