Bergslagsleden

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Bergslagsleden: A Complete Hiking Guide

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026
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Ranked #281 of 974
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HikeList Score

Bergslagsleden scored 84/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

84
Great Hike
See score breakdownHide breakdown
  • Ideal length 84
  • Balanced challenge 100
  • Scenery & wildness 68
  • Varied terrain 100
  • Accommodation 84
  • Food & support 65
  • Path quality 98
  • Season flexibility 89

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

Bergslagsleden is a 280 km point-to-point trail through Örebro County in Sweden, running north–south from Kloten to Stenkällegården near Tiveden National Park. It is a moderate forest thru-hike, usually walked in 14–17 days across 17 waymarked stages. Expect Scandinavian taiga, lakes, bog boardwalks, mining heritage and free wind shelters rather than alpine terrain. It suits hikers who want a long, well-marked woodland route with wild camping options and manageable daily stages.

Route Overview

The route starts at Kloten in Kloten Nature Reserve, the northern terminus in Bergslagen, and finishes at Stenkällegården by Lake Bocksjön near Tiveden National Park. Bergslagsleden runs the full length of Örebro County and forms part of the European long-distance path E1. Stages are typically 14–23 km and marked with orange paint on trees and posts. Key places include the Kilsbergen ridge, Garphyttan National Park, Nora, Pershyttan and the southern Tiveden stages. For other Swedish long-distance options, compare the coastal Bohusleden, southern forest Blekingeleden and the Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail).

Bergslagen Mining History

Bergslagen is Sweden’s historic mining district. Iron and copper have been worked here since the Middle Ages, and in the 18th century the region produced a large share of Europe’s iron from hundreds of small foundries, known as hyttor. Bergslagsleden threads past old mines, slag heaps, ironworks and charcoal-burning landscapes, including places such as Pershyttan, Stjärnfors, Finngruvan and Kopparberg. The trail opened progressively from the 1970s as a regional long-distance route.

Notable highlights

  • Tiveden National Park: The southern stages cross Tiveden, a rugged forest landscape of ancient pine, boulders, glacial erratics and small lakes, before the route ends at Stenkällegården.
  • Garphyttan National Park: On the route at the foot of the Kilsbergen, this national park protects old hay meadows and a flower-rich cultural landscape from a former ironworks estate.
  • Kilsbergen ridge: This wooded escarpment above Lake Hjälmaren gives the trail its steepest climbs and some of its best long views over central Sweden’s plains and lakes.
  • Bergslagen mining heritage: Old iron and copper mines, slag heaps and ironworks line the trail, linking the walking route to the industrial district that gave it its name.
  • Pershyttan: A preserved historic mining village and ironworks near Nora, with a smelting hut, mine shafts and miners’ cottages in heritage countryside.
  • Nora: A well-preserved wooden town beside Lake Norasjön and a useful resupply and rest point roughly mid-trail.

Challenges to expect

Bergslagsleden is not technical, but it is a long forest trail. Expect roots, rocks, boggy sections, boardwalks, lakeside paths and some gravel or forest road. The Kilsbergen ridge and Tiveden have the steepest, roughest ground. Navigation is aided by orange waymarks, but long woodland stretches still need care. May to early October is the main season; winter brings snow.

Country
Distance
280 kilometres
Duration
14-17 days
Difficulty rating
Moderate
Trail type
Point to point
Elevation gain/loss
3500 metres
Highest point altitude
253 metres
When to hike
Best months: Apr–Nov
Climate: NASA POWER · location © OpenStreetMap
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Permits & Fees
No permits or fees
Terrain & Landscape
  • Forest
  • Lakeshores
  • Bog
  • Rolling
Trail surface
  • Forest Paths
  • Forest Tracks
  • Rocky
  • Rooty
  • Boardwalk
  • Gravel
Accommodation
  • Wind Shelters
  • Hostels
  • Campsites
  • Wild Camping Spots
Average daytime temperature
16°C
Chance of rainfall
Medium
Estimated cost
$
Optimal hiking season
Spring
March to May
Summer
June to August
Autumn
September to November
Accessibility
  • Family Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
Facilities
  • Water Sources
  • Campsites
  • Shelters

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Day 1
Kloten to Gillersklack
Approx. 16km

Starting from the northern trailhead at Kloten, the route leads through dense pine forests and alongside tranquil lakes. The section features well-trodden paths with occasional rocky stretches and passes through wilderness areas with few signs of civilization, offering a true immersion into the serene Bergslagen landscape.

