The Skåneleden Trail is a marked long distance hiking trail, measuring more than 1000 kilometres through the countryside of Skåne. It consists of five separate subtrails comprising a total of 89 sections, where some of the sections are connected, making them perfect for circular hikes. The entire trail is marked with orange markers and signs, so you always know which direction to go and will not have to worry about getting lost.
Hiking along the Skåneleden Trail will present you with unique opportunities to experience the rich Scandinavian wildlife and nature. The coastal sections offer dramatic contrasts between the rocky shores, sandy beaches and the open sea, while the hillsides of mid-Skåne offer lush green beech forests, fascinating rock formations and a rich and abundant flora and fauna. The lakes in the north-east of Skåne are surrounded by deep virgin forests and historic sites that will give you a sense of remote seclusion.
The Skåneleden Trail offers experiences for all the senses. Put on your hiking shoes, pack your rucksack, and wander out – you’ll witness stunning beauty from a whole host of fantastic locations. And the best bit is that you’re never more than a 30 minute drive from the path, wherever you are in Skåne.
The nature
What do you like best? Craggy forests, dramatic views from high cliff faces or miles of sandy white beaches? From deep ravines to fields of flowers, Skåne offers so much beauty and right on your doorstep. Few other places have such varied nature in such close proximity.
North west Skåne
If you like having your sense of wonder awakened, then wake up here. It’s the land of steep cliffs to scale, spectacular caves to explore, waves that whip off surfboards and hilly, wooded landscapes for long trekking or adrenaline-filled mountain biking.
Just east of Helsingborg you can traverse the ridges, and survey the dramatic valleys and flowing streams of Söderåsen’s National Park, an area of breathtaking views. When you hike or stroll here, you’re walking through one of northern Europe’s largest protected natural broadleaf forests.
Or hop on a ferry to Ven and hike or cycle around the island on a rented bike while you take in the colours of the flowing fields in spring and summer.
North east Skåne
Once a fierce battleground between Swedish freedom fighters and the Danish army, North East Skåne couldn’t be more tranquil nowadays. In fact it’s a wilderness of deep forests and rolling hills teeming with wildlife and beautiful flora and fauna.
The Biosphere Reserve, Kristianstad’s Vattenrike, in the city centre of Kristianstad offers a stunning diversity of species in a small area. Experience the Visitor Centre and 21 different observation towers, footbridges and open-air museums. It’s wilderness as only south Sweden can do it. Fish, canoe or take a safari, spot the lively cranes, catch a trout, or watch at the teeming life on the meadows.
Rent a canoe and paddle down leafy river banks, fish at Ringsjön, one of the area’s largest lakes, or watch the bears, wolves, elk and deer roam around Skånes Djurpark, (Skåne Zoo) which houses the largest collection of nordic animals in Scandinavia.
South west Skåne
If bleaching your hair and bronzing your skin in the sun is your thing, head for this beautiful corner of Skåne. It’s a paradise for those leisurely summer days where you can swim and sunbathe in the white sandy beaches and clear waters around Skanör-Falsterbo, or go sailing, kite, wind or wave surfing around the coastline. Hike along the Skåneleden long-distance path, pick up a bike, or join the hundreds of ornithologists who “flock to watch the flocks” of migrating birds every year.
South east Skåne
This is the place to admire the green countryside, picture perfect views and rolling white coastline with its ancient ruins and pristine gardens. Turn off the road and turn on to some great locally grown delicacies in one of the many farm shops.
And while you’re here, don’t miss Stenshuvud in magical Österlen. A national park full of coastal hills, lush deciduous forests, pastoral heaths and beautiful beaches. This is also the home of awesome Ales Stenar, a 67-metre long megalithic monument formed like a stone ship where each of the 59 boulders weigh up to 1.8 tonnes. Then of course there’s Wallander. Walk the medieval, pastel coloured half-timbered houses on cobblestone streets and sun dappled squares, following in the footsteps of Ystad’s famous detective.