For hiking in the Piteå area, you don’t need to travel deep into the high mountains to experience the quiet beauty of northern wilderness. The region along the Gulf of Bothnia offers a peaceful mix of coastal pine forests, rolling hills, scenic nature reserves, and archipelago views. It provides accessible, well-marked trails that are ideal for families, casual walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend a few hours or a full day in nature.
Local Highlights: Eliasleden & Jävre
Located just a short drive from central Piteå, the local area features several well-maintained trail networks suitable for different fitness levels:
- Eliasleden (Svensbyn): Situated about 15 minutes west of Piteå, this popular trail network offers loops ranging from short walks to a full 26 km. It leads you through lush forests, past historic caves, and up to scenic viewpoints over the surrounding landscape.
- Jävre Hills & Coastal Trails: Located about 20 minutes south of central Piteå, the trails around Jävre take you through ancient pine forests and up rocky hills like Högberget. Here you can discover Bronze Age cairns and enjoy sweeping views of the archipelago.
Family & Picnic Friendly
Most trailheads feature excellent facilities, including resting huts (stugor), boardwalks over wetlands, and prepared grill sites stocked with firewood,perfect for an authentic Swedish outdoor break.
Looking for Bigger Wilderness & Dramatic Scenery Nearby?
If you are looking for larger waterfalls, vast old-growth forests, or more rugged terrain, you can easily make a day trip from Piteå to some of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks:
- Storforsen Nature Reserve (Älvsbyn): About a 1-hour drive. Home to Europe’s largest untamed rapid, offering accessible boardwalks, roaring water views, and beautiful forest trails surrounding the river.
- Vittjåkk-Akkanålke Nature Reserve (Arvidsjaur): About a 1.5-hour drive. A expansive wilderness area featuring old-growth mountain forests, quiet lakes, and higher elevation hikes with panoramic views.
Hiking with Direct North
At Direct North, we love helping you explore the summer and autumn nature of Swedish Lapland! Whether you join us on our active hike, mulitple day hike or husky hiking tours, we are here to make your adventure seamless. We can assist with comfortable transfers from Piteå, guide you to the best trailheads, or provide a delicious local lunch to enjoy over an open fire along the trail
Book this activity
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Storforsen Waterfall Tour
Guided tour to the roaring rapids
Highlights
- ~6 hours
- 2-4 pers.
- Thursdays
Explore the frozen Storforsen nature reserve. Enjoy comfortable transport, local wildlife insights, and a traditional Swedish lunch cooked outdoors.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 2 500 kr
- Children Age8-12 years
- 1 250 kr
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Highlights
- From 17000 SEK
- Jun-Aug
- 1 travel party
- Active holiday
- Meals included
View holiday packagePrices
- Adults
- 17 000 kr
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Husky hike
Enjoying nature together
Highlights
- ~2 hours
- 2-7 persons
Explore the woods with a husky by your side. Learn about huskies and enjoy the beautiful Swedish forest.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 990 kr
- Children 4-12 years
- 445 kr
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Highlights
- 3 hours
- Family friendly
- June-Aug
- 1850 SEK
Follow along into nature on a day hike including outdoor lunch in Piteå. Spend time outside and discover what nature has to offer.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 850 kr
- Children (4-12 years)
- 900 kr
