A varied nature experience between lagoons, pine forests and sand dunes where the sea is always close.

Along large parts of the coast, pine forests grow on the lean and sandy lands. The pine forest is relatively open and the ground is covered with thick mats of lichens and mosses. The flora is species-poor, but on open areas sand carnation, heather flowers and mountain thyme grow.

Today, the entire coast is covered in large parts with pine forest, but it hasn't always been that way. During the Middle Ages, the need for wood and arable land was great, and the then oak-clad coast was gradually opened up. On the open areas, the wind could pick up the sand and sand drift became a big problem for the farmers in the area. With that, large areas of pine were planted during the early 19th century, which has led to the pine forests we have along the coast today.

In the northern parts, you walk through the Äspet nature reserve with reed areas, mixed forest, coastal dune landscape and sandy beach. Along the trail in the eastern corner of the reserve is a shallow lagoon that attracts many nesting and resting birds. There is also a bird tower with an overview of the lagoon. Further south, the trail passes Vattenriket's outdoor museum, where you can read about life below the surface, shipwrecks, bathing life and the history of the Åla Coast.

The central parts of the stage go through the mighty dune landscape of the coast. The dunes, which sometimes rise above 20 meters, have been formed over many hundreds of years when the landscape was more open. Along the kilometer-long white beaches, you can stop for a refreshing swim*. In the south, you then walk through the Gropahålet nature reserve, which is a popular outdoor area, especially during the summer.

The coastal stretch between Åhus and Kivik is called Ålakusten. Here, eel fishing has been an important source of income. Fishing has given the coast its special character with eel huts and drying racks for the eels.

*Local regulations regarding dog bans apply on Kristianstad municipality's beaches between May 15 - September 15. Here you will find more information.