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Hovdala Slott

Hovdala slott

Welcome to a magical world at Hovdala Hiking Centre

Trail status

 

Flooded areas around Finjasjö lake

It is generally wet in areas near lakes and other water courses. Especially Finjasjö lake is affected and Finjasjöleden, Skåneleden/ Hovdalaleden and I Posta-Nillas spår are not entirely accessible. Following locations are now under water:

  • East of the lake between Bokehill and Sjörröd.
  • North of the lake between Sweden´s oldest settlement ("stenålderboplats") to Slingra Dig bird platform.
  • West of the lake near Mjölkalånga and the southern part of Alslingan.
  • South of the lake near the boat harbor and Solhem.


(updated March 20, 2024)

Alslingan trail is no longer accessible

The path through the alder marsh is no longer available due to changed landowner agreements. Follow the red markings and directions out in the field that show you to the route through Finja village instead.

Map of Alslingan

Bring a bad and pick up your own garbage

Keep in mind that wild animals can spread infections, such as swine fever, from food thrown in nature. Pack a bag for rubbish and leftovers before you go out, to make it easier to bring everything to the garbage cans or, if they for some reason are overcrowded, take it all back home!

Information from Jordbruksverket about swine fever External link.

Along the Alder marsh walkway

Along the alder marsh walkway with flowering yellow lilies in early Summer. Photo: Lars-Erik Williams

Get a map of the hiking system

Feel free to get your own copy of the hiking map from the mail boxes at Hovdala castle - at the parking, Boketorp or the gate tower. When the castle shop or Boketorp are open you can also get personal service and information from here! If you would rather have a map sent home to your mailbox, please make an order with the link below:


 

Experiences for peace and relaxation

Come and check in to Hovdala Hiking Centre, south of Hässleholm by Finjasjön Lake for stunning hiking experiences. Hiking in the woods around Hovdala can be likened to being given the keys to thousands of large and small rooms just waiting to be discovered, each with its own charm and character. Awaken your senses. Listen, smell, spy, climb and let your imagination run wild. Hovdala is a place where you can get energy to your body and soul, in every season of the year.


You are invited to a unique nature area that has been shaped of violent earthquakes and the Ice age in the past. In this borderland between the barren Scandinavian bedrock and the fertile European plains, you find a huge variety of nature that is so typical to the northern part of Skåne. Here you meet ridges and high altitudes with beautiful views, ravines and down valleys, winding streams and roaring waterfalls, beside ponds and lakes, the remains of volcanos and wide pastures and tranquil meadows.


Hikers enjoy quiet time at Mossen - Hovdala, Hässleholms kommun, Skåne Mossen - Hovdala Hikers enjoy quiet time at Mossen - Hovdala, Hässleholms kommun, Skåne

Hikers enjoy quiet time at "Mossen". Photo: LWimages

A unique hiking system

The hiking system at Hovdala consists of the round-trip trails Höjdarnas höjdarled 22 kilometres, Jakten på Gullspira 21 kilometres, I Posta-Nillas spår 26 kilometres and Finjasjöleden 20 kilometres. Some of the trails are figure-eight shaped and suitable for full- or half-day hiking. Thus you can make your own combinations and experience hiking options for several days if you wish.


Hovdalaleden 57 kilometres is a combination of the very best of the four round-trip trails and it is part of Skåneleden trail "north-south". For those who do not want to walk long distances, there are nice shorter alternatives and walkways at Hovdala.


There are wind shelters and rest areas with picnic tables and barbecue facilities close to the trails. If you would like to stay the night more comfortably there are accommodation possibilities and restaurants along the trails or more centrally in town.


Where is the start and finish?


Start from Hovdala castle or Boketorp

You preferably start your hike from Hovdala castle. This is a natural meeting place in the centre of the nature area with parking and information boards with maps for free 24/7. Check the opening hours for a visit in the shop, restaurant and café. Here you also have facilities like toilets and drinking water. Combine your hiking with a guided tour in the old manor, in the park and gardens or take a longer lunchbreak in the restaurant.


Another suitable starting point is at Boketorp, next to the castle. Here you have barbeque facilities, drinking water and toilets. Get your map from the mailbox and at some times during the day you can also get personal service.

