Kattegattleden Guide EN

Kattegattleden EXPERIENCE 390-KM SEASIDE CYCLE PATH FROM HELSINGBORG TO GOTHENBURG

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Gothenburg

Kungsbacka

Varberg

Falkenberg

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Halmstad

Laholm

Båstad

Ängelholm

Höganäs

Helsingborg

Denmark

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Kattegattleden WELCOME TO

Contents

The journey is just as important as the destination. Along with the cycling map, this brochure is your guide to Kattegatt leden. It contains many highlights that you can experience along the way. Naturally, more hidden gems, exciting adventures – and people – await you. Pack your cycling map and start ped alling! Follow the red signs with the number 1. Have a great trip!

3 This is Kattegattleden.................................. p.4 Helsingborg................................................. p. 6 STAGE 1 - Helsingborg – Höganäs.............. p. 7 Höganäs..................................................... p. 10 STAGE 2 - Höganäs – Ängelholm.............. p. 11 Ängelholm. ................................................ p. 14 STAGE 3 - Ängelholm – Båstad................. p. 15 Båstad........................................................ p. 18 STAGE 4 - Båstad – Laholm – Halmstad.. p. 19 Laholm....................................................... p. 22 Halmstad. .................................................. p. 24 STAGE 5 - Halmstad – Falkenberg............ p. 25 Falkenberg................................................. p. 28 STAGE 6 - Falkenberg – Varberg............... p. 29 Varberg...................................................... p. 32 STAGE 7 - Varberg – Kungsbacka............. p. 33 Kungsbacka............................................... p. 36 STAGE 8 - Kungsbacka – Gothenburg...... p. 37 Gothenburg................................................ p. 40 Notes ....................................................p. 41 Highlights.................................................. p. 42 Map............................................................ p. 43

Photography, over photo: Oskar Albrektson

Photography: Patrik Leonardsson Photography: Göran Assner Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography

Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography

Kattegattleden THIS IS

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Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography

A seaside cycle path with great experiences Kattegattleden is a 390 km-long cycle path along the coast from Helsingborg in Skåne, through Halland, to Gothenburg. Kattegatt leden opened on 6 June 2015 and is Swe den’s first national tourist cycle route.

modation options abound – everything from campsites and bed & breakfasts to hotels. Cycling is freedom! From your bike sad dle, you can experience Kattegattleden while constantly breathing in the scent of the sea.

No matter where you begin your adven ture, Kattegattleden offers enchanting views and memorable experiences. You will bike through incredible coastal nature close to beautiful sandy beach es and gorgeous viewpoints, and pass through picturesque fishing villages and cosy towns. Hungry for a snack or a meal? You can fill up on energy and sample local spe cialities at cafes and restaurants along the path. When you get tired, accom

You can cycle on Kattegattleden all year round, and prior to the cycling season, 15 April to 15 October, the path is checked and quality assured.

Kattegattleden is suitable for the whole family and there are many visitor destinations and activities to suit children of different ages. Some stages of the path are still being renovated, so you will need to be extra careful on those stages.

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Båstad

Ängelholm

Göteborg

Helsingborg

Höganäs

Halmstad

Kungsbacka

Falkenberg

Varberg

Laholm

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The number 1 on the sign means that Kattegattleden is Sweden’s first nation al cycle path.

Photography: Anna Alexander Olsson

Helsingborg Sweden’s most pleasant city

Photography: David Lundin

Fantastic restaurants, a wealth of shopping opportunities and a wide range of cultural activities – there’s something for everyone in Helsingborg. Here, you can stroll along Sweden’s oldest pedestrian street, Kullagatan, browse the shops and have a nice coffee break in one of the cosy cafes in the centre.

nature experiences, you won’t be disappointed. In central Helsingborg you can admire the view over the Öresund strait from the medieval Kärnan tower, visit beautiful St Mary’s Church and make an excursion to the royal palace of Sofiero, with its fantastic gardens. At Fred riksdal open-air museum, you can walk in historical gardens and be entranced by old native breeds of cows, horses, pigs and sheep, and at Dunkers arts centre you’ll find exciting exhibi tions, all year round.

Helsingborg is one of the cities in Sweden with the most restau rants per square metre. There’s a wide variety in terms of both food and atmosphere – you’ll find everything from cosy plac es around Mariatorget square to restaurants with a wonderful view of the strait where you can enjoy the sea air.

DISCOVER MORE visithelsingborg.com

If you’re passionate about history, beautiful castles and

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You can pump up your tyres in 9 places in Helsingborg.

Centrally located at Helsingborg C are around 800 cycle parking spaces. Perfect for when you want to discover what the centre has to offer.

STAGE 1 Helsingborg – Höganäs

22 km STAGE LENGTH

Hallandsåsen

Skälderviken

Göteborg

Kullen

Kungsbacka

Ängelholm

Varberg

Höganäs

Falkenberg

Viken

Klippan

Halmstad

Åstorp

Hittarp

Laholm

Båstad

Söderåsen

Bjuv

Ängelholm

Höganäs

Helsingør

Helsingborg

Helsingborg

Öresund

From Helsingborg you cycle north, passing by Sofiero Palace and the long, wonderful beaches at Domsten and Viken. The path goes alongside the water, and the view of the glittering Öresund strait is magical to say the least.

