This year instead of driving down to Denmark, we drove 500 km north to the Swedish High Coast. Here, land has risen more than 200 meters since the last ice age, leaving spectacular mountains dropping steeply into the sea. One such mountain is Skuleberget peaking at 295 meter, at the foot of which we have rented a cabin for the week. From here we take day trips to explore the landscape and the nature.
The landscape up here is different, the first time you notice is when you cross the High Coast Bridge. Closing a gap of 1800 metres, it takes you over the mouth of a wide river surrounded by forested hills.
Skuleberget
Skuleberget has several well marked trails taking you to the top. The one leading from our camp to the top is the southern trail. As you make your way to the top, scenic views open towards the east and south. At the top you can enjoy a Swedish fika and take a ride down. Our youngest took the ride for an amazing view, while the rest of the family including dog took the adventurous Grottstigen down to get to the cave on the mountain side. We carried our otherwise energetic Yorkie down most of the stairs and steps. Safely down at the foot of the mountain we awed at the steep cliff side we had just descended.
Skuleskogen
Nearby Skuleskogen is a natural reserve and a huge hilly forest with magnificent views and interesting geology and flora. Having geared up with good hiking boots and a backpack full of food, we followed the 6 km trail from the western entrance to the iconic Slåtdalsskrevet, a narrow canyon formed as softer rock eroded away. For safety reasons, the trail no longer goes through the canyon but you can still enjoy the view. Even more spectacular was the walk along the ridge called Slåtdalsberget. The windy and barren crest opened for a spectacular view over the sea as we followed the trail over pink granite covered with yellow green lichen.
The start of the trail is well prepared and easy, but as you venture into the wilderness, you get a true sense of the rough terrain as you climb hill sides and cross wetlands. There is a reason why this area was left unsettled. My oldest and I were well spent when we returned to the car to drive around to pick up the rest of the family who took the shorter path to the southern entrance.
Skagsudde
One day we drove to the very northern end of the high coast. At Skagsudde there is a light house and a fishing hamlet. Here the dramatic wind swept coastline tells a story of seal hunting and herring fishing through the ages. As the coastline rises here too, the natural harbour will eventually become too narrow and shallow for the boats to pass. A small museum tells the story and at the nearby restaurant we tried the infamous sour herring, herring preserved through yeasting. The consistency is much like canned anchovies while the taste is sour and salty with a ripe sweet after taste, much like a mature cheese. The smell? Well we sat outside and had the can opened by our waiter so nothing but a little whiff of sulphur.
Enjoying our vacation so far. There are plenty of good online resources to help you plan a visit.