This cycling route has undergone a special certification by the Swedish Transport Agency, which certifies that the path is of high quality, has clear signage and is safe for traffic. There is also a wide range of experiences and services along the trail.

Surface
Asphalt and Gravel
Traffic
Low traffic road
Elevation Profile
4057 m ascent, 4102 m descent.
Signage
Red "4 Union Way" signs
Level
Intermediate

Plan your ride

Plan Unionsleden

Cycling holidays in the area

Ready-made cycling holidays close to the route or elsewhere in the area.

Ride on your own

Become a member to use the route with your phone. You can use the app, or open the GPX file in another map app or GPS device.

The Union Trail is a 350 km long cycle path that stretches from Karlstad in Sweden to Moss in Norway. Here you cycle through a constantly changing landscape, from small villages and open cultural landscapes to winding gravel roads through forests and along vast lakes. One moment you're following a quiet shoreline, the next you're cycling through pastures where cows and sheep graze.

You'll pass canals, locks, rivers and lakes, and along the way you may be lucky enough to see moose, deer, cranes, hares and other wildlife. The cycling is mostly on quiet, low-traffic roads, although some sections follow major roads. Stage 7 is not recommended for children due to more traffic on this section.

A hybrid or gravel bike is the best choice. Some sections have looser gravel and some elevation gain, making the trail best suited for those who are used to slightly longer bike rides.

Useful to know: Many cafés and accommodation along the trail are open seasonally, mainly during the summer. Check opening hours and book accommodation in advance, as distances between hotels can be long. The trail can be cycled in both directions, if you want to start in Norway, more information and digital maps are available at Norway by Bike.

Use the app on your ride

The app is a practical way to use Sweden by Bike on your phone, including routes, favorites and selected membership features.

Elevation (m)
A cycling game inspired by this route

Take a spin in BikeFree

Get a taste of the route in a short, playful cycling game. Follow the bends, take on the hills and discover places along the way.

Start the game

Tips and experiences

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Transportation and Travel Options

Bus transportation
You can travel with your bike back to the starting point - or travel part of the way by bus along the Union Trail. Dalslands Buss runs a summer route with a bicycle trolley in 2026. More information can be found here.

Journey to the Union Way
You can take your bike on Öresundståget (Malmö-Gothenburg), TÅGAB (Göteborg-Karlstad-Stockholm), Vy Tåg (Oslo-Mysen) or on Värmlandstrafik's bus (Karlstad-Årjäng). Read more about cycling rules, route maps and booking via each transport company.

Car parking in Norway
You can park your car in these places: Moss (at FSKE Parkering, Sjøbade, Sjøgata 11), Indre Østfold (at the sports halls in Spydeberg, Askim and Mysen) and in Ørje (behind Storgata 55 and below the church).

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