”What can I say? It’s called Insane for a reason.”
”This is quite a crazy challenge – both mentally and physically.”
”You can see it as a slightly longer outdoor day in truly stunning nature.”
HIGH COAST WINTER TRAIL
INSANE 50k
Welcome to Sweden
February 14th - 2026
Check-In
Fri: 16:00 – 20:00
Sat: 07:00 – 07:15
Race Brief
FriluftsByn
Friday 20:00
Start
Bus: 07:30
Start: 08:00
Time:
Maximum time:
12 hours
Finish:
Finishline: FriluftsByn
After-Trail 16:00 – 22.00
The High Coast Winter Trail – Insane 50k is the ultimate test of endurance and spirit – a raw, beautiful, and unforgiving adventure through the dramatic landscapes of Sweden’s High Coast World Heritage Site.
Building on the Extreme 35k route, the Insane takes things even further by adding the stunning coastal trail through Skuleskogen National Park – a 14-kilometer stretch that winds between frozen cliffs, sea ice, and snow-covered shoreline. It’s here that the High Coast reveals its wildest side, where every step is both a struggle and a privilege.
This is a challenge for those who seek more than a race – who want to experience the High Coast in its purest winter form, where the silence, the cold, and the vastness become part of the journey.
With up to 12 hours to complete the course, you’ll push beyond comfort, through snow and sea air, guided by the beam of your headlamp as night falls – toward a finish that few ever reach, and none ever forget.
REGISTRATION »
RULES »
PARTICIPANT PM »
Run when you can, hike when you need to – and don’t forget to look up and take in the incredible views. It might just be the wildest race you’ll ever join – and one of the most beautiful and challenging winter adventures in Europe.
NATURE
Insane 50k offers you a complete experience of the World Heritage High Coast.
THE COMMUNITY
Each year, participation in the Insane 50k has increased. Expect around a hundred other crazies.
THE HANGOUT & EXCITMENT
FFriday is for some relaxed hanging out, and if someone has completed the Insane 50k, we make sure to share some tips.
Pre-evening >>
AFTER TRAIL
When you’ve completed something absolutely crazy, you should celebrate together. And that’s exactly what we’re doing!
After-Trail >>
”The Insane 50k isn’t just a race – it’s a full-on winter adventure through some of Europe’s most breathtaking and challenging terrain. Beautiful, brutal, and absolutely unforgettable”
Jerry Engström, FriluftsByn
INSANE 50k
The High Coast Winter Trail – Insane 50k is the wildest and most demanding challenge of them all – an extraordinary journey through the raw winter beauty of the High Coast World Heritage Site.
Buses depart from FriluftsByn to the starting point along the E4 highway, where your adventure begins. From there, you’ll traverse the absolute highlights of the World Heritage landscape – frozen forests, rugged coastline, and sweeping mountain views. At times, you’ll find yourself completely alone in this vast, snow-covered wilderness – a place that tests both body and mind.
Longer, harder, and more awe-inspiring than anything else – this is one of Europe’s toughest winter trail-running adventures.
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FIVE STAGES
High Coast Winter Trail 25k consists of five stages: the three classic ones, plus the Mountain loop and the Coastal loop.
Stage 1: West to South 13k
Stage 2: Coastal Route 14k
Stage 3: South Entrance – Norrfjärden 10k
Stage 4: Skuleberget 8k
Stage 5: Herrestaberget 5k
Not your day? That´s OK!
And if, at any point, you feel that this is truly insane and it’s just not your day – that’s OK.
You can skip the coastal section and switch to one of the shorter routes, finishing as a Classic 25k, Classic XL 30k, or Extreme 35k runner.
Every finish line tells a story. However yours ends, you’ve done something extraordinary.
CUT-LINES
For your safety and to ensure that everyone returns to FriluftsByn on time, there are three cut-lines. These times are quite generous, and we have not yet had to pull anyone off the course.
14:00: Entré Syd (27k).
After the first 13 km, runners reach the South Entrance before setting out on the Coastal Route. To continue the race, all participants must return to the South Entrance a second time — at approximately 27 km — no later than 14:00.
Anyone arriving after this time will be transported back to FriluftsByn and will not complete the race.
16:00: Norrfjärden (37k)
To ensure everyone’s safety, participants who haven’t reached the Norrfjärden energy station (37 km) within 8 hours will be transported back to FriluftsByn upon arrival and will not continue the race.
