Hike in Scania through this green and rolling terrain makes this landscape one of the best for hiking. There are trails here that offer a rich variety of vegetation, ranging from dense forests to dramatic coastlines. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced hiker, there are trails that suit you. Scania has something for everyone. To give you the best possible conditions, we have put together a guide so you can explore Scania on your own. Don’t hesitate to experience the beauty that this landscape has to offer
Skåneleden - Scanias best hikingtrail
It’s very likely that you start thinking about the Skåneleden trail when you think about to hike in Scania. It’s no surprise! Skåneleden stretches across all of Scania and is a total of 1300 km long. It’s also the trail you’ll be hiking on for the most part, as it connects with many of the other trails in Scania. It’s an incredibly cool trail that, in my opinion, you simply must experience when visiting Scania and want to take in our beautiful landscape.
The trail itself is divided into five main sections, which together offer a wide variety of natural experiences. From the charming small villages of Österlen to the dramatic gorges of Söderåsen, Skåneleden has something for everyone. You can easily adapt your hike to your ability, as there are many different stages to choose from. I’ve personally hiked a lot on the eastern part of the trail, specifically stages 5 to 7 (Simrishamn – Alunbruket).
Recommended stage: Kullaleden, which runs along the Kulla Peninsula. This trail offers incredibly stunning views over the Kattegat and is known for its rocky coastline.
Söderåsens nationalpark - Wonderful spot to hike in Scania
Söderåsen National Park is a true gem in Scania, with its deep valleys, steep cliffs, and expansive beech forests. Söderåsen is perfect for day hikes, with well-marked trails suitable for both families and more experienced hikers. The best place to start is from Skäralid near Röstånga, where you’ll find several hiking trails to choose from and even a café where you can grab some coffee before heading out.
One thing you absolutely must not miss is the view from Kopparhatten – it’s incredibly impressive and a must-see! There are plenty of trails to choose from, and some of them are connected to the Skåneleden trail. You can decide how much you want to hike, but you won’t be disappointed with whichever trail you choose. Follow the link to see which trails are available.
Don’t miss: Kopparhatten, one of the highest points in the park, offers a fantastic view over the surrounding forests and is a must-visit.
Österlenleden och Backaleden - Experience the hills of Brösarps backar
Österlen is, in the opinion of many, the most beautiful part of Scania, with its stunning beaches and charming landscapes. Of course, Österlen is also perfect for exploring on foot. I’ve personally hiked a lot here, especially on the Backaleden trail between Alunbruket and Haväng, which is also part of the Österlenleden trail that stretches around the entire Österlen region.
Backaleden is absolutely amazing and offers a varied terrain, ranging from dense forests to open fields with impressive views. The trail also runs alongside the Verkån river for long stretches, making the hike even more enjoyable. In addition, you’ll walk through Brösarp’s hills, which are incredible to hike through—one of my favorite places to be!
Hike thru Österlen with the Österlentrail
The Österlenleden trail, which is part of the Skåneleden, stretches from Ystad to Simrishamn and then continues towards Kivik and Alunbruket. The best sections of the trail between these points depend entirely on your preferences. A large portion of these sections are along the coast, so if you enjoy hiking by the beach, I recommend hiking along Sandhammaren near Borrby or between Kivik and Haväng. You won’t be disappointed—both of these sections offer absolutely stunning views of the coast and sea!
However, if you prefer hiking in denser forests and want to be surrounded by nature, you should start your hike from Alunbruket, which is an excellent starting point! Read more about Alunbruket in our post on sights in Österlen. The hike from here is wonderful, taking you through lush forests, and features a major highlight: Hallamölla waterfall, the highest waterfall in Skåne, located in a truly magnificent setting!
Tip: Hike up to the highest point of Stenshuvud National Park and enjoy the magical view over Österlen.
Kullaberg nature reserve
If you’re looking for a hiking experience that combines dramatic nature with adrenaline-filled activities, then Kullaberg Nature Reserve in northeastern Scania is something you must not miss. Kullaberg is known for its steep cliffs that plunge straight into the Kattegat, creating an impressive contrast against the blue sea. Here, you can hike along narrow trails that wind over the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the sea at almost every step. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Denmark!
One of the highlights is the lighthouse at the highest point of Kullaberg. From here, you get a wonderful view over the entire reserve, making it a great spot to pause and have a coffee break during your hike.
What’s great about Kullaberg is that there are hiking trails for different skill levels. If you’re more adventurous and experienced, you can hike the more advanced trails that take you down to the inaccessible rocky beaches. Meanwhile, easier trails allow you to enjoy the hike without too much effort. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even try rock climbing along the cliffs—a perfect challenge when hiking in Skåne.
Tip: There are several parking lots around Kullaberg, but it can get crowded during summer. Arrive early to avoid unnecessary stress
Hovdala hikingcentre
Hovdala Hiking Center is located just south of Hässleholm and is a hidden gem for hiking enthusiasts looking for beautiful trails and a dose of history. The area is part of Hovdala Castle and offers a unique combination of wild nature, historical buildings, and well-maintained trails, making it a perfect outing for either shorter day hikes or longer, more challenging ones.
In addition to the beautiful nature, Hovdala is also known for its history, which dates back to the 1500s when it was a defensive stronghold during the Danish-Swedish wars.
Hovdala Loop: This 7 km long loop is one of the more popular trails in the area. It takes you through varied terrain, where you can enjoy both the forest and beautiful views of the lake. It’s a very pleasant route for those seeking a more peaceful hike.
Finjasjöleden: If you’re looking for a longer hike, Finjasjöleden is a great option, a circular trail of 18 km around Finjasjön. The route offers wonderful views of the lake, and you will pass through several scenic areas, including wetlands and lush forests.
Tip: Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful and well-maintained gardens around the castle and finish off with a coffee at their café—a perfect end to the visit
It´s an tremendous experience to hike in Scania
Scania is an absolutely fantastic region to explore on foot. The hiking trails here are simply wonderful and something you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Scania. No matter your level or preference, you’ll find it in Scania, and you also have the option to choose how you want to hike. You can hike along dreamy beaches, through magical beech forests, or even through picturesque small villages. There’s something for everyone here! I hope this guide with the best hiking trails in Scania has helped you find a hidden gem for you to hike in Scania.
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