This stage requires strong legs and/or plain wanderlust. For almost 20 km you will encounter high plateaus and deep valleys. The differences in altitude are due to a geological collision: here, the inland gneiss bedrock meets the significantly harder granite of the coastland.

The first section of this stage follows the Norwegian border. Close to the northern tip of lake Ejgdesjön, the Norwegian Olavsleden Trail and the Kuststigen Trail connect and take off around the lakes Krokvattnet and Ekelidvattnet. Soon you will enter the remarkable wilderness area Tolvmanstegen with grand views over the northern parts of Bohuslän – and the sea to the west.

Snarsmon, on the Ejgdefjäll mountain, was a settlement for travellers. The settlement was called Tattarbyn or Tattarstan (Vagrants’ Village).

It is said that around 30 families lived here from the mid-19th century until the 1920’s. The settlement is only 350 metres from one of the border crossings. This was a route used by travellers arriving at Snarsmon from Norway.

The families lived by trading in horses, different crafts and seasonal work in Norwegian industries.

At Snarsmon, 3–4 house foundations are clearly visible and more are hidden in the ground. More than 10 houses are discernible in the area. There are also traces of at least one well and possibly a smithy. The foundations are not typical for travellers. A significant number of poor people in Sweden lived in similar houses.

You will find boards with more detailed information about the history of this site.

Here you can choose to follow the Kuststigen Trail going south towards the coast to Tanumstrand by the North Sea.

Tolvmanstegen, west of the Vammsjö lakes, is an almost treeless, flat rock landscape. Lichen-clad rocks contrast with the swampy ground in the depressions. A few, sparse, areas of flat rock pine forest give a feeling of true wilderness. You will reach the highest point of this stage, 188 metres above sea level. In fine weather, you will have exceptional views over large parts of northern Bohuslän – with the archipelago and sea to the west.

Following the road from Vammen, the trail turns to the west towards Allemarken. Here you will find a grill area and wind shelter.