From Forest to Sea - Cycle the Sydostleden Trail

Cycle along the Sydostleden Trail through southern Småland, Blekinge, and to southeastern Skåne, where varied nature and cultural experiences await, such as Åsnen's unique lake landscape, Mörrum's Crown Salmon Fishing, the archipelago in Blekinge, the water kingdom in Kristianstad, the rivermouth at Åhus, and the apple orchards in Kivik.

Sydostleden offers an almost car-free cycling experience with over 80% of the cycle path paved with asphalt. This cycling package starts in Växjö at Resecentrum and ends in Simrishamn in Österlen, with 5 days and 4 overnight stays at selected accommodations along the way. You can also choose to stay in slightly higher-standard hotels (from 4,000 SEK/person and double room accommodation) by specifying it in your booking. Private transfer back to the starting point can also be pre-booked from the cycling package's endpoint.

Please note that you have the flexibility to start the tour in either Växjö or Simrishamn in any direction of your choice. You also have the option to customize the tour by adjusting the distance and number of days to suit your preferences.

Photo: Jonte Göransson and Region Skåne Mickael Tannus

Day 1 - Växjö - Urshult

Urshult Hotels, Urshult

Breakfast

60 km

In Växjö, you'll find charming alleys, cobblestones and red cottages, but also shopping and exciting nightlife. When you reach Ekotemplet, Växjö's water tower, you're at the highest point of this tour - 203 meters above sea level. Enjoy the beautiful landscape as you pedal southward.

Several stretches follow abandoned railway embankments, passing old station buildings, signal cabins, and beautiful bridges that remain from the railway era. Accommodation is in Urshult, at the southern tip of Åsnen, which is the largest lake in the county.

Day 2 - Urshult - Karlshamn

Hotel Carlshamn, Karlshamn

Breakfast

49 km

Today's bike ride will take you from forested areas to coastal areas. Take a break and admire one of Småland's longest and most beautiful stone bridges at Blidingsholm, where the trail crosses Mörrumsån.

Immerse yourself in the coastal charm of Karlshamn, a vibrant town with easy access to the stunning archipelago. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Hamnparken and pay homage to the millions of Swedes who emigrated to America via Karlshamn, commemorated by the "Karl Oskar and Kristina" monument.

Day 3 - Karlshamn - Kristianstad

Quality Hotel Grand Kristianstad

Breakfast

65 km

After a delightful breakfast, you continue your journey towards Mörrum, which is the center of the famous salmon fishing on the river. People from near and far come here to fish, but also to experience the environment around the river, Kungsforsen restaurant, and the aquarium next to the exhibition.

You then continue towards Sölvesborg, where you can find Europe's longest pedestrian and cycling bridge (760 meters long). Take some time to explore this charming town, where you can find cafes, shops, and restaurants around Stortorget. In the harbor, you can visit "Fyra årstiders park," a garden designed by the Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf.

You will then cycle towards Kristianstad, a city founded in 1614 by the Danish king Christian IV. Originally built as a fortress surrounded by wetlands providing natural defense. Some parts of the city are below sea level, and in the heart of the city, amidst the nature, lies Kristianstad's latest pride: Naturum Vattenriket. You can choose to explore the exhibition on your own or join a guided tour. Accommodation is at the cozy Quality Hotel Grand Kristianstad.

Day 4 - Kristianstad - Brösarp

Brösarps Hospitality & Spa

Breakfast

52 km

After breakfast, you leave Kristianstad behind and cycle south towards Åhus and the coast. Åhus is one of Sweden's best-preserved medieval towns, with much that reminds of the Danish era. Narrow alleys are lined with picturesque half-timbered houses. At the mouth of the Helge River lies the ruins of Aosehus Castle, which began construction in the 12th century, and the remains of the city wall can also be seen.

In Friseboda, you cycle along the sea and enjoy views of sandy beaches, eel huts, and endless blue waters. From the bike path on the old railway embankment at Maglehem, you can turn off to the cafe, gallery, and mill museum Blåherremölla. Brösarp is the northern gateway to Österlen, and here you spend the night at a genuine Skåne inn.

Day 5 - Brösarp - Simrishamn

Breakfast

49 km

After a good breakfast, the tour continues through farmland, pastures and forests. You pass by Vitaby Church, which from its height overlooks the landscape, and through Kivik village where the apple is the focus. With apple orchards, "Äppelriket," Kiviks Musteri, and in the fall: the apple market. We highly recommend that you take a walk up to the top of Stenshuvud, 97 meters above sea level, where you have a wide-ranging view.

Simrishamn, the final destination, has origins dating back to the 12th century and is known for its pastel-colored houses with beautifully carved doors. One can smell the scent of roses while strolling through these houses on a beautiful summer day. If you need transportation back to the starting point of the bike tour, you can pre-book a private transfer for approximately 1500 SEK/person (including bike and luggage).