 

All our trails are round-trip trails so you will come back to the spot from where you started. Please have a look in the map of other suitable start- and parkingspots.


Travel sustainably by bus or train

Travel to Hässleholm with your hiking shoes on and get a good start directly from the central train station. You will find trail signs on both sides of the station area and after just a few kilometres you will arrive into forests and deep nature. You simply follow orange-coloured signs for Hovdalaleden or Skåneleden trails, or red signs for I Posta-Nillas spår (eastern or western direction).


There are possibilities to get public transport with Skånetrafiken from Hässleholm further south to Tormestorp. From here it is only a short walk (approximately 2 kilometres) over beautiful Äspehöjden to Hovdala castle. During the summer season, you can prebook "Närtrafiken" - a public transport alternative - all the way to the castle and get a taxi for the same price as a normal bus ticket. Read more about it in the link below.

Take the bus to Hovdala castle External link, opens in new window.


Vindskydden Birk och Birka på lägerplatsen Mellan skymning och gryning.

The unique wind shelters at Hovdala. Photo: Ingmar Kristiansson

Overnight facilities and other service

Spending the night in nature is an exciting part of the hiking experience! At Hovdala you can book a unique and architecht designed wind shelter in a beautiful landscape. Next to Trädhuset overlooking the view of Finjasjön you find the campsite "Between dusk and dawn" with the three shelters Birk, Birka or Ronja. Or you go to a traditional shelter with no need of pre-booking at campsite Göingeåsen or Hässleholmsgården.


Barbeque and rest areas are available in many places adjacent to the trails for those who want wilderness life. If you instead prefer a more comfortable trekking experience there are dining and accommodation options along the trails or in the centre of Hässleholm. Have a look at our tour suggestions with itineraries for one to four nights.


At Boketorp there are toilets and access to drinking water between 6-23 every day all year round. A water tap is also available on the short side of the yellow building at Boketorp and also at Trädhuset from Spring to Autumn.


Trail signs

At Hovdala, each trail has a name and a symbol that connects to the trail’s character. The trails are marked with trail signs and colour markers on posts and trees.


The Hovdalaleden trail is marked with signs of Hovdala gate tower and shows that you are in Hovdala Nature Area. The trail also forms a part of the Skåneleden trail and is therefore marked with two additional variants of orange trail signs. If you come to a blank sign, keep following the trail straight ahead. If you come to a sign with hikers that turn right or left, the path changes direction and you follow the arrow.


The arrows in the map indicate suggested directions, but you can of course walk the trails in any direction you want.


Trail markings along the trails at Hovdala Hiking Centre.

At Hovdala, each trail has a name and/or a symbol that connects to the trail’s character. Photo: Peter Jönsson

Trail descriptions

Hovdalaleden - 57 kilometres with the very best

The absolute best of nature and cultural experiences from the four trails in the area form Hovdalaleden trail, which is part of Skåneleden North-South. Here you can spend your time hiking and relaxing for several days if you wish. Stay overnight in tents, wind shelters or in a comfortable bed in any of the accommodation facilities along the trails. You pass several nice stops and viewing points along the way and we can guarantee you varied experiences in this mosaic landscape of natural types.


The Hovdalaån valley is home to one of Sweden´s most diverse bat populations. Combine your hiking with an exciting bat safari!


Download gpx-file of Hovdalaleden trail

 

Hikers enjoy Äspehöjden

The heath of Äspehöjden with a view out of Finjasjö lake. Photo: LWimages


Höjdarnas höjdarled with beautiful viewing points


Trail length and signs:

22 kilometres - eastern part 13 kilometres, western part 9 kilometres.

Follow blue trail signs.


Terrain and surface:

Höjdarnas höjdarled trail offers some hilly terrain but in return you will get gorgeous panoramas from the both the eastern and western ridges. You may advantageously take some of your coffee breaks up here. The trail runs mostly on footpaths and minor roads. The scenery is varied with open meadows and hills with sheep paddocks, beech covered ravines and glens. Stairs may occur.


