Saturday finally arrived, the day we had been dreaming about all week. With excitement bubbling within us, we made the bold decision to tackle the coastal route from Helsingborg to Landskrona along the Skåneladen SL5 Trail. Our journey was set, with Rydebäck as our first waypoint and Landskrona Citadel as the ultimate destination. This hike became a symphony of urban streets and coastal retreats, but also turned into another personal record of covered distance within a day.

Part 1: From Helsingborg to Rydebäck

Parks, Pavements, and an Urban Oasis

The city streets led us to a sprawling park, the first taste of greenery on our urban first stage of the hike. The sun painted the sky a brilliant blue as we wandered through the cozy streets of the sweedish town of Helsingborg. Not long after, we found respite from the warm city streets in the embrace of Närlunda park, a true gem nestled beside a beautiful lake occupied by ducks and fish. But alas, the park’s allure was fleeting, as we once again ventured into the cityscape, our spirits unfazed by the heat. It wasn’t long before another park welcomed us, Ramlösa Brunnspark, providing a refreshing atmosphere along the river’s edge. As we walked on the dusty pathway or crossed woden planked brigdges, at the end of the park we had a glimpse into the city’s storied past through displayed vintage photographs. As we learnt later, apart from Christmas, midsummer is the most important holiday in the Swedish calendar and in this park they made sure to celebrate this properly.

Parks, Riverbanks, and the Whispers of History

After following the park pathway with plenty of shade, we reentered urban surroundings before discovering a new area filled with residential houses and a vast green park, Ättekulla, where an unexpected historical surprise awaited. There were a number of grave mounds in the Råå River Valley, with some dating back to the Bronze Age or even longer before from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) era. This was as poignant reminders of bygone eras amid the modern landscape.

Part 2: From Rydebäck to Landskrona Citadel

Coastal Beauty

After a refreshing 30 minute break, we were ready to tackle the rest of the trail’s first leg and embark on the next exciting stage. The sun was relentless , but we were rewarded with view towards a vibrant coastline, where beachgoers, cyclists, and runners enjoyed the day too. There were serene and picturesque ports extending into the Baltic sea waters, creating a lively atmosphere. The waters were shallow and the sunrays were diffracted beautifully. We seamlessly transitioned to the second stage into the Glumslöv park, where charming houses with beautiful gardens and frontyards framed our path. The distant land in the sea, that we initially thought to be Danish, was actually the captivating island of Ven. Its presence, boosted by boats and cruise ships, were creating a beautiful coastal view not only for us but for Cormorant birds standing on the sea rocks.

The Island of Ven

Ven, except for its beautiful nature, has a rich history and it used to be a trading hub during the Viking Age. The island gained fame also as the site of Tycho Brahe’s 16th-century observatory, which played a pivotal role in shaping modern astronomy through his groundbreaking observations. And the most interesting fact of all is that the island is known the many breweries: the locals produce a variety of beers that are just as good reason to visit the island.

A Nudist Beach and More Coastal Views

However, the path had one more surprise in store – a nudist beach, an unexpected twist of our hike. With grins on our faces, we walked past this unconventional sight, our cameras kept safely aside. As we continued along the trail, the path ventured closer to the water’s edge, passing by the Lil Olas Park and the lively Borstahusen Camping site. Amidst laughter and leisure, people enjoyed the sandy shores, had BBQ and snacks, and even there was even a place for kayak renting and adventures. Progressing onwards, the island of Ven lingered on our right, but our focus shifted to the water tower in Landskrona and the beacon of our final destination, the Citadel. As our legs wearied from surpassing our previous 27-kilometer record, the prospect of completing the stage spurred our determination.

Triumph at the Citadel

A symbol of our journey’s end, the Citadel promised a little rest and accomplishment. Ducks glided across the citadel’s star-shaped lake. This distinctive layout was a common defensive strategy in the 16th and 17th centuries, providing multiple angles for cannons to defend against potential attackers. Yes, we could see plenty of canons placed atop the small hills. We breathed in deeply, the sense of achievement washing over us as we circled the citadel’s courtyard.