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Höganäs

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A GPX file of the path is available for you to download to your device at kattegattleden.se

STAGE 1 Helsingborg – Höganäs

Municipality

Photography: Höganäs

Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography

Kattegattleden starts – or finish es – in one of the Nordic region’s oldest cities, Helsingborg. The first stretch takes you from the city centre to Gröningen and Fria bad, two popular bathing spots that offer sun, sea and ice cream. Sit and relax a while, be cause you’ll soon come to the first uphill stretch of the path. Slightly further on is Sofiero Palace and

Sofiero Farm, with bakery and café that are well worth a visit.

underground military facility from World War II. Cycle on towards Höganäs and enjoy the view of the Öresund strait before you arrive at Kvickba det beach, just south of Höganäs harbour.

The path continues northwards, passing small picturesque fish ing villages and marinas such as Domsten and Viken. Just outside Viken, you can make a detour to Beredskapsmuseet military defence museum, Sweden’s only museum housed in a preserved

Photography: Hanna Larsson

BIKES ON TRAINS AND BUSES If you want to take your bike onboard, buy a bike ticket before boarding. You can take your bike on the train, in the wagon with a bike symbol on the side, if space permits. Regional buses have bike holders and will take bikes if space permits. Bear in mind that bikes are not permitted on SJ trains. Full terms and conditions are available at skanetrafiken.se

PRACTICAL INFORMATION In Helsingborg, Kattegattleden starts and/or ends at Helsingborg C – where the train station, ferry terminal and long-term car park are located.

OPENING HOURS Remember to check the opening times of the visitor destinations and facilities you intend to visit and ideally book your accommo dation in advance!

CYCLE SERVICE If something happens to your bike en route, you will find all the cycle work shops along the path at kattegattleden.se

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More information and tips are available at kattegattleden.se

HIGHLIGHTS Helsingborg – Höganäs

Olsson

Photography: Alexander

Photography: David Lundin

1. Kärnan Kärnan is a medieval watch tower that has watched over Helsingborg for 700 years. The tower offers expansive views of the city, all the way to Elsinore across the Sound.

5. Christians fiskebod Drop by Domsten harbour and visit a hidden gem offering fish and seafood that attracts guests from far and wide.

Municipality

Photography: Höganäs

2. Järnvägsmännens badplats & Gröningen

4. Sofiero slott & slottsträdgård The palace park is a flourishing oasis with 10,000 blooming rho dodendron bushes in a cascade of different colours.

Gem of the Sound. Gröningen is a popular meeting place near Norra Hamnen in the city centre.

6. Viken At Viken, a stone’s throw from the path, is Paul Jönska Gården, with its stunning garden.

Photography: Anders Ebefeldt

Photography: Anders Ebefeldt

Municipality

Photography: Höganäs

3. Pålsjöpaviljongen Café & Våffelbageri

7. Kvickbadet i Höganäs Here, you can play minigolf, eat at the restaurants and bathe on the child-friendly sandy beaches with their shallow water.

In the middle of Pålsjö skog, a beauti ful beech and oak forest, is popular Pålsjöpaviljongen from 1914, which features a cafe serving waffles.

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Worth a detour . The highlight is a short distance from the path.

You will find more highlights at kattegattleden.se

Municipality

Photography: Höganäs

Höganäs A cavalcade of experiences await in the Kullahalvön pen insula

Municipality

Photography: Höganäs

The Höganäs Kullabygden area offers several hidden gems along Kattegattleden – everything from dramatic nature and family-friendly visitor destinations to plac es with that little bit extra that add sparkle to your cycling trip.

and picturesque harbours. In other words, you have a great deal to choose between when it’s time to stretch your legs and have a coffee break. The focus is on food and drink in Höganäs Kullabygden. You’ll find a large number of cafes, restaurants, vineyards and farm shops. For those who enjoy art and ceramics, there’s also a

great deal to be discovered.

Take the opportunity to pump up your tyres in Höganäs Mu nicipality. There are practical public bike pumps along the path to help you keep going on your trip.

DISCOVER MORE visithoganas.se

You’ll pass many delightful beaches suitable for bathing

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STAGE 2 Höganäs – Ängelholm

39 km STAGE LENGTH

Båstad

Bjärehalvön

Göteborg

Hallandsåsen

Kungsbacka

Skälderviken

Kullen

Örkelljunga

Arild

Varberg

Falkenberg

Ängelholm

Jonstorp

Halmstad

Höganäs

Laholm

Båstad

Klippan

Ängelholm

Höganäs

Åstorp

Söde råsen

Bjuv

Helsingborg

Helsingborg

Helsingør

You cycle across the stunning Kullahalvön peninsula, full of art, farm shops and flea markets. The stretch is a mix of low rolling open fields and high hilly terrain with fantastic views.

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A GPX file of the path is available for you to download to your device at kattegattleden.se

STAGE 2 Höganäs – Ängelholm

Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography

Photography: Anders Ebefeldt

After Höganäs you’ll pass by small harbours and bathing beaches such as Strandbaden and Nyhamnsläge. The trip con tinues across the beautiful, dra matic Kullahalvön peninsula. Just after Lerhamn is Krapperup For tress, dating back to the 1500s.

