Åskloster: Monastery History, Golf and Coastal Heathland

Åskloster brings together the history of Ås Abbey and Åskloster Manor with activities such as golf and kayaking. The Årnäshalvön nature reserve offers a distinctive glimpse of ancient coastal heathland. If you are looking for a hotel, you can consider these as different focal points for your trip.

Monastic history and building phases

The ruins of the first monastery in Halland, founded by Cistercians in the 1190s, are located at Åskloster Manor. Excavated remains of the monastery and its church lie in front of the main building. Their location connects the monastery’s history with the manor, while the foundation date provides a historical starting point. At the height of its development, the monastery’s holdings included around 250 farms in northern Halland. Its history therefore extends beyond the monastery itself to encompass a larger area of landholdings.

The present main building at Åskloster Manor was built of stone in 1806–1807, based on Carl Hårleman’s standard designs for royal estates. The west wing was added in 1847, and the east wing in the 1860s. Åskloster Manor has been a listed building since 1993. To understand the chronology, it helps to distinguish the monastery ruins from the later main building. The manor also developed in several building phases: the west wing was added after the main building, followed later by the east wing.

Golf and kayaking as different activities

The course at Klosterfjorden Golf Club has a seaside character, situated where the Viskan flows into the sea. It has nine holes and 18 alternative tees. These numbers describe different features: nine holes indicate the course format, while the 18 alternative tees provide additional starting points for play. The course can therefore be described as a nine-hole course without confusing the number of tees with the number of holes.

The kayaking route takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, from Kullagården outside Veddige to the sea, where the Viskan flows into Klosterfjorden north of Åskloster. For a kayaking trip from Kullagården to the sea, kayaks, life jackets, paddles and spray decks are included in the price; confirm availability before your trip. There is also a Kayakomat at the Viskan estuary north of Åskloster. Check its current status before setting out.

Coastal landscape and trip planning

The Årnäshalvön nature reserve in Åskloster is a remnant of ancient coastal heathland. This offers a distinct landscape to explore alongside the area’s monastic history and activities. If you are planning to visit the nature reserve, check the visitor information in advance.

Golf and kayaking offer different points of reference for planning your day: the kayaking route is described as taking around 2 to 2.5 hours, while the golf course has nine holes and 18 alternative tees. You can weigh up whether the time needed for a route or the format of the course is more important for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Folkared, Träslövsläge, Veddige, Karl Gustav, Stamnared, Åkraberg, Trönningenäs, Stråvalla

For the main travel overview: Varberg.