”This was my first time winter camping, and it was absolutely amazing.”
Kristina, Stockholm
”Most participants have never camped in winter before, which is why both Naturkompaniet experts and guides are on hand to assist if needed.”
Jerry, FriluftsByn
”What I like about Explorer is that we started by setting up the camp for the night. It’s pretty nice, especially if it’s your first time.”
Stefan, Örebro
Winter’s great adventure
AMAZING
CAMPING LIFE
We have hiked through the highlights of the World Heritage site. As dusk falls, we arrive at our camp for the night. Some gather around the fire, pulling out snacks and drinks, while others have filled their thermoses with something warm, snuggling into their sleeping bags and reflecting on the day’s experiences. Camp life is definitely one of the highlights of the adventure.
How is it to winter camp for the first time? We have a chat with past participants. Watch the film.
CAMPFIRE NIGHTS
The Explorer group starts by setting up a cozy base camp where they sleep for two nights, while the Expedition group carries all their equipment and sets up two campsites. On the second night, both the Explorer and Expedition groups sleep at the same location.
COZY MORNINGS
You’ve prepared everything before settling down for the night. When you wake up, your coffee is ready in the thermos. You sit up in your sleeping bag, open the tent flap, grab your coffee cup, and take in the peaceful beauty of waking up in the middle of a winter wonderland.
CAMPFIRE EVENINGS
The fires, mingling, and coziness.
It’s amazing how quickly it starts to feel like home when you arrive at your campsite. There’s a soft hum of activity and a sense of relief when you reach your destination. We all pitch in to light the campfires, and it’s also the perfect time to enjoy some of your own treats.
If you’re in the Explorer group, we stay two nights at the same base camp, just a short 900-meter walk from where the bus drops us off. This means you can definitely treat yourself to some luxuries that you leave in the tent while we’re out on our day hikes.
If you’re in the Expedition group, we carry all our gear and stay at two different campsites, with the second one shared with the Expedition group. While we encourage you not to pack too much to avoid a heavy backpack, it’s always nice to bring along some snacks, coffee, tea, or maybe something to energize you.
ACCESSORIES THAT MAKE IT COZIER
Coffee / tea and treats: The hike includes all main meals, but you bring your own snacks, nuts, coffee, tea, and other beverages. These little comforts can make a huge difference on a chilly day.
Tent lighting: A small lamp to hang from the ceiling or a little string of lights can make your tent feel even more inviting. Be sure to keep your batteries close to your body if the weather is cold, to prevent them from draining.
Organization: This often comes with experience, but even if it’s your first time, make sure to keep your gear organized. It only takes a minute to zip up your backpack and pockets after you’ve taken what you need. It’ll save you time and hassle later!
CAMP LIFE
In the evenings, we gather around the campfire to share experiences and perhaps some treats. It’s a cozy moment to reflect on the day’s adventure and bond with fellow hikers.
WINTER CAMPING
If only once in your life, you should try winter camping. It’s so much cozier than you can ever imagine.
CAMPING COZINESS
Make sure you’ve warmed up with a few laps around the tent and prepare a hot drink before you crawl into your sleeping bag.
LIGHTNING
For just 99 SEK, you can get a battery-powered string light for outdoor use at Clas Ohlson or Jula — and wow, what a mood enhancer!
COZY MORNINGS
The silence, the sleeping bag cup of coffee, and the feeling of freedom.
After a night out in the wild, it’s as if everything else in life has been put on pause, and you are completely present in the moment. Your morning experience has a lot to do with the preparations you made before you fell asleep, so make sure to get your gear in order and prepare hot water in your thermos before you settle down.
When you arrive at the campsite and the campfires around six in the evening, most people are content and settle into their sleeping bags by around ten, which means things usually start moving by seven in the morning. By eight, everyone has had breakfast, and some start getting ready to head out.
The guides are the first to head out in the morning to ensure the trail is easy to follow. After that, it’s free to go at your own pace. We usually open the hike between 08:00 and 09:30. You must set off within the designated time to ensure a safe adventure with minimal spread across the World Heritage area.
TIPS FOR A COZY MORNING ROUTINE
Prepare a warm drink: Make sure you’ve filled your thermos with hot water the night before. This allows you to immediately enjoy a cup of coffee and prepare your breakfast right from your sleeping bag.