On the furthest tip of Kullahalvön peninsula is the Kullaberg nature reserve, and if you have time for a detour, it’s well worth a visit. Kullaberg offers a variety of ac tivities, including hiking and rock climbing. The highest point – Håkull – is 187 metres above sea level.

When you once again reach the sea, you’ll pass by the villages of Arild, Skäret, Jonstorp and Norra Häljaröd, and there are several nice cafes along this stretch. On the way in towards Ängelholm is Kronoskogen. In the southern part of this forest, known as Sibirien (Siberia), there is an in teresting UFO monument.

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More information and tips are available at kattegattleden.se

HIGHLIGHTS Höganäs – Ängelholm

Photography: Mamsellen & Matverkstan

11. Krapperup After Lerhamn you can turn off towards Krapperup Fortress. There you’ll find a cafe, art gallery, museums and a beautiful park that’s always open to visitors.

8. Höganäs Museum The museum offers several art exhibitions each year. Don’t miss the interesting exhibitions on ceramics and local history.

Photography: Höganäs Municipality

Photography: Höganäs Municipality

14. Trädgårdsköket This cafe offers homemade delica cies. Take a seat in the delightful greenhouse and enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delicious home made cake or pastry.

9. Salthallarna Some distance away from the path but perfekt for lunch or coffee. After you’ve enyoyed your meal, you can be inspired and shop for art, interior design and vintage!

Photography: Lisbeth Holmåker

12. Kullaberg naturreservat Experience Kullaberg nature reserve, with its beautiful forests, dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views of the Öresund strait and Kattegatt sea area. At the Kullaberg visitor centre, 8 km from the path, staff will be happy to give you tips on visitor destinations and hiking trails. 13. Arild Picturesque Arild offers a cafe in the harbour and restaurants at the village’s hotel, with views of the pretty village.

Photography: Keramiskt Center

10. Keramiskt center In the outlet store area in Höganäs you will find Keramiskt center, with exhibitions of ceramics as well as a shop and workshop.

15. Ufo-monumentet Did creatures from another planet land in Ängelholm? In the forest known as Sibirien (Siberia) in southern Ängelholm, there is a unique UFO monument.

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Worth a detour . The highlight is a short distance from the path.

You will find more highlights at kattegattleden.se

Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography

Ängelholm City of activities and experiences!

Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography

Six kilometres of sandy beach, crystal clear water and pleasant sand dunes – Ängelholm, beautifully located in Skälderviken bay between the Bjäre halvön and Kullahalvön peninsulas, tempts you with magnificent nature experiences. The Rönne å river winds through the town, enticing you to go canoeing or fishing. If

you’re lucky you might catch some salmon, pike or perch, and if you’re passing through during the summer, a trip on the Laxen sightseeing boat is recommended. In a leafy deciduous forest in the middle of town, you’ll find Ängelholms Hembygdspark, a wonderful oasis for all the fam ily. It features a zoo with Nordic animals, five different museums and a delightful playground. Will

you dare to go on the walkway high up among the treetops?

The railway museum and Ängel holm aviation museum are two museums suitable for the entire family, and in central Ängelholm you’ll find everything from small, cosy shops and cafes to restau rants where you can enjoy local produce.

DISCOVER MORE engelholm.com

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STAGE 3 Ängelholm – Båstad

55 km STAGE LENGTH

Laholm

Göteborg

Hallands Väderö

Båstad

Kungsbacka

Torekov

Bjärehalvön

Hallandsåsen

Varberg

Falkenberg

Skälderviken

Vejbystrand

Kullen

Halmstad

Örkelljunga

Laholm

Båstad

Ängelholm

Ängelholm

Höganäs

Höganäs

Helsingborg

Klippan

This part of Kattegattleden is the most hilly stretch. Enjoy stunning views of the sea and the varied agricultural landscape of the Bjärehalvön peninsula. ELEVATION PROFILE

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A GPX file of the path is available for you to download to your device at kattegattleden.se

STAGE 3 Ängelholm – Båstad

Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography

Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography

Kattegattleden passes through central Ängelholm, right alongside the train and bus station, taking you on down to the beautiful dis trict of Havsbaden. There, you’ll experience a forest landscape, untouched nature and a wonderful wide, long sandy beach. Stop off at the beach kiosk to sample some Engelholms Glass, the town’s own brand of ice cream.

the coast towards Skälderviken, through hamlets and fishing vil lages. On the way you’ll cross the Rönne å river – a perfect place to stop and do some canoeing or maybe take a relaxing trip on a SUP. You pass by Skepparkroken and Vejbystrand before turning off in Killebäckstorp towards pictur esque Torekov. There are cafes, restaurants and you can also take the boat over to the island of Hallands Väderö. The path con

tinues from Torekov into the heart of the Bjärehalvön peninsula. You’ll be greeted by a small-scale agricultural landscape typical of the Bjärehalvön peninsula, shaped by and based on cattle breeding since the prehistoric period. You’ll see the sea again at Norrvik ens Trädgårdar and continue on the path towards Båstad harbour.

The journey continues along

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More information and tips are available at kattegattleden.se

HIGHLIGHTS Ängelholm – Båstad

Photography: Ateljé Lena Photography Photography: Hendric Bengtsson

Photography: Vejby Vingård Photography: Lisbeth Holmåker

Photography: Anna-Karin Nilsson

21. Butikerna på Gården The shop Tant Grön is full to the brim with delicacies such as cheeses, olive oils, marmalades, pasta, chocolate and plenty more items that make life a delight. Elin & Arvid is a rural lifestyle store, with attractive clothing and stylish interiors items.

