TRAIL DESCRIPTION
ORIGINAL 45k

Stage 1: 15k

WESTERN ENTRANCE – TÄRNÄTTHOLMARNA

The first stage of The Original 45k starts from the Western Entrance in Skuleskogen National Park. After an initial stretch on a forest road where you get a chance to find your pace, the trail transitions to a path as we head towards Skrattabbortjärnen. From there, we ascend Stampberget. Descending from Stampberget, we enter Slåttdalen and turn towards Slåttdalsskrevan, passing Tärnättvattnen and Skravelbäcken, then following the coast towards Tärnättholmarna for the first energy station.

Stage 1 combines deep forests and ravines, dramatic coastal mountains, and a glistening coastline.

THE START

We all take the bus to the start at the large parking lot at E4 / Entrance West where it’s a free start. That means you start when you’re ready, and your timing starts then too.

ENTRANCE WEST

The first approximately 2.5 kilometers are on a forest road. It’s a good stretch to find your pace. After that, we enter Skuleskogen National Park.

SKRATTABBORTJÄRNEN

Once inside the National Park, we head towards Skrattabbortjärnen. After the tarn, we turn left and begin a gradual ascent of Stampberget.

SLÅTTDALSSKREVAN 1/2

We arrive at the southern mouth of Slåttdalsskrevan, and you can gaze down into this majestic formation before we follow the trail around the ravine.

TÄRNÄTTVATTNET 1/2

The trail down to Tärnättvattnen runs along polished rock surfaces but also through quite rocky terrain. Be careful where you place your feet.

SKRAVELBÄCKEN

From Tärnättvattnen, the trail continues steeply downhill towards the sea, and we run across the bridge over Skravelbäcken. This is your chance to refill water.

Stage 1: Our first scenic mountain is Stampberget, which not only offers magnificent views out to sea but also provides a taste of Slåttdalsskrevan and Slåttdalsberget right in your line of sight.

Stage 1: We pass Slåttdalsskrevan twice. It is now closed due to the risk of rockfall, but already during our first visit from the south, we get a strong sense of this formation.

Stage 2: 11k

TÄRNÄTTHOLMARNA
– ENTRANCE SOUTH

After refueling at the beautiful Tärnättholmarna, it’s time to experience more beautiful places. We aim for Näske fäbodar but turn off just before to take another round past Tärnättvattnen and Slåttdalsskrevan. Shortly after Slåttdalsskrevan, we turn left up to Slåttdalsberget and enjoy incredibly beautiful views of the World Heritage Site. Then we make our way back down to the sea and Kälsviken before heading up to the end of the stage at Entrance South where you will find Energy Station No. 2.

Stage 2 continues with more dramatic ascents, and towards the end of the stage, you will run on Slåttdalsberget with a view overlooking the sea. It’s beautiful. Really beautiful, and you will want to stop and take pictures.

TÄRNÄTTHOLMARNA

We leave the Energy Station and continue towards Näskebodarna. After an initially steep ascent, there will be enjoyable trail running.

NÄSKEBODARNA

Right before Näskebodarna, follow the markings that take us from the coast up towards Tärnättvattnen. Rocky cliffs alternate with trails.

TÄRNÄTTVATTNEN 2/2

We pass Tärnättvattnen once again in the middle of the National Park, and here you fast runners can cheer on participants passing by for the first time.

SLÅTTDALSBERGET

Right after Skrevan, you’re directed up to Slåttdalsberget, where you’ll once again be greeted by magnificent views of the High Coast. Have your phone ready because you’ll want to take pictures here.

KÄLSVIKEN

From Slåttdalsberget, we continue down towards the sea and Kälsviken, a popular bathing spot in the National Park during the summer. From here, we turn towards Entrance South.

Stage 2: From Tärnättholmarna, we head towards Näskebodarna. Then, we leave the coast once again and enjoy new dramatic views.

