Jarnosleden

posted in: Sweden | 0

GETTING THERE

Stockholm – 290km (3h 20min)

Gothenborg – 290km (3h 40min)

Oslo (Norway)  – 280km (3h 40min)

Car parking: At free parking lot at Bjurbacken slussar is right at the start of Jarnosleden. Alternatively free parking at Hytte in Storfors (close to Nassundet). Since there is no public transportation available, you either you have to do part of the trail, there and back the same way or carpool with friends by parking one car at finish and then driving together to the start.

Public transport: No public transport available

Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at the small campsite at Bjurbacken slussar, 160 SEK without electricity or  220 SEK with electricity (prices 2024). Very basic campsite but highly recommended.

Map available at trail head, highlighting points of interest and facilities along the trail
Trail is clearly posted by orange stripes or dots on landmarks, most of the time stripe on a trees

TRAIL NAVIGATION

You can navigate this trail without additional navigation. Jarnosleden trail is well sign posted in both directions. Follow orange markings which are mostly stripes on poles or trees but sometimes orange dots on stones or on the ground. The trail has also many information boards explaining about fauna, flora, history and other interesting facts, this is available in Swedish, English and German language. 

Map of the trail and the the area HERE

More about the trail HERE 

Updates and more about the area HERE

If you wish from Hitte there is additional 30km trail called Jarneleden all the way to Kristinehamn.

The plank walk through the mossy area is very popular part
Aerial view on the boggy part with plank paths clearly visible

TRAIL DETAILS 

Bjurbacken slussar to Sandviken

Jarnosleden trail start about 1km along farms before turning into small forrest. Then the plank walk starts in bog area, which is really enjoyable and unique. I have heard grouses but otherwise the main wildlife I have seen were various kinds of insects and some birds. The plank walk is about 2km long and consists of 3 different paths interrupted by small forrest section. Reaching small tranquil pond right along trail marks the end of the plank walk. Enjoy another forrest walk, including crossing river over bridge (beavers might be spotted) before climbing up a small hill. The way up is slightly steep uphill on stones and the way down is easy incline descent on long gravel road. Continue straight down until you reach the lake. You can make stop and then continue along the lake all the way to Sandviken. From Sandviken there is easy gravel path towards Lundsberg. 

Small tranquill pond marks the end of plank paths
Small hill provides nice view point and different terrain
Sandviken to Hytte

The following description is from official website as I have walked to Sandviken and same way back

“The trail does not go all the way to Pensionat Lungsund (where there is a swimming area, restaurant, kiosk and café), but it is only a couple of hundred meters along a small asphalt road if you want to get there. The trail continues through the forest to Furuvik in Lundsberg. After a couple of kilometres, you reach a great rest area by the water where you can take a dip even if it is not a swimming area. After Furuvik, you walk a bit on a gravel road with a view of Lundsberg school (it’s easy to make a detour if you want to see the nice area around the school and here you can also swim from jetties). 

After 900 meters on a quiet gravel road, the trail rounds the golf course and goes through fine old growth forest. the trail eventually runs up to Kummelhöjden with a beautiful view of the lake Matlången There are a couple of nice lookouts on the edge of the mountain. Below Kummelhöjden is a nice headland, perfect for coffee. The trail then goes down towards the lake and through the forest with a detour down towards the water. After a short stretch on a dirt road, you cross a newly built bridge and follow a four kilometer loop through the forest before you reach Hytte. From Hytte it is only a couple of hundred meters to a small swimming area. Those who do not want to walk the last four kilometers through the forest can follow the asphalt road directly to the swimming area.”

Trail along Sandviken lake
Lake path near to Sandviken
Jarnosleden is great trail for nature lovers

Trail is not recommended after heavier rain as the planks can be slippery and trail very muddy.

Tree coverage: The trail is mix of forrest and open area walk, providing some shade at times. 

Geocaching: There are no geocaches or Adventure Labs along the trail

Dogs: If your dog is used to walk such distance. Dogs must be leashed

Shoes recommendation: If there has not been rain in last few days, regular trail runners are sufficient, otherwise boots with good profile

Easy trail through forrest

FACILITIES

There are some facilities along the trail, refer to map for exact location. There is nice cafe and free public toilets at Bjurbacken slossar. There is very basic toilet once you first reach Stor-Lungen lake. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

I completed part of Jarnosleden in July 2024 on Tuesday. Weather around 17 degrees, cloudy, humid after it has been raining lightly in the early morning. I have only met handful of people on the plank walk, otherwise the trail has been empty, I expect in nicer weather it would be slightly more busy even during a week. 

Aerial view Jarnosleden
Another aerial view

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