The Kroppefjäll Trail – Hiking in a breathtaking wilderness area

The 54 kilometre long Kroppefjäll Trail is must for anyone looking for real adventure in deep green forests. Here you can walk undisturbed at your own pace without meeting another soul for several hours.

Along the trail you’ll pass many beautiful and historic places, little fairy-tale tarns and stunning vantage points. Leading off the trail are links to shorter walks you can do in a day.

10 places to see along the Kroppefjäll Trail

1. One of West Sweden’s largest wilderness areas

The huge Kroppefjäll natural area is one of West Sweden’s largest wilderness areas, filled with beautiful landscapes including pine heathlands, lakes and a rift valley.  Kroppefjäll is a plateau mountain hence its local name “Slättfjället”, meaning “The Flat Fell”.

If you do the whole Kroppefjäll Trail you’ll pass no fewer than twelve different nature reserves, each with their own specific habitats. There is, for instance, a unique enclave of rare ferns in Svarvaretorpet and the Mörttjärn nature reserve.

2. Bore kulle – Bore’s hill

The myths and tales surrounding Bore kulle (or Borekulle as many call it) are probably as tall as the cliffs surrounding the hill. Some of the legends speak of giants and hidden underground passages.

Maybe Bore the giant lived in a cave deep in the mountain, or maybe there was once an underground tunnel between Bore’s hill and a mountain in Dalskog. Who knows?

What historians think they know is that this peak was probably a gathering place for the local population during times of unrest in the Iron Age. In other words, Bore’s hill was probably a form of hill fort, a place to go to defend yourself.

If you make the effort to climb to the top you’ll be rewarded by an unbroken view of the Dalbo plain and Lake Vänern in the distance.

3. Karl XII:s Way

Crossing Kroppefjäll is a trail which was named Karl XII:s Way, because it is probably the route King Karl XII and his Caroleans took on their way to Fredriksten Fortress in Norway in 1718. For many years the trail was completely overgrown but after it was discovered again in the early 1960s work was undertaken to clear and restore it.

Karl XII:s Way starts in Dals Rostock and follows the same route as the Kroppefjäll Trail all the way to the Karolinerstugan hut. From there it continues down to Järbo Church, while the Kroppefjäll Trail turns off to the south.

4. Several lovely shelters

What would a classic hiking trail through forest and countryside be without its rest stops? Along the Kroppefjäll Trail there are many scenic places to rest your legs, light a cosy fire or even make camp for the night. You could for example stay overnight in the shelter at Stora Husemadtjärnet or the one by Lake Svingsjön.

5. Karolinerstugan

You can stop for a well-earned breather at the Karolinerstugan cottage which is free for all to use. There’s a compost toilet and you can stay in the cottage overnight if you want. Guests are welcome to light fires in the stove but don’t forget to chop wood and fill the woodstore with the same amount you’ve used. There’s a lovely barbecue area by Hästskotjärnen tarn down from the cottage. Remember to clean the cottage after you’ve stayed there and take all rubbish away with you.

Have a look in the cottage guest book to see what other hikers say about Kroppefjäll and naturally it’d be lovely if you added a line or two yourselves.

6. Nature reserve on the slopes of Lake Ragnerud, with magnificent views

We won’t lie, it’s a slog getting up the tricky steep slope by Lake Ragnerud – a climb of around 100 metres – but believe us, it will be worth every drop of sweat. From the top of the nature reserve you’ll get an incredibly beautiful view of the lake and the forests surrounding it.

The area is known for its rich flora and lovely contrasts between mossy coniferous and leafy deciduous forests. You’ll find stately oaks, and common wild flowers like blue wood anemone, lily of the valley and lesser butterfly orchid, as well as rarer species such as black pea, broad leaved violet, baneberry, wood millet and herb Paris.

7. The primeval forest east of Lilla Amboln

What strikes you when you go hiking on Kroppefjäll is how untouched nature is. Here forests have been left to themselves since time immemorial. If you want to experience an ancient forest at its most magnificent then all you need to do is take a short detour off the trail to Lake Lilla Amboln

The area east of the lake is considered by many to be one of the most peaceful spots on the whole of Kroppefjäll.

8. Ragnerud Hiking Destination

It’s not exactly bristling with luxury hotels along the Kroppefjäll Trail - it is, after all, a wilderness trail. But there are some places to stay where you don’t need to bring your own tent or sleep in a mountain shelter.

Ragnerud Hiking Destination is one of those. This cosy family campsite is in a scenic location by Lake Ragnerud and offers cottage accommodation for hikers. There’s also a little shop and a restaurant, as well as a sauna, mini golf, fishing and kayak, canoe and SUP hire. Hiking packages can be booked and you can also rent hiking equipment. 

9. Kroppefjäll Bed & Breakfast

Kroppefjäll B&B is a perfect place to start your hike from. It’s right at the north end of the Kroppefjäll Trail so if you book a night here you’ll be ready to start walking first thing in the morning, after breakfast of course. Kroppefjäll B&B also offer ready made hiking packages. There’s a sauna and a lovely lake to swim in and four legged friends are welcome stay the night here too.

 10. Doctor Saedéns circular

Right next to Kroppefjäll B&B is a charming little path just under 3 kilometres long, with a rather fascinating history. In the beginning of the 20th century Kroppefjäll Sanatorium was built, close to Lake Mörtetjärn. The aim was to create a home for rest and recuperation for people suffering from tuberculosis. It was a carefully chosen spot given the peace and quiet and fresh air.  

Sanatorium doctor Carl Saedén laid what is today called Doktor Saedén’s circular, a trail through the woods so that patients could get out and take the air. Along the way there were various pieces of art to look at and a couple of lovely viewpoints as well. It’s still a lovely path to walk today and the artworks remain for walkers to enjoy.