Day 2
Gillersklack to Kopparberg
Approx. 17km

Departing Gillersklack, the trail traverses a combination of hilly woodland terrain and open clearings. Expect stretches through managed forest and historic mining sites, ending at the mining town of Kopparberg, which provides opportunities for supplies and accommodation.

Day 3
Kopparberg to Stjärnfors
Approx. 21km

This stage takes hikers deeper into the Bergslagen forests, passing several lakes including Ljusnaren. The route is peaceful and predominantly flat but with the occasional rocky segment. Stjärnfors is notable for its mining heritage, with remnants visible along the path.

Day 4
Stjärnfors to Nyberget
Approx. 18km

Continue through untouched woodlands rich with wildlife, passing marshy areas protected by well-maintained boardwalks. There are excellent opportunities for birdwatching in this scenic stretch leading to the small settlement of Nyberget.

Day 5
Nyberget to Ljusnarsberg
Approx. 16km

This segment is highlighted by tranquil lakeshores and dense birch forests. The terrain is mixed but generally comfortable, with several rest points and wind shelters. Ljusnarsberg offers another look into the area's mining history.

Day 6
Ljusnarsberg to Löa
Approx. 17km

The trail meanders through forested terrain broken by the occasional logging road. This stage is known for its peaceful surroundings and is punctuated by well-marked campsites near Löa.

Day 7
Löa to Åboda
Approx. 19km

Leaving Löa, hikers will encounter a roller-coaster of rolling hills and woodland valleys. There are several streams and beautiful lake vistas before reaching Åboda, which offers rustic shelters for overnight stops.

Day 8
Åboda to Nora
Approx. 18km

A relatively gentle segment, this stretch passes through mixed forests and meadows with the opportunity to explore the charming historic town of Nora. This is a good place for restocking supplies and enjoying a touch of culture.

Day 9
Nora to Pershyttan
Approx. 15km

Between Nora and Pershyttan, the trail traverses wooded hills and by scenic lakes. Upon arriving at Pershyttan, hikers can explore historical mining installations and traditional Swedish wooden buildings.

Day 10
Pershyttan to Mogetorp
Approx. 20km

This segment moves through the southern woodlands of Bergslagen and climbs onto the southern edge of the Kilsbergen mountains. The route is undulating, with some steeper slopes and expansive forest views before arriving in Mogetorp.

Day 11
Mogetorp to Ånnaboda
Approx. 17km

Climbing further into the Kilsbergen ridge, this section features beautiful views from higher elevations and passes through wildlife-rich territory. Ånnaboda is a popular recreation area with facilities and lakeside scenery.

Day 12
Ånnaboda to Suttarboda
Approx. 16km

This leg features a mix of forest tracks and open terrain with panoramic viewpoints. The trail passes several wind shelters and offers ideal conditions for spotting local wildlife.

Day 13
Suttarboda to Leken
Approx. 17km

Between Suttarboda and Leken, hikers traverse undulating ground, often skirting the edge of swamps and forested hills. The trail is generally easy to follow, occasionally crossing peaceful streams.

Day 14
Leken to Hällsjön
Approx. 16km

This section leads hikers out of the northern sections of Kilsbergen, following dirt paths through evergreens and into open meadows near Hällsjön. Expect pastoral scenery and a tranquil rural atmosphere.

Day 15
Hällsjön to Tivedstorp
Approx. 19km

Now entering the renowned Tiveden region, the route becomes more rugged with moss-covered boulders, ancient forests, and the soothing remoteness of Sweden’s wilderness. Tivedstorp, a traditional forest village, is the destination.

Day 16
Tivedstorp to Tiveden National Park
Approx. 15km

This spectacular segment explores the heart of Tiveden National Park, renowned for its dramatic rock formations, mystical forests, and crystal-clear lakes. The terrain is challenging with steep ups and downs, but the stunning scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

Day 17
Tiveden National Park to Stenkällegården
Approx. 16km

On this final day, the trail leads through the southern reaches of Tiveden National Park, winding past dramatic boulder fields and tranquil woodland lakes before reaching the official end point at Stenkällegården. Celebrate the completion of Bergslagsleden in this scenic locale, perfect for rest and reflection.

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