Take it methodically: Wake up, have a warm drink, eat your breakfast, and put on your extra layers. Take a lap around your tent if you need to warm up further, then start packing up. If you’re feeling cold—focus on warming up first, then proceed with your tasks. It’s easier to handle things when you’re warm.
Pause and be present: If it’s your first time, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of “I have to do this first, and then that.” Try to pause for a few minutes. Take a few deep breaths and let the experience settle in.
THE MORNING CUP
One of the highlights of the day. The light begins to shift, and you hear a soft rustle from the tents around you. You reach for your thermos, pour a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea, and maybe open your tent a little to peek outside. There’s something magical about that quiet moment when nature wakes up with you.
KEEP THE WARMTH
Once you’ve left your sleeping bag and put on your clothes, it’s easy to become still. Start by moving around a bit to keep the warmth flowing and build up heat between the layers of your clothing. It helps your body stay warm and prepares you for the day ahead.
ENJOY THE MOMENT
For many, this is the first time winter camping, and a lot feels new. But take it step by step—drink, warmth, breakfast, packing—and take a moment to appreciate that you’re actually here. Enjoy the experience and let it sink in as you embrace the present.
HIKING
During the briefing at FriluftsByn before the hike, we’ll go over the times you need to leave camp to ensure a great day. We also review this at the overnight camps and in the mornings to keep everything on track.
TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Sleeping outdoors in the winter is a truly amazing experience, and for many, it’s their first time ever, especially among the international participants. That’s why experts from Naturkompaniet are on-site, but you can already get some tips by watching the videos below. For more tips and tricks to prepare for the adventure, click here:
Preparations: Equipment and Tips >>
A COZY NIGHT CAMP
Naturkompaniet is on-site when you set up your base camp at Kälsviken in the EXPLORER group, and of course, they’re also present in the evening at the EXPEDITION group’s night camp at Tärnättholmarna, where they hold a workshop for everyone on how to best set up your tent and get a good night’s sleep.
THE TENT
Whether you’re embarking on EXPLORER or EXPEDITION, you should have practiced setting up your tent beforehand. However, Naturkompaniet will be present at the first night camp to share helpful tips.
SLEEPING BAG & SLEEPING PAD
A warm sleeping bag and two sleeping pads are a great start for a good night’s sleep. We chat with Hanna from Naturkompaniet.
ONE ADVENTURE
TWO GROUPS
The High Coast Winter Hike is an adventure suited for both curious beginners and experienced hikers. Choose between the Expedition and Explorer groups. You can find more information about each group by clicking below.
EXPEDITION »
The original three-day adventure where we experience the highlights of this World Heritage site at our own pace. With the right preparation, this will be a memory for life. We set up two different base camps and carry all our gear with us.
EXPLORER »
A wonderful winter adventure for those curious about winter hiking! Over three days, you'll take in stunning views, sleep in tents with the support of experienced guides, and enjoy great camaraderie. We carry lighter packs and hike shorter distances.
EXPEDITION »
The original three-day adventure, where we experience the highlights of this World Heritage site at our own pace. With the right preparation, this becomes a memory for life. We establish two different base camps and carry all our equipment with us.
EXPLORER »
A wonderful winter adventure for those curious about winter hiking! Over three days, you'll take in stunning views, sleep in tents with the support of experienced guides, and enjoy great camaraderie. We carry lighter packs and hike shorter distances.
ARTICLES WINTER HIKE
Want to know more about why both seasoned hikers and curious beginners from around the world are drawn to the High Coast Winter Hike? Check out these articles.
Come by yourself, hike with new friends >>
Over half of the participants usually come on their own. We’ve put together some tips for those coming solo.
One of Swedens most beautiful winter hikes >>
The High Coast has been voted Sweden’s most stunning natural area. We’ll experience its highlights together.
Create a cozy night camp >>
Make your night camp a memorable experience. Here you’ll find the best tips.
Courses to boost your skills >>
During the adventure, you’ll gain tips and knowledge to make winter adventures even more enjoyable experiences.
The relaxed vibe >>
Pre-evening gatherings, cozy campfires, ice dipping, summit cabin hangouts, and after-hike fun. This is going to be an unforgettable adventure.
Preparations >>
Here you’ll find everything you need to know to come prepared for the adventure.