About hiking
When can I hike?
In the fall, you may hike until winter arrives and the snow gets too deep. In springtime, the trail may be flooded, it all depends on the snow depth during winter. Hiking in deep, wet snow is not recommended.
How long distance do you walk in a day?
The Uppland Trail is divided into sections. They vary in length from 5 to 30 km. A good distance in a day with a fully equipped backpack is 10-15 km. It also depends on trail conditions and on the hiker. Estimated average hiking speed is 3 km an hour, including rests.
How large backpack do I need?
For a day hike you may need a backpack of 25-30 liters, smaller in the summertime. For a longer hike with camping gear, you may need a backpack of 50 liters. The backpack with a waist support is recommended.
What do I pack?
See Equipment list for details.
Make sure your hiking boots are in good shape before your hike. If your boots are brand new, It is a good idea to have tried them on on shorter walks before you do your long hike. This will limit the risk of blisters. Photo: Lisel Hamring
Are there mosquitos?
Yes, prepare for mosquitos in the summertime, in the forest and especially close to wetlands. Bring repellant.
I need to go to bathroom, what do I do?
Water toilets are sparse along the trail. You may find dry toilets at designated sites, check for the symbol in the map . If you are in the forest, dig a hole. Make sure not to throw any wet wipes in the forest.
Where do I put the garbage?
You need to carry you garbage until you find a garbage bin. Do not litter. Make sure you bring plastic bags for your garbage.
About the trail
How is the trail marked?
The Uppland Trail is marked with orange trail marking, around a tree or on special poles.
Photo: Lisel Hamring
How do I find the starting point of my hike?
You will find map and description in the Naturkartan site and app. There you will find directions to the starting point for each section of the trail.
Where do I park?
There is parking available at every section of the trail, both at the starting point, and finish, with a few exceptions: at sections no 1, 1.2, 10 and 17.
Is the trail accessible by bus?
Some sections, but not all, you may reach by regional bus. The map at Naturkartan has bus
symbols. Suggested hikes accessible by bus are described here.
What kind of surface can I expext on the trail?
The most common kinds of surfaces are forest trails, some of them rugged with roots and rocks. Gravel roads and grassy trails through open areas are also common. See surface description for each trail section.
Are there any designated loops that take me back to the starting point?
Yes, The Uppland Trail has 14 different marked loops, which take you back to the starting point. With a detailed map you may also create your own loop when possibe, using small roads back to your starting point.
What kind of map do I need?
There are two maps from Calazo publishing company, Uppsala & Upplandsleden, and Färnebofjärden & västra Upplandsleden, scale 1:50 000, which are handy during your hike. You can buy them at Biotopia or order it here. Or you can use the Terrängkarta, scale 1:50000, for your local area. There is a digital map in the app Naturkartan.
Where can I find fresh water?
Along the trail you will find different places for water refill. At gas stations, at beaches, by the churches etc. You will find water symbols in Naturkartan. Click the symbol for a detailed description of where you can find the tap. Note, there are no water signs along the trail.
Where is it ok to camp?
The Right of Public Access gives you the right to camp anywhere for one night only without asking the landowner, as long as you camp far enough from private houses, donʾt litter and not disturb the wild life. You may camp next to the wind shelters along the trail. Click the shelter symbol in the Naturkartan map for more information.
Where can I spend the night, if I donʾt want to carry a tent?
Along the trail, there are wind shelters. Anyone can use them and you cannot make a reservation. A wind shelter have three walls and a roof with one side open. You may also find local accomodation such as B&Bʾs, youth hostels and hotels, either in the country side or in the communities.
Can I make a fire?
Yes, you may make a fire by the wind shelters. You will find firewood in a separate storage at the site. If it’s empty, please report it to info@upplandsstiftelsen.se. Within the rules of The Right of Public Access, you are allowed to pick smaller twigs from the ground for your fire.
Are there cabins for staying overnight? Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, there are a number of cabins along the trail. You may find them on the section no 1, 15 and 23. You canʾt make a reservation. You need to share with others if itʾs already taken. Read more about the different standards of the cabins in Naturkartan.
Biking and horseback riding on the trail
Can I bike the Uppland Trail?
Biking in forests is included in the The Right of Public Access, as long as you do it with care:
donʾt destroy and donʾt disturb. But remember, The Uppland Trail is designed for hiking and Upplandsstiftelsen has signed an agreement with the landowners that allows the public to hike. Consequently, biking is not recommended on the trail.
Can I go horseback riding on the trail?
Horseback riding in forests is included in the The Right of Public Access, as long as you do it with care: donʾt destroy and donʾt disturb. But remember, The Uppland Trail is designed for hiking and Upplandsstiftelsen has signed an agreement with the landowners that allows the public to hike. Consequently, horseback riding is not recommended on the trail.
What is The Right of Public Access?
The Right of Public Access gives everybody the freedom to roam the Swedish countryside. In short, donʾt destroy, donʾt distrurb or to put it differently: take only pictures, leave only footprints.
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Who manages The Uppland Trail?
Upplandsstiftelsen is the head of the Uppland Trail. The local authorities do the actual managing job along the trail, i.e. collect garbage, distribute fire wood and do clearing work.
If I have questions, who do I contact?
Anders Olander answers the questions you may have. Phone: 018-611 60 70
e-mail: anders.olander@upplandsstiftelsen.se