Just a short bus or car journey from Stockholm, Tyresta national park serves up miles of running and hiking trails, set amidst stunning forest scenery, small sparkling lakes and smooth rocky outcrops. Fornborgslingan loop, Tyresta National Park It passes through sublime mountain scenery and birch forests, and has enough steep sections to make for a tough but manageable challenge for seasoned runners. The Björnen Triangeln (Bear Triangle) is a favorite with local running influencers. Running trails in Sweden circle city lakes and cross wild empty landscapes © Johner Images / Getty Images The Bear Triangle, Åreīest known amongst tourists for its ski slopes, the Åre region in northern Sweden offers ample trail running opportunities, especially once the snow has melted. Experienced long-distance runners will enjoy combining Skuleberget with a stretch of the 130km (80-mile) High Coast Trail, which runs north and south of the mountain. However you get to the top, the panoramic sea views are well worth the slog. There are three marked paths to get to the top – the Södra Bergstigen (southern path), and Östra Bergstigen (eastern path) are both 5km (3 miles) out and back, while the Grottstigen (cave path) is a very steep 2km (1.2-mile) alternative. This is the high point of the world’s highest coastline, perched at 286m (938ft) above sea level. If you like your trail runs short but very steep, try tackling Skuleberget mountain near the village of Docksta in central Sweden.

You can cut the route short by looping back to Mölle via Hjorthagen or make it longer by continuing along the next section of the SL5 route. This trail is section three of the longer SL5 Öresund trail and part of a 1300km (807-mile) network of marked trails in the region known as Skåneleden. From here you run towards the round 19th-century turret of Kullen lighthouse through the Kullaberg Nature Reserve before continuing along the peninsular to Arild, a medieval fishing village. Clifftop views are the highlight of this physically demanding but clearly signposted trail starting at the seaside village of Mölle in southern Sweden.

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