Skuleberget is small mountain in Docksta in Sweden. While majority of the visitors head to the beautiful Skuleskogen national park, Skuleberget is not to be missed as another beautiful hike in the area. While it is possible to go up to the top in the cable car, I would recommend hiking up. There are 5 different trails available, so you can make your own loop. Although it was very hard, I really enjoyed the challenging route and visiting the cave above the visitor centre. It is also possible to do via ferrata in the area.
GETTING THERE
Stockholm – 500km (5h 30min)
Gothenburg – 850km (9h 40min)
Trondheim, Norway – 510km (6h 40min)
By car: There are various parking lots, depending on your route. Parking Friluftsbyn, parking lot outside Naturum or Hoga Kusten liften parking lot. There are further parking lots at the village of Docksta. Parking Friluftsbyn is paid at 50 SEK/day, not sure about the others.
By public transport: It is possible to get to Docksta by public transport and the trail heads are short walk away.
Camper/ Van overnight stay: There are several paid campsites available in the village of Docksta. I have stayed at Stallplats Gallstasjon, 280 SEK, 60 SEK electricity, nice sanitary building with free showers. I can recommend.
You can stay for free at the one of the entrances of Skuleskogen national park and then park at parking lot at Naturum.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
You can navigate Skuleberget trails without additional navigation. Take a picture of the map available at each entrance. The routes are well marked in all direction by blue and orange dots, depending on your route. The orange one marks longer distance trail (Hoga Kusten). I have noted there is one orange trail over the mountain and alternative orange trail around it.
More about the long distance trail HERE
TRAIL DETAILS
There are 5 different trails you can take to the top of Skuleberget. It is also possible to take cable car up or down.
- 2 trails starting from the cable car parking lot
- 1 starting at FriluftsByn
- 1 starting at the Naturum
- 1 through Ostra Bergsstigen, which can start at Naturum or Skuleskogen park
I suggest to take one trail up and different trail down to make a loop.
I have taken the trail up from FriluftsByn, then down to Naturum and along the mountain back to FriluftsByn, which was about 5km. I’m happy to complete this loop, but I wish I completed the trail in opposite direction. I can not comment on the other 3 trails. The visitor centre in FriluftsByn suggest to take Linbanestigen trail up, starting at the cable car parking lot and then down on the Hoga Kusten Stigen to FriluftsByn, about 4,5km.
You can make additional loop at the top, marked in red dots, called Kalottstigen, which is approximately 1km long.
GROTTSTIGEN
Follow blue signs, about 1km
The route starts at the Naturum, where is also parking lot. This trail is technical and steep and it follows cliff side. If you are afraid of heights or if it rained even a little, avoid this trail. You start on forrest trail with large boulders in the way, this is still relatively easy part. Once you come to the ladders that’s when the more challenging part starts. The ladders are easy but occasionally you will need to pull yourself up with help of chains, balance on unevenly spaced steps, climb over some rocks. This is not very extreme, but it is not an easy trail and you need to be careful. Little above the half way point, there is optional short side track to visit small cave, which is really worth it. As you go higher after the cave, there will be no longer ladders, but you might need to pull yourself a bit over larger rock steps. I think this trail is easier up than down.
FRILUFTSBYN
Follow orange signs, about 2,5km
Shortly after visitor centre, there is a sign up towards forrest, it starts on easy forrest trail, there are sections with tree roots or over large stones, but it is relatively easy and the gradient is very relaxed. Once you leave the forrest, you get to more open area with red/pink granite rocks with green moss on them which is typical for this area. From here on you also get to enjoy beautiful views and the terrain will remain more less the same, friendly gradient uphill over easy trail mostly on the granite rocks. I really enjoyed this trail as it also offers great views.
KALOTTSTIGEN
Follow red signs, about 1km
When you are top of Skuleberget, enjoy small loop which is mostly flat, you can complete the loop in any direction, most people will do it anti-clockwise. This way you first start on small plank walk towards viewing point before taking trail to your left. The terrain of this loop is mostly easy, it is terrain typical for this area, it is mix of boulders, tree roots, large granite rock formations and some planks as you will pass some slightly boggy area. Then you pass under the cable car, hop over some cables and your loop is complete.
OTHER DETAILS
Tree coverage: Depending on the trail chosen, in general lower elevation are in forrest and higher elevation are in open areas. Sunprotection and sunscreen is recommended for the open areas.
Geocaching: There are some geocaches on some of the trails and one Adventure lab at Naturum.
Dogs: It is possible to do the trail with dog with exception of Grottstiggen. I strongly advice against doing that particular trail with dog. Dogs must be leashed.
Shoes recommendation: All routes can be completed in trail runners with good profile.
Trail running: Friluftsbyn trail is great for experienced trail runners. In September, you can join a race going through Skuleskogen national park, which partly goes over Skuleberget, more info HERE
FACILITIES
There are public restrooms at the starting locations and at the top. At the top there is also place behind the restaurant where you can refill your bottle and if the restaurant is open you can purchase some refreshments. You can also enjoy some refreshments at Friluftsbyn and Naturum.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike in September 2024 on Wednesday. It was sunny warm weather, around 17 degrees. I barely met anyone on both trails, I started at 9am and was at the top before the cable car started and restaurant was open. Account for more people after the cable car starts. Expect a lot of visitors in high season and during weekends.
