Hallandsås

Hallands Väderö is a unique island with marvellous beaches and hikes. From Torekov Harbour, boats run to the island. A hostel welcomes guests who wish to spend the night on the island. Experience rocks warmed by the sun at dusk and early morning walks in the magic-looking alder marches.

At the far end of the Bjäre Peninsula, you will find Torekov — the place to be during the summer. Outside the warmer and brighter summer months, Torekov is at least as pleasant and beautiful: from the colourful transformations of the fall to the beginning of spring. Come here for the relaxing nature, tasteful dining experiences and beautiful views.

The diversity of nature, along with a large number of cultural heritage in forest and land, makes the Hallandsås ridge on the south west coast of Sweden an exciting destination for everyone, whether you wander, bike or travel in other ways.

Sweden’s most famous international opera singer, Birgit Nilsson (1918–2005) was both a global celebrity and a national treasure. “La Nilsson” was the 20th century’s leading dramatic soprano and a legendary interpreter of the works of Wagner. The Birgit Nilsson Museum is housed in her childhood home in Svenstorp near Båstad, and is a typical Swedish farmstead.

Horses are ubiquitous in Skåne, and you have plentiful options when it comes to horseback riding — different breeds, environments, ride lengths and skill levels. As well as the sheer joy of riding, getting up on horseback is a perfect way of coming into close contact with nature, and of covering lots of ground in a short time. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can go riding through leafy beech forests or along the beach. Amiable Icelandic horses that jog along at a moderate pace are available at Spelmansgården in Ängelholm or Kullabergs Islandshästar. The scenery and rich wildlife of Söderåsen are best enjoyed from a western saddle on a good-natured Haflinger horse from Söderåsens Turridning. Söderåsens Forsgård have activities for everybody, and therefore the horse riding and their farm are accessible also for disabled persons. Westfield Hästsafari, between Båstad and Torekov, offers riding at Hovs Hallar, through apple groves and at full gallop. If you’d like to try riding an Ardennes horse, you can do so on Hven. Many of the tours welcome children and novices. All you need to bring is a pair of sturdy shoes. Horses and helmets are available for hire.

Since 1921, Helsingborg City Theater has been conducting theatre operations first and foremost in Helsingborg, but the theatre also has a large regional responsibility, which can be seen through tours in Skåne and in southern Sweden. The theatre's productions gained popularity when the legendary director Ingmar Bergman was in charge in the mid-40s.

Kangaroos and chattering parrots can be found at Helsingborg zoo. The park features exotic plants, 500 species of colourful birds, lemurs, prairie dogs and snakes, as well as rabbits and guinea pigs to pet. Some of the animals roam free — keep an eye open for monkeys in the trees. Walk through the airlock to get close to the birds. Chrysalides hatch into butterflies in the butterfly house. The café is set amid the greenery.

Grapes thrive in Skåne soil, taking full advantage of the with the long growing season. They are used to make red, white, rosé and sparkling wines. Geographically, northwest Skåne is part of Continental Europe. Hallandsås and Söderåsen mark the border between the Scandinavian and Continental plates, and the landscape is thickly wooded. The sea ensures a marine climate. Take a wine tour, stopping off at the vineyards of Arilds Vingård (Lillavägen 71, Arild), Kullabergs Vingård (Lyckerisvägen 52, Nyhamnsläge), Vejby Vingård (Västra Ljungbyvägen 319, Vejbystrand), Södåkra Vingård (Gamla Södåkrav. 298, Jonstorp), Aplagårdens Vinhus (Ekebyvägen 27, Helsingborg) and Vingården i Frillestad (Rycketoftavägen 37, Påarp). If you’re travelling as a group, you can also book a wine-tasting session.

The River Rönne winds its way through the countryside from Lake Ringsjön to the sea at Ängelholm. This stretch is 85 kilometres long, and you can paddle your way along through almost tropical scenery, and past areas with rich cultural traditions. The peaceful journey is occasionally punctuated with rapids. There are plenty of things to see and do along the way. Some sections are ideal for families with children. You can choose to paddle for a few hours or a few days. One example is the trip from Gunnarödsbron/Stockamöllan to Rögnaröd/Djupadal, which takes around four hours. You can hire canoes and kayaks from various locations, and most hire companies also offer overnight accommodation. Stay in a converted stable or a 17th century cottage. Or why not get a whole bunch of friends together and hire a 20- or 12-man tent. If you want to spend the night in the great outdoors, there are places with shelters, toilets and firewood. For a particularly Swedish summer experience, combine a canoeing trip with hiring a sauna trailer. Take a hot sauna, followed by a dip in the river.

The oldest Church in the city, dating back to the 14th Century, nestles attractively in the small Square Mariatorget. It's a beautiful gothic brick Church, which originally was actually one of Denmark's biggest city churches. Step inside and let the Church tell you its incredible history.

The rainforest at Tropikariet in Helsingborg features many free-roaming animals. Monkeys and lemurs come close enough to touch. Flying foxes sweep past. Pet the marine animals and let the doctor fish clean your hands. Don't worry — the snakes, spiders and poison dart frogs are all kept safely behind glass! Tropikariet is home to meerkats, lizards, turtles, crocodiles and leafcutter ants. There's also a café.