18. Vejby Vingård A small, charming, family-owned vineyard where you can experience the taste of Bjärehalvön in a wine glass!

16. På Stan Ängelholm offers an exciting mix of small specialist shops, exclusive boutiques and several large chains. You can stroll around the centre for hours, enjoying stress-free shopping in a pleasant environment.

19. Lillaro Café The hidden gem in the countryside. Lillaro is the perfect place for you to go for a coffee where it’s quiet and peaceful – really quiet and peaceful.

Photography: Charlotta Bjärholm

22. Birgit Nilsson Museum Visit Birgit Nilsson’s childhood home, which is now a museum. Moments from opera diva La Nilsson’s life are presented through private items, sound and images. There are memories that she herself shared, along with things that other people have recounted over the years. The museum also has a cafe.

Photography: Louise Nordström Pettersson

20. Hallands Väderö This island is a gem in the Kattegatt strait, a much-loved location for bathers and boaters and one of Sweden’s most exciting environments for birdwatchers and biologists. The island has an area of only 3 km 2 but still accommodates a wide variety of nature. If you want to discover the island, you should walk along one of the designated paths. You can go bathing in several places from the rocks and on the beaches with their shallow waters. It’s a good idea to take your own picnic and mosquito repellent if you’re going through the forest.

Photography: Bradley Wells

23. Norrvikens Trädgårdar Norrviken is a green oasis with marvellous views of Laholmsbukten bay. There, you can see seven gardens in different styles. Villa Abelin is home to the Orangeriet restaurant and café Salamander. The atmosphere at Norrviken is romantic and there’s a magical feeling in the place.

17. Hembygdsparken & Upzone This park consists of a zoo, five museum buildings and a playground for the young. It also features the Upzone adventure park, an experience for all those who like to get active, push their boundaries and, above all, have great fun.

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Worth a detour . The highlight is a short distance from the path.

You will find more highlights at kattegattleden.se

Photography: Louise Nordström Pettersson

Båstad Active lifestyle all year round

Photography: Gunilla Hovenäs

Welcome to an unusually beautiful place offering a wealth of activities, experi ences and enjoyment. At the start of the 1900s Ludvig Nobel (nephew of Alfred Nobel) came to Båstad in the Bjärehalvön peninsula and fell in love with its natural beauty. He saw the potential for tourism and developed the area into an international visitor destination.

He focused on activities such as golf and tennis, and today you will find no less than 41 tennis courts and 126 golf holes within a comfortable distance in attractive natural surroundings. There are over 150 kilometres of designated hiking trails in Bjärehalvön. There, you can enjoy walking in the salty air, mile-wide views, magical beech forests and glittering sea.

Make sure you stop by one of the small-scale farm shops where you can browse the local produce. Wonderful holiday accommodation, warm baths and spa facilities offer you some well-deserved rest and recu peration. It’s easy to feel good in Båstad and Bjärehalvön, year round. DISCOVER MORE bastad.com

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STAGE 4 Båstad – Laholm – Halmstad

42 km STAGE LENGTH

Göteborg

Kungsbacka

Halmstad

Gullbranna

Varberg

Falkenberg

Laholmsbukten

Halmstad

Laholm

Mellbystrand

Laholm

Båstad

Hallands Väderö

Båstad

Ängelholm

Höganäs

Bjärehalvön

Hallandsåsen

Helsingborg

This part of the path takes you along Sweden’s longest sandy beach and through lush nature reserves.

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A GPX file of the path is available for you to download to your device at kattegattleden.se

STAGE 4 Båstad – Laholm – Halmstad

Photography: Region Halland

Photography: Patrik Leonardsson

From Båstad harbour, you follow the sea until you reach the pine forest in Hemmeslöv and cross the border between Halland and Skåne. A less challenging stretch along Laholmsbukten’s long sandy beach now awaits. In family-friendly Skummeslövs strand you’ll find restaurants and cafes. The sea is shallow and the landscape wide open. A few kilometres inland lies beau tiful Skottorp Palace and cosy

Laholm, Halland’s oldest town. It takes around 20 minutes to get from the path to Laholm. A couple of kilometres north of Skummeslövsstrand, you’ll come to Mellbystrand, a seaside resort with memories from times past. There, the dunes are higher and the sea wilder. You’ll pass ice cream shops, minigolf courses and cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating.

North of Mellbystrand is a stretch along sand dunes, through a beach forest and nature reserve, past Lax vik and out into open country south of Halmstad. Before you leave the sea, you can stop at Påarp’s burial ground with its 220 Iron Age graves. The path then passes Östra Stranden before it reaches Halmstad Castle.

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More information and tips are available at kattegattleden.se

HIGHLIGHTS Båstad – Laholm – Halmstad

Photography: visitlaholm.se

Photography: visitlaholm.se

24. Sveriges Tennismuseum In the middle of Båstad is Sweden’s only tennis museum. An exciting trip through 120 years of Swedish tennis history. If you want to visit Båstad Centre Court at the same time, it’s just a short walk away from the museum.

