The Ultimate 30-Day Bohusleden Hiking Itinerary
- tejaswiseth
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
Let's embark on an incredible 30-day adventure dedicated to hiking the entirety of the Bohusleden trail along Sweden's beautiful west coast. This itinerary provides a structure for tackling the approximately 340-370 km route from south to north, allowing for a comfortable pace, rest days, and immersion in the Bohuslän landscape.
Bohusleden 30-Day Coastal Trail Trek: Lindome to Strömstad
Why This 30-Day Bohusleden Hiking Itinerary is Valuable For You:
Complete Thru-Hike Plan: Specifically designed for hiking the full Bohusleden trail, providing a day-by-day structure that breaks down this significant long-distance hike into manageable sections.
Realistic & Sustainable Pace: Allocates 30 days, which includes travel to the start/from the finish, essential rest days (zero days), and allows for a comfortable hiking pace (averaging ~15-18 km on hiking days), making the thru-hike achievable and enjoyable rather than a forced march.
Focus on West Coast Nature: Immerses you in the unique landscapes of Bohuslän – coastal cliffs (glimpses), inland forests, numerous lakes, rocky outcrops, and charming rural areas, offering a different experience to Sweden's alpine trails.
Self-Sufficiency & Allemansrätten: Guides you through a trail experience that relies more on shelters (vindskydd) and camping (utilizing Sweden's Right to Roam responsibly) than established hut systems, fostering a sense of independence.
Logistical Considerations: Highlights key stages, potential (though sometimes limited) resupply points near towns, and acknowledges the need for careful planning regarding water and food carries.
Flexibility for Conditions: Provides a solid framework but inherently requires flexibility due to weather, personal energy levels, and the nature of shelter availability.
Bohusleden 30-Day Thru-Hike: The Itinerary (South to North)
Pacing Legend:
(H) Hiking Day: Main focus is hiking the trail between points/stages. Distance estimates approx.
(R) Rest/Zero Day: No significant hiking; recovery, resupply, laundry, local exploration.
(T) Travel Day: Focus on travel to the start or from the finish.
(S) Short Hike/Flex Day: Shorter hiking distance, potentially combined with resupply or buffer time.
Assumptions:
Timing: Best suited for late May to mid-September. Summer (June-Aug) offers long daylight but potentially more insects/people. Spring/Autumn offer fewer crowds/bugs but shorter days/potentially wetter conditions.
Accommodation: Primarily relies on vindskydd (three-sided shelters, basic, first-come-first-served) and tent camping (essential for flexibility). Limited B&Bs/hostels exist near towns adjacent to the trail.
Fitness & Experience: Assumes hiker has multi-day backpacking experience, good navigation skills (map/compass/GPS essential), is comfortable with potentially basic shelter/camping, and fit enough for daily hiking with a pack over varied terrain.
Resupply: Requires careful planning. Towns are not always directly on the trail. This 30-day Bohusleden hiking itinerary notes down potential areas but hikers MUST research specific shop locations/opening hours and plan food carries accordingly.
Direction: South to North (Lindome towards Strömstad) is chosen for this guide, starting closer to Gothenburg.
The Itinerary: Lindome to Strömstad (South to North)
Part 1: Getting Started & Southern Forests (Days 1-6)
Day 1: Travel to Gothenburg & Lindome Start (T/R)
Arrive in Gothenburg (GOT Airport or Central Station). Purchase last-minute supplies, fuel.
Take local transport (commuter train/bus) south to Lindome. Reach the official starting point of the Bohusleden (often near Börjesgården).
Optional: Stay overnight in Lindome/nearby Kållered or hike a very short distance to the first potential campsite/shelter if arriving early. Final gear check. Value: Arrival & positioning at trailhead.
Day 2: Stage 1: Lindome (Ståloppet) to Gunnebo Slott area (H)
Hike: Approx. 18 km. Starts through forests, passing lakes. Terrain generally rolling.
Accommodation: Shelter near Gunnebo or tent nearby. Value: First day on trail, entering forest landscapes.
Day 3: Stage 2: Gunnebo area to Skatås area (H)
Hike: Approx. 17 km. Continues through forest reserves near Gothenburg's outskirts (Delsjöområdet). Passes lakes.
Accommodation: Shelter near Skatås or tent. Value: Hiking through green spaces near the city.
Day 4: Stage 3: Skatås area to Kåsjön (H)
Hike: Approx. 8 km. Shorter stage, potentially through more varied terrain. Good day to adjust pace or dry gear.
Accommodation: Shelter near Kåsjön lake or tent. Value: Shorter hiking day.
Day 5: Stage 4: Kåsjön to Jonsered area (H)
Hike: Approx. 10 km. Continues through lake and forest areas. Jonsered offers potential minor resupply/cafe access slightly off-trail.
Accommodation: Shelter near Jonsered/Lake Aspen or tent. Value: Reaching area with some services nearby.
Day 6: Stage 5: Jonsered area to Angereds Kyrka area (H)
Hike: Approx. 13 km. Mix of forest and possibly some more open sections as it moves north of Gothenburg suburbs.
