Hovdala Nature Reserve lies by Lake Finjasjön. Both the landscape and the wildlife here invite a closer look: Hovdala is protected as a nature reserve and a Natura 2000 site. Eighteen of Sweden’s 19 bat species are found in the area.

Nature Views and Hovdala Castle

Göingeåsen also reveals a distinctive side of the landscape: its nature reserve is dominated by broadleaf woodland. From the Spraglerödshall viewpoint, you can enjoy views of Lake Finjasjön and the fields of Hovdala. The vista brings together two striking landscape features, without requiring a long set of directions.

At Hovdala Castle, you can visit the park and garden in the grounds around the clock, free of charge. Visitors can enter the main floor as part of a guided tour. The gatehouse was built in 1600—a specific historical detail for anyone interested in the building’s history.

Hiking and Cycling

The 11-kilometre Vieåleden circular trail runs through the northern part of Hässleholm Municipality. In the south, it connects the Skeingeborg castle ruins with the Hörlinge ängar open-air museum and the Skåneleden Trail in the north. During the summer season, hikers cross the Helge å on a hand-operated cable ferry. The crossing is available from May to October, depending on the weather; check the seasonal ferry service in advance.

There are also practical details to help you plan other hikes: the Hovdala Hiking Centre suggests tours lasting from one to four overnight stays. One hiking stage from Hässleholm C station to the Göingeåsen camping area is 12 kilometres long. For a shorter or longer visit, you can use these as different time and distance options without assigning the stage to a particular multi-day tour.

If you prefer travelling on two wheels, there are two clearly distinct route lengths: the Göingerundan cycle route starts in the centre of Hässleholm and is 25 kilometres long. Norra Skogsrundan is 45 kilometres long, runs through flat terrain and heads north from Hässleholm towards the Hästveda area. Before cycling, check the signage and conditions on both routes. The distances given can help you compare them; on their own, they do not indicate how long the rides will take.

Hässleholmsgården has several exercise trails, measuring 2.5, 5.5 and 10 kilometres. This gives you a choice of three different distances. As details about the facilities may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

Museums and Historic Places

Hässleholm Museum houses Sweden’s largest exhibition of Swedish tracked and wheeled vehicles. The museum also includes a fire museum with fire engines and equipment, and a carriage museum with horse-drawn vehicles, including some from Hovdala Castle. Another discovery is a large wallpaper painted by local artist Olof Nilsson in the mid-19th century.

The buildings at Hässleholmsgården also span a long period: they date from the late 18th to the mid-19th century. Together with the gatehouse at Hovdala Castle and the museum’s collections, they offer a way to explore history through buildings, vehicles and objects—not just dates.

Discoveries Nearby

Tykarpsgrottan is nearby. The mine is open to visitors only as part of guided tours. It is of considerable geological interest: stalactites and stalagmites form there slowly. If you plan a visit, check the options for visiting in advance.

Nearby experiences also include vineyard picnics featuring local flavours. Guided vineyard tours are available for groups. As visitor arrangements may change, it is a good idea to check the current options in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Västra Torup, Bjärnum, Hässleholm, Hästveda, Sösdala, Tyringe, Vittsjö, Emmaljunga, Finja, Häglinge, Röke, Ballingslöv, Vinslöv, Visseltofta, Horröd, Tullstorp.

For the main travel overview: Skåne.