In the north of Östra Göinge, the landscape continues as an extension of the South Swedish Highlands: steep, hilly, forested terrain alternates in places with flatter ground and marshes. Farther south, the landscape opens up into farmland. Its character thus changes from forests and ridges to more open areas. Östra Göinge is also a forested landscape in Göingebygden, known for its beech forests, Lake Immeln and historic Snapphane areas.

Immeln is the largest lake in Östra Göinge. The Helge å runs through the area from north to south and meets the Almaån northeast of Kviinge. The waterways shape different aspects of the landscape: the lake is a classic paddling destination, with islands and wooded coves, while the Helge å crosses the region from north to south.

Hiking and cycling

The Kust till kust section of the Skåneleden runs through Östra Göinge. The Immeln–Sibbhult stage is 14 kilometres long and graded as a moderate, blue-marked route. There are wind shelters and rest areas along the Skåneleden stages in the area; Sibbhult also has a bus stop.

Another route is the Snapphaneleden, which connects Skåneleden SL1 (Kust till kust) and SL6 (Vattenriket), and runs from the well in Arkelstorp via Immeln to its endpoint in Sibbhult. The circular route between Immeln and Breanäs combines hiking and paddling and takes two or three days. Its duration therefore differs considerably from that of the 14-kilometre Skåneleden stage.

Cycling also offers a range of options. Östra Göinge has four purpose-built cycling loops, suitable for families and experienced cyclists alike. One cycling tour follows in the footsteps of the Snapphanar, sharing their history and leading through peaceful forest. This offers a way to combine cycling with a historical theme, without every route having to focus on the same thing.

By and on the water

At Immeln, you’ll find a child-friendly bathing spot in a natural setting, as well as a kiosk, dining options and a campsite. The islands and wooded coves also shape the lake’s character as a paddling destination. Anglers can choose from seven well-signposted fishing spots along a 26-kilometre stretch from Nöbbelövs kraftstation to the Genastorps dammluckor. This stretch also includes the lower reaches of Baggabäcken, Kilingeån and Njura kanal.

History, crafts and architecture

Near Sibbhult, Sporrakulla gård is associated with the history of the Snapphanar and the 17th century, when they and the soldiers who fought on the Danish side were active in the area. Visitors can also encounter this historical theme on the cycling tour that follows in the footsteps of the Snapphanar and combines their history with a ride through the forest.

Broby hembygdspark is considered the largest open-air museum in Skåne. Its 18 historic buildings illustrate various architectural styles from the 18th and 19th centuries. Knislinge kyrka offers another perspective on historic design: it was built in the early 13th century and is known for its medieval wall paintings.

The Frännarp rock carving, “Urstenen,” is estimated to be over 3,000 years old. It features numerous horse-drawn wagons and is considered the most extensive depiction of wagons in Sweden. In Immeln, the stone museum illustrates how stone was quarried and what tools were used. Sibbhult also has an open-air stone museum and the Lapidarium, a museum of gravestones.

In Glimåkra, the Svenska VävstolsMuseet focuses on weaving. Its permanent exhibition includes looms and tools; the museum also holds activities and talks in connection with textile exhibitions. Each year, it offers eight to ten courses in crafts and traditional handicrafts, with a focus on handweaving.

Local experiences and events

The local offerings include many welcoming farm shops; individual businesses may change. For events, the Östra Göinge calendar is a useful guide: it lists information, entertainment and leisure events that are open to all visitors. Check the calendar if you’d like to include specific event dates in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Broby, Glimåkra, Immeln, Sibbhult, Knislinge, Hanaskog, Nymölla, Burlöv.

Go to the main travel overview: Skåne.