Start and finish: Boketorp

Eastern part: walk from Boketorp southwards through the old craft village Broslätt with a few houses left.

Western part: from Boketorp you walk to the castle and through the park and gardens. Follow the trail in the northern direction towards Guldkusten (The golden coast) and Finjasjö lake.


What´s to see and do?

The eastern portion begins at the old craft village Broslätt and continues along the ravine to Hammarmölledamm. Brönnestad stream, which lazily winds its way through the countryside on your way towards Brönnestad, where there are opportunities for horse riding on Icelandic horses and staying the night at a cosy B & B or a hostel. On the way up to Göingeåsen, you pass Posta-Nilla’s cottage, which has been moved from its original location, and the Cold War Rock Cavern. At the Göingeåsen campsite, there is a wind shelter, toilet and a barbecue area if you want to stay overnight. Now there are still a number of beautiful views before reaching the castle. On the way to the castle, you pass through Tormestorp's village before you reach Äspehöjden with a vast and beautiful heath landscape.


The western part of Höjdarnas höjdarled trail, begins in the castle courtyard and the Conservatory at the castle. After a few kilometres, you will come to the Gold Coast with a walk along the shore. It directly takes you up to the gorgeous views of the Dalleröds klack and Hovdala Trädhus (Treehouse). Here you can spend the night in nature at the new campsite "Between dusk and dawn" with two unique and architect designed shelters, named Birk, Birka and Ronja. Don´t miss the detour up to Dansbanan ("the dance floor") and the last coffee table before the finish at Tullkvarn and Boketorp. Enjoy the nice view of the castle area and Äspehöjden from here. The tour ends at Tullkvarn where you can see the gushing waters of the stream from the overlooking bridge.


Download gpx-file of Höjdarnas höjdarled-trail Opens in new window.


There are lots of resting areas around the hiking centre

A nice place to sit for a break is on the platform next to the Tree house. Photo: Inhokus by Funke


Jakten på Gullspira - narrow paths and untouched nature


Trail length and signs:

21 kilometres - eastern part 9 kilometres, western part 12 kilometres.

Follow white trail signs.


Terrain and surface:

This trail´s name brings to mind the fable of a goat kid who escaped to experience many adventures before arriving safely back home again. We hope that you too will return with many new experiences and memories having hiked the Gullspira woods.

Hikers need to pay attention and be alert as this trail offers close encounters with somewhat wilder and more untouched environments. You step out into a virgin forest and follow walkways across damp marshes and bogs. It is really hilly at times so be prepared to get some good heart rate boosting exercise. Stairs will occur.


Start and finish: Boketorp

Eastern part: walk from Boketorp southwards through the old craft village Broslätt, with a few houses left.

Western part: from Boketorp you walk towards the castle but after the first bridge you turn left. Follow the trail up the hills towards Trädhuset (the Tree house).


What´s to see and do?

Along the eastern trail you pass the beautiful forest pond Skogdamm and the remains of Biblioteksruinen. While on the knoll over Hammarmölledamm is a perfect time for a coffee break. The trail continues past the ravine and traces of what was once the health spring “Hennes Nåds Källa”. Towards the end of the trail, you get the chance to feast your eyes on the breathtaking panoramas of the landscape from Äspehöjden.


The western trail begins at a higher altitude and beautiful panoramic views at both Hovdala Trädhus and Dalleröds klack. You might expect to see a white-tailed eagle in the distance. Next to Trädhuset there are three architecht designed wind shelters located in a birch grove with a phantastic scenery. Take the opportunity to combine your hike with an overnight stay here in Birk, Birka or Ronja. Don´t forget to make a reservation!


On your way further westwards - keep an eye out for volcanic remnants. The Glada Geten dairy farm is the goat Gullspira’s home, can you find her? After a few kilometres you reach the bog and the wooden deck for a relaxing break or maybe yoga? Enjoy and feel the peace and quiet among common Cottongrass and hare´s-tail Cottongrass. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the “King of the Forest” along the way back towards Tullkvarn and the castle.


Download gpx-file of Jakten på Gullspira-trail Opens in new window.