Accommodation: Shelter near Angereds Kyrka or tent. Value: Moving further north.
Part 2: Lakes, Forests & First Rest (Days 7-12)
Day 7: Stage 6: Angereds Kyrka area to Fontin area (Kungälv) (H)
Hike: Approx. 19 km. Longer day, potentially through Vättlefjäll nature reserve. Approaches the town of Kungälv.
Accommodation: Shelter in Fontin area or consider detour into Kungälv for hostel/B&B/resupply. Value: Potential town access for resupply.
Day 8: Rest Day / Resupply near Kungälv (R)
Zero Day. If detoured into Kungälv: resupply fully at supermarkets, laundry, rest. Visit Bohus Fortress (optional). If stayed at shelter, a day of rest/gear maintenance. Value: Crucial early rest and resupply opportunity.
Day 9: Stage 7: Fontin area (Kungälv) to Grandalen (H)
Hike: Approx. 16 km. Trail heads into the large Svartedalen nature reserve area, known for forests and lakes.
Accommodation: Shelter at Grandalen or tent. Value: Entering large nature reserve.
Day 10: Stage 8: Grandalen to Bottenstugan (H)
Hike: Approx. 11 km. Continues through Svartedalen's forests and lakes.
Accommodation: Bottenstugan (unmanned STF hut, may require key/booking check STF) or shelter/tent nearby. Value: Hiking deeper into Svartedalen.
Day 11: Stage 9: Bottenstugan to Lysevatten area (H)
Hike: Approx. 14 km. Still within Svartedalen's influence, transitioning towards its northern edge.
Accommodation: Shelter near Lysevatten lake or tent. Value: Scenic lake area.
Day 12: Stage 10: Lysevatten area to Hasteröd area (H)
Hike: Approx. 11 km. Exiting the main Svartedalen reserve, terrain may vary.
Accommodation: Shelter near Hasteröd or tent. Value: Transitioning terrain.
Part 3: Central Bohuslän & Second Rest (Days 13-18)
Day 13: Stage 11: Hasteröd area to Vassbovik area (Stenungsund) (H)
Hike: Approx. 16 km. Approaching the influence of larger towns again (Stenungsund nearby). Might involve some road sections or paths closer to civilization.
Accommodation: Shelter near Vassbovik or consider detour to Stenungsund for services. Value: Nearing potential resupply.
Day 14: Stage 12: Vassbovik area to Glimmingen area (H)
Hike: Approx. 16 km. Continues north, potentially through mixed forest and farmland areas.
Accommodation: Shelter near Glimmingen or tent. Value: Steady progress north.
Day 15: Rest Day / Resupply near Stenungsund/Ljungskile (R)
Zero Day. Plan detour via local bus/hike/taxi from Stage 11/12/13 area to Stenungsund or Ljungskile (further north, Stage 14 end) for major resupply, laundry, rest. Requires careful planning. Value: Mid-hike resupply and recovery.
Day 16: Stage 13/14 Section: Glimmingen towards Ljungskile/Skafteröd (H)
Hike: Adjust distance based on where rest day/resupply was taken. Aim for approx. 15-20 km. Stage 14 ends near Skafteröd/Ljungskile. Passes Bredfjället nature reserve.
Accommodation: Shelter (e.g., near Långevattnet) or tent. Value: Back on trail after resupply.
Day 17: Stage 15: Skafteröd area to Metsjö area (H)
Hike: Approx. 12 km. Trail often follows smaller paths and forest tracks.
Accommodation: Shelter near Metsjö or tent. Value: Entering quieter section.
Day 18: Stage 16: Metsjö area to Harska area (H)
Hike: Approx. 10 km. Shorter stage, continues through forests and past small lakes.
Accommodation: Shelter near Harska lake or tent. Value: Shorter day, scenic lake.
Part 4: Northern Bohuslän & Final Rest (Days 19-24)
Day 19: Stage 17: Harska area to Svarteborg area (H)
Hike: Approx. 16 km. Terrain continues, potentially with more rocky outcrops typical of Bohuslän.
Accommodation: Shelter near Svarteborg or tent. Value: Moving into northern Bohuslän.
Day 20: Stage 18/19 Section: Svarteborg towards Lunden (H)
Hike: Approx. 18-20 km. Covering Stage 18 (Svarteborg-Lunden, ~10km) and potentially part of Stage 19. Passes near Munkedal town (potential resupply detour).
Accommodation: Shelter (e.g., Lunden) or tent. Value: Steady hiking, potential resupply near Munkedal.
Day 21: Stage 19/20 Section: Lunden towards Vaktarkullen/Dingle (H)
Hike: Approx. 15-20 km. Completing Stage 19 (~10km to Nornäs) and continuing on Stage 20 towards Dingle area.
Accommodation: Shelter (e.g., Vaktarkullen) or consider detour to Dingle for services. Value: Progressing through northern forests.
