In our series on cycling in southern Sweden, we have arrived at the South Sweden Trails: part III Simrishamn - Växjö via the Sydost members. Part 1 was about the Kattegattleden from Gothenburg to Helsingborg, part II took you to the Syd coast members, between Helsingborg and Simrishamn. Part III, the Sydostleden in other words, takes you from Simrishamn to end point Växjö. Like the other two routes, this one is also divided into stages. This time 7 of them, which collectively cover 274 kilometres. In total, the route has almost 1700 altitude metres. Not necessarily flat, but certainly not mountainous. So it's a brilliant route for your next cycling holiday. As with the other routes, we choose to combine stages. Certainly for the road cyclist, but also for the gravel rider, stages of 30 kilometres for a whole day are on the short side.
From Simrishamn via Brösarp to Kristianstad
On this stretch of the route in the province of Skåne, you drive through Sweden's so-called 'granary'. Well, not quite grain, more rye. The stretch between Kristianstad and Ahus is where rye for Sweden's famous Knäckebrod is grown. Oh and not just for the bread, but also for another well-known export product, Absolut Vodka. You also drive the first part of this route through the Stenshuvud Natinoal Park, which is the southernmost national park in Sweden. This offers stunning coastal views and you almost feel like you're in the Netherlands for a moment, with its dunes and sandy beaches. Also further on, you'll find a not-to-be-missed stop at Hallamölla waterfall. You ride along beautiful paths here and everywhere is lovely and quiet. Cycling in Sweden is enjoyment.
Here on the route slopes nicely and along the way you will also encounter lots of the characteristic coloured cottages. Also, heading towards Kristianstad, you will enter another nature reserve where you might well stop for a while. In any case, the views are nice enough. The town of Brösarp is known for many great attractions, but the hills are especially popular among hikers, and we recommend perhaps adding a round on the bike. On the gravel bike, you could also ride a bit of the Skaneleden hiking trail. There is plenty of room in any case. That is also the beauty of this South Sweden Trails, variety abounds.
Kristianstad - Fridafors
In the next stage, we stick three route sections together. From starting point Kristianstad, we first drive to Solvesborg and then finish in Fridafors. On this route, you go from Skåne province to Blekinge province. You do find something really cool on this stretch of route, which is the opportunity to ride on an old railway line between Olofstrom and Sölvesborg. We always find that super cool, so highly recommended. In Sölvesborg, the old castle ruins are also a nice point to stop for a while. The second part of this ride is time to get your swimming trunks out of the bag.
Between Solvesborg and Karlshamn, you mainly drive through open landscape along the beach and after Karlshamn you enter the Käringehejan Nature Reserve. Very beautiful to see and, given the abundance of green, it's nice and wet in winter and autumn, something to keep in mind. So put good clothes on your packing list.
Also, don't forget to make a stop at Hovmansbygd here along the route. This area has several interesting stretches, from old railway tracks to beautiful buildings and factories. The Ebbemåla Bruk in particular stands out. There is a nice museum at this piece of industrial heritage and everything is very well preserved. Therefore definitely worth stopping and looking around.
Almost home: Fridafors - Växjö
After almost 900 kilometres of cycling, the final point comes into sight, Växjö. To get there, we ride from Fridafors, via Tingsryd the last 75 kilometres of this route. You end up riding through the beautiful Asnen National Park here, by the lake and this really is more than worthy of a photo stop. Cycling in southern Sweden: part III thus comes to an end.
Also earlier in this rout you'll find a gem, namely the stone bridge in Småland near Blidingsholm, perhaps the most beautiful there is. Here, the Sydostleden route crosses the Mörrum river.
In terms of highlights, this part of the route is the least densely packed, but because the last part is a bit more challenging in terms of altimeters and because you have a bit more variety here (as well as, for example, the trips to the hills and the archipelago around Valje), it is definitely worth it. Cycling in southern Sweden is also a nice alternative to the hot summers!
