Kustlinjen connects Öregrund in Uppland with Västervik in Småland through a broad sweep of Sweden’s eastern coastal landscapes. Developed by Svenska Cykelsällskapet, the route offers a long-distance journey with choices to explore archipelago branches or ride a shorter section.
A route through the archipelagos
Svenska Cykelsällskapet’s route description gives the main Öregrund–Stockholm–Västervik itinerary as 565 km. Sweden by Bike describes a journey encompassing the archipelagos of Roslagen, Stockholm, Sörmland, Arkösund, St Anna, Gryt and Tjust. Several possible starting and finishing points make it possible to focus on one part of the coast.
The route does not simply trace the water’s edge. A 2024 study published by Region Östergötland describes an inland main corridor through that county, passing Norrköping and Valdemarsvik, with excursions towards Arkösund, Tyrislöt and Gryt. North of Östergötland, the study identifies Nyköping, Stockholm and Norrtälje along the route.
Branches and boat connections
The Swedish Cycling Society also describes supplementary routes into the archipelago and onto islands. Its account of the project records additions made in the 1990s, including Nyköping–Nävekvarn–Kvarsebo–Kolmården and Åkersberga–Kårsta. These give an idea of the choices beyond the main north–south journey.
Cycling and boat travel can be combined in the archipelago, but arrangements need separate planning. The original KustLinjen boat service ceased in 1991; the cycling route does not depend on that service. The regional study notes summer ferry services to archipelago destinations, so check current operators and timetables for the particular crossing you intend to use.
Road conditions and navigation
Sweden by Bike describes a mixture of asphalt and gravel, with some sections alongside busy roads. South of Grisslehamn it suggests Gamla Grisslehamnsvägen, which includes gravel, or a road on the eastern side of Väddö as alternatives to road 283. It also warns that the road between Norrtälje and Furusund is narrow and can carry heavy traffic in the summer peak season.
For the area between Grimsta and Oaxen, Sweden by Bike relays Nynäshamn Tourist Office’s recommendation to travel via Mörkö and the Skanssundet road ferry. Check the crossing before relying on it. More generally, select a section that suits your comfort with traffic and check local conditions before setting out.
Planning with an older route
Svenska Cykelsällskapet created Kustlinjen in 1990 and lists it among its regional routes. Its historical description refers to red signs, while the 2024 Östergötland study says the condition of the signs and responsibility for their maintenance were uncertain. Carry a current means of navigation and do not assume every sign will be present.
The same study found that the Östergötland alignment did not meet the traffic-safety criteria for a national or regional cycle route. It identified particularly problematic stretches towards Gryt and Tyrislöt and on Vikbolandet. Review the roads for your chosen section, especially if travelling with riders who prefer quieter conditions.