18:00: FriluftsByn (45k)
Participants who haven’t reached this point within 10 hours will be guided directly to the finish line and registered as Classic XL 30k finishers. You’ve still completed one of Sweden’s most iconic winter trail routes — an incredible achievement worthy of celebration at the finish line.
START
The Insane 50k begins about 2.5 kilometers before the West Entrance of Skuleskogen National Park. The first stretch follows a cleared forest road, giving everyone the chance to find their rhythm and position before the surface turns to trail and the real adventure begins – entering the snow-covered wilderness of Skuleskogen National Park through the West Entrance.
Stage 1:
WEST TO SOUTH: 10k
The opening stage takes you deep into Skuleskogen National Park – often described as one of Sweden’s most breathtaking natural treasures. Entering through the West Entrance, the trail climbs gradually over Stampberget and Slåttdalsberget, rewarding your effort with sweeping views of snow-covered forests and the frozen coastline of the High Coast World Heritage Site.
If you have the energy, make the short 80-meter detour to the famous Slåttdalsskrevan canyon – a spectacular natural rift carved by ice and time.
The stage finishes at the South Entrance energy station, where warmth, encouragement, and new strength await before continuing your winter adventure.
Stage 2:
COSTAL LOOP 14k
The Coastal Loop is exclusive to Insane 50k participants and takes you deep into the wild beauty of Skuleskogen National Park’s shoreline. The trail begins gently, following the frozen coastline toward Tärnättholmarna, with sweeping sea views and crisp winter air filling your lungs.
After the coastal stretch, the route turns inland and climbs toward the heart of the National Park, where dramatic cliffs and snowy ridgelines offer incredible panoramas across land and sea. From there, the trail winds back toward the shoreline — a breathtaking descent where the ocean unfolds before you — leading you toward the South Entrance and the continuation of your Insane adventure.
Stage 3:
SOUTH ENTRANCE TO NORRFJÄRDEN: 10k
From the South Entrance of Skuleskogen, the route begins along a calm stretch of forest road before leading you deeper into the snow-covered wilderness. The silence settles in, broken only by the crunch of footsteps and the rhythm of your breath – this is where the adventure truly begins.
The trail gradually climbs toward Getsvedjeberget, where the trees give way to wide-open views over the High Coast World Heritage landscape – endless forests, frozen inlets, and the shimmering line of the sea far below.
A smooth, scenic descent then carries you down toward Norrfjärden, where the energy station at Höga Kusten Kajakcenter awaits with warmth, encouragement, and the strength you’ll need for what lies ahead.
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Stage 4:
SKULEBERGET: 8k
After reaching Norrfjärden, the trail continues toward one of the true icons of the High Coast – the towering Skuleberget. Rising 295 meters above the frozen landscape, it stands as both a physical and mental milestone in your Insane 50k journey.
The northern route winds steadily upward, and with every step the horizon expands – revealing sweeping views of snow-covered forests, icy bays, and the vast expanse of the World Heritage coastline below. It’s the kind of beauty that reminds you why you came here.
From the summit, the High Coast Trail flows down toward FriluftsByn, where cheers and warmth fill the air. For many, this is the finish line – but for you, as an Insane runner, one final challenge still awaits.
Stage 5:
HERRESTABERGET: 5k
From FriluftsByn, the trail crosses the frozen surface of Lake Gällstasjön and leads you toward the final climb of your Insane 50k journey – the Herrestaberget Nature Reserve. Entering through the North Entrance, the ascent begins steep and steady, winding through silent forest and glistening snowfields.
At the summit, you’ll reach the iconic “Church View”, one of the most beloved lookout points of the High Coast. From here, you can see FriluftsByn and the finish line glimmering across the frozen lake – close enough to feel, yet still a mountain away.
The trail then descends and exits the reserve through the South Entrance. From there, it’s just the final stretch across the ice – a few last strides that carry you toward the cheers, the warmth, and the finish of the High Coast Winter Trail Insane 50k.
FINISH LINE
The sound of cowbells grows louder with every step, echoing through the frozen night. Then, suddenly, they’re joined by the shouts and raw screams of finishers who’ve just conquered the impossible. By now, darkness surrounds you — only the beam of your headlamp cutting through the cold as you take those final strides toward the light and the finish line.