28. Lagaoset Lagaoset is where the River Lagan flows out into the sea. An excep tionally beautiful dune landscape with a wonderful view of the bay. Few nature experiences can surpass a summer evening here, when the sun sinks down into the sea and turns the sand, sky and water gold and red.

26. Skottorps Slott Sweden’s best-preserved Empire style palace is around 5 km from the path. Today, the castle is a private residence. In Stora Stenstallet you will find Sweden’s most beautiful dairy, which makes cheese including cheddar.

Photography: Patrik Leonardsson

29. Påarps gravfält Påarps burial ground, which is located along Laholmsbukten, is Halland’s biggest burial ground, with over 200 mounds and 50 stone settings. The largest mound, Sänke Hög, is 30 metres in diameter and two metres tall. Findings date the site to the Early Iron Age.

25. Båstad strand, hamn och kallbadhus

Photography: Laholm Municipality

A perfect place to stop for a re freshing dip at the open-air baths or on the beach, depending on the temperature. There is also a well-appointed and charming guest harbour, with a wide range of restaurants and other activities.

Photography: Destination Halmstad

Photography: Mikael von Porat

30. Vallgatan The narrow cobbled street of Vallgatan features several pleasant buildings and gives an impression of how things looked in the town in the 1500s. Here and there you can see the remains of the old rampart around Halmstad. With its history and ancient half-timbered buildings, Vallgatan is a Halmstad favourite!

27. 12 km sandstrand The long sandy beach is a bathing paradise perfect for families, with shallow water, wide beaches and protective dunes. Laholmsbukten bay is said to be one of Sweden’s best windsurfing locations. In the Hökafältet nature reserve there’s a service area with a cycle pump and an electric charging station.

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Worth a detour . The highlight is a short distance from the path.

You will find more highlights at kattegattleden.se

Photography: Fredrik Selander

Laholm Make a detour! The little town with the big works of art

Photography: visitlaholm.se

Laholm is Halland’s oldest town, and in the winding alleys of Gamleby, you can still get a sense of the Mid dle Ages, while Stortorget square is dominated by the attractive town hall from the 1700s. On almost every street corner is a sculpture. Laholm is therefore known as “the little town with the big works of art”. You’ll also find Teckningsmuseet – the only museum in the Nordic region dedi cated to drawing.

Laholm’s award-winning town park has been designed based on the motto “wild is beautiful”. There, you can walk through the Wild Forest, Woodland and Spring Hill. The River Lagan flows alongside the town centre and here you can enjoy smoked deli cacies on the shore of the river. In cosy Laholm you will find places to stay, along with shops, cafes and restaurants. You can easily get to Laholm town centre from Kattegattleden (about 20 minutes by bike).

The path follows the sea and Sweden’s longest sandy beach. At Skummeslövsstrand and Mell bystrand you’ll find restaurants close to the beach, eateries with outdoor seating, cafes, ice cream bars and overnight accommoda tion. The nature reserve features unique sand dunes and a magical pine forest.

DISCOVER MORE visitlaholm.se

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Photography: Ron Johansson

You’ve probably had the chance to take a lot of wonderful pictures on your cycling

trip – please share them on Instagram: #kattegattleden

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Photography: Destination Halmstad

Halmstad The city with three hearts

Photography: Destination Halmstad

The county town of Halm stad, which was granted its town charter in 1307, is Halland’s largest city, with 100,000 inhabitants. Halmstad is known as one of Sweden’s best summer cities and offers many events and vibrant street life. The Kattegatt leden passes through central

Halmstad and crosses the River Nissan, right next to Halmstad Castle. The county governor lives in the castle, which dates from the 1600s. It’s not open to the public, but take the chance to rest your legs and look around the courtyard. Stora Torg square is on the other side of the street, a perfect starting point for shopping and dining

at a restaurant. You can easily get around Halmstad on your bike. In several places in the municipality there are cycle pumps, where you can quickly and easily pump up your tyres at no charge.

DISCOVER MORE destinationhalmstad.se

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STAGE 5 Halmstad – Falkenberg

57 km STAGE LENGTH

Göteborg

Kungsbacka

Falkenberg

Varberg

Getinge

Oskarström

Falkenberg

Steninge

Halmstad

Laholm

Båstad

Haverdal

Nissan

Ängelholm

Höganäs

Halmstad

Helsingborg

Coast and sea, open country, beautiful nature reserves with a wealth of bird life, small, pleasant farm shops ... On the pleasant stretch between Halmstad and Falkenberg, there’s a lot to discover.

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Halmstad

Falkenberg A GPX file of the path is available for you to download to your device at kattegattleden.se

Distance (km)

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STAGE 5 Halmstad – Falkenberg

Photography: Patrik Leonardsson

Photography: Patrik Leonardsson

The trip continues west, toward one of the west coast’s most be loved beaches: Tylösand. There, you can bathe in extra safety, as the beach is monitored by profes sional lifeguards all summer long. Tylösand is followed by Frösakull, Ringenäs and Vilshärad’s beach es before the path turns east. At the windmill in Särdal there is a cute cafe and a farm shop.

