The Österlenleden Trail

Arriving in Ystad, you'll find yourself in one of Sweden's most charming coastal towns. Its cobblestone streets are lined with half-timbered houses, many dating back to the 16th century. Key landmarks include St. Mary's Church, a beautiful Gothic structure, and the Ystad Abbey, one of Sweden's best-preserved medieval monasteries. The town's proximity to the sea also means you're never far from the scenic coastline and harbor. Therefore, you can visit the sandy beaches that stretch along the southern coast of Sweden. Ystad is also famous as the setting for the popular "Wallander" detective series.

Today’s hike begins with a walk from Ystad along the seashore, crossing the Nybroån stream, a spot known for silver salmon fishing. The trail initially takes you through open landscapes before the hills of Hammars Backar come into view. This area is popular with wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts, and you may spot seagulls, kites, and even paragliders. As you continue along the beach, the route leads you to Kåseberga. Just above the town, you’ll find Ale Stenar, a megalithic monument shaped like a ship believed to date back to the Nordic Iron Age.

From Kåseberga, the trail follows the coastline to the beautiful Löderup beach, where you’ll bid the sea farewell for a while as you head inland into the Hagestad Nature Reserve. In Hagestad, you’ll walk through serene forests filled with pine, oak, and beech trees, with the ground covered in lilies of the valley. The trail then leads you back to the coast at Sandhammaren, where you’ll enjoy the vast dunes and pristine sandy beaches. Continuing along the shore, you’ll reach the old fishing village of Skillinge.

After yesterday’s long hike, today’s walk offers a gentler pace as you traverse coastal meadows, pass impressive rock formations, and stroll through picturesque fishing villages. The route takes you through lush landscapes, beginning with sandy beaches that gradually give way to slate and limestone as you approach Gislövshammar. Continuing along the coast, you’ll reach the idyllic Brantevik. The final stretch of the day leads you through pastures dotted with bushes as you make your way to Simrishamn, a charming fishing town known for its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses.

Today's hike takes you through a diverse landscape of sandy beaches, bouldered coastal meadows, and beech forests. You'll pass Tobisvik, known for its unique crab population, and the quaint village of Knäbäckshusen with its charming chapel. The route then leads into Stenshuvud National Park, where a 97-meter hill offers panoramic views of the coastline. As you leave the park, the trail winds through apple orchards and past cider factories, guiding you to the town of Kivik, known as the "Apple Kingdom of Sweden."

Today’s hike takes you on a relaxing journey through the idyllic fishing village of Vitemölla and along the scenic coastline. The trail leads through the Vitemölla Strandbackar Nature Reserve, guiding you to the Verkaån River confluence, a unique moorland with unusual vegetation shaped by the sandy steppe land. Continuing west, the route follows the picturesque Verkeån Valley, with its gentle, undulating terrain, eventually leading you to the hilly backcountry of Brösarp.

On your final self-guided hiking day, the trail leads you inland from the hills of Brösarp into the enchanting beech forests of Skåne. You’ll follow the Verkaån River as it winds through the landscape. The route brings you to the stunning Hallamölla waterfall, the highest in Skåne. Continuing, you’ll reach the historic Andrarum alum mine, once a key industry in Sweden. The day concludes with an overnight stay at a small rural B&B near the old mine.

Today’s hike takes you on a different route back to Brösarp. You’ll follow the trail across pastures and hilly meadows, experiencing the rolling landscape as you walk along the other side of the Verkaån River. The path leads you through the serene countryside. Crossing through open fields and gentle hills, you’ll enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you make your way back toward Brösarp. Along the way, the varied terrain offers glimpses of Skåne’s natural diversity, from lush meadows to forested paths. Your hike concludes at the Brösarp bus station, where you’ll board a bus to return home.