Self-guided Hiking on the Sörmland Trail (Sweden)

From the Venice of the North to the wide horizons of the Baltic

Your hiking adventure begins and ends with a night in Stockholm, Sweden's historic and beautiful capital, often called the "Venice of the North". Built on 14 islands, you're never far from the water.

From here, for the 7-day itinerary (offered throughout the season from May to September), you take the train to the historic town of Nyköping to begin your hike, continuing from there through Kiladalen to the old-growth forests of Lake Nävsjön and the dramatic Bråviken coast. There are some choices of daily options along the way depending on how active you're feeling and which paths you wish to explore. Finally, take a day tour to the beautiful Stendörren Nature Reserve or discover more of the Sörmland Trail before returning to Stockholm.

During high season (late June to mid-August), there's also the possibility to choose an extended 8-day route, which begins with Stendörren Nature Reserve and the picturesque archipelago town of Trosa, before continuing to follow a similar itinerary to the 7-day route.

Stendörren Nature Reserve has a wonderful network of islands to explore, connected by small footbridges. Photo: NT.

Luggage transfers between accommodation and daily distances of up to 18km

Self-guided Hiking on the Sörmland Trail is suitable for adults (recommended min. age 16) with general good fitness and who are used to hiking. The hiking on this tour is more challenging than other self-guided hiking options we offer in the Stochkolm area, due to longer daily distances and in some cases more challenging terrain.

As with our other options, luggage transfers are included between the bed and breakfast and hotel accommodation you will stay in along the route, so you will need to carry only a daypack with you during the day.

In additional to beautiful natural landscapes, there are many points of cultural and historic interest along the way. Photo: NT.

NB: As for all our self-guided tours, min. 2 persons are required for safety reasons. For solo travellers, please see our range of options for guided hiking.

Day 1: Arrival and hiking in Stockholm

Arrival and check in to your hotel accommodation and take the day to explore this historic city, which is compact enough to be very walkable. Depending on your travel plans and how much time and energy you have this day, we strongly recommend you follow the information provided for a self-guided walking tour of some of the highlights of the city.

Often called the "Venice of the North", Stockholm is built on 14 islands, and you're never far from the water. Stockholm's national city park - the first national part in the world to be located in an urban area - is a tranquil green oasis, rich in natural and cultural heritage, with old-growth forest, palaces and bathing areas.

Alternatively, visit the lively area of "Söder" to discover its historic alleyways and architecture, with wonderful viewpoints across the city.

Accommodation: Recently renovated 3-star hotel in the lively district of Södermalm. The hotel offers a personal atmosphere with interesting rooms in an historic building (note that, depending on availability, the hotel normally used for last night of the tour, or an equivalent option, may be used as an alternative for this night); Meals: None; Hiking distance: 6-20km (flexible/optional).

Day 2: Stockholm > Nyköping (section 45 of Sörmlandsleden)

Beginning with a direct train from Stockholm to the historic town of Nyköping (running hourly, travel time approx. 60 mins), your first day's hike follows the river, which flows from the harbour, through town and out into the countryside. There are many points of interest, including Nyköpingshus castle, Hållet nature reserve and the Slabro rock carvings.

You reach Oppeby, the end point of your day's walk, from where public bus brings you back to Nyköping for an evening stroll around the harbour.

Accommodation: Hotel in Nyköping next to the river with a lovely outdoor terrace and an easy walk to the lively harbour area. Sauna and jacuzzi are available at the hotel. Standard rooms, with option to upgrade to superior/deluxe rooms on request; Meals: breakfast, dinner; Hiking distance: 8km.

Day 3: Nyköping > Lake Nävsjön > Nävekvarn (Nävsjön Loop and section 36 of Sörmlandsleden)

You begin with a transfer through the beautiful Kiladalen area to reach Lake Nävsjön, with its ancient forest. The forest here is more than 250 years old, with many of the trees up to 350 years old.

You begin with an 8km hiking loop around the lake, offering wondeful views and a number of spots to stop and take a dip. From her you continue on Sörmlandsleden through tranquil forest, heading for the shore of Bråviken.

You follow the coast before climbing to the top of Nävekvarn Klint for glorious views, dropping down into Nävekvarn village with its rich history of mining, where you will stay the night.

Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast in Nävekvarn. Located very close to the harbour, with recently renovated rooms in a former industrial building. There is a large kitchen and lounge area available if ; Meals: Breakfast and lunch; Hiking distance: 17.5km.

Day 4: Nävekvarn > Nävekvarn (Sörmlandsleden loops through Kummelberget, Simonberget and Skäret)

Begin with the bus to Buskhyttan, from where it is a 4km hike to Koppartorp. Here you can choose with of the hiking loops you wish to explore - around the base of Kummelberget hill, a cultural trail through an old mining area, or up Simonberget hill for spectacular views across the countryside.

Koppartorp has a number of points of interest, with a folklore museum, a church dating back to 1620 and a mining museum from the 14th century. Return to Buskhyttan for bus back to Nävekvarn and spend the afternoon exploring the small island of Skäret just next to the village.

Accommodation: As Day 3; Meals: Breakfast and lunch; Hiking distance: approx. 14km (flexible).

Day 5: Nävekvarn > Ålbäck > Nyköping (sections 37, 38 and 39 of Sörmlandsleden)

One of the highlights of the week! Starting from Nävekvarn, you hike along the dramatic Bråviken coast, with views both from sea level and hilltops. This stretch of coastline is one of the most beautiful in the region, and the hiking trail offers many dramatic perspectives from which to appreciate it.

There are a few beaches along the way, ideal for rest stops and swimming, and at the end of your hike, a transfer will meet you to bring you back to Nyköping.

Accommodation: As Day 2; Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner; Hiking distance: 18km

Day 6: Nyköping > Stockholm (sections 44 and 45.1 of Sörmlandsleden)

Before returning to Stockholm by train (running hourly, travel time approx. 60 mins), there are three options for your hike today:

• Stendörren Nature Reserve: accessed by local bus from Nyköping, Stendörren is well worth a visit - a lovely archipelago area of small islands and bays, perfect for hiking. A system of suspension bridges connects the island for hikers, and there are also many good swimming spots.
• Hike Sörmlandsleden towards Lindbacke-Svanbacke nature reserve and Ryssberget nature reserve, both offering great views overr Kiladalen.
• For a longer walk, follow the coast from Nyköping to Strandstuviken, with beaches, protected areas and good opportunities for birdwatching.

Accommodation: 3-star boutique hotel right in the city centre with a welcoming, homely feel. The design reflects its owner's varied artistic interests and international background, with an exhibition of black and white photography (note that, depending on availability, the hotel normally used for first night of the tour, or an equivalent option, may be used as an alternative for this night); Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: 9-17km (flexible/optional).

Day 7: Stockholm and Departure

If you can, take time today to visit some of the areas of the city you missed on Day 1. Have you been to the Urban National Park yet?

If you're leaving Stockholm today, it's time to bid farewell and make your way to the airport or train station for departure. Or why not stay an extra night or two and see more of what the "Venice of the North" has to offer?

Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: 9-17km (flexible/optional).

Day 1: Arrival and hiking in Stockholm

Arrival and check in to your hotel accommodation and take the day to explore this historic city, which is compact enough to be very walkable. Depending on your travel plans and how much time and energy you have this day, we strongly recommend you follow the information provided for a self-guided walking tour of some of the highlights of the city.

Often called the "Venice of the North", Stockholm is built on 14 islands, and you're never far from the water. Stockholm's national city park - the first national part in the world to be located in an urban area - is a tranquil green oasis, rich in natural and cultural heritage, with old-growth forest, palaces and bathing areas.

Alternatively, visit the lively area of "Söder" to discover its historic alleyways and architecture, with wonderful viewpoints across the city.

Accommodation: Recently renovated 3-star hotel in the lively district of Södermalm. The hotel offers a personal atmosphere with interesting rooms in an historic building (note that, depending on availability, the hotel normally used for last night of the tour, or an equivalent option, may be used as an alternative for this night); Meals: None; Hiking distance: 6-20km (flexible/optional).

Day 2: Stockholm > Tullgarn Palace > Trosa

Your hiking tour begins with a transfer south from Stockholm to Tullgarn Palace, dating from the 18th century and beautifully located on the shore of the Baltic.

