Kullaberg is a rocky peninsula, located in northwestern Skåne, along the Kattegat coast, just a 1.2-hour drive north of Malmö. This area is famed for its stunning landscapes, dramatic cliffs, rich biodiversity, and world-class hiking opportunities.
After obsessively watching the weather forecast for days, I decided to tackle the Skåneleden Trail on Thursday, 25 July. This summer’s weather has been wildly unpredictable, but my decision paid off — the conditions were perfect.
The natural beauty and diverse landscapes of the Kullaberg Nature Reserve include winding pathways of trails with lush, towering beech forests, fascinating caves and dramatic coastline views.
Just outside the charming village center of Mölle, there is a free parking lot for hikers. The trail starts right next to a chapel, next to the parking lot. Following the orange and blue markers for the north coast.
The first goal, after some serious uphill effort, was Håkull, Kullaberg’s highest point at 187 meters above sea level. The panoramic view from the top is extraordinary, making the challenging hike up (and down) well worth it.
Next detour from the orange trail led me to Josefinelust Beach, named after King Oscar 1’s wife, Josefina, who fell in love with its beauty during a visit in 1865. This area doesn’t have a beautiful pebble beach; it’s also home to some of the caves this area is known for. Note: The path down and up is very steep, with a “stairway” providing some much-needed assistance.
At the very tip of the Kullaberg Nature Reserve stands the key landmark — Kullens Lighthouse. It’s one of the oldest and most powerful lighthouses in Scandinavia, having “Saved lives since 1561.” The current structure, built in the late 19th century, houses a museum and observation deck with fantastic panoramic views. Nearby, the Kullaberg Naturum Visitor Centre offers fun activities and engaging nature and animal exhibitions. One quirky feature was a cigarette voting box asking, “Which animal keeps it cleanest at home: Badger or human male?” 🙂 Another exhibit showcased birdhouses with various items and information on how long these items take to decompose in nature.
While exploring, my Garmin watch ran out of juice. I put it in my pocket with a power bank to charge, but after a kilometer or so, I noticed it was missing. Retracing my steps, I found it! Some kind soul had placed it on a rock in plain sight. Huge thanks to that awesome person!
The trail from the lighthouse back to Mölle, along the south side of the peninsula, is marked with red signs alongside Skåneleden’s orange markers. This section offers more coastal views than the forest trail on the north side.
Next, I reached Ransvik Beach, once notorious as a “stronghold of sin” because it was the first place in Sweden where men and women swam together.
After roughly 15 km, I arrived at the charming fishing village of Mölle. At the end of the pier in the small harbor, I treated myself to a well-deserved dinner at Systrarna på piren, enjoying a fantastic view of the village, sea, and sunset.
- Difficulty: Varies from easy to challenging, with some (very) steep and rocky sections.
- Terrain: Coastal cliffs, dense forests, meadows, and rocky shores.
- Trail Markings: The Skåneleden Trail is well-marked with orange signs and information boards. North trail is marked blue and south is marked red.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are the most popular seasons, with mild weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn also offers beautiful foliage and fewer crowds.
For maps and inspiration, check out Kullabergs Natur
