Road Trip on the High Coast of Sweden by Campervan

Hiker with backpack looking out over forested hills, sea inlets and the Höga Kusten Bridge in the distance on a High Coast road trip.

blog author By Johanna Hansen shield verification Verified Expert

If you are dreaming about taking a road trip on the High Coast with a rental campervan, you are looking at one of Sweden’s most dramatic stretches of shoreline. Between Sundsvall and Örnsköldsvik, the land rises steeply from the sea, fishing villages sit tucked into quiet coves and hiking trails weave through dark forest and bare rock.

Why Take a Road Trip on the High Coast

The High Coast isn't just “pretty coastline.” It's a UNESCO World Heritage site where the land is still rising every year after the last Ice Age. That slow movement has shaped the cliffs, islands and bays you see from the road today.

In a campervan, you get front row seats. You can park above the water one night, wake up among tall pines the next and still keep driving times reasonable.

A Landscape Built by Ice and Sea

On a road trip in Höga Kusten, you move through a landscape that feels different from the rest of Sweden. You'll notice:

Steep forested hills dropping straight toward the Gulf of Bothnia
Rounded islands that were once sea floor
Smooth rock slabs and pebble beaches next to deep inlets
Narrow bays that look almost like small fjords

Why Campervans Work So Well Here

The High Coast is almost tailor-made for campervan travel. The area between Härnösand and Örnsköldsvik is long enough to feel like a journey but compact enough that you never have to drive all day.

What makes a road trip on the High Coast especially easy:

Distances between main sights are usually one or two hours
A mix of full-service campgrounds and simple ställplatser
Regular fuel stations, supermarkets and water points along the E4 and in towns
Plenty of small side roads that lead to harbors and viewpoints

Where to Start Your Road Trip on the High Coast

Most visitors enter Höga Kusten from one of three places. Your ideal starting point depends on how you arrive in Sweden and how much time you have.

Starting point	How it fits your trip	Good for	Key advantages
Sundsvall	About an hour south of Härnösand in the E4	Fly-in arrivals, train connections and longer Norrland routes	Large city, more rental options, big stores to stock up before heading north.
Härnösand	Often treated as the southern “gateway” to Höga Kusten	Trips focused almost entirely on the High Coast	Small and easy to navigate, quick access to nearby islands and coastal roads.
Örnsköldsvik	At the northern end of the High Coast stretch	Arrivals from Umeå or further north	Great base for Skuleskogen, Skuleberget and island excursions in the area.

Top Stops and Attractions on a Road Trip on the High Coast

Höga Kusten is full of side roads and tempting viewpoints. To avoid spending all your time choosing, it helps to focus on a core list of places that really define a road trip on the High Coast.

The locations below combine hiking, views, coastline and coastal culture in a way that suits campervan travel.

1. Höga Kusten Bridge

The Höga Kusten Bridge is often the first big landmark you encounter. This suspension bridge spans the mouth of the Ångermanälven river and frames steep hills and wide water in every direction.

Why it deserves a stop:

Rest areas and viewpoints on both sides of the bridge
A visitor area in the northern shore with café and classic bridge views
Easy parking for campervans while you take photos or stretch your legs

2. Skuleskogen National Park

If you are putting together a Höga Kusten itinerary, Skuleskogen National Park will almost certainly land near the top of your list. It's one of Sweden’s best known coastal parks.

Inside the park you'll find:

Deep spruce and pine forest with soft, mossy ground
Coastal cliffs and high ridges with wide sea views
Lakes and bays that invite a swim on warm days
Famous rock features like Slåttdalsskrevan

Wooden boardwalk leading to the Skuleskogens Nationalpark Entré Väst visitor center, surrounded by dense pine forest in golden light.

Popular options:

A full or half-day hike to Slåttdalsskrevan
Shorter loops from each entrance if you want something easier
Longer routes that link forest, shore and hilltops

3. Skuleberget

Right next to the main road, Skuleberget rises steeply above the shoreline and gives easy access to big views without long driving.

What you can do here:

Ride the chairlift in summer for coffee and views at the top
Follow marked hiking paths up and down if you prefer walking
Try a via ferrata route if you like climbing and are comfortable with exposure

The large car park at the base of Skuleberget is friendly to campervans and makes it an easy half day stop on a road trip on the High Coast of Sweden.

4. Slåttdalsskrevan

Even if you only half remember the name, you have probably seen a photo of Slåttdalsskrevan already. This dramatic rock cleft inside Skuleskogen cuts through the ridge like a man-made passage.

What to know:

Expect a full day or solid half day hike, depending on your pace and route
Trails are marked but can be rocky, with roots and some steep parts
Good shoes, food, water and time are important for a safe and enjoyable visit

Narrow rock gorge of Slåttdalsskrevan in Skuleskogen National Park, with steep cliffs, boulders and green forest on Sweden’s High Coast.

5. Rotsidan Nature Reserve

If you picture long, flat rocks meeting the sea, you are probably thinking of Rotsidan. This nature reserve feels open and wild, but access is simple.