Visit the palace then walk south along the coast, passing beautiful viewpoints and Kömote beach, which is ideal for a swimming stop. Continue to the pretty 17th century coastal town of Trosa, where you will spend the night.

Accommodation: Bed and breakfast; Meals: Breakfast, dinner; Hiking distance: 15-20km.

Day 3: Trosa > Stendörren > Nyk&oum;ping

A taxi transfer brings you from Trosa to Stendörren Nature Reserve, a lovely archipelago area of small islands and bays, perfect for hiking. A system of suspension bridges connects the island for hikers, and there are also many good swimming spots. There is a viewpoint with panoramic views, and a visitor centre with a great deal of information on the local environment. When ready, take the public bus to Nyköping, where you will spend the night.

Accommodation: Bed and breakfast; Meals: Breakfast and dinner; Hiking distance: 12km.

Day 4: Nyköping > Lake Nävsjön > Nävekvarn (Nävsjön Loop and section 36 of Sörmlandsleden)

You begin with a transfer through the beautiful Kiladalen area to reach Lake Nävsjön, with its ancient forest. The forest here is more than 250 years old, with many of the trees up to 350 years old.

You begin with an 8km hiking loop around the lake, offering wondeful views and a number of spots to stop and take a dip. From her you continue on Sörmlandsleden through tranquil forest, heading for the shore of Bråviken.

You follow the coast before climbing to the top of Nävekvarn Klint for glorious views, dropping down into Nävekvarn village with its rich history of mining, where you will stay the night.

Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast in Nävekvarn. Located very close to the harbour, with recently renovated rooms in a former industrial building. There is a large kitchen and lounge area available if ; Meals: Breakfast and lunch; Hiking distance: 17.5km.

Day 5: Nävekvarn > Nävekvarn (Sörmlandsleden loops through Kummelberget, Simonberget and Skäret)

Begin with the bus to Buskhyttan, from where it is a 4km hike to Koppartorp. Here you can choose with of the hiking loops you wish to explore - around the base of Kummelberget hill, a cultural trail through an old mining area, or up Simonberget hill for spectacular views across the countryside.

Koppartorp has a number of points of interest, with a folklore museum, a church dating back to 1620 and a mining museum from the 14th century. return to Buskhyttan for bus back to Nävekvarn and spend the afternoon exploring the small island of Skäret just next to the village.

Accommodation: As Day 4; Meals: Breakfast and lunch; Hiking distance: approx. 14km (flexible).

Day 6: Nävekvarn > Ålbäck > Nyköping (sections 37, 38 and 39 of Sörmlandsleden)

One of the highlights of the week! Starting from Nävekvarn, you hike along the dramatic Bråviken coast, with views both from sea level and hilltops. This stretch of coastline is one of the most beautiful in the region, and the hiking trail offers many dramatic perspectives from which to appreciate it.

There are a few beaches along the way, ideal for rest stops and swimming, and at the end of your hike, a transfer will meet you to bring you back to Nyköping.

Accommodation: As Day 3; Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner; Hiking distance: 18km

Day 7: Nyköping > Stockholm (sections 45 of Sörmlandsleden)

Before returning to Stockholm by train (running hourly, travel time approx. 60 mins), today's hike follows the pretty Nyköping river, starting from the harbour and leading through town out into the countryside. There are many points of interest, including Nyköpingshus castle, Hållet nature reserve and the Slabro rock carvings.

You reach the end point of your hike at Oppeby, from where public bus takes you back to Nyköping for train to Stockholm.

Accommodation: 3-star boutique hotel right in the city centre with a welcoming, homely feel. The design reflects its owner's varied artistic interests and international background, with an exhibition of black and white photography (note that, depending on availability, the hotel normally used for first night of the tour, or an equivalent option, may be used as an alternative for this night); Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: 8km.

Day 8: Stockholm and Departure

If you can, take time today to visit some of the areas of the city you missed on Day 1. Have you been to the Urban National Park yet?

If you're leaving Stockholm today, it's time to bid farewell and make your way to the airport or train station for departure. Or why not stay an extra night or two and see more of what the "Venice of the North" has to offer?

Meals: Breakfast; Hiking distance: 9-17km (flexible/optional).

