The Hovs Hallar Nature Reserve is approximately 7 km northeast of the coastal town of Torekov. This area is the steepest coastal section of the Bjäre Peninsula in the north-western part of Skåne, and has been described as a magical, almost otherworldly place.
Rocky beaches and coastal meadows
The shore in Hovs Hallar is lined with fantastic rocky beaches and caves. Jagged outcrops, and sun-warmed boulders combine to give a barren, wild impression reminiscent of the dramatic landscapes in the far north of Norway. The coastal meadows that extend out to the west of Hovs Hallar have been grazed by animals for thousands of years, developing a very special flora and fauna. The landscape was created when magma forced its way up through the bedrock. Wind and water have since shaped the rocks, creating the dramatic formations of today.
Popular hiking area
Hovs Hallar is one of Skåne's true gems among hikers. The footpaths on the Skåneleden Trail lead you through cliffs and rocky outcrops, across grazed coastal meadows, shingle beaches and past unusual pools. Head north and you'll pass areas of shingle with banks from the ancient Litorine Sea. There are rare sedges and flowers growing here, including the red flowering variety of waterlily.
Snorkeling, bird watching or boulder climbing
Hovs hallar is great for sea bird watching, especially on the vantage points towards Laholm Bay. Watch the wind-driven Atlantic auks, shearwaters, skuas, storm petrels, kittiwakes, fulmars and gannets here. The area where Hallandsåsen meets the sea is spectacular, with broken precipices, cave-like formations, sea stacks and a shingle beach. Snorkel your way below the Kattegat sea, or go bouldering on the rocky ledges at Rödehall.
5 fun facts about Hovs Hallar
- From the top you can look down on the area of shingle called Smygeslätt, the remains of an old fishing village.
- Walk west of the Hovs Hallar restaurant past magnificent large boulders with bowl-shaped hollows, great for those Instagram snaps.
- It used to be common for ships to run aground along the coast here. The local villagers made it a tradition to remove all the bolts from the wrecks and let the ocean watershed what was left, then hold an auction on the beach.
- Ships were built here between 1829 and 1848. You can spot the two large boulders, "Stora (Big) and Lilla (Small) Ringasten", where boats were moored in the sea.
- Cows, sheep and geese grazed here. You can still spot herds of mountain goats climbing the rocks and grazing on the fields.
World famous backdrop
The rocky scenery is a popular tourist destination and inspired famous film-makers. Hovs Hallar was the setting for Ingmar Bergman’s opening scene of The Seventh Seal, where the knight plays chess against Death.