Stage 2: When we pass Slåttdalsskrevan for the second time, don’t miss the approximately 100-meter detour to the northern entrance to get even closer.

Stage 3: 12k

ENTRANCE SOUTH –
MOUNT SKULEBERGET EAST

After experiencing all the highlights of the National Park, it’s time to set our sights on Mount Skuleberget. The first three kilometers follow a forest road before the High Coast Trail turns right after passing the village of Käl. From there, we continue winding our way forward, first crossing Getsvedjeberget with the popular ”Pulpit Rock,” under a tunnel below the E4 highway, and soon we arrive at Skuleberget East and the third energy station.

New for 2024 is that The Original distance now also includes Getsvedjeberget where you have a chance to experience the Pulpit Rock.

ENTRANCE SOUTH

We thank the National Park for an absolutely fantastic experience, and with new energy, we start with a gravel road for 3 kilometers.

THE ROAD THROUGH KÄL

The gravel road takes us through the village of Käl, and 500 meters after the village, the High Coast Trail, which also runs along the road, turns right and becomes a trail again.

MOUNT GETSVEDJEBERGET

We ascend Mount Getsvedjeberget from the north, and at the top awaits the characteristic Pulpit Rock. Then we descend on the southern side of the mountain and reach Skuleberget’s Seaside camping.

THE TUNNEL

From the campground, we pass by the High Coast Kayak Center and then turn onto a trail that leads us under the E4 highway and towards the village of Berg, where we turn right towards the Nature Center and energy station number 3.

Stage 3: From Entrance South, the High Coast Trail begins with approx. 3 km of gravel road before turning off into the forests after the village of Käl, where we return to the trails.

Stage 3: New for 2024 is that the Original 45k distance also takes us up to Getsvedjeberget, where we also get to experience the popular Pulpit Rock.

Stage 4: 7k

SKULEBERGET EAST
– FRILUFTSBYN
– FINISH LINE AT THE TOP

Here we go. We stand at the base of Skuleberget and look up. We’re heading up to the top via the Eastern Mountain trail, then down the High Coast track / Southern Mountain trail to FriluftsByn, and finally towards the cable railway to finish with the Cable Railway track up to the top. This is tough – but it’s doable, and you’ll be incredibly pleased as you near the top, hearing the cowbells and cheers. Step by step now!

The High Coast Trail Original 45k finishes at the top of the World Heritage Site with some of Sweden’s most beautiful views.

SKULEBERGET EAST

We leave the energy station at Naturum and Via Ferrata and continue a short distance to the East Mountain trail.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN TRAIL

The Eastern Mountain trail is a deceptive and steep path where at least twice you’ll think you’ve reached the top. Remember to turn around occasionally and see the landscape spread out before you.

THE TOP 1/2

Eventually, you’ll reach the top and emerge at the northern viewpoint, then continue following the markers that take you about 100 meters below the Top Cabin. You’ll see the finish line. Now there’s just the final turn left.

FRILUFTSBYN

You emerge in FriluftsByn and run through the campground towards the cable railway. Mentally prepare yourself. Here we go!

CABLE RAILWAY TRACK

The Cable Railway track is often described as the easy family track up to the top, but after 43.5 kilometers, it’s something entirely different.

THE TOP 2/2

The cable Railway trail becomes somewhat of a continuous ”cheerzone” as both spectators and participants make their way along the trail, and soon you’ll arrive at the Top for the second time!

Stage 4: The first trip to the Top is via the Eastern Mountain Trail.

Stage 4:From the Top, we take the High Coast Track / Southern Mountain Trail down to FriluftsByn

Stage 4: While some are heading up the Cable Railway trail, others are descending, turning the final kilometer into one long ”cheer zone”.

Stage 4: Runners from Friday’s race, spectators, and those who have already finished ensure that you receive energy all the way to the end.

Stage 4: Boom! Let it all out. Celebrate, swear, crash, sit down and be silent, ponder ”why?” or whatever comes to mind. You’ve made it to the finish line!