Höga Kustenleden, Day 1

After finishing the Lapplandsleden in Klimpfjäll on August 7, I took two buses to get to Umeå because heavy rainstorms were approaching. I had been here before and knew that better accommodation was available than in Klimpfjäll or the areas in between.

I spent two nights at the YMCA, figuring out what to do next. Another stretch I wanted to hike in Lappland was forecasted to be drenched in rain for the next 10 days.

I then realized that the Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail) starts just a one-hour train ride from Umeå. The weather seemed promising, so I booked the train to start on Friday, August 9.

On Friday I have breakfast at 6 AM at the hostel and catch the train at 6:35. I start walking from Örnsköldsvik around 8 AM. Despite a heavy rain shower in the morning in Umeå, the day turns sunny and pleasant. I enjoy the undulating walk.

After about 6 hours and 45 minutes and almost 24 kilometers of walking, including a 4-kilometer detour due to a closed bridge at one point, I stopp. The walk has been beautiful and peaceful. The water seen in the pictures is actually sea water.

I set up my tent in an area full of big red ants. I hope they won’t bother me too much.