Around the charming village of Steninge you’ll find several beautiful nature reserves with unique beach meadows. Stop at Steninge kust station for coffee and pancakes. The path takes you onward on Kust vägen to Ugglarp, where you can take a detour to Svedinos Bil & Flyg- museum that has one of Europe’s biggest collections of old cars and planes. Stretch your legs by the sea

at Ugglarps havsbad.

You continue cycling inland, pass ing through rolling hills of agri cultural land. Here, you can stop off at the viewpoint at Smörkull and Grimsholmen nature reserve before arriving at popular Skrea beach, with its long bathing jetty.

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More information and tips are available at kattegattleden.se

HIGHLIGHTS Halmstad – Falkenberg

Photography: Caroline Andersson Hidvi Photography: Caroline Andersson Hidvi

Photography: Erica Lundberg

33. Haverdal Head down to Haverdal’s three kilometres of wide sandy beach, a popular swimming spot perfect for picnics. In Haverdal you will also find a kiosk, a restaurant and a grocery store.

Photography: Destination Halmstad

31. Grötvik – Stenbrottet Here, you’ll find a cosy marina hidden in the historical quarry, which was active from 1876 to 1965. Grötvik is also known for its magical “mother of-pearl light”. This is an environment that has inspired many artists, par ticularly Halmstadgruppen, a group that found their inspiration in the special, magical light.

36. Skrea strand Here at Skrea beach, you can experience the best that Swedish summer has to offer. Sun, sea and sand between your toes, and jumping into the water from the jetty. Enjoy after-beach, minigolf, barbecue evenings on the rocks, socialising with friends and family and, of course, loads of ice cream.

34. Steningekusten Stop off in Steninge – a gem by the sea along Kattegattleden. Go for a swim, enjoy the countryside and gaze at the beautiful sunsets. At Steningestranden nature reserve you can find your own beautiful, unspoilt bathing spot.

Photography: pamela.se

35. Smörkull When you’ve climbed Smörkull, you are 52 metres above sea level and have a magnificent view of the coast. In times past, Smörkull has functioned as a beacon hill and has presumably been both a sui cidal precipice and sacrificial site.

32. Tylösand One of Sweden’s best beaches guarantees you many wonderful bathing opportunities. If you want a bit more space and peace and quiet, you can either walk north along the beach towards the mouth of Tylebäck watercourse or choose one of the many delightful sand dunes. And don’t miss the popular after-beach evenings at Hotel Tylösand.

37. Gamla stan Go for a walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town. There are well-preserved wooden houses, St Laurence’s Church, a rosarium and RIAN design museum. The museum exhibitions display everything from industrial design to artisan crafts.

Photography:

Marie Hidvi

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Worth a detour . The highlight is a short distance from the path.

You will find more highlights at kattegattleden.se

ography: Marie Hidvi

Falkenberg New memories are waiting to be made here

Photography: Marie Hidvi

When you cycle through Falkenberg, you shouldn’t be in too much of a hurry, because you’ll want to stop several times. There are more than 13 kilometres of sandy beaches, rocks to bathe from and stunning viewpoints. In between, you’ll find a small town with a wide range of things to see and do.

Town, where crooked houses line the cobbled streets, is a must. There, you’ll find Tullbron, one of Sweden’s most beautiful stone bridges. Continue your trip by taking a walk on one of the many beautiful paths around the River Ätran. Close by is the children’s favourite, Vallarna, with a large playground, mini zoo, skatepark and an open-air theatre that offers an extensive programme throughout the summer. At RIAN design- museum you can see Swedish

and international design. Stor gatan and Nygatan are the best shopping streets. Falkenberg is a recognised food destination, with everything from cosy cafes to gourmet restaurants. Locally sourced produce is something close to the hearts of the restauranteurs, and you can visit several farm shops. DISCOVER MORE falkenberg.se

Falkenberg has small-town charm. A walk through the Old

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STAGE 6 Falkenberg – Varberg

39 km STAGE LENGTH

Göteborg

Kungsbacka

Ullared

Varberg

Varberg

Tvååker

Falkenberg

Halmstad

Laholm

Båstad

Glommen

Ätran

Ängelholm

Höganäs

Falkenberg

Helsingborg

The Falkenberg to Varberg stretch is a less challenging part of Kattegattleden. You will cycle through open country and experience untouched nature and popular beaches.

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A GPX file of the path is available for you to download to your device at kattegattleden.se

STAGE 6 Falkenberg – Varberg

Photography: Marie Hidvi

Photography: Marie Hidvi

After Falkenberg you keep going along a coastal stretch that really personifies the expression “open country”. Here, you can stop off at lesser-known bathing spots such as Stafsinge strand or enjoy more vibrant beaches such as Olofsbo, Björkäng and Apelviken. Perfect when you need to replenish your energy with some ice cream or a meal. Make short stops along the path and enjoy the untouched

nature – there is a wealth of bird life and several nature reserves. Make a detour to Morups Tånge (follow the signs for Fyrleden), with its impressive lighthouse that has spread its light over the sea since 1843. On the way you’ll also pass several cosy fishing villages and marinas such as Lövstaviken, Glommen and Träslövsläge, all well worth a visit.

As you near Varberg, you’ll pass Apelviken, a beach that attracts masses of windsurfers from all over Europe. The path takes you on to Strandpromenaden and past Varberg Fortress before you reach Varberg harbour, with its open-air baths and Societetspark.

