Hallandsleden – Long-Distance Trail in Southern Sweden

The Hallandsleden is a 390-kilometer-long hiking trail located in southern Sweden. It takes its name from the region it passes through (Halland). It consists of narrow trails as well as smaller forest and farm roads, and at times even takes you through completely secluded, rugged, and nearly untouched wilderness. It connects to the Skåneleden in the south and the Bohusleden in the north.

Markings & Maps

Markers indicate the trail and can be found on trees, rocks, or posts erected specifically for this purpose. Except for a few spots, the route is very well marked. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to pick up maps from the local tourist offices. These maps are divided into three sections (North, Central, South) and are fairly accurate—at least as far as the trail, contour lines, etc., are concerned—though a few errors have crept in regarding some other details. For example, you can’t always expect to actually find a restaurant at a location marked on the map. Furthermore, not all wind shelters are shown on the map.

The map has no grid, so you can’t rely on a GPS without a map display to navigate; moreover, the layout of the maps is a bit odd. There are explanations for certain markings on the map, but they’re only in Swedish.

One section of this map costs (as of 2007) 65 SEK, which is equivalent to about 7 €.

Overnight Stay

In Sweden, you have the advantage of being able to pitch your tent almost anywhere. Of course, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t climb over a garden fence and set up your tent in someone’s yard. The Right of Public Access applies.

But on the Hallandsleden, you can also sleep in cabins, which are located at regular intervals. In my opinion, though, you shouldn’t go without a tent or tarp. You might just have the misfortune of coming across a cabin that’s full or in poor condition (we came across one that had apparently suffered from the teenagers living there and was therefore pretty filthy).

If you decide to sleep only in the cabins, it would be a good idea to bring a mosquito net, depending on the season, since mosquitoes can quickly become a nuisance, and waking up the next morning with a face covered in bites isn’t the most pleasant experience.
Country & People

I can’t say across the board that everyone in Sweden is nice, but many of the people we met there on our trip turned out to be very friendly and helpful. If you don’t speak Swedish, you can try communicating in English or even German (Spanish is also said to be quite widespread).

Tourist Information

Falkenberg Tourist Office
Holgersgatan II
31134 Falkenberg
Tel. 46346886100

or

HALMSTAD TOURIST OFFICE
Halmstad Castle, Box 47
301 02 Halmstad
Tel. 0046 (0) 35-13 23 20
Fax 0046 (0) 35-15 81 15
Email: info@tourist.halmstad.se

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