Day 22: Rest Day / Resupply near Dingle/Munkedal (R)
Zero Day. Plan detour via local transport/taxi from Stage 20/21 area to Dingle or back towards Munkedal for resupply, rest, laundry. Value: Final major resupply and rest.
Day 23: Stage 21/22 Section: N Dingle area towards Kynnefjäll (H)
Hike: Approx. 15-20 km. Trail heads towards the Kynnefjäll nature reserve area, known for its wilder feel. Stage 21 ends near Söbbön, Stage 22 enters Kynnefjäll.
Accommodation: Shelter (e.g., Daletjärnen) or tent. Value: Entering Kynnefjäll reserve.
Day 24: Stage 23: Through Kynnefjäll (Vaktarekullen - Krokstrand area) (H)
Hike: Approx. 19 km. Hiking through the Kynnefjäll plateau, potentially boggy sections, forests, lakes. Remote feel. Stage ends near Krokstrand (minor services potentially).
Accommodation: Shelter or tent. Value: Wilderness feel of Kynnefjäll.
Part 5: Final Push to Strömstad (Days 25-30)
Day 25: Stage 24: Krokstrand area to Högstad (H)
Hike: Approx. 14 km. Terrain begins to transition as you head closer to the coast/Norwegian border.
Accommodation: Shelter near Högstad or tent. Value: Nearing the final stages.
Day 26: Stage 25: Högstad to Rogstad / Vassbotten (H)
Hike: Approx. 16 km. Passing lakes, through forests, potentially some sections near roads. Stage ends near Vassbotten lake close to Norwegian border.
Accommodation: Shelter or tent. Value: Close to Norwegian border.
Day 27: Stage 26: Vassbotten to Björneröd / Krokstrand (H)
Hike: Approx. 12 km. Trail often follows smaller roads or tracks in this section, looping back towards the coast.
Accommodation: STF Björnerödspiggen (unmanned hut, requires STF key/booking) or tent. Value: Utilizing STF hut.
Day 28: Stage 27: Björneröd / Krokstrand to Strömstad (H - FINISH!)
Hike: Approx. 17 km. Final stage leading into the coastal town of Strömstad. Mix of trails and potentially town approaches.
CONGRATULATIONS! You've finished the Bohusleden!
Accommodation: Check into pre-booked hotel/hostel/B&B in Strömstad. Celebrate! Value: Trail completion, return to civilization.
Day 29: Strömstad Relaxation & Exploration (R)
Relaxing day in Strömstad. Explore the harbour town, enjoy seafood, visit the local museum (optional), reflect on your hike. Buy souvenirs. Do final laundry! Value: Well-deserved rest & town exploration.
Day 30: Travel from Strömstad (T)
Depart from Strömstad. Take a train or bus south towards Gothenburg (approx. 2-3 hours) for connections to airport (GOT) or onward travel. Value: Departure day.
Essential Tips for Your 30-Day Bohusleden Thru-Hike:
Navigation is KEY: While marked (orange blazes), trail can sometimes be faint or confusing, especially after logging/windfall. Bring detailed maps (Calazo Förlag maps recommended), compass, and GPS/reliable phone app (with offline maps & power bank). DO NOT rely solely on phone.
Accommodation: Be prepared primarily for basic vindskydd shelters (3-sided, wooden floor, often fireplace, may have outhouse, NO beds/mattresses/kitchen) and tent camping. Shelters are first-come, first-served and can be full. Tent is highly recommended for flexibility/backup. Book hostels/B&Bs near towns well in advance if planning to use them on zero days. Check STF website for info/booking unmanned huts like Bottenstugan/Björnerödspiggen.
Resupply Planning: CRITICAL. Towns are often detours from the trail. Research supermarket locations (ICA, Coop) and opening hours in towns like Kungälv, Stenungsund, Ljungskile, Munkedal, Dingle, Strömstad. Plan food carries carefully – can be several days between reliable options.
Water: Generally available from lakes/streams but filtering or purifying is strongly recommended due to potential agricultural runoff or beaver fever (giardia). Carry sufficient water capacity.
Gear: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are essential. Excellent rain gear (jacket & trousers) mandatory. Layers (wool/synthetic). Reliable backpack (50-70L). Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad appropriate for expected temperatures (can be cool even summer nights). Cooking system (stove, fuel, pot), food supplies. First-aid kit. Insect repellent (especially summer - ticks & mosquitoes). Headlamp. Map/compass/GPS. Power bank.
Safety: Inform someone of your detailed itinerary and check-in schedule. Mobile phone signal is unreliable/non-existent in many sections. Weather can change – be prepared for rain/wind. Ticks are prevalent – check yourself daily. Be aware of forestry operations.
Allemansrätten (Right to Roam): Allows camping almost anywhere for one night, provided you are respectful, out of sight of houses, not on farmland, and leave no trace. Use designated fire pits where available and check fire ban status (often bans in dry summer).
God tur! This Bohusleden thru-hike will be a challenging but incredibly rewarding 30-day immersion in the beautiful nature and tranquility of Sweden's west coast!
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