Söderåsens National Park: The ultimate guide to Skåne's most powerful nature

When most people think of Skåne, they imagine endless rapeseed fields and flat horizons. But in Söderåsen National Park, the Skåne landscape is interrupted with a force that more closely resembles the mountains of Norrland or dramatic ravines abroad. Söderåsen is home to northern Europe's largest continuous protected area of deciduous forest, and its rift valleys offer a hiking experience that is both physically challenging and visually magnificent.

As your guide to the wild, I want to point out one thing right away: Söderåsen punishes the unprepared but rewards those who respect the terrain. It's easy to think that a "Scanian forest" is an easy walk, but with steep climbs and rocky ravines, both the right attitude and the right hiking equipment are required.

The heart of Söderåsen: Skäralidsdalen and Kopparhatten

The main entrance at Skäralid is the natural starting point for most adventures. Here you will be met by Skärdammen, whose mirror-like surface reflects the steep walls of Skäralidsdalen. The valley is an eight-kilometer long rift valley, formed by erosion and tectonic movements, and it is the absolute signature of the park.

The most famous point is undoubtedly Kopparhatten . At 150 meters above sea level, it offers a view often called "Skåne's Grand Canyon". It is here that you truly understand the scale of the park. The beech forest spreads out like an undulating green blanket (or blazing orange in autumn) far below your feet.

The best hiking trails for a day trip

Söderåsen offers trails for all levels, but to truly experience the park's drama, I recommend the following three circular trails:

1. Kopparhattsrundan (4 km)

This is the park's "greatest hits". The trail takes you from the valley floor in Skäralid, up the steep stairs to Kopparhatten and then back along the ridge. It is a short but intense hike that requires sturdy shoes. Anyone who underestimates the 90 meters of elevation gain will feel it in their legs, but the view is worth every drop of sweat.

2. The Deer Leap Round (7.7 km)

For those who want to go a little deeper into the wilderness, the Hjortsprångsrundan is the obvious choice. The trail passes Hjortsprånget, a rocky ledge with an almost dizzying view of the ravine. The name comes from the legend that deer in the past jumped over the ravine here to escape hunters. The terrain is technical in parts with lots of rocks and roots, so make sure your backpack is well balanced.

3. Liakroksrundan (7.2 km)

If you want to experience the tranquility of the plateau, the Liakroksrundan trail is an excellent choice. This trail runs in the upper parts of the park and offers a more meditative hike through the deep beech forest, far from the most popular lookout points.

The signature trail Ås to Ås and the Skåneleden

For those looking for a multi-day experience, Söderåsen is crossed by the Skåneleden (SL3 Ås to Ås) . This part of the Skåneleden is often considered one of the most beautiful and demanding. Hiking from Åstorp to Brösarp takes you through the entire national park and offers a complete experience of the Skåne ridge. If you plan to spend the night along the trail, a well-thought-out hiking packing list is the key to a successful trip.

Equipment for Söderåsen's terrain

When we talk about equipment for Söderåsen, it's about logic over trends. The biggest challenge here is the terrain and the rapid weather changes.

• Hiking boots and ankle supports: The bottom of the ravines is often covered with large boulders and cobblestones. We strongly recommend boots or shoes with good grip and preferably a pair of damascus to protect against mud and moisture in the lower parts.
• Layers: At the bottom of the gorge it can be cool and damp, while up on the plateaus it is breezy. A light wind or rain jacket that can be easily packed away is mandatory.
• The weight of your backpack: A day trip doesn't require much, but the carrying system is important. A poorly fitting backpack will quickly become a burden on the steep stairs at Skäralid. Invest in a model with a good carrying belt.

Tips off the beaten path: Klöva Hallar and Forsmöllan

Do you want to avoid the crowds at Naturum? Then you should head towards Klöva Hallar . It is Söderåsen's "forgotten" sister valley on the northern side. Here there are fewer tourists but at least as dramatic cliffs and deep valleys. It is a perfect place for those looking for a more primitive and undisturbed contact with nature.

Forsmöllan , located near Röstånga, is another gem. Here you can see the ruins of an old mill by the babbling stream. It's a great place for a coffee break before you tackle the climb up to the central parts of the park.

Overnight stay and recovery

Although many people visit Söderåsen during the day, staying overnight adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Waking up to the rustling of the beech forest is unbeatable. For those planning to sleep outside during the cooler months, the choice of insulation is critical. Ground cold is a hiker's biggest enemy to a good night's sleep.

When choosing a sleeping bag, it’s important to understand the difference between different types of down. We’ve put together a complete guide to down , explaining everything from CUIN values to the difference between goose and duck down. Remember, a warm sleeping bag isn’t just about comfort, it’s about your body’s ability to recover for the next day’s hike.

Practical Packing List for Söderåsen

Here is a basic hiking packing list for a successful day trip:

1. Water: At least 1.5 liters (there are few places to refill in the terrain).
2. Energy: Nuts, chocolate or energy bars for the steep climbs.
3. First aid: Patches for abrasions are a must due to the uneven terrain.
4. Map/App: Although the trails are well marked, it is easy to go wrong in the smaller valleys.
5. Extra layer: A thin down jacket or fleece for breaks.

Balance is the key

Söderåsen National Park is a reminder that we don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to experience magnificent nature. But remember: the best equipment is the one that is actually used and that works when the weather changes. Whether you’re aiming to conquer Kopparhatten or want to hike the entire signature trail Ås to Ås, it’s all about finding the balance between packing light and being safe.

Are you planning more adventures this summer? Don't miss our other guides, like the one about Tyresta National Park for those of you who are closer to Stockholm.

See you on the trail!