Örkelljunga’s landscape reveals itself at different scales: at Abborrasjön, you can compare a 1.2 km illuminated circular trail with the longer stages of the Skåneleden. In between are nature areas where short loops, extensive hiking trails and distinctive types of forest each show a different side of the municipality. Forests, inland lakes, hilly terrain and heathland shape the landscape; the Pinnån belongs to the Rönne å river system. When planning, you can therefore choose the landscape and trail format that interest you.
Circular trails, forest and longer hikes
Abborraleden is an accessible recreation area around Abborrasjön. A marked footpath and cycle path leads there from the centre of Örkelljunga; the circular trail around the lake is 1.2 km long and fully illuminated. Pinnåreservatet is also in the centre. There, you can choose from circular trails of 4.3 km, 1.6 km and 0.5 km. The shortest loop is accessible. At least 30 different bird species breed in the reserve.
Grytåsa has a different character: this old, grazed woodland is characterised by widely spaced pines and spruces. Depressions and ridges are reminders of the landscape’s formation during the Ice Age. The nature reserve has hiking and riding trails, shelters and picnic areas. Bäckaslingan is a family-friendly, 3.2 km circular trail through coniferous and mixed forest. Facilities for visitors also include two car parks, several picnic areas with fire pits, a toilet and a nearby shelter.
The longer trails also vary in length and surface. The Skåneleden Kust till kust passes through Örkelljunga in three stages; together, they offer just over 47 km of marked hiking trails, with Lärkesholm as a natural hub. Stage 11 from Hårsjö to Lärkesholm is 20 km long and considered relatively easy; more than half of it runs along asphalt or gravel roads. Stage 12 from Lärkesholm to Bjärabygget is 13 km long and follows nature trails as well as lengthy sections of boardwalk. If you are looking for a shorter loop, the Lärkesholm recreation area has a 4.5 km circular trail, estimated to take about 50 minutes.
To get to Lärkesholm, you can take bus 511 to the Bälinge stop; from there, a forest path leads to the lakes. At the end of the stage in Bjärabygget, the nearest bus stop is in the centre of Örkelljunga. Check the timetable when planning your trip. Örkelljunga is also on the E4 between Helsingborg and Markaryd.
Lakes, nature and outdoor activities
Värsjön is a specially protected Natura 2000 lake. It was selected because of its distinctive character, unusual flora and unique wildlife. On a bicycle, the 30 km Vemmentorpsturen takes you through a rural landscape of lakes, forest and open spaces. There are several opportunities for swimming along the route; in Sjöhultet, there is a toilet and a picnic area.
Fishing licence terms are clearly defined: a fishing licence for Hjälmsjön also covers fishing in Prästsjön and Abborrasjön. Fishing with a hand-held rod is permitted, including bottom fishing, spinning and fly fishing. For a completely different activity, Smörmyrs Discgolf offers a nine-hole course in the countryside outside Örkelljunga, with open spaces, dense forest and water hazards. The flat Landisbanan in the centre is used for ice skating when ice conditions allow.
Local history and places to meet
At Ingeborrarps Friluftsmuseum, you can experience how people lived and worked more than 150 years ago. Rya church ruin is just a few minutes’ walk away. It dates back to Rya parish church, built in the late 12th or early 13th century. Today, the ruin is used for summer services, baptisms and weddings; in summer, it also serves as a wayside church. Ingeborrarps Värdshus serves meals and fika; offerings may vary by season. The association’s programme at Ingeborrarp includes Midsummer celebrations, waffle Sundays, craft days and courses.
Lärkesholm also brings landscape and history together. The historic estate is associated with Anders von Reiser, who lived in the 18th century and left bequests for a school, a library and people in need. According to tradition, one of the medieval castles built by the Danes along the national border was located at Lycksta. The castle was probably also the site of a reconciliation in 1300 between the Danish king Erik Menved and the Swedish Folkung dukes Erik and Valdemar. At Örkelljunga skansar, Stenbock had a fortified camp built on a plateau on both sides of the old highway while awaiting reinforcements.
Other traces of local history tell of work and industry: the history of Svensk-Engelska Herrkonfektionsfabriken Hjelm spanned almost 100 years; Hjelmsjöborg was built as the private residence of the owners of the Hjelm factories. In 1770, a customs flour mill was established at Bruket; it was decommissioned in 1976. The David Anders sawmill operated in central Örkelljunga for around 75 years from 1922. In total, 18 signposted places of interest in the municipality can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by car.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Skånes Fagerhult, Åsljunga, Örkelljunga, Höganäs, Burlöv, Höör, Ystad, Ängelholm.
Back to the main travel overview: Skåne.
