Vasaloppsleden (Vasalopp Trail)

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Vasaloppsleden (Vasalopp Trail): A 90 km Forest Walk Through Dalarna

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

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HikeList Score

Vasaloppsleden (Vasalopp Trail) scored 81/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Very Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 85
Balanced challenge 100
Scenery & wildness 71
Varied terrain 89
Accommodation 67
Food & support 72
Path quality 84
Season flexibility 89

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

Vasaloppsleden, the Vasalopp Trail, is a 90 km point-to-point hike in Dalarna, Sweden, following the summer walking version of the Vasaloppet corridor from Salen to Mora. Plan around 5 days. The terrain is easy — forest paths, gravel roads, boardwalks and short asphalt sections — but the full distance makes it a moderate multi-day walk. It suits hikers who want a well-marked lowland trail with simple cabins, shelters, bog and forest scenery, and a strong link to Sweden’s best-known ski race.

Route Overview

Most hikers walk west to east from Berga by, Salen, the Vasaloppet start, to Vasagatan in Mora, the race finish; the trail is also signposted in the opposite direction. It follows the historic Vasaloppet course via Smagan, Mangsbodarna, Risberg, Evertsberg, Oxberg, Hokberg and Eldris, with Evertsberg at km 47 as the midpoint. Where the ski course crosses open marshland, the hiking route keeps to firmer ground. This is a point-to-point walk and part of the European long-distance path E1. If you are comparing Swedish long-distance trails, also look at Bergslagsleden, Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail) and Bohusleden.

Vasaloppet history and the Gustav Vasa legend

Vasaloppsleden follows the route of the Vasaloppet, the cross-country ski race first run on 19 March 1922 and won by Ernst Alm. The race commemorates the future King Gustav Vasa’s flight on skis in the winter of 1520–21 from soldiers of the Danish king Christian II. According to legend, Gustav left Mora for Norway after failing to inspire rebellion; the men of Mora changed their minds and sent Lars and Engelbrekt after him, catching him at Salen. The modern race, and most hikers, travel the opposite way: Salen to Mora.

Notable highlights

The opening climb out of Salen: The only sustained ascent comes immediately after Berga by, reaching the 528 m high point within the first 2–3 km. After that, the route trends gently downhill towards Mora.
Evertsberg, km 47: The halfway checkpoint is marked by historic Evertsbergs kapell and is one of the best-known places on the Vasaloppet course. It is a natural break point on a 5-day walk.
Vasaloppet checkpoint villages: Smagan, Mangsbodarna, Risberg, Evertsberg, Oxberg, Hokberg and Eldris structure the route. In summer they are quiet red-cottage hamlets with rest spots, some supplies and water.
Dalarna forests, bogs and fäbodar: Expect long stretches of pine and spruce forest, open marsh crossed on boardwalks, and old mountain pastures. Elk, birdlife and high-summer mosquitoes are all part of the trail experience.
Mora finish on Vasagatan: The walk ends at the Vasaloppet finish in Mora, a lakeside town with Vasaloppsmuseet, the museum dedicated to the race and local history.
Honour-system cabins and shelters: Nine simple year-round cabins and a series of lean-tos make this an unusually practical hut-to-hut forest walk. Cabins are first-come, self-service and cost SEK 100 per bed per night.

Challenges to expect

The walking is not technically hard, but 90 km still requires multi-day fitness and food planning. The opening climb out of Salen is the only sustained ascent; after that the challenge is steady mileage on forest tracks, singletrack, boardwalks and short asphalt sections. Mosquitoes and midges can be heavy in high summer, especially around bogs and forest. Cabins are not bookable, so carry a backup camping option.

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Ranked #431 of 974

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