Kristianstad: Nature, Coast and Culture

In Kristianstad Vattenrike, nature observation and visitor facilities come together: the area includes 21 visitor sites with bird towers, boardwalks and open-air museums. Naturum Vattenriket is the gateway to the biosphere reserve and also a centre for nature education and learning. It stands on stilts in the water; the Opteryx simulator takes you on three journeys, either beneath the water’s surface or high above the Vattenriket landscape.

Naturum’s programme also offers a variety of activities. Around 500 events are held there each year, including qigong and bat safaris. The number of events may change. This makes it possible to shape a visit around different themes, from learning about nature to taking part in individual activities.

Coast, lagoon and distinctive landscapes

The Äspet Nature Reserve lies on the coast, immediately south of the harbour in Åhus. Its shallow lagoon attracts many breeding and resting birds. Visitor facilities include two bird towers and the Äspet Utemuseum, next to the Snickarhaken car park. The area thus combines coastal scenery, birdlife and a place to explore the surroundings more closely.

The Forsakarsravinen Nature Reserve has a very different landscape: beech trees shade the fairytale-like valley, whose distinctive features include one of the highest waterfalls in Skåne. The area is a popular excursion destination. At Degeberga backar, meanwhile, the limestone-rich sandy steppe provides a habitat for specialist plants and animals. Two hiking trails are 1.2 and 2.2 kilometres long, respectively; the listed points of interest include the viewpoint at Söndre klack and a trail along the Forsakarsbäcken. The different lengths make it easier to choose a route to suit your preferred distance.

For longer hikes, the Skåneleden SL6 Vattenriket runs for 190 kilometres from Simontorp in northeastern Skåne to Brösarp on Österlen. In Kristianstad Municipality, it passes through or near 18 nature reserves; 14 of them are in Vattenriket. Nature-oriented day trips by canoe or kayak are also available on the Helge å. They take you through urban landscapes, wet meadows and coastal waters.

Cycling, swimming and planning excursions

Kristianstad Municipality has seven local cycling routes. They mostly follow car-free cycle paths and quiet country roads; route conditions may change. The municipality also provides information about swimming spots: its coastline is 42 kilometres long, with eight seaside bathing spots and eight inland lake bathing spots.

Kristianstads badrike is in southern Näsby, about 1.4 kilometres from the centre of Kristianstad. It can be reached on foot, by bicycle, bus or car. Facilities include swimming pools for training, a pool with a diving tower, a large family pool with slides, and a relaxation area with several types of sauna. As travel and facility information may change, it is worth checking the latest municipal guidance before your visit.

Art, film and history

Kristianstads konsthall presents solo and group exhibitions of contemporary art. Talks and activities with artists often accompany them. The art gallery is housed in a former post office dating from 1917, designed by architect Erik Lallerstedt. Filmmuseet takes visitors into another chapter of cultural history: it preserves Sweden’s first film studio, which dates from 1909 and has been restored and retained in its original condition. One exhibition explores events and figures from Kristianstad that shaped the early history of feature films; historical cameras and other film equipment are also on display.

At Åhus museum, numerous archaeological finds in the town history exhibition offer insights into medieval life in Åhus. The town combines this historical theme with a medieval town centre, long sandy beaches, a well-equipped guest harbour and numerous cultural heritage sites. Järnvägsmuseet Kristianstad adds railway history to the cultural excursion options, along with glimpses of rail travel and railway settings in earlier times.

For trip planning, there are several distinct themes to choose from: nature education and wetlands, coastal and birdlife, hiking and cycling, swimming, or exhibitions and local history. You can decide which will shape your stay by considering the specific places and themes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kristianstad, Fjälkinge, Färlöv, Gärds Köpinge, Huaröd, Everöd, Östra Sönnarslöv, Tollarp, Yngsjö, Åhus, Arkelstorp, Degeberga, Önnestad, Barum, Linderöd, Maglehem, Vånga.

For the regional travel overview: Skåne.