During my studies in Sweden, I had the pleasure to welcome in Norrland one of my best friends for a few days. Starting from Umeå, we decided to make a short road trip to the High Coast (Hoga Kusten).
The High Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its unique and highly scenic land and seascape and its distinctly red Nordingrå granite cliffs and rocks. The area included on the World Heritage list stretches over 100 km from north to south, with the Skuleskogen National Park at the center. Only 1h30 away from Umeå, it was the perfect journey for this escape.
DAY 1 | UMEÅ – ÖRNSKÖLDSVIK
We left Umeå early in the afternoon for the beginning of our journey. We took a car from Circle K, which was the cheapest option. And our first stop was… IKEA, the most popular Swedish attraction. We had lunch there, which was nice and cheap.
Then, we headed to Örnsköldsvik, one of the main cities of the High Coast. We decided to stop there for groceries shopping and also to have a Fika (the late afternoon coffee and snacks) at Espresso House. Espresso House is the Swedish version of Starbucks, but as far as I am concerned it is much better and the coffee is nice.
After that, we went to our cute little cottage to have dinner before the next big day.
DAY 2 | SKULESKOGEN
Day 2 was a hiking day! We left our cottage in the morning to reach the South Entrance of Skuleskogen National park. It’s the most famous site of the High Coast for its nice point of view.
We started by the yellow trail to then reach the blue trail. It was really pretty, I leave you with pictures.
Just note that some parts of the trail are not super easy and can be very slippery, so be prepare and put your best walking shoes.
After twelve kilometers, we finished the trail and decided to head to the city to have again a Coffee at Espresso House.
We finished our day like the previous one by cooking a nice dinner.
DAY 3 | UMEÅ
We came back to Umeå at the end of the morning to brunch there and to have time to visit the city.
We decided to have lunch at Kulturbageriet, which is for me the best spot in the city center. The bread is amazing and their lunch deals are really not expensive (with all you can eat bread). And I’m not even talking of their pastries. They are really really good. I really love the place, in the library/Ume hotel.
Then, we did a little walk around the city center, which is pretty cute. You have several shops. I also recommend having a walk by the river.
Since it’s was snowing, we went to do a tour of the big lake of Umeå, Nydalasjön, by bike. It’s my favourite spot of all Umeå, and the colors of autumn were meeting the snow, which was incredible.
The High Coast suits perfectly the image I have of Sweden. You feel you are entering the territory of nature, preserved from an outside world. If you are looking for a trip into the wild, then this is it.
OFF THE ROAD 