The municipality of Tomelilla has 15 nature reserves; hiking trails run through Österlen’s cultural landscape, deciduous forests and along waterways. Mill, industrial and cultural history are also among the things to discover. When choosing, consider the route length and theme: trails range from a village loop of around two kilometres to twelve kilometres, while the cultural sites tell a wide variety of stories.
Natural areas and trails through the landscape
The 20-kilometre-long Fyledalen valley is traversed by the Fyleån river through a flat pastoral landscape. Seventeen of the 19 bat species found in Sweden have been recorded in the valley. At the centre, by the former brickworks, you can choose from three hiking trails; there are also parking spaces, information boards, and a barbecue and picnic area.
The Borstakärr wetlands offer a different way to experience nature: a boardwalk crosses the bog, and you can stop at a small island to watch birds. The Borstakärrs våtmarker trail is 2.7 kilometres long. Surveys have recorded around 320 different plant species there. Grass frogs, moor frogs, European tree frogs and common toads have also settled in the area; black storks, white-tailed eagles and ospreys have been spotted as well.
A rare sand-steppe landscape on calcareous sandy soil characterises the Drakamöllan nature reserve. A white-marked loop of around three kilometres runs through its central section. The nine-kilometre Blåvingeleden is a longer circular route: it passes through Drakamöllan and continues through the Lillehem, Maglehem and Kumlan nature reserves. Comparing the lengths can help you choose, though the two trails offer different route profiles.
Hikes of varying lengths
The Gårdlösaleden is twelve kilometres long and runs through farmland, grazed meadows and beech forests. It offers a longer route through a landscape that includes both open and wooded sections. If you would prefer a shorter loop with a connection to local history, the approximately two-kilometre Byarundan in Skåne Tranås is another option.
Along the Byarundan, twelve illustrated signs at selected locations provide brief information about the history of each place. The loop follows a paved surface, making it accessible to people with physical disabilities. Compared with the twelve-kilometre Gårdlösaleden, it is considerably shorter and combines a walk with concise historical notes.
Mills, industrial history and culture
Hallamölla combines a natural feature with a history of milling: five rapids have a combined drop of 23 metres, making Hallamölla one of the highest waterfalls in Skåne. The mill’s history dates back to the 15th century, while the present mill building dates from the 1850s. The mill is demonstrated to visitors during annual openings. If you would like to plan your visit around a demonstration, check the dates in advance.
Andrarums Alunbruk also tells the story of the region’s industrial past. Jochum Beck founded the works in 1637. At the height of its development in the mid-18th century, it was the largest industrial enterprise in the Nordic countries. In Tomelilla, Kulturhuset offers a different kind of cultural programme: its facilities include a library, art gallery, arts school and jazz archive. The archive contains around 18,000 items, including approximately 8,000 LP records. The programme includes lectures, theatre performances and music evenings; check the event dates if you would like to attend a particular event.
Getting to Kronoskogen
Roads 11 and 19 pass by the Kronoskogen area; cycling routes lead there from Tomelilla. Skåneexpressen buses 4 and 5 stop at Svampakorset at least once an hour. As bus frequencies can change, check the timetable before travelling.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Brösarp, Tomelilla, Bromölla, Nymölla, Smedstorp, Glemmingebro, Klippan and Kristianstad.
Back to the main travel overview: Skåne.
