Örkelljunga among forests, lakes and hiking trails

Forests, inland lakes, hilly terrain and heathland shape Örkelljunga. Water also helps define the area: the Pinnån is part of the Rönne å river system. Around the municipality’s towns and villages, short circular trails, longer hiking stages and historical sites come together, offering a versatile starting point for planning your stay around landscapes, outdoor activities or culture.

Nature trails and walks

Abborraleden is an accessible recreation area around Lake Abborrasjön. The circular trail by the lake is 1.2 kilometres long and fully lit. There is also a marked route for pedestrians and cyclists from the centre of Örkelljunga to Abborraleden. In Pinnåreservatet, a nature area in the centre, you can choose from circular trails of 4.3, 1.6 and 0.5 kilometres; the shortest is accessible. At least 30 different bird species breed in the reserve.

Grytåsa Nature Reserve offers a different way to experience the landscape: its old, grazed woodland is characterised by widely spaced pines and spruces. Depressions and ridges shape the terrain formed during the Ice Age. The reserve has hiking and riding trails, shelters and rest areas. Facilities include two car parks, several rest areas with fire pits, a toilet and a nearby shelter. The 3.2-kilometre Bäckaslingan is a family-friendly circular trail through coniferous and mixed forest.

Longer hikes

The Skåneleden Kust till kust trail passes through Örkelljunga in three stages. Together, they offer just over 47 kilometres of marked hiking trails; Lärkesholm is a natural hub. Two stages have different route profiles: Stage 11 runs for 20 kilometres from Hårsjö to Lärkesholm and is considered relatively easy. More than half of it follows paved or gravel roads. Stage 12, from Lärkesholm to Bjärabygget, is 13 kilometres long and follows natural trails as well as longer sections of boardwalk. If you would rather plan a circular walk than hike a stage, the Lärkesholm recreation area has a 4.5-kilometre loop, which is estimated to take about 50 minutes.

To get to Lärkesholm, you can take bus 511 to Bälinge; from there, a forest path leads to the lakes. At the end of Stage 12 in Bjärabygget, the nearest bus stop is in the centre of Örkelljunga. Another option for outdoor activity is the 30-kilometre Vemmentorpsturen, which connects rural cycling routes with lakes, forest and open countryside. There are several opportunities for swimming stops along the route; Sjöhultet has a toilet and a rest area.

Culture, history and activities

At the Ingeborrarps Open-Air Museum, you can experience how people lived and worked more than 150 years ago. The ruins of Rya Church are just a few minutes’ walk away. They date back to Rya parish church, built in the late 12th or early 13th century. Today, the ruins are used for summer services, baptisms and weddings; in summer, they also serve as a roadside church. Meals and fika are served at Ingeborrarps Värdshus, though the offering may vary by season.

Lärkesholm also brings together landscape and history: the historic estate is associated with Anders von Reiser, who lived in the 18th century and left bequests for a school, a library and people in need. According to tradition, one of the medieval castles built by the Danes along the national border stood near Lycksta. A reconciliation between the Danish King Erik Menved and the Swedish Folkung dukes Erik and Valdemar probably took place there in 1300.

Other sites tell the story of the area’s industrial history. Hjelms fabriker is associated with Svensk-Engelska Herrkonfektionsfabriken Hjelm, whose history spanned almost 100 years. Hjelmsjöborg was built as the private residence of the owners of the Hjelm factories. A customs flour mill was built at Bruket in 1770 and ceased operating in 1976; the David Anders sawmill was located in the centre of Örkelljunga for about 75 years from 1922.

More outdoor activities

Smörmyrs Discgolf is a nine-hole course in the countryside outside Örkelljunga. Open areas, dense forest and water hazards define the course. If you’re interested in fishing, a fishing permit for Lake Hjälmsjön also covers fishing in Lake Prästsjön and Lake Abborrasjön. Hand fishing is permitted, including bottom fishing, spinning and fly fishing. In the centre, the shallow Landisbanan is used for skating when ice conditions allow.

Discover more destinations: Skånes Fagerhult, Åsljunga, Örkelljunga, Smedstorp, Lomma, Ystad, Vellinge, Lund.

For the main travel overview: Skåne.