Our First Swedish Escape: Enchanting Reserves near Lake Bredaredssjön
From city explorers in Malmö and Stockholm to avid hikers on Skåne’s beautiful trails, our first hiking foray in Sweden was a revelation that we never saw coming. The natural reserves, or I should call them wonders of nature, which we visited in beginning of June were one of to the hidden gems of Sweden. Nestled around the picturesque Lake Bredaredssjön near Simlångsdalen, the beautiful natural reserves of Danska Fallen, Gårdshult, Hule Södra and Hule Norra, Bröda, and Veka were a realm of tranquility and breathtaking views. Join us on this transformational journey as we trade city maps for hiking boots, discovering Sweden’s enchanting forests for the first time.
Halmstad and the Charming Little Town of Simlängsdalen
We arrived a day earlier in Halmstad, a city located in the southwestern part of Sweden. The city boasts some of the most beautiful becahes in Sweden. We visited ourselves the Västra Beach, with its golden sands, but we promised ourselves to visit Tylösand beach next time we are in the area. Halmstad city is also rich of history, has a castle and most of all, the Galgberg park around it offers a panoramic views of the city, the coastline, and the surrounding areas. We began our hike by taking a bus from Halmstad to Simlängsdalen, a charming little town surrounded by hills and green fields. As we got there, excitement filled the air, and we eagerly set off on our hike towards our first stop, Danska Fallen.
The lake Bredaredssjön, at the exit from the village of Simlångsdalen
Danska Fallen: A Dance of Nature
Our first stop was Danska Fallen ” (which translates to “Danish waterfalls” in English), where legends and serenity come together like peanut butter and jelly (or meatballs and lingonberry sauce for our Swedish friends). After a short hike up a hilly path, we reached a small waterfall that seemed to “dance” with grace. Legend has it that when the waterfall freezes during winter, its stunning ice formations resemble frozen ballet dancers.
Danska Fallen: Tales of the Past
The waterfall holds also tales of the past. Yes, there is another legend associated with Danska Fallen. During the Danish occupation of Sweden in the 17th century, a group of Danish soldiers passing through the area decided to take a break from their mission of conquering the region when they reached the captivating waterfall. During their peaceful ambience, Swedish villagers launched a surprise attack on the Danish soldiers. The ambush was successful, and the Danish soldiers retreated. And this is how the waterfall came to be known as Danska Fall, symbolizing the defeat of the Danish forces and the victory of the Swedish resistance.
You can find the map here!
Danska Fallen breathing tales of the past
Gårdshult: Pine-Lined Pathways
Continuing our hike, we found ourselves surrounded by the beautiful forest trees of Gårdshut park. The reserve’s pathways snaked through a forest of tall pine trees, creating a picturesque setting that we tried to absorb with every body cell. Indeed, every step felt like a leap into a fairy tale, and we couldn’t resist pausing frequently to snap photos and immerse ourselves in the tranquillity of the surroundings. So, put on your best smile, strike your best pose and unleash your inner influencer with the best pictures you will ever make in this natural park.
Mountain Bikers: “Are You the Local Experts?”
Follow a wide and inviting pathway that leads you downward, closer to the shores of Lake Bredaredssjön. On our way down, we encountered enthusiastic mountain bikers who asked us if the path ahead was suitable for biking. We did our best to answer, but let’s just say our advice might be as questionable as a penguin teaching salsa dancing. Though, indeed there were nice pathways for mountain biking… you can decide for yourself after this story to trust us or not.
Hule Södra Natural Reserve: Lakeside Lunch Spots
Reaching the lakeside in Hule Södra, we discovered a perfect spot for a well-deserved lunch break. With the tranquil lake as our view, we relished in the beauty of the lake while enjoying a sandwich. Energized and rested, we then continued towards the next Natural Reserve, where we had to cross underneath a bridge. Although the distant hum of passing cars reminded us that we are close to a busy urban life, the scenic pathway and the forest soon engulfed us, allowing us to disconnect from the busy life outside once again.
Bröda: A Contrast of Nature’s Elements
Amidst the deep, dark forest of Bröda Natural Reserve, a large vertical rock stood proudly. It was an awestruck moment due to the big dramatic contrast between the rock and the lush greenery around it. Within Bröda Natural Reserve lush and dense forests, you can find also ancient trees that have stood tall for centuries, some even dating back hundreds of years. It was truly a humbling experience to be in the presence of such timeless beauty.
Turning Around near Veka Park
Veka Forest: Tranquil Meadows,Cow-tastic and Moo-ving Forest
Continuing our hike, we soon reached Veka Natural Reserve, where the path was almost flat and easy to walk, and the view was made of a nice forest with pine trees that stood up taller compared to the beach and oak trees around. On a tranquil meadow we encounter four cows, leisurely chewing grass and enjoying each other’s company. While writing this blog post, we learnt that this place is also a sanctuary for some of Sweden’s most enchanting woodland creatures: Eurasian lynx. These wild animals, with their striking furry bodies and piercing eyes, roam the reserve’s forested landscapes. So, if you are there, keep your eyes open, your senses sharp and your camera ready.
The Final Stretch: Lake Bredaredssjön
As we approached the end of our hike, a breathtaking view unfolded before us. The expansive lake stretched out, mirroring the sky so perfectly that it felt like we were walking among the clouds. With the lake on our left and a scenic forest on our right, the final section of our hike was a leisurely stroll along a flat terrain, offering the opportunities to pause, and even sit on benches. If you have more time unlike us, then you can even enjoy a lakeside BBQ.
Our hike through the reserves surrounding Lake Bredaredssjön was nothing short of magical. The easy-to-follow trails, the lack of crowds, the touch of legends and the diverse landscapes made it a hike worth taking on. Being previous tourists in the cities of Malmö and Stockholm, our first hiking adventure in Sweden revealed the exhilarating nature beyond the urban exploration, igniting a newfound passion in us for Skåne’s scenic trails.
Start
Simlängsdalen
End
Simlängsdalen
Duration
4.5 hours
Length
17 km
Difficulty
Intermediate
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