In this series of three articles we will discuss the cycling opportunities in southern Sweden. There you will find the South Sweden Trails. Roughly 900 kilometers between Gothenburg, via Helsingborg and the south coast to Växjö. In the first article we discussed the route from Kattegattleden, Now we are looking at the Sydkustleden, who are completely within the province, which is already a wonderful piece of coastline on the south-west coast. Skåne The landscape is beautiful. Cycling in southern Sweden is wonderful.
260 kilometers of cycling pleasure
The route between Simrishamn and Helsingborg actually follows the entire southern coast of Skåne. In total, this route covers 260 kilometers. For the sake of clarity, the route has been divided into 6 sections, each of which is a maximum of 57 kilometers long. For the experienced race cyclist, combining several sections in one day will be beneficial. If you simply want to cycle around southern Sweden and make a nice/interesting stop every now and then, you can also complete the route in six days.
Starting point Helsingborg
Because we are the first route Having started from Gothenburg, we are now continuing in Helsingborg as well. According to the brochures, you should start this route from Simrishamn. We are doing it a bit differently. The first leg from Helsingborg to Landskrona and the second leg from Landskrona to Malmö would be combined. In total, you would be traveling 78 kilometers in this direction with just over 500 meters of elevation gain. If you ride this route in this direction, you will soon encounter the slopes of Glumslöv, which, with a little imagination, make you think of Tuscany. Only a little greener. In terms of hills, it will be reminiscent of the mountain in the Amerong area. For most cyclists, about 3% with 80 meters of elevation gain is more than manageable.
Additional stop -> the island of Ven
You will have to cross the river briefly, but the island of Ven is not only bike-friendly; it is also worth making a short detour. There is beautiful nature and some idyllic harbors. It is very similar to the Wadden Islands and is also ideal for a nice trip. Keep in mind that it is only 4.5 kilometers long and a few kilometers wide, so don’t expect a complete route that will keep you busy.
Highlight: The Long Bridge
Further along this route, between Landskrona and Malmö, you will find an absolute highlight. The Långa Bryggan is exactly what you would expect it to be. It is a long pier that extends into the sea, reaching almost 600 meters into the sea. This is the longest pier in Sweden, and there is even an indoor swimming pool, a playground, and a sauna (one especially for women too!)
Before you head to Malmö via Landskrona, you pass by a number of idyllic fishing villages where you can stop for coffee or something to eat. Nice places to stop are Lomma Hamn or Borstahusen. The latter in particular is a real eye-catcher with row houses that have been beautifully renovated and have a nice atmosphere. The well-known Pumphuset (pump house, now a art gallery, museum and restaurant) is a cool spot and popular with locals and visitors alike.
What’s really cool: Borstahusen still has a real fish culture and you could buy your own fish to prepare for dinner. Go to the harbor and buy the catch fresh from the fishermen themselves.
Malmö and the Västra Hamnen
Once in Malmö, it’s fun to go to Västra Hamnen. As part of the Bo01 European housing fair in 2001 (EHF), this neighborhood was developed with innovative ecological solutions and exceptional architecture. Among others, the famous architect Santiago Calatrava was flown in and he is responsible for the design of the Turning Torso building. 190 meters high and thanks to its striking design, it is a crowd-puller. As well as the Sundpromenaden and the Djuphavsbadet. From here you can see the Oresund fountain and of course Copenhagen in the distance. The old neighborhood of Malmö is also worth a visit.
After Malmö, you continue towards Trelleborg, which is also a highlight along this route. Here, a quarter of the old castle has been rebuilt. The beach on this side is also stunning, with the houses at Skanör captivating the eye. When it comes to cycling, it's wonderfully flat and you can go at your own pace!
The stones of Kåseberg and Ales
The small village of Kåseberga is also a hamlet with a population of only 150 people. Yet it has enough to offer to stop for a drink and to buy fresh smoked fish at the fishmonger’s shop by the harbor. The harbor is located at the bottom of a steep cliff. Further up, just outside the village, you will find the ‘Ales’ stones. These are 59 large stone blocks that are shaped like a ship. The 67-meter-long and 20-meter-wide structure dates back to the late Iron Age (approximately 1000 BC). A place with an interesting history and beautiful to see!
Save the best for last: Sandhammaren
The beach of Sandhammeren, on the last stretch between Ystad and Simrishamn, is perhaps the most beautiful beach in Sweden. The sand is stunning and according to the locals you won’t find this anywhere else. The long coastline with beautiful dunes (almost Dutch) and the forest make it a beautiful place to stop for photos. In Löderup there is a logical stop because you can then see both the beach of Sandhammaren and the Kåseberga. At Sandhammeren you will also find a nature park with birds and also moose!
Want to know more?
Would you like to go cycling in southern Sweden? You can find more information about this part of the South Sweden Trails on the website of Sydkustleden. All information about the province of Skåne can be found here. here. Check the Komoot route below! With a few small detours
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.