Hikers in front of Hovdala Castle

Hikers in front of the conservatory, Hovdala castle. Photo: LWimages

I Posta-Nillas spår - from town to castle

Trail length and signs:

26 kilometres - both the eastern and western parts are 13 kilometres.

Follow red trail signs.


Terrain and surface:

From the centre of Hässleholm, you easily get out into nature in level terrain on minor roads and paths with firm surface. When you have passed the Magle wetlands, just south of the city, there will be a heart-pounding hike along the slopes of Göingeåsen. The western part of the trail is mostly in low-lying terrain and close to buildings. Between Lörupsbackarna and Trädhuset and further along Finjasjö lake, there is hiking in pastures and on smaller paths with rough surface. Stairs may occur.


Start and finish: Central station in Hässleholm or Boketorp.

Get off the train, lace up your boots and start walking. You will find sign posts on both sides of the station area.

You start and end at the train station in the centre of Hässleholm or from Boketorp near the castle.


What´s to see and do?

Follow I Posta-Nilla’s spår trail just a few kilometres from the city of Hässleholm to nature with scenic views and tranquility. On your way you pass buildings that played a significant role in the city´s and countryside’s history. Hässleholm was founded in 1914, but began life in 1860 as a railway station on the main north-south line with just a few houses on a heather-covered heath.


This trail reminds us of Posta-Nillas walks. Nilla Jönsdotter, so even called Posta-Nilla, carried the post for the Ehrenborg family to and from Hovdala for more than 50 years. During her long life, she estimates that she walked the equivalent of 4½ laps around the world.


The trail takes you to Magle Wetland, which is an eldorado for birdwatchers, flower lovers and strollers. You come to Trolldammarna – a nice oasis suitable for your first coffee of the day. Along Göingeåsen you will be greeted by a fair number of uphill sections, but in return the payoff will be a beautiful view of Hovdala plain and Finjasjön Lake before reaching Hovdala Castle.


On the return leg back to the city, the trail passes by the place where Posta-Nilla once lived, just before the waterfall at Tullkvarn. Towards Hovdala Treehouse, you will then walk through flowering pastures with grazing cows.


Don´t miss a stop at the new campsite "Between dusk and dawn" overlooking Finjasjön and the nature area from where you get a stunning panorama-view out of Finjasjö lake. Here you cand spend the night in a rural setting in one of the architecht designed shelters Birk, Birka and Ronja. But don´t forget to make a pre-booking!


From here you go through forests where white anemones bloom near Finjasjön north towards Hässleholmsgården, dating back to the Middle Ages, which has given the city its name. Today the farm has been converted to a space for a youth hostel and a popular meeting place for events. Here is also a traditional wind shelter for overnight stay.


Download gpx-file of Posta-Nilla-trail Opens in new window.


Summer sunset campfire at Slingra dig

Summer sunset campfire at the bird platform Slingra Dig. Photo: LWimages

Finjasjöleden - around the lake in easy terrain


Trail length and signs:

20 kilometres.

Follow pink trail signs.


Terrain and surface:

The Finjasjöleden trail follows paths and minor roads, through lush lakeside forests and settlements in level terrain and with firm surface. Stairs may occur.


Start and finish:

You can park at Björkviken, Mölleröd or Guldkusten where you have toilet (not at Guldkusten), rest areas and barbeque possibilities. An alternative is Hässleholmsgården with wind shelter, toilets, drinking water, shower and sauna possiblities. From Hässleholms-gården it is approximately 5 kilometres to Mölleröd and 3 kilometres to Sjörröd.


What´s to see and do?

Finjasjöleden trail follows paths and minor roads through lush lakeside forests, past bathing spots and settlements. You are never far from the lake on this trail and you are regularly treated to pleasant views of the water. On a hot summer day, there are several bathing places to choose between if you need to cool you down.


Along the Finjasjöleden trail you will find “Europe’s rainforest” by Sweden’s longest alder marsh walkway, Sweden’s oldest settlement and Slingra Dig, an architect-designed bird platform. With the help of binoculars, you can see some of the shorebirds and some of the other species that thrive here, such as the Eurasian curlew, common snipe, redshank and the peewit. Make a detour to the ruins of Mölleröd castle with a newly restored moat.


