Fellow hikers – I’m happy so many of you show interest in hiking The Via Suecia. Thank you! Due to the tragic event in 2025 when a winter hiker died (using a private company and paying a costly fee just to hike), it is importante to stress that you hike The Via Suecia at your own risk. While I am only a call away for support, ther’s little I can do to prevent or help if something should happen.
Although I have personally, on several occasions, used the bridges, huts and shelters along the trail, there is no guarantee that they actually are safe to use. Use your own sense and experience and let safety allways come first.
Allthough there is no obligation to use a personal detection device/satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, i. e.), it could be wise of you, especially for your friends and relatives, to carry one.
The false feeling of security
Paying a private company money just to hike alone in Sweden may give a hiker a false sense of security. They are not monitoring you meaning you are on your own.
Carbon monoxide detector
During the winter 2024/25, there has been several fatalities connected to hiking and carbon monoxide poisoning. Even very experienced hikers has been killed while using their equipment in a tent, a hut or a closed shelter. The solution is a carbon monoxide detector or CO detector – a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide gas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
There are several brands on the market, and YouTube has a ton of info how to use one.
