One of the things many of us love about living in Sweden and something many visitors comment on is the amount of walking we do here. Using public transport generally requires more walking than the few steps we might otherwise take on the way out to the car. Not only does it become a regular part of the day but no matter where you are walking tends to be a pleasurable experience. Pedestrians are given high priority both in terms of safety, accessibility and scenery and you will find walking tracks all over the place.

Safety
However that does not mean it is completely safe, many accidents occur involving pedestrians, particularly at crossings. While Pedestrians have right of way at all crossings (except where you have to wait for a green light) it is important to be observant and make no assumptions. And don’t just look for cars, bikes are as if not more dangerous as they often forget they have to adhere to the road rules.  It is also good to know that pathways are often shared with cyclists. Vägverket provide an overview of the roadrules for pedestrians.

Roadrules
The other safety aspect to take in to consideration is walking through wooded areas. It has always amazed me how many wooded areas there are and how the Swedish women seem to be a lot more comfortable walking through them at night than I have ever felt. Well in recent times there has been an increase in incidents happening along these picturesque pathways and while Sweden might be a lot safer than a lot of other places, caution is advisable at all times.

Recreational Walking
There is a lot of literature available with suggested routes, including a Stockholm guide to buggy or stroller routes (in Swedish).
Walking suggestions around greater Stockholm including things to see along the way (Swedish), All These Walks.

A walking organization in Stockholm (Swedish) Walking Tips.
A Göteborg based blog with tips (Swedish) 70 Walks In Göteborg.

There are also a number of paths called Hälsans Stig (Swedish) roughly translated as Health Walks. There are 80 tracks placed around the country, all in attractive areas. They tend to be between 4-12km long, are well signposted and maps of the route are available. The idea comes from the Irish Heart Foundation and the tracks are the work of joint cooperation between the Swedish Heart Foundation and the local municipalities.

Long Distance Paths
As with cycle paths there are also walking tracks around the country. They are also well signposted and each municipality has information about the local paths. Nationwide information on hiking tracks is available Swedish Boot Sector.
It is a fantastic way to see the countryside and the routes around the Swedish highlands are highly recommended in the summer.

Some direct links
Sörmlandsleden
Skåneleden
Bergslagsleden
North Sea Trail