The Solanderleden trail
Solanderleden is a 220 kilometer long hiking trail that stretches from Luleå in the north to the coastal village of Jävre in the south. The trail is divided into seven different sections, each with its own color marking. On this page, we describe the blue and yellow trails.
The Solanderleden trail in short
Map of Solanderleden
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 Solanderleden
Solanderleden is named after Daniel Solander, a botanist and student of Carl von Linné. Daniel participated in James Cook’s famous circumnavigation, which was the first to map Australia and New Zealand.
Visitors hike through wilderness close to urban areas. The trail runs through forests and coastal rural landscapes, often passing through towns and small villages. Summer-open community centers, cafés, and farm shops add charm to the adventure. Along the trail, you’ll find accommodations on certain stretches, while other sections require nights in a tent or shelter. The trail is divided into seven sections, each marked with a different color. You can hike all sections both southward and northward.
When you follow the blue section southward in combination with the yellow loop, the hike begins along the Pite River and concludes with a scenic walk by Svensbyfjärden.
See and do along the trail
Beautiful swimming spots and fishing opportunities await along the trail. You can paddle along the blue section of Pite River, in Inre Fjärden, and along the yellow section in Lillån.
Don’t miss
If you choose to start your hike on Solanderleden from Luleå, STF Luleå/Gammelstaden Hostel is just a 50-minute bus ride from the trail’s starting point at Luleå Airport.
Transport to the trail
Trains run to both start and end points of Solanderleden in Luleå and Jävre (20 kilometers south of Piteå). To reach the start of the blue section, take a public bus (ltnbd.se) from Piteå central station. The bus ride north takes about an hour to the village of Sikfors, where the trail begins. (Google Maps link)
Trail markers
The trail is marked with dark red signs, combined with the color of each section. Markings can be found on posts, trees, and rocks, along with signs featuring the Solanderleden hiking symbol.
Sections of Solanderleden
Below are descriptions of the various sections of Solanderleden, including distances, nearby accommodation tips, and other relevant hiking information. More details about each section can be found at Solanderleden.se.
You can, of course, hike in the opposite direction from the order presented.
Section 1: Arnemark Beach in Sikfors – Rönneberget Rest Area
13.5 kilometers, 4 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent at Rönneberget Rest Area
For much of the first two hiking days, Pite River will be your constant companion. The first day starts along the riverbanks, lined with sandy beaches. The trail then leads through forests and meadows to the village of Arnemark. The second village you’ll pass is Stridsholm, both of which have village centers that host activities, especially during the summer.
Section 2: Rönneberget Rest Area – Böle
11 kilometers, 3 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent at the rest area before the village of Böle
After passing Hamptjärnen shortly after the start of day two, you’ll encounter a steeper section with the help of steps and ropes. Further along, you’ll hike along Flottarstigen, a trail that runs close to the Pite River. Remnants of the timber floating era are scattered throughout the area. Just before reaching the village of Böle, you’ll find a rest area suitable for camping. The trail transitions from blue to yellow at Böle Garveri, an old leather tannery now run by the fourth generation, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Section 3: Böle – Böle
17 kilometers, 5 hours of hiking
On day three, you hike a loop starting and ending in Böle. After crossing Lillån, the trail splits, allowing you to choose which direction to hike. This description follows the trail heading east. The route runs on gravel roads along Svensbyfjärden, the first outlet of Pite River on its way to the Gulf of Bothnia. You’ll continue along gravel and asphalt roads through small villages with cottages and houses. Upon reaching Roknäs, the trail turns back towards Böle. There are several pleasant rest areas along the way. Once back in Böle, you can take a bus to Piteå.
Accomodations along the trail
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