Two women walking over a bridge in the summer.

The Northern Sörmlandsleden trail

Sörmlandsleden offers a total of 1,000 winding kilometers of trails. You can take short day trips, choose specific sections, or try hiking the northernmost part. This part of the trail is called the Northern Sörmlandsleden trail, which is the closest to Stockholm. On this page, we describe the first six sections, taking you from urban energy to wilderness in just a few minutes! The trail begins near the Björkhagen subway station in Stockholm.

The Northern Sörmlandsleden trail in short

Length: 61,5 kilometers
Number of stages/hiking days: 4-5
Length of stages: 6,5–13,5 km (2–5 hours of hiking per day)
Water/food along the trail: Freshwater or natural springs can be found along the trail.
Accomodation during the hike: Tent or hostel/cabin.
Map and more information: sormlandsleden.se (opens in new tab)

Map of the Northern Sörmlandsleden

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This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” (opens in new tab) 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 Northern Sörmlandsleden

The trail passes through the cultural landscape of Sörmland, with open fields alternating with deep forests. One moment you’re hiking rocky outcrops, and the next, you’re walking alongside a lake. On day three, you’ll enter Tyresta National Park and its untouched old-growth forest. The national park features a varied landscape of rocky ridges, with pines growing on the rocks and spruces in the lower valleys. Once you reach Tyresta Village, there’s a café and a country store for supplies. On day five, the elevation increases slightly as you make your way up to Tornberget.

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See and do along the trail

Visit the Naturum National Park House in Tyresta Village. The National Park House showcases all of Sweden’s national parks, not just Tyresta. This means you can take a journey through Sweden’s entire natural landscape in one place.

Don’t miss

Bring your swimwear, as the trail passes several great lakes for swimming. The daily sections of the trail are relatively short, making them suitable for active families.

Transport to the trail

Take the subway from Stockholm and get off at Björkhagen station. The trail begins just minutes from the station. From the endpoint at Lida Outdoor Center, take an SL bus (opens in new tab) to Tullinge and then a commuter train back into Stockholm.

Trail markers

Markers with orange paint around trees and wooden posts, as well as signs reading “SÖRMLANDSLEDEN.” You’ll also find “S” arrows. Section signs with maps are located at section borders.

Sections of Northern Sörmlandsleden

Below, you’ll find descriptions of the various sections of Northern Sörmlandsleden, including distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.

Of course, you can also hike in the opposite direction to how the sections are presented here.

Section 1: Björkhagen–Skogshyddan

8.5 kilometers, 4–5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent at Skogshyddan

If you start from Björkhagen subway station, head east over Malmövägen and pass the Markuskyrkan. There, you’ll see a birch avenue that leads to the Nacka outdoor area. There is no parking available at the start. The trails are easy to walk and pass several lakes suitable for swimming. At Sandasjön, about 2.5 kilometers from the section’s endpoint, you’ll find fresh spring water. Refill your supply for cooking and for the next day. There are no food services along this section.

Section 2: Skogshyddan–Alby Friluftsgård

6.5 kilometers, 2–3 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent at Alby Friluftsgård

From Skogshyddan, the trail continues on a forest road to Vretatorp, then through pine woods and oak groves for a while. By the lake Öringesjön, the trail runs along the shore. There are no water or food services along this section. At the Alby Friluftsgård endpoint, you’ll find swimming areas, a café, showers, a sauna, and restrooms.

Section 3: Alby Friluftsgård–Tyresta By

13.5 kilometers, 4–5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent outside Tyresta By

This day’s hike partly passes through Tyresta National Park. Some parts are slightly challenging with steep inclines, but otherwise, the trail is very easy to walk. The path goes across meadowlands, rock flats, and pine forest plateaus. Just before the national park, at Högdalen, there’s a cold spring. There are no food services along this section. In Tyresta By, you’ll find a café and a small shop.

Section 4: Tyresta By–Handen (Rudans Gård)

10 kilometers, 4–5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent in the Rudan Outdoor Area

The trail initially follows Tyrestavägen and then climbs up towards Högstalund and Skutan. Occasionally, you’ll pass through green spaces near built-up areas. There are no food or water services along this section. In Handen, at the endpoint, there are grocery stores and restaurants. At Rudans Gård, a suitable tenting spot, there is also an outdoor swimming area.

Section 5: Handen (Rudans Gård)–Paradiset

11.5 kilometers, 4–5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Paradisets Hanvedens Vänner (opens in new tab) (non-STF accommodation), tent, or in Ugglekojan on the eastern side of Trehörningen, 1.5 kilometers from Paradiset.

The trail passes several lakes and marshlands, along with numerous rock flats characteristic of the area. This section involves climbs, with the highest point being Tornberget, 111 meters above sea level. There are many rest and swimming spots along the way. Water is available at the start and endpoint of the section, with a water pump at Riddartorp. There are no food services along this section. Ugglekojan has two wooden bunks and a stove, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Section 6: Paradiset–Lida Friluftsgård

12 kilometers, 4–5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Lida Friluftsgård (opens in new tab) (non-STF accommodation)

Along the trail, you’ll come across so-called esker pits, including Sweden’s largest, with a depth of 31 meters. Esker pits are large hollows formed by icebergs from the ice age. A longer part of this day’s hike follows a road. Water is available at the start and endpoint of the section, with a water source along the trail at the former Kvarnsjön. There are no food services along this section. Lida Friluftsgård offers lodging in cottages and hostels, as well as a guesthouse.