”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
After hiking through the highlights of the World Heritage–listed High Coast, we reach our campsite as dusk begins to fall. Some gather around the fire to share snacks and laughter, while others fill their thermoses with something warm, curling up in their sleeping bags and reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Camp life is one of the true highlights of the journey — a cozy mix of togetherness, calm, and the quiet magic of winter nights outdoors.
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 begins by setting up a cozy base camp, where they’ll spend two nights. The Expedition group, on the other hand, carries all their gear and sets up camp in two different locations along the route. On the second night, both groups come together to camp at the same site — a shared evening filled with stories, warmth, and new friendships.
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 the campsite starts to feel like home. As you arrive, there’s a soft hum of activity and a sense of calm satisfaction — the day’s hike behind you, the evening ahead. We all pitch in to light the campfires, and it’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy a few 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 treat yourself to a few extra comforts — things you can leave in your tent while we’re out on our day hikes.
If you’re in the Expedition group, we carry all our gear and set up camp in two different locations, with the second night shared with the Explorer group. While we recommend packing light to keep your backpack comfortable, it’s always worth bringing along some snacks, coffee, tea, or a little something to lift your spirits.
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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 step by step: 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 their first time camping in winter, and a lot of it feels new. But take it one step at a time — keep warm, drink something hot, eat breakfast, pack your gear — and then pause for a moment and realize where you are. Enjoy it. Let it sink in. Just be here.
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
THREE GROUPS
The High Coast Winter Hike is an adventure suited for both curious beginners and experienced hikers. Choose between the Expedition, Explorer and Pathfinder groups. You can find more information about each group by clicking below.
HIGH COAST WINTER HIKE
EXPEDITION »
The original adventure where we hike through the dramatic winter landscapes of the World Heritage Site, set up two different camps, and carry all our equipment with us. This is a true physical and mental challenge - rewarded with powerful nature experiences.
HIGH COAST WINTER HIKE
EXPLORER »
The adventure where, together with experienced guides, we create a shared base camp and head out on day hikes with lighter gear. Perfect for those who want to try winter camping for the first time and experience Swedish Wilderness.
HIGH COAST WINTER HIKE
PATHFINDER »
The adventure where you stay in a warm shared cabin at FriluftsByn and head out on guided day hikes with light gear. Perfect for those who are not ready for winter camping but want to set out winter hiking in stunning nature.
EXPEDITION »
The original adventure where we hike through the dramatic winter landscapes of the World Heritage Site, set up two different camps, and carry all our equipment with us. This is a true physical and mental challenge - rewarded with powerful nature experiences.
EXPLORER »
The adventure where, together with experienced guides, we create a shared base camp and head out on day hikes with lighter gear. Perfect for those who want to try winter camping for the first time and experience Swedish Wilderness.
PATHFINDER »
The adventure where you stay in a warm shared cabin at FriluftsByn and head out on guided day hikes with light gear. Perfect for those who are not ready for winter camping but want to set out winter hiking in stunning nature.
ARTICLES WINTER HIKE
Curious why both seasoned adventurers and first-time hikers from around the world are drawn to the High Coast Winter Hike?
Explore these articles to learn more about the people, the experience, and the magic of winter on Sweden’s High Coast.
Come by yourself, hike with new friends »
Over half of the participants join on their own. We’ve gathered a few tips to help you make the most of coming solo.
One of Swedens most beautiful winter hikes »
The High Coast has been voted Sweden’s most stunning natural area — and together, we’ll explore its very best parts.
Create a cozy night camp »
Turn your night camp into a memorable moment under the stars. Here are some simple tips to make it extra special.
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.