286 metres of relative land uplift above today's sea level: at the High Coast, geological history can be expressed in a concrete figure. The World Heritage Site lies in the municipalities of Kramfors and Örnsköldsvik and was granted World Heritage status in 2000 for its unique geology of land uplift. The High Coast visitor destination encompasses four municipalities: Kramfors, Örnsköldsvik, Härnösand, and Sollefteå. Hiking trails, viewpoints, and historic sites offer different ways to explore this region.
Hiking trails of different lengths
Skuleskogen National Park opened in 1984, covers 295 hectares, and is located in the municipalities of Kramfors and Örnsköldsvik. Its network of hiking trails measures almost 3.5 Swedish miles, or around 35 kilometres. Three entrances—South, North, and West—are named. There are several overnight cabins in the park, as well as the option to camp. Traces of land uplift, table mountains, and large fields of wave-washed stones also shape the landscapes described here.
The Högakustenleden offers a different scale: it runs for 128 kilometres through the High Coast World Heritage area and is divided into 13 stages. Each stage has at least one accommodation option under a solid roof; the start and end points are accessible by car. Comparing the distances helps with orientation: the park's network of around 35 kilometres contrasts with the long-distance trail's total length of 128 kilometres. Both figures describe different ways to understand the region's hiking trails.
Viewpoints and traces of land uplift
Valkallen, a viewpoint 240 metres above sea level, is located along the Högakustenleden. From there, the view extends to the mouth of the Ångermanälven, the Högakustenbron, Hemsön, and the Storön Nature Reserve. These named destinations give the view a clear sense of direction—from the river estuary to the island and nature reserve.
Skuleberget is 295 metres high and has been a nature reserve since 1969; around 260 different plant species have been recorded there. Its summit can be reached by hiking from either side. The Skuleberget cable car takes visitors up in about 25 minutes, crossing the world's highest marine limit along the way. Check the cable car's current operating information before your trip.
Skuleskogen National Park is also home to a rock crevice 200 metres long, about 40 metres deep, and around six metres wide. From there, visitors can look out over Tärnättvattnen and Näskefjärden. Its dimensions make the rock formation as easy to picture as the different elevation figures found along the High Coast: land uplift, a mountain summit, and a viewpoint each describe a different aspect of the landscape.
Places with a turbulent history
Borgberget near Stensätter is home to one of Sweden's three northernmost hillforts. It is considered the best-preserved fortification from its period, the Migration Period from AD 400 to 800. The Witch Museum at Hola Folk High School in Prästmon sheds light on the history of the witch trials and related events in the region. A total of 71 people were executed on Häxberget in connection with the witch trials of 1674; this is described as Sweden's largest documented mass execution in peacetime.
Another chapter is Ådalen 31. The events began on 14 May 1931 with a peaceful demonstration from Frånö to Lunde and ended with five deaths after the military opened fire. The approximately five-kilometre demonstration route between Frånö Folkets hus and Lunde Folkets hus is recommended as a walking tip. In summer, both buildings offer information and exhibitions; Lunde is also home to a well-known sculpture by Lenny Clarhäll. If you would like to visit the buildings, check the current opening arrangements in advance.
Industrial history, culture, and arrival
Svanö preserves industrial environments from the sawmill and pulp industries, with buildings dating from the late 19th century and later periods. Easy-to-walk paths connect the historic visitor sites. Parking is available at Svanö Folkets hus and the harbour. In Mjällom, Kulturfabriken brings together a café, art and craft exhibitions, a museum section, and a flea market in a former shoe factory.
The old church in Nordingrå also offers a glimpse into several phases of construction: it was probably built around 1200 in the Romanesque style, with a narrower choir. Its excavated ruins include seven surviving gravestones and reveal changes over the centuries. Guided tours and tastings are held year-round at High Coast Distillery in Bjärtrå; there is also a visitor centre, a café, and lunch. Check current dates and arrangements before visiting. A sweet speciality in Kramfors is called KRAMFORSKAKA and is also known by names such as Chokladrutor, Kärleksmums, and Kokosrutor.
Kramfors lies on the banks of the Ångermanälven. Kramfors resecentrum is the central public transport hub in the municipality, bringing together train and bus services. Facilities there include seating, toilets, and places to buy food and drink. As service details may change, it is a good idea to check current transport connections when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Docksta, Nordingra, Kramfors, Ullånger, Mjällom, Nyland, Noraström, Lugnvik, Salsaker, Ro, Bollstabruk, Bjärtrå, Nordvik, Lunde.
For the main travel overview: Västernorrland.