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More information and tips are available at kattegattleden.se

HIGHLIGHTS Falkenberg – Varberg

Photography: Mikael Pilstrand

Photography: Caroline Andersson Hidvi

40. Morups Tånge Morups Tånge is a beautiful nature reserve with a lot of animals. Both birds and humans come here to take a break and enjoy nature. Sit down and observe the sea life from the best seats in the house! Don’t forget your binoculars!

Photography: Marie Hidvi

42. Strandpromenaden Varberg residents love to walk, cycle and jog along the beach promenade from 1912, from the open-air baths in the harbour to Apelviken beach in the south. Enjoy the sharp scent of the sea and seaweed as you walk along the rocks, beaches and the world-famous nudist beaches Käringhålan, Skarpe Nord and Goda hopp.

38. Tullbron Go for a walk on Sweden’s most beautiful stone bridge, also Falkenberg’s most well-known structure, built 1756–61. At the southern bridge abutment are the ruins of Falkenberg Fortress, which bear witness to an exciting history. It’s now a popular picnic spot.

Photography: Marie Hidvi

Photography: Owe Olsson

41. Träslövsläge - fiskeläge In Träslövsläge fishing village, south of Varberg, you can purchase fresh fish, prawns and crayfish (“lajrhommer” in the local dialect). You’ll also find a famous ice cream cafe, with a long, winding queue in summertime. The older parts of “Läjet” have streets with well-preserved, cosy old wooden houses. The guest harbour features a popular restaurant.

43. Varbergs fästning & Hallands kulturhistoriska museum Both the fortress and the museum are full of experiences. See Bockstensmannen, the well preserved remains of a man who died in the 1300s and was found in a bog outside Varberg, or go for coffee at Kaféet after a guided tour where you’ll hear stories about the exciting history of Varberg Fortress.

39. Vallarnas Friluftsområde In this oasis just outside the centre, there’s something for everyone. Children and their parents spend time in the playground, teenagers prefer the parkour and skate park, while the active like the running trail and outdoor gym. Anglers wade out into River Ätran. And precisely everyone is entranced by the beautiful Doktorspromenaden trail.

Photography: Mikael Pilstrand

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Worth a detour . The highlight is a short distance from the path.

You will find more highlights at kattegattleden.se

Photography: Owe Olsson

Varberg In the midst of history with a particular feel for water

Photography: Mikael Pilstrand

In Varberg people are particularly enamoured of water. Back in the early 1800s, the town was already a well-known health resort to which people flocked to drink the waters, and water still holds a key po

sition. In Varberg you can enjoy everything from relaxing spa treatments to refreshing nud ist bathing and pulse-raising surfing. Kattegattleden stretches along stunning Strandpromenaden from Apelviken and the surfers’

mecca to the famous nudist beaches and past magnificent Varberg Fortress. Cycle to Var berg centre and experience the lively market days on the town square, or jump on a bus for a day trip to Åkulla’s beautiful nature, with a beech forest and exciting visitor destinations.

DISCOVER MORE visitvarberg.se

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STAGE 7 Varberg – Kungsbacka

72 km STAGE LENGTH

Kinna

Kungsbacka

Skene

Göteborg

Lygnern

Onsala

Kungsbacka

Varberg

Åsa

Falkenberg

Viskan

Veddige

Halmstad

Laholm

Bua

Båstad

Ängelholm

Höganäs

Helsingborg

Ullared

Varberg

There, you cycle along the coast, through forest and across farmland, through small villages and in an urban environment. The path is slightly hilly, as it follows small roads and cycle paths, along with roads with traffic. ELEVATION PROFILE

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A GPX file of the path is available for you to download to your device at kattegattleden.se

STAGE 7 Varberg – Kungsbacka

Photography: Simon Lautrup

Photography: Owe Olsson

North of Varberg the landscape changes – the sandy beaches become rocks and the first islands start to become visible: Getterön, Balgö and Vendelsö. The path takes you down to Bua harbour, a fishing hamlet where you can sample delicacies from the sea. The path has mixed traffic through Frillesås and then continues on the old railway embankment, where you can enjoy a car-free

stretch along the coast. Pause at one of the bathing beaches in Åsa for an ice cream at the cafe or coffee and a cake at the bakery. Take a detour to Tjolöholm Castle - Sweden’s only Tudor castle. You carry on cycling alongside fields and equestrian centres. Take a break in Hanhals at Rolfsbron, a beautiful arched stone bridge from the 1600s.

In Kungsbacka, the path goes through the town, one of the biggest trade centres in western Sweden.

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More information and tips are available at kattegattleden.se

HIGHLIGHTS Varberg – Kungsbacka

Photography: Owe Olsson

48. Tjolöholms Slott This Tudor-style castle from the early 1900s is stunningly located by the sea. Curious to see how they lived? There are several guided tours per day during summer. There are also bathing spots, a recreated village with workers’ houses, activities for the children and a cafe. The castle garden is always open to the public.

44. Hamnmagasinet Hamnmagasinet is in the heart of Varberg – the area around the Societeten park, the open-air baths and Varberg Fortress. This carefully renovated listed building was built in 1874. Today it is a centre for art and handicrafts. There’s an art gallery, ceramics workshop, glassworks, silver smithy and printmaking workshop.