Highlights:

Polished rock slabs stretching for several kilometers along the shore
Strong waves on windy days and calmer pools in lighter weather
Pine forest just behind the coastline for sheltered walks and picnic spots

6. Norrfällsviken

Norrfällsviken is a classic High Coast stop for campervan travelers because it combines a scenic bay with a well-equipped campground.

Here you get:

A protected harbor with boats and small islands
A coastal campground with services and sea views
Short walking trails over rocks and along the water’s edge
Old fishing cabins and a calm holiday atmosphere

7. Bönhamn

For many visitors, Bönhamn is the most photogenic fishing village on the High Coast. Small cottages and boathouses sit close together around a deep bay.

While you are here you can:

Wander on foot between the old houses and along the piers
Walk a bit up the surrounding hills for a view back over the harbor
Enjoy a coffee or light meal if seasonal cafés are open

People enjoying fika outside Bryggan café in Bönhamn, sitting on a wooden harbor deck lined with red cottages and Swedish flags.

8. Högbonden Lighthouse

A road trip in Höga Kusten is even more memorable if you take a boat out to Högbonden, a small, steep island crowned by a lighthouse.

A typical visit looks like this:

Park the campervan at the harbor in Bönhamn or Barsta
Catch a boat across to Högbonden during the summer season
Walk up from the jetty to the lighthouse and old keeper’s house, now simple accommodation

Other Places to Add If You Have Time

You can keep a road trip on the High Coast of Sweden simple, or you can add more layers. With extra days, consider:

Härnösand for a gentle introduction with museums, cafés and coastal walks
Docksta as a practical base for Skuleberget and Skuleskogen
Ulvön islands, reached by boat, famous for red houses and fishing history
Small inland lakes for swimming, shorter walks and quiet evenings away from the sea

Suggested Höga Kusten Itineraries (3 to 7 Days)

There’s no single “right” way to drive a road trip on the High Coast. Some visitors like moving every day, others prefer to park the camper for two nights at a time and do day trips.

Itinerary	Length	Typical start	Main feel
High Coast highlights	3 days	Härnösand or Sundsvall	Fast loop with the biggest sights and one shorter hike.
Coast and hiking mix	5 days	Härnösand	Balanced trip with Rotsidan, Norrfällsviken, Bönhamn and Skuleskogen.
Slow campervan week	7 days	Sundsvall to Örnsköldsvik	Relaxed pace with extra hikes, islands and rest days.

3-Day High Coast Highlights

Perfect for a long weekend or a quick road trip on the High Coast added to a longer Norrland route.

Day 1: Sundsvall or Härnösand → Höga Kusten Bridge → Norrfällsviken

Start your day in Sundsvall or Härnösand and stock up on food for the road.
Drive north, stop at viewpoints around the Höga Kusten Bridge.
Continue to Norrfällsviken and spend the night at the campground by the sea.

Day 2: Rotsidan → Bönhamn or Barsta

Short drive to Rotsidan Nature Reserve for coastal walking and a picnic.
In the afternoon, continue to Bönhamn or Barsta.
If boats and weather allow, visit Högbonden lighthouse and sleep at a nearby campsite or ställplats.

Day 3: Skuleberget → Skuleskogen → Örnsköldsvik

Drive north to Skuleberget and ride the lift or hike to the top.
Visit one of the entrances to Skuleskogen National Park for a short hike.
Finish in Örnsköldsvik or start the drive back to your rental base.

Colorful cube style apartment building rising above lush green trees in Örnsköldsvik, a modern landmark on Sweden’s High Coast.

You still get harbors, cliffs, forest and views in just three days.

5-Day High Coast Itinerary for Hikers

Five days gives you more room to walk, linger and avoid rushing between stops.

Day 1: Arrival and Härnösand

Start your first day in Sundsvall or Härnösand and visit a supermarket to stock up for the road trip.
Explore Härnösand’s harbor area and historic streets.
Overnight at a campsite or ställplats close to the water.

Day 2: Höga Kusten Bridge to Norrfällsviken

Drive to the Höga Kusten Bridge with time for photos and a short stroll.
Continue via smaller roads where possible and stop at one or two viewpoints.
Settle at Norrfällsviken for the night, or even plan to stay two nights if you like the spot.

Day 3: Rotsidan and Coastal Time

Day trip from Norrfällsviken to Rotsidan.
Spend several hours walking the shoreline and sitting in the rocks.
Return to Norrfällsviken for a relaxed evening and maybe a meal at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Bönhamn and Högbonden

Drive to Bönhamn through some of the prettiest coastal scenery in the region.
Explore the village on foot and take the boat to Högbonden lighthouse if boats are running.
Later, drive toward Docksta or a nearby camping area to be close to Skuleberget and Skuleskogen.

Red lakeside houses and jetties below a hillside of bright autumn forest, mirrored in still water along Sweden’s High Coast.

Day 5: Skuleberget and Skuleskogen National Park

Spend the morning at Skuleberget, hiking or using the chairlift to reach the top.
In the afternoon, move to Skuleskogen National Park for a shorter hike or lake visit.
End your trip in Örnsköldsvik or begin your return south.

7-Day Slow Campervan Route on the High Coast

A full week lets you slow your pace right down and enjoy Höga Kusten without watching the clock.

