The Hälsingeleden trail
The 160 kilometer Hälsingeleden trail winds its way from Mosjön in the south to Los in the north. On this page, the section between Bolleberget and Järvsö/Harsagården Hostel is described. It’s a hike where you can experience the beautiful, rolling landscape of Hälsingland, with forests, mountains, and lakes.
The Hälsingeleden trail in short
Map of Hälsingeleden
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 Hälsingeleden from Bolleberget to Harsa
The landscape of Hälsingland features rolling hills with mountains, primarily covered in forests of pine and spruce, interspersed with lakes and river valleys. While hiking along Hälsingeleden, there’s a good chance of spotting moose and deer. During berry season, you can also pick blueberries and lingonberries along the way.
The main section of Hälsingeleden runs from Mosjön to Los, with several connecting trails available. The first part of the main route, from Mosjön to Bolleberget, often traverses remote areas far from communities. Though there are a few overnight cabins along the way, camping gear is necessary. From Bolleberget to Harsa, you’re closer to communities and you’ll pass through small villages. Here, the hike can be planned to include stays in overnight cabins throughout, as described below. The northern part of Hälsingeleden, from Harsa to the main trail’s endpoint in Los, is less frequented and thus less maintained.
Se and do along the trail
The section described from Bolleberget to Harsa is excellent for mountain biking. Start in Harsa and bike to Bolleberget for a mostly downhill ride. Along the trail, there are great fishing spots, such as Lake Galven. Don’t forget that a fishing permit is required.
Hälsingland is home to 40 Hälsinge farms open to the public, seven of which are UNESCO World Heritage farms.
Don’t miss
A day of downhill biking in Järvsö Bergcykelpark, one of Sweden’s finest mountains for downhill biking. The park opens in May and stays open until nearly the first snow.
Transport to the trail
Take a train to Bollnäs, then walk five kilometers. Alternatively, take a taxi to Bolleberget, which also features ski slopes and cross-country tracks in winter. If you’re driving, parking is available here.
Trail markers
The trail is marked with orange paint on posts, trees, and rocks.
Sections of Hälsingeleden
Below you’ll find information on various sections of Hälsingeleden, including distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking details.
Of course, you are welcome to hike in the opposite direction to the order presented.
Section 1: Bolleberget–Acktjärbo
17.5 kilometers, 5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Cabin in Acktjärbo, eight beds with kitchen and wood stove.
Start at Bolleberget ski stadium, five kilometers northeast of Bollnäs. After leaving the stadium and its fitness trails, a few kilometers on gravel roads await. This is followed by pleasant trails winding through spruce and pine forests. After about five kilometers, you’ll reach Bergebo, where drinking water is available. Beyond Galvån, the marshes can be wet, though mostly equipped with boardwalks. After ten kilometers, there is also drinking water available at Nyfors. Continue hiking along Galvån, which flows into fish-rich Lake Galven a few kilometers later. Here you’ll find a swimming area with a shelter and latrine. The last stretch to Acktjärbo, the section’s end, has a gentle incline.
Section 2: Acktjärbo–Byvallen
13 kilometers, 4 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Cabin in Byvallen, four beds with stove.
The first kilometer of the day runs through gently rolling terrain to Bessbo, and there is a short climb up to Möckelbåsbo. The second half of the stretch is initially a gentle downhill and then flat, with no significant elevation changes. Water is available continuously along the entire stretch. Fishing is great in Lake Simsjön, located between Nyvallen and Byvallen.
Section 3: Byvallen–Järvsö/Harsa Hostel
18.9 kilometers, 6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Järvsö/Harsa Hostel (not STF).
The final hiking day begins with a gentle climb up Svedåsen, offering beautiful views. After Hästberg, there is a gentle incline spanning just over three kilometers up to Blackåsberget. The last stretch to Harsa can be quite wet, as the trail follows along lakes and streams. Once you’ve passed Harsasjön, you’re there. Drinking water is available throughout the section, but remember to refill at Prästvallen as the remaining ten kilometers lack fresh water access.
Accomodations along the trail
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