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Swedish Tourist Association

The Ostkustleden trail

The 160 kilometer long Ostkustleden is a circular route that starts and ends in Lilla Hycklinge in Småland. The tour takes eight days, with no single day covering more than just over 20 kilometers. At the end of each section, there is a cabin available for overnight stays; otherwise, camping is also a pleasant alternative.

The Ostkustleden trail in short

  1. Length: 160 kilometers
  2. Number of stages/hiking days: 8
  3. Length of stages: 17–21,5 km (approx 7 hours of hiking per day)
  4. Water/food along the trail: Water can be found at some sections of the trail.
  5. Accomodation during the hike: There is an overnight cabin at every section endpoint for a small fee.

Map of Ostkustleden

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 Ostkustleden

Ostkustleden passes through lush forests and mossy wetlands, past idyllic villages and cultural landscapes, as well as lakes rich in fish and perfect for swimming. You’ll also experience rugged archipelago settings with views over the Baltic Sea. The trail takes you along paths, forest roads, and some shorter stretches on gravel and asphalt. Enjoy a calming escape in the Småland wilderness under safe conditions.

At each section endpoint, there is an overnight cabin equipped with a wood stove, cooking facilities, and a dry toilet. Some cabins have a well for water, while at others, you can boil water from the lakes.

The start and endpoint of the loop trail is in Lilla Hycklinge, which is a 10-minute drive west of Oskarshamn. You’ll find both parking and an orientation board for the trail.

See and do along the trail

It’s a good idea to pack swimwear, as the trail passes many delightful swimming spots. During stage four, you’ll also find excellent spots for sport fishing.

Don’t miss

Take the time to visit the coastal town of Oskarshamn during your stay. Some attractions are located right by the water, while others are found in the town center, all set within a lush forested landscape.

Transport to the trail

There are no direct trains to Oskarshamn. However, there are daily connections from Linköping, usually requiring a transfer in Berga or Västervik before reaching Oskarshamn’s center. From here, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the start of Ostkustleden.

Trail markers

The trail is marked with yellow paint on trees and posts.

Sections of the Ostkustleden

Below are descriptions of the various sections of the Ostkustleden, including distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.

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

Section 1: Lilla Hycklinge–Nynäs

17 kilometers, 6 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Overnight cabin at Nynäs or camping.

Lilla Hycklinge is close enough to Oskarshamn that you can spend the night there before setting out. You’ll find STF Oskarshamn/Oscars right in town. Once you’re ready, catch a bus to the trailhead. On this first day, you’ll pass Högatorp, the birthplace of the renowned wood sculptor Döderhultarn. The overnight cabin at Nynäs has 15 beds and is located in the Humlenäs nature reserve, by Lake Hummeln. You can fetch water from the lake, but it should be boiled before drinking. Basic kitchen equipment and a wood stove are available.

Section 2: Nynäs–Lönhult

21.5 kilometers, 7 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Overnight cabin at Lönnhult or camping.

Midway through your second hiking day in the woods, you’ll pass by the so-called “Småland Great Wall,” a long stone wall nicknamed by passing hikers. A kilometer further along, you’ll reach a beautiful waterfall. The cabin at Lönhult has 10 beds, electricity, kitchen equipment, and a wood stove. There is also an outhouse, and water can be fetched from Lake Övre Nejdern, but it should be boiled.

Section 3: Lönhult–Krokstorp

21 kilometers, 7 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Overnight cabin at JUF-stugan or camping.

Lakes and glistening water define this stretch. A highlight of the section is the scenic farmland by Lake Sjöändemåla. A bit later, after 11 kilometers, you’ll reach Lake Tvingen, and after 17 kilometers, Lake Storyttern, both perfect for swimming. The cabin here has a hot plate, wood stove, and kitchen equipment. A well with water is available in the yard.

Section 4: Krokstorp–Mörtfors

17.5 kilometers, 7 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Old bathhouse in Mörtfors village.

The trail follows along Marströmmen’s sport fishing waters for several kilometers. Remember to bring a fishing license if you plan to fish. After 16 kilometers, you’ll encounter some dramatic views as you hike along a ridge with steep cliffs and scenic vistas. In the village of Mörtfors, you’ll stay at the old bathhouse, which offers cooking facilities and five bedrooms.

Section 5: Mörtfors–Stärneberg

18.5 kilometers, 7 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Overnight cabin in Stärneberg.

On day five of your hike, you’ll reach the Baltic Sea for the first time. Hålviken is a great spot for a swim. After 15 kilometers, you’ll pass an ancient burial site with 37 historical relics. The cabin at Stärneberg has cooking facilities and an open fireplace. There is also an outhouse and a well.

Section 6: Stärneberg–Lilla Laxemar

18.5 kilometers, 7 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Overnight cabin in Lilla Laxemar.

During the first part of the day, you’ll arrive at Tjustgölen, a rich marsh for both flora and birdlife. There are several lovely swimming spots along the way. The cabin here offers 10 beds, a hot plate, basic kitchen equipment, and water from a seasonal water source. There is also an outhouse.

Section 7: Lilla Laxemar–Hällveberg

21 kilometers, 7 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Overnight cabin at Virån.

Another day with great swimming spots along the way. Upon reaching Bredvikens beach and campsite, you can make a detour into the town of Figeholm for food and drink. The overnight cabin at Hällveberg has ten beds, a wood stove, but no electricity. A well is available in the yard.

Section 8: Hällveberg–Lilla Hycklinge

18 kilometers, 7 hours of hiking.

On your last day on the Ostkustleden, you’ll pass the Stensjö village cultural reserve – a beautiful, old-fashioned village with well-preserved red wooden houses. It feels as though time has stood still here. You’ll finish your eight-day hike on narrow trails through an enchanting pine forest.

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