You’ve just completed one of the toughest winter challenges in trail running — the High Coast Winter Trail Insane 50k. It was wild, it was brutal… and you did it. Now, a hot shower and the warmth of the After-Trail celebration await — where every story shared glows a little brighter against the cold.
MOVIE TIME!
High Coast Winter Trail Insane 50k – What can we look forward to? Let’s have a chat with Joel Backa, ambassador for Icebug.
WHAT DO PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS SAY?
High Coast Winter Trail – Insane 50k is a serious challenge in a truly tough terrain. But it’s doable, and since 2017, 197 men and 40 women have conquered the challenge. Here’s what those who’ve ventured out on the Insane 50k have to say:
MORE PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCES »
It was a privilege to run your unique and beautiful race in Skuleskogen National Park. I ended up with very sore thighs and incredibly beautiful experiences. When I reached the last mountain peak, I felt so relieved that tears came to my eyes. It was one of the most amazing sports experiences I’ve ever had. We will be back and bring friends with us!
/ Jan-Erik Richnau – 50k
Yesterday, I found myself wondering at certain moments, ”Why am I doing this?” and thinking, ”Will it never end?” Today, I’m already looking forward to next year.
/ Pee Ksson
Thanks for an awesome race! I’ve just gotten rid of all the ice from my beard. See you next year!
Martin Olsson – 50k
HIGH COAST WINTER TRAIL
INSANE 50k
The High Coast Winter Trail – Insane 50k is the ultimate winter challenge through Sweden’s High Coast World Heritage Site – a race that captures what it truly means to take on nature at its rawest and most beautiful.
Starting from the West Entrance, you’ll journey through Skuleskogen National Park, follow the rugged coastal trail, climb Getsvedjeberget and Skuleberget, and take on the final ascent of Herrestaberget before crossing the frozen lake to the finish. With up to 12 hours to complete the course, you’ll need endurance, determination, and respect for the elements – but also the awareness to absorb the vast silence, the shifting light, and the power of the northern winter.
And if, at any point, you feel that this is truly insane and it’s just not your day – that’s OK. You can skip the coastal section and switch to one of the shorter routes, finishing as a Classic 25k, Classic XL 30k, or Extreme 35k runner.
But if you keep going – all the way – you’ll complete what many call one of Europe’s toughest winter trail-running adventures.
Every year, only around 50–75 runners take on this challenge.
Are you one of them?
ONE WORLD HERITAGE SITE
FIVE EXPERIENCES
The High Coast Winter Trail features five unique distances, each offering a different way to experience Sweden’s stunning High Coast. Twin Peaks 13k and Three Peaks 17k start right from FriluftsByn, while Classic 25k/30k, Extreme 35k, and Insane 50k begin with a bus ride from FriluftsByn to their scenic starting points.
All routes finish back at FriluftsByn, where the celebration begins. Click on each distance to discover more.
TWIN PEAKS 13k »
Come and experience the breathtaking views of the World Heritage Site. You have 7 hours to make your way up both Getsvedjeberget and Skuleberget – you’ve got this!
THREE PEAKS 17k »
Experience the legendary High Coast Three Peaks – Herrestaberget, Getsvedjeberget, and Skuleberget. A true winter adventure with time to enjoy every view.
CLASSIC 25k/30k »
The signature distance of the High Coast Winter Trail. Choose between the Classic 25k or Classic XL 30k and experience up to 10 hours of breathtaking scenery, Nordic winter magic, and shared adventure.
EXTREME 35k »
For those seeking a extreme winter challenge. Follow the Classic XL 30k trail before adding another mountain and stunning views of Sweden’s High Coast. Brutal, breathtaking – and absolutely unforgettable.
INSANE 50k »
The wildest distance – beautiful, brutal, and unforgettable. A winter journey through the dramatic landscapes of Sweden’s High Coast that tests both body and mind.
YOUR GUIDE TO
THE HIGH COAST WINTER TRAIL
Here we’ve gathered tips and things worth knowing before you arrive for the highlight of the winter.
PREPARATIONS »
Equipment tips, travel, and accommodation.
PARTICIPANT PM »
The details you should keep an eye on.
PRE-EVENING »
We meet for a relaxed hangout, tips, and motivation.
AFTER-TRAIL »
Together, we celebrate our achievements.
AUDIENCE »
Friends and family are in for an adventure too!
THE HIGH COAST »
Experience more of the High Coast of Sweden