Day 1: Sundsvall → Härnösand

Start your journey in Sundsvall and drive north toward Härnösand.
Make optional stops in the way for views or a coffee.
Explore Härnösand and nearby viewpoints.
Overnight at a coastal campsite or harbor ställplats.

Day 2: Island Roads Around Härnösand

Keep your base in Härnösand.
Use the camper for short loops out to nearby islands and coastal communities.
Mix short walks, cafés and photo stops.
Second night in the same spot, which keeps logistics easy.

Day 3: Höga Kusten Bridge → Norrfällsviken

Continue north to the Höga Kusten Bridge with time for rest areas and views.
Follow signed routes toward the coast and Norrfällsviken.
Settle at the campground for two nights.

Red wooden houses in Norrfällsviken reflected in calm water on Sweden’s High Coast, surrounded by forest in soft evening light.

Day 4: Rotsidan and Rest

Day trip to Rotsidan for walking and sea watching.
Afternoon rest at Norrfällsviken. Swim if conditions are good or simply relax by the camper.

Day 5: Bönhamn, Barsta and Högbonden

Drive along the small coastal road to Bönhamn or Barsta.
Take a boat trip to Högbonden lighthouse if you can.
Spend the night at a nearby ställplats or camping.

Day 6: Skuleberget → Near Skuleskogen

Head north to Skuleberget and enjoy the views from the top.
Move the camper to a campsite close to Skuleskogen National Park and get ready for hiking.

Day 7: Slåttdalsskrevan → Örnsköldsvik

Hike in Skuleskogen, ideally all the way to Slåttdalsskrevan if weather and energy allow.
After the hike, drive to Örnsköldsvik, enjoy a meal in town and one last night in the camper.

Practical Travel Tips for a Road Trip on the High Coast

A bit of planning makes your road trip on the High Coast much easier. Think about when to go, what to pack, how to drive and where to sleep.

When to Go: Seasons on the High Coast

Season	Months	Conditions	Best for
Late spring	Late May–early June	Fresh green, cool nights, long days.	Hikers who like quiet trails.
Summer	Mid June–August	Warmest weather, longest light, services open.	First timers, families, classic camper trips.
Early autumn	September	Cool evenings, autumn colors, calmer sites.	Photographers and hikers who want fewer crowds.
Winter	October–April	Snow, ice, short days, limited camping.	Experienced winter drivers only.

Packing and Weather

Weather changes fast, even in summer, especially by the sea and on exposed hills. Bring:

Layers instead of one heavy jacket
Waterproof jacket and rain pants
Good hiking shoes
Hat, gloves and warm socks
Swimsuit and quick drying towel
Mosquito repellent

Driving on the High Coast

Driving is usually calm, but you need to stay alert.

Drive in the right, overtake in the left.
Keep headlights on at all times.
Respect speed limits: 30–50 km/h in towns, 70–90 km/h on country roads, up to 120 km/h in the E4.
Watch for moose and deer near forests, especially at dusk and dawn.

Camping, Ställplatser and Overnight Rules

Allemansrätten gives freedom to hikers and tent campers, but vehicles follow stricter rules.

Sleep mainly at official campgrounds and ställplatser.
Do not drive or park on meadows, beaches or other natural ground.
Respect “no camping” and “no motorhomes” signs.
Park without blocking roads or disturbing houses.

White motorhome driving an empty asphalt road through open tundra and autumn colors under a bright blue sky in northern Sweden.

Food, Fika and Local Flavor

A road trip in Höga Kusten is also about eating well.

Buy smoked fish from small producers along the coast.
Stop for fika in cafés with sea or harbor views.
Stock up in supermarkets in Sundsvall, Härnösand, Kramfors and Örnsköldsvik and cook in your camper.

FAQ: Road Trip on the High Coast

When is the best time for a road trip in Höga Kusten?

From late May to early September. Trails are open, boats run to islands like Högbonden and most campgrounds and cafés are open. September is quieter but cooler.

How many days should I plan for the High Coast?

At least 3 days for a first taste. For hiking, harbors and slower mornings, plan 5 to 7 days.

Is the High Coast suitable for families?

Yes. Distances are short, roads are calm and there’re easy hikes, rocks and beaches around spots like Rotsidan, Skuleskogen, Norrfällsviken and Bönhamn.

Do I need a campervan or can I go by car?

Both are fine. A campervan lets you stay close to nature and stay flexible. With a car, you can sleep in cabins, hostels or hotels instead.

How far is it from Sundsvall to Örnsköldsvik?

About three and a half hours in the E4, but a road trip on the High Coast of Sweden usually stretches this over several days with detours, hikes and village stops.

Can I visit Höga Kusten in winter with a campervan?

Yes, but only if you are used to winter driving. Expect snow, ice, short days and fewer open campgrounds and hiking options.

Is it easy to find fuel, water and groceries?

Yes. Fuel is available along the E4 and in all main towns. Big supermarkets sit in Sundsvall, Härnösand, Kramfors and Örnsköldsvik, and many campgrounds and ställplatser offer fresh water and waste disposal.