The topography and climate of Skåne is a cyclist’s dream. The network of public transport lets riders bring their bikes on board and the variety of the landscape offers excellent opportunities for amateurs as well as for seasoned enthusiasts.
Outside urban areas is a tightly knit network of roads, many of which are hardly used by motorists at all. And there are long parts of the bike trails completely free from cars. Combine laid-back pedalling through fields and meadows with challenging hillside rides along the coasts, and intense nature experiences in the forests and national parks.
Skåne has something to offer for every taste and level of skill. Keep reading for some of the best bike trails in Skåne. But first, watch this inspirational video by Karol Werner:
Kattegattleden
The coastline trail Kattegattleden was Sweden’s first national tourist bicycle route. It stretches along the west coast of Sweden from Helsingborg – one of the oldest and largest cities in Skåne – up to Gothenburg, Sweden’s second biggest city. The trail offers uninterrupted beautiful scenery for almost 400 kilometres. Most of it is free from cars and you pass dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches and picturesque villages.
There are many sites worth visiting along the way, such as the beautiful Sofiero Castle, the Kullaberg National Park and the Upzone adventure park.
The route is lined with a string of cafés and restaurants, and you can choose from different accommodation options including camping, bed & breakfasts and hotels.
To follow Kattegattleden, look for the red and white signs marked with number 1.
Sydostleden – the southeastern trail
Sydostleden (or the southeastern trail) is one of Sweden’s national biking trails stretching 300 kilometres. The trail starts (or ends) in southeastern Skåne, in the quaint town of Simrishamn, and takes you through an ever-changing landscape to the city of Växjö in the neighbouring province of Småland.
In Skåne you pass through the apple orchards of Kivik, where you can stop and sample apple cider, before continuing through picturesque farmlands, pastures and forests. The route offers wonderful views of the natural and cultural landscapes of Skåne.
Stop by Hallamölla Waterfalls, Skåne's highest falls with a vertical drop of 23 metres, and its well-preserved mill, The sandy beaches in Skåne followed by the archipelago in Blekinge and the deep forests of Småland makes this bike trail unique.
Sydostleden is an easily accessible and traffic-safe route packed with cultural experiences and stunning nature. Most of the trail consists of car-free cycle paths and the entire route is marked with red and white signs and the number 2.
Sydkustleden – the south coast trail
Sydkustleden (the southcoast trail) is a 260 kilometre long cycle path divided into six sections that takes you along the south coast of Skåne from Simrishamn in the beautiful area of Österlen in the east, through the southern peninsula of Trelleborg, Skanör Falsterbo, to Malmö then up the west coast to Helsingborg.
The trail takes you past some of Sweden's most beautiful beaches on a route where you can explore historical and scenic environments, enjoy dinner at local inns, and visit the vibrant cities of Malmö and Helsingborg. Cycle up to Glimmingehus, Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval stronghold, then pass by Ales Stenar, a fantastic stone formation shaped like a Viking boat. Make your mark at Smygehuk, Sweden’s southernmost tip, then on to some smart city life, with a great choice of accommodation, restaurants for every taste, concerts and more.
Bike one section at a time, merge multiple sections or cycle the whole trail in one sweep. Either way, be sure to make time for lots of stops along the way.
Cykelleden Skåne – the regional trail
Skåne’s latest cycle path criss-crosses inland through the centre of this magical countryside. It takes you in a circle along rolling hills and dense forests, quiet rural retreats and vibrant towns, connecting you to the Sydkustleden and Sydostleden cycle paths.
With 22 different sections and 570 km of trails to choose from, there are countless, diverse places for you to visit. Cycle as far as you like, stop off whenever you want, and enjoy all the beauty that inland Skåne offers.
Join the trail anywhere along the three main parts; from Kristianstad to Ängelholm, Ystad to Bostad and Lomma to Kristianstad. Pedal through the unique wetlands of Kristianstads Vattenrike, feel the forest air in your lungs as you look out for deer, elk, badgers and boars. Visit majestic castles like Hovdala that offers guided tours, summer exhibitions and storytelling evenings. Investigate murder mysteries in Ystad on a Wallander walk, or take a brewery tour and tasting at Fulltofta distillery. Hungry? Buy the finest local fruit, vegetables, apple musts and more from one of the farm shops all along your route.
Ven – a paradise island for biking
The small island of Ven is in the middle of the Öresund, the waters that part Skåne from Denmark.
Ven has been a classic biking destination for decades and offers biking in beautiful, family- friendly surroundings. Cosy villages, quaint cottages, hills, meadows and dramatic cliffs that drop straight into the sea makes this a perfect venue for day excursions.
Arrive by boat from Landskrona and follow people up the hill to the bike rental facility with its characteristic yellow bicycles. Opt for a regular bike, tandem, bike with a trailer or an ordinary two-wheeler. Stop for ice cream at the ice cream factory across the road.
Skåne offers bike-friendly conditions, accessible cycle paths supported by a good public transportation system and lots of small, friendly places offering food and accommodation. A biking vacation in this beautiful part of Sweden will leave you wanting more. Happy biking.