46. Bua hamn Along the crab fishing jetty in the harbour, you’ll find a little restaurant. There you can enjoy delicious seafood and more. Walk to the lighthouse at Krokstadsudde, by the inlet. There are three designated hiking trails and great places to swim, with rocks as well as beaches.

Photography: Owe Olsson

Photography: Tjolöholm Castle

Photography: Göran Assner

45. Naturum Getterön The Getterön Nature Reserve and visitors’ centre is a true paradise for birds and bird-lovers alike, and one of the finest places in Northern Europe for birding. About 170 species breed or rest here regularly. You’ll find guided tours, lectures, a shop and a cafe with a great view of the area.

49. Fjärås Bräcka Fjärås Bräcka is a magnificent glacial formation. Experience a unique view of both Kattegatt and Lake Lygnern. At Li burial ground there are more than 100 Iron Age menhirs. At the visitors’ centre, there’s an exhibition about the formation of Fjärås Bräcka, and the popular cafe serves homemade delicacies and dishes made with local ingredients.

Photography: Göran Assner

47. Vita Sand Vita Sand in Åsa is a shallow sandy beach with several bays suitable for bathing and low rocks for those who don’t want to get sand between their toes. Here, you can fish for crabs, play beach volleyball, have coffee or enjoy a delicious meal. The white building, in functional style, in the very south, was a popular bathing hotel in the 1930s – it’s now a folk high school.

Photography: Owe Olsson

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Worth a detour . The highlight is a short distance from the path.

You will find more highlights at kattegattleden.se

Photography: Louise Petersson

Kungsbacka Soft rocks and long beaches

Photography: Hannah Björk

Kungsbacka was founded back in the 1500s and was Danish until 1645. The old wooden houses make their mark on the town centre, offering a picturesque at mosphere with cafes, res taurants and shops. Röda Stugan, Kungsbacka’s oldest building, is now a cosy cafe where you can enjoy waf fles and homemade cakes and pastries in the garden. The cot

tage is just a stone’s throw from Kattegattleden and the beautiful square that is framed by out door cafes in summer. The first Thursday of each month that isn’t a public holiday is market day in the square, as it has been for over 600 years. From Tölöberg, Kungsbacka’s oldest water tower from 1897, you can see almost the whole of Kungsbacka. Kungsbackaån river winds through the town,

flowing out into Kungsbacka fjorden. On the other side of the fjord, right by the sea, is Tjolöholm Castle, Sweden’s only Tudor castle. Kungsbacka is one of the top places to shop in western Swe den. The genuine and traditional are still alive, alongside with the new, modern shopping centres.

DISCOVER MORE visitkungsbacka.se

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STAGE 8 Kungsbacka – Gothenburg

64 km STAGE LENGTH

Hisingen

Lerum

Göteborg

Partille

Göteborg

Öckerö

Kungsbacka

Mölndal

Varberg

Falkenberg

Lindome

Halmstad

Särö

Laholm

Båstad

Kungsbacka

Lygnern

Ängelholm

Höganäs

Onsala

Helsingborg

Kattegattleden between Kungsbacka and Gothenburg features stunning nature experiences. Before you encounter the buzzing city life of Gothenburg, you cycle alongside the sea among rocks and marinas. ELEVATION PROFILE

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A GPX file of the path is available for you to download to your device at kattegattleden.se

STAGE 8 Kungsbacka – Gothenburg

Photography: Per Pixel Petersson

Photography: Göran Assner

Kattegattleden continues along Kungsbackafjorden. At Båt- och Sjöfartsmuseet maritime museum, just below the church in Onsala, you can find out all about “Lasse i Gatan”, the king’s privateer Lars Gathenhielm, who was born here in 1689. Royalty and Gothenburg’s high society came to Särö for amuse ment in the early twentieth centu ry. Make a detour to Särö Väster

skog, where you can walk beside the sea. When you have left the seaside resort, you cycle along side the former Säröbanan railway track, which runs parallel to the sea. Cliffs, lush forest, bays and marinas line the path and there are plenty of places to swim. When you start approaching Goth enburg, the path passes Nya Varvet docklands, Klippans kulturreservat historical district and Röda Stens

Konsthall art gallery. At Järntorget square you head towards Gothen burg city centre, passing picnic paradise Kungsparken and Stora Teatern. The final stretch goes alongside Trädgårdsföreningen, one of Eu rope’s most well-preserved parks from the 1800s, before you reach your final destination at Drottning torget by the Central Station.

Photography: Hanna Larsson

BIKES ON TRAINS AND BUSES If you want to take your bike onboard, buy a bike ticket before boarding. You can take your bike on the train where space permits. Buses have bike holders and will take bikes where space permits. The maximum is one bike per bus. Bear in mind that bikes are not permitted on SJ trains. You can find full terms and conditions at hallandstrafiken.se and vasttrafiken.se

PRACTICAL INFORMATION In Gothenburg, Kattegattleden starts and/or ends at Drottningtorget – a stone’s throw from the Central Station where the train station, bus station and long-term car park are located.

OPENING HOURS Remember to check the opening times of the visitor destinations and facilities you intend to visit and ideally book your accommo dation in advance!

CYCLE SERVICE If something happens to your bike en route, you will find all the cycle work shops along the path at kattegatt leden.se

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More information and tips are available at kattegattleden.se