At Skyrup Golf & Hotell you can stop for a good lunch and spend the night. If you rather prefer to stay out in nature you can pre-book a shelter at the new campsite "Between dusk and dawn" close to Hovdala Treehouse, with a beautiful view out of the lake Finjasjön and the nature area. The three unique and architect designed shelters Birk, Birka and Ronja are embedded in a birch grove with a rural setting.


Take your time in the area and discover the exciting history of Hovdala Castle. Take part of it´s 500-year history with a guided tour or other activities from the program offered during the season. Enjoy the park and garden, which are open all year round. Follow I Posta-Nilla's spår trail or Hovdalaleden from Guldkusten, Hovdalaleden or Höjdarnas höjdarled trail from Solhem. After a few kilometres you reach the castle.


Download gpx-file of Finjasjöleden trail Opens in new window.


Two grazing sheep in a pasture.

There are many grazing sheep in the pastures at Hovdala. Photo:Marie Grönvold

Shorter rambles and walks

Dammslingan - in beautiful beech forests


Trail length and signs:

4 kilometres.

Follow yellow trail signs.


Terrain and surface:

Along Hammarmölledamm (the pond) the ground is uneven and rough of roots and stones. It is occasionally hilly terrain.


Start and finish:

Boketorp south from the castle or Biblioteksruinen.


What´s to see and do?

Experience the cultural heritage around Broslätt which was once Hovdala’s craft village. The trail continues along the ravine up to Hammarmölledamm (the pond), which gave the trail its name. You pass Biblioteksruinen, which are the remains of a library and the “erimitage” that Michael Ehrenborg started as his intended place of seclusion. There are some beautiful places suitable for a picnic.


Alslingan - Sweden´s longest marsh walkway (please note - this is not available at the moment!)

 

Trail length and signs:

6 kilometres. Follow red trail signs.

Alslingan is part of Finjasjöleden trail and Hovdalaleden trail with pink and orange sign posts.

 

Terrain and surface:

Easy level terrain and mostly firm surface.

 

Start and finish:

The parking place near Slingra Dig.


What´s to see and do?

Walk through “Europe’s rainforest” while keeping your feet dry thanks to Sweden’s longest alder marsh walkway, 1.6 kilometres. Alder marsh forests are rich in biodiversity and exceedingly wet, meaning that they are often difficult for visitors to access. You pass Sweden’s oldest human settlement where 14,000-year-old flint objects have been discovered. Small roads transport you from the medieval Finja church to today’s recreated lakeside meadows.

 

Hundslingan - have fun with your "doggie"

 

Trail length and signs:

6 kilometres. Follow light green trail signs.


Terrain and surface:

Easy-to-walk terrain with one long pulse-raising hill and along minor paths and gravel roads.


Start and finish:

Guldkusten at Hundhägnet (an enclosure for playful dogs).


What´s to see and do?

Take your dog on a playful walk and exercise using the natural features of the site. The dog-walker’s trail follows parts of the Finjasjöleden trail and passes through Dalleröds broad-leaf forest. Keep your dog on a lead during the walk and respect other hikers. At the start of the dog-walkers’ trail on the Gold Coast there is a larger enclosure for your dog´s playful activities.

 

Exercise tracks nearby

At Hässleholmsgården and in Tormestorp there are nice exercise tracks through beech forests, for walks and training. In Tormestorp it is a 1,8 kilometres lit track in hilly terrain.


The tracks in the forest of Hässleholmsgården connect the city with the trails in Hovdala nature area around Finjasjön. Here you have an outdoor gym, shower and sauna facilities. Choose between 2.5 / 5.5 or 10 kilometres. The two shortest tracks are lit.


Barn som fiskar längs en brygga i Alsumpskogen.

Alslingan, Hovdala. Photo: Johan Funke

Dela sidans innhåll:

Kontakt

Hässleholms kommun

Kultur- och fritidsförvaltningen

Hovdala slott

281 80 Hässleholm

Telefon: 0451-26 68 00


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Epost:

Hitta hit

Hovdala slott
Pl 6223
281 92 Hässleholm

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