Standard Prices

Included

7-day tour:

• Accommodation:
  • 2 nights in hotel accommodation in Stockholm (nights of Day 1 and Day 6). Exact accommodation will be one of four locations depending on availability and will normally be different for first and last day. Hotels will be 3-4 star standard and each with their own special character, conveniently located in either city centre or popular Södermalm district.
  • 4 nights in bed and breakfast standard as per itinerary.
  • All accommodation has en-suite facilities except for Nävekvarn (Day 3 and Day 4), where WC/shower facilities are shared.
• Meals: 6 x breakfast, 3 x picnic lunch, 2 x dinner
• Activities: 6 days' hiking as per itinerary.
• Transfers: Nyköping train station to accommodation (Day 2, by taxi), Nyköping to Navsjön (Day 3), Ålbäck to Nyköping (Day 5), accommodation to Nyköping train station (Day 6, by taxi).
• Luggage Transfers: Nyköping to Nävekvarn (Day 3), Nävekvarn to Nyköping (Day 5).
• Other: Trail and route descriptions with maps, local contact number for emergencies. A donation is made on each guest's behalf to the voluntary organisation responsible for the upkeep of the Sörmlandsleden trails.

8-day tour:

• Accommodation:
  • 2 nights in hotel accommodation in Stockholm (nights of Day 1 and Day 6). Exact accommodation will be one of four locations depending on availability and will normally be different for first and last day. Hotels will be 3-4 star standard and each with their own special character, conveniently located in either city centre or popular Södermalm district.
  • 5 nights in bed and breakfast standard as per itinerary.
  • All accommodation has en-suite facilities except for Nävekvarn (Day 4 and Day 5), where WC/shower facilities are shared.
• Meals: 7 x breakfast, 4 x picnic lunch, 2 x dinner
• Activities: 8 days' hiking as per itinerary.
• Transfers: Stockholm to Tullgarn Palace (Day 2), Trosa to Stendörren (Day 3), Nyköping to Navsjön (Day 4), Ålbäck to Nyköping (Day 6), accommodation to Nyköping train station (Day 7, by taxi).
• Luggage Transfers: Stockholm to Trosa (Day 2), Trosa to Nyköping (Day 3), Nyköping to Nävekvarn (Day 4), Nävekvarn to Nyköping (Day 6).
• Other: Trail and route descriptions with maps, local contact number for emergencies. A donation is made on each guest's behalf to the voluntary organisation responsible for the upkeep of the Sörmlandsleden trails.

Not Included

• Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
• Meals apart from those specified. Additional meals are available to purchase locally - information on the various options will be given in tour information.

Required

Health requirements/experience:

Suitable for adults and older children (recommended min. age 16).

Hiking is generally moderate, with some quite challenging sections compared to other similar tours. The trail is clearly marked and well-maintained, but has some steep sections and uneven terrain at time. You should be comfortable hiking on mixed terrain with light daypack at own pace for distances of up to 18km.

Minimum 2 adults normally required. Solo adult travelling with older child(ren) may also be possible by arrangement. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

What makes this "Medium"?

The tour is self-guided but fully supported with luggage transfers and detailed route information. It is necessary to hike only with a daypack during the day. The tour also features comfortable accommodation each night.

Hiking distances are generally longer and the terrain can be more challenging compared to our other hiking tours in the Stockholm area.

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Ticks and TBE:

Note: Ticks occur mostly in grassy areas.

As in the UK and other areas, there are ticks in the Nordic forests which can carry diseases such as Borrelia. You should check for ticks at the end of a day in the outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible by pulling the tick out straight, carefully and slowly, with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Ensure that you do not leave any of the insect's mouth parts attached to your skin. Wash the bite area with soap and water. In the unlikely event that you feel unwell or notice anything unusual around the area of the bite in the coming days, consult your doctor.

As in large areas of mainland Europe, in some localised areas of the Nordic countries, the ticks are known to carry TBE, or Tick-borne encephalitis, and locals spending extended periods in affected areas often choose to vaccinate themselves. For current advice on TBE and inoculations for the area you are visiting, please consult your doctor or see Travel Health Pro.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Combine This With

This experience makes a good combination with the following:

• Self-guided Sea Kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago (3 or more days, one hour from Stockholm)
• Guided Sea Kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago (3 days/2 nights, one hour from Stockholm)

Groups

This experience is also suitable for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has a detailed written environmental policy.