Different Levels of Hiking Difficulty
The difficulty level is a combined assessment of the trail’s elevation changes and the nature of the path. The most challenging section determines how the trail, or segment, is classified. Hiking Värmland trails have the following difficulty levels.
Difficulty Levels
Easy
The trail runs on ground that is flat or has a slight slope. The trail surface is smooth, without steps or rocky sections. The hiking trail is at least one meter wide.
Moderate
Good accessibility. The whole or parts of the trip are on natural trails. Elevation changes that are manageable for someone with normal fitness.
Difficult
Limited accessibility due to steep passages and significant elevation changes that require good fitness.
Advanced
Limited accessibility due to steep passages and significant elevation changes that require good fitness. Good outdoor experience is required as the trail runs through undeveloped areas. Hikers must have the right equipment and carry everything needed during the hike.
Knowledge Enhances Safety
Most Hiking Värmland trails are in forested areas, often far from any buildings. Some trails you can hike without passing a single inhabited house. The forests and hills of Värmland are gently rolling compared to, for example, the Alps. Here, you don’t have to worry about high altitudes or dramatic weather changes.
Here are some tips to prevent accidents and ensure you have only pleasant hiking experiences in Värmland.
Plan Your Hike
- Check the weather forecast for the day.
- Choose your hike according to the weather. It’s an experience to hike even in the rain, but it can be more challenging and slippery on roots and wooden planks.
- Ensure you have good rain gear and choose a rest area with a roof.
Take Your Time
Expect to hike 2.5 – 3 km per hour. The speed depends on the trail’s difficulty, how hilly the terrain is, the path’s surface, and your fitness. In Sweden, it’s unusual to describe hiking in terms of time, so be a bit skeptical about various time indications and allow a good margin.
Keep in mind that hiking on a nature trail is more strenuous than walking on smooth walkways, so do not overestimate your fitness, allow yourself to take breaks if you feel tired, and drink plenty of water. It’s always safer to hike in a group, and if you hike alone, leave a travel message where you stay and make sure to notify when you are back.
Always Bring a Map and Compass
A Hiking Värmland trail has clear markings, and bridges and planks are well maintained. Normally, you should not need to use either a map or compass but we recommend carrying them as a safety measure during your hike. GPS is popular to use, but do not rely solely on your GPS equipment since mobile phone coverage can be lacking in nature.
If you get injured, lost, or caught by darkness, it’s important to stay warm and dry. Your body can cool down quickly, even if it’s not below freezing. Always bring rain gear and extra warm clothes.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms occur during the summer. Every year, someone in Sweden dies after being struck by lightning, and a few more are injured. However, personal injuries are rare, especially in an international comparison. Thunderstorms are more common the closer you are to the equator.
The Swedish Electrical Safety Authority offers the following advice to those who are outdoors during a thunderstorm. Lightning usually strikes the tallest object in the vicinity. Therefore, stay away from all tall structures (masts, poles, towers). A safe distance is roughly the height of the structure. Avoid the boundary area between forest and open places. Do not stand near or under single trees or small groves. A safe distance is roughly the height of the tree or at least a few meters from the longest branches.
- Go into the woods. Do not stand near buildings or cars that you cannot use as shelter.
- Avoid metal fences and other constructions.
- Stay away from hilltops, beaches, ditches, and other wet places.
- You should not wade or swim.
- Do not hold onto metallic or other conductive objects such as golf clubs and fishing rods.
Call for Help if an Accident Occurs
Call SOS Alarm: 112
This emergency number is used to alert ambulance, police, and fire services.
There is not mobile coverage everywhere in Värmland, although the situation has improved in recent years. Sometimes you may need to walk a few hundred meters to get mobile coverage, but sometimes you may need to walk further. Make sure you always have charged batteries left so you can alert in an emergency.
- Your name and how many are injured.
- Describe where the injured are located. Name the hiking trail. Indicate in km or time how far you have gone from the starting point or any other easily identifiable place for the rescue services to find.
- Describe the injuries you assess the injured have.