A passion for good things and the great outdoors
Northwest Skåne is a good place for great adventure. High waves and hilly, wooded landscapes are perfect for land and water sports. The coastline attracts surfers and kayakers and canoers love the lakes. If you’re looking for local crafts, this is where you buy clay and stoneware ceramics from famous brands such as Wallåkra, Höganäs and Mölle Krukmakeri.
Breathtaking nature
The countryside in northwest Skåne is spectacular. The craggy rocks and steep cliffs of Kullaberg Nature Reserve on the Kullaberg peninsula rise more that 180 metres above the sea. Explore the more than twenty caves or climb the cliffs for that adrenaline rush. There are several companies offering guided climbs and cave exploration.
Traverse the ridges, and enjoy Söderåsen National Park, one of northern Europe’s largest protected natural broadleaf forests. It’s a great place for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, mountain biking, horse riding and rock climbing.
Hov’s Hallar is the steepest coastal part of the Bjäre peninsula. It’s the place of the famous scene from Ingmar Bergman’s film “The Seventh Seal” where Max von Sydow plays chess with death at sunrise. Explore the lovely beaches and caves, laze on your own sun-warmed rock, or take in the exciting paths and magical views towards the bay of Laholm.
Helsingborg – city charm, village atmosphere
Skåne’s second largest city offers a mix of metropolitan big city and charming idyllic small town. It’s full of history: ancient and modern, Danish and Swedish. Stroll through the boutiques and shopping centres, unwind at one of the cosy restaurants, or survey the architecture, from Middle Ages to modern functional. Drop in at Dunkers arts centre, with art gallery, urban and cultural history exhibitions, music and theatre, as well as a pleasant restaurant.
Or pack your beach bag and visit the city’s central beaches. Walk along the promenade to Tropical Beach or Fria Bad, fine sand and shallow waters that are great for both adults and young bathers. If you don’t want sand in your toes, then walk along Gröningen – a huge stretch of grass running along the sea with wooden decking and piers.
What to see in northwest Skåne
Enjoy the views around Sofiero castle and gardens
Few castles in Sweden enjoy a more beautiful location than Sofiero, with panoramic views over Öresund and Denmark. Named Europe’s most beautiful park, you can stroll through the 10,000 rhododendron bushes and picnic on velvety lawns amid lush flower beds.
Arts, crafts and furniture at Ödåkra spritfabrik
The old spirit factory in Ödåkra is now a creative space that offers something for everyone from art to furniture, fashion to food. Drop into one of the galleries, pick up flowers from the florist, enjoy speciality coffees and fine foods, or even play paddle tennis on one of the courts. The shops offer something special for eco-conscious people, all in a historic building full of charm.
Birgit Nilsson museum
Iconic Swedish opera singer Birgit Nilsson grew up in Båstad on the west coast of Skåne. This well-preserved home turned into a museum tells the story of a girl who led a simple life without electricity or running water, but rich in talent and dreams of a musical future. Birgit Nilsson’s carrier is depicted in images, movie clips and tunes. After the tour enjoy a coffee in what was once the old stables.
What to do in northwest Skåne
Take a farm shop tour of the Bjäre Peninsula
The beautiful Bjäre peninsula is a perfect for visiting farm shops. Bäckdalen Handelsträgård in the village of Hallavara sells delicious herbs and vegetables from their garden and greenhouse. Tant Grön offers locally produced delicacies and from France and Spain, including over 100 cheeses, olive oils, marmalades and more. Lindegrens in Sinarp sells different kinds of meat from its organic farm, homemade food and kitchen utensils. Heberlein's kött och delikatess in Förslöv offers a wide selection of meats, cheeses and cooked dishes. Märta Måås-Fjetterström creates some of the best handwoven rugs and tapestries in the world, many featured in international museums and galleries. Vävaren is the oldest linen weaver in Sweden, selling high quality tablecloths, serviettes and more.
Visit Ven
Ven is known for its beautiful cliffs dropping straight into the sea, white beaches, quaint cottages, cosy cafés and fun hills for cycling. The iconic yellow bikes for rent are typical for Ven and offer the best way to explore this beautiful island. The easiest way to get to Ven is to take the ferry from Landskrona. Learn more about Ven here.
Bike around northwest Skåne
Enjoy biking along a coastline with long beaches and dramatic cliffs, magical beech forests and open fields. Cycle past well-stocked farm shops, picturesque villages and cosy cafés. There are bike trails of different lengths to suit both families and elite cyclists. Two of Sweden’s best long-distance cycle paths start or finish in Helsingborg. Kattegattleden (The Kattegatt Trail) takes you north, up to Gothenburg. Sydkustleden (South Coast Trail) stretches as far south as Simrishamn in southeast Skåne.
Family fun in Ängelholm
Ängelholm offers lots of things to do for families. Fly a J35 Dragon jet fighter on one of the Air Museum's three flight simulators. Play with Pettson and Findus and meet all the animals at Hembygdparken. Hurtle down the hills on zip lines, climb the nets and much more at Upzone. Rent canoes and kayaks from Stisses Sport & Fritid. Or discover the fascinating history of trains at the Railway Museum.
Take the boat to Hallands Väderö
Boats go from Torekov harbour to Hallands Väderö. The island classified as a nature reserve has a unique natural and cultural heritage. Swim in crystal clear water, dive and snorkel, discover wonderful little bays with white sandy beaches. You can see seals from beach or even take a seal safari. The island is home to lots of species of birds and wildlife.
A couple of places to stay in northwest Skåne
The Vault
The Vault Hotel in the centre of Helsingborg is built on an authentic bank vault from the beginning of the last century. Rooms are a mix of history and modern with beautiful panels, large flowers, pink beds and modern art. The hotel offers cool, stylish rooms, an Italian restaurant, wine bar, atrium bar and a fitness centre in the basement.
Rusthållargården
Rusthållargården in Arild offers superb views of the sea and countryside. Put on a bath robe and walk down to the bathing area for a refreshing morning swim. It’s a great place to explore the area with hiking routes on Kullaberg, mountain bike trails and two nearby golf courses. Relax in the spa after an active day and enjoy great local food at the restaurant.
