Store Mosse in popular national park. It is large reserve mostly in marsh and boggy landscape. Due to the large area and ideal condition, it has high chance of moose sighting, especially in the morning and evening. During the day the moose remain mostly hidden. Apart from moose, you can spot a lot of cranes and deer. On the main trail cows and buffalos can be spotted around the lake. If you start hiking early or late in the day, take caution as the moose can be directly on or next to the trail. Moose tend to be shy and run away, but many parts of the trail go through dense areas and it is possible to come across a moose and startle it. One morning I have spotted moose from the watch tower and it was walking right by the main loop.
Pro Tip: Binoculars are must. I have only seen moose from the watch towers and only with binoculars. They were not visible with naked eye as they were really far. It is not impossible, but binoculars will increase your chances to see one. On day one I have seen lone female and later on during the day also mother with two babies. On day two I have seen the mother with the babies again and large male moose in different part of the park.
More information about Store Mosse national park HERE
GETTING THERE
Stockholm – 400km (4h 15min)
Gothenburg – 155km (2h)
Helsinborg – 185km (2h)
By car: Park at free parking lot at the main parking lot close to Naturum. You can also park at several other parking lots around the area, both for the main hiking trail or for visiting other parts of Store Mosse.
By public transport: Take bus 242 from Hillestorp or Varnamo. You can get to Hillestorp or Varnamo by train. The bus stop is right outside the main entrance of the park.
Camper/ Van overnight stay:
Paid – Ågårds Camping, slightly pricier campsite, but all facilities available. Park best to visit with camper or by bike. It is easy and beautiful 6km bike ride to Kavsjo, where you can park your bike and follow main trail. Or additional 2km bike ride on gravel road/forrest path to the main entrance. More about the campsite HERE
Free – Municipality parking in Hillestrop, only few official spots available and the place fills up quickly. Currently tolerated that campers park on unofficial spots.
Parking only – At Store mosse parking lot is designated parking for campers, but it is not allowed to park there in specific times (overnight)
TRAIL NAVIGATION
Store Mosse has well marked trails with easy navigation. At Naturum and the smaller parking lots large maps is available, take a picture of it. In addition, physical map is available in English. Gspx or additional navigation is not needed.There are many small side trails to view points and there are well posted.
There are several trails which are marked by hexagons which have specific colour and dots inside, coresponding to different loops. Follow the desired hexagons placed mostly on trees or poles or other landmarks. The most popular is trail number one/red trail called Kavsjon loop. You can follow the trail in both directions. In addition to the hexagons, direction poles with distances are available in most of the trail splits.
Pdf maps HERE
TRAIL DETAILS
Kavsjon loop
Follow red hexagon with 1 dot. The Kavsjon loop can start at various locations, refer to the maps with exact parking/access spots. The loop is 12km, but I recommend visiting all 3 viewing towers, although they might be little further from the trail. The course is flat maybe with some mild rolling hills.
In my estimation about 60% of the trail is made of planks. Take caution as some planks are broken or little wonky. However in general they are easy and safe. Some parts have vegetation very closely to you, so make sure to make bit noise if you alone in case there is some wildlife hiding there. If it is raining, footwear with solid grip is necessary to prevent slipping and falling. This loop is very popular and can be walked in both direction so take care while passing other people. Do not step off the planks unless you are absolutely certain it is safe.
Enjoy nice easy forrest for the remaining 40%. It is really easy path with only short sections with roots. Overall the trail is easy, but I give medium rating as it is long and you need to take care on the planks. Be aware that you will pass pasture with free grazing cows.
Lilla Lovo Loop
This loop is orange colour with 3 dots in the hexagon. This loop is also very popular. You can start at the main entrance if you wish to enjoy longer trail. For even longer loop add Ostra Rockne or even additional loop from there (yellow Ostra Rockne, 2 dots). Another way you can add distance in the lower part of the park by adding Lovo runt (yellow, 2 dots) and or Bladopet loop (blue, 5 dots). Park at Kittlakull for shorter distance.
Lilla lovo loop has very different vegetation as it is in open plane bog. Before you start the loop, enjoy about 1km on planks, which will be same for the way there and back. Once you get to the split, choose the direction. By going to the right, you will enjoy plank walk that will cover over 1/2 of the loop. Again many of the planks are broken, wonky or broken. Do not step off the planks unless 100% certain it is safe as this part is very swampy. It can be very slippery in rain. The remaining part of the loop is in strip of forrest, with some mild up and down but overall easy terrain.
Pro tip: The area is quiet swampy, so best to bring insect repellent.
OTHER DETAILS
Tree coverage: Depends on the trail, Kavsjon loop has decent tree coverage, Lilla lovo loop less. Bring sun protection.
Geocaching: There are couple geocaches, mostly around Naturum. One Adventure lab around the main parking lot.
Dogs: It is possible to the trail with a dog, dog must be leashed. Note that you will pass open pasture area on the Kavsjon loop with free grazing cows.
Shoes recommendation: Best completed in hiking or trail running shoes with good profile.
Hiking poles: Not necessary.
Trail running: Not forbidden but not recommended as the planks are unstable and can be slippery. Additionally, trail can be very busy with people.
FACILITIES
There are some facilities along the way, plan well ahead. Bring your own food and snacks. Make sure to take trash back with you. Facilities are clearly marked on the map.
Restrooms: Couple restrooms along the trail
Restaurants: No restaurants available
Shops: No shops available
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed hikes around Store Mosse in June 2025 on Thursday (Kavsjon) and Friday (Lilla Lovo). I had sunny but windy conditions. The trail was relatively busy, especially after noon. Only couple of people here and there, nothing excessive. I do expect trail to be busy during weekend, especially take care with parking, even during week, the parking lot filled up quiet quickly, especially with motorhomes. Arrive early or park at one of the smaller parking lots.
