The Kattegattleden (pronounced kat-i-gat-led-in) – Sweden’s first national bicycle route – runs along the west coast between Helsingborg in the south to Gothenburg. You’ll ride through fantastic coastal nature, overlooking wonderful sandy beaches and gorgeous viewpoints. The route runs through picturesque fishing villages and charming cities.

You will pass several historical sites and interesting destinations, all well worth a visit. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants lining the entire route to stop for lunch and coffee breaks throughout your ride.

Day 1: Arrival and overnight stay in Helsingborg
Check in to the centrally located hotel. Hopefully, you will have time for some sightseeing in this beautiful, medieval town by the ocean.

Day 2: Helsingborg–Ängelholm (31-39 miles/49-62 km)
This part of Kattegattleden offers a lovely coastal tour with staggering views of Öresund and out to Danish Zealand. You’ll start your journey in Helsingborg, passing Sofiero Castle with its’ stunning garden–nominated the most beautiful in Europe in 2010. The route continues up towards Höganäs and out to the gorgeous, rocky landscape of the Kullahalvön peninsula.

On the furthest tip of Kullahalvön is the Kullaberg Nature Reserve. If you have time for a detour from the path, it’s well worth a visit. As you continue, you will soon reach Höganäs, where farm shops and tasty food are distinguishing features. Some of Skåne’s finest vineyards are also located here. Why not stop for some treats and enjoy a picnic along the way, if the weather allows? The tour continues around the beautiful, dramatic Kullahalvön peninsula, towards the 500-year-old town of Ängelholm, your destination for the day

Note: possible to shorten tour to 31 miles/49 km, by leaving the path and biking approximately 6 miles/10 km on a minor road with little traffic between Höganäs and Jonstorp.

Day 3: Ängelholm–Halmstad (37 miles/60 km)
From Ängelholm, Kattegattleden continues along the coast before the path departs and you will cut across the peninsula, into the heart of Bjäre. The climb will be gentle at first but soon becomes steeper. You are now proceeding into a modern agricultural setting, and will gradually reach the small-scale agricultural countryside that has been based on livestock since prehistoric times and is typical of Bjärehalvön.

After a thrilling ride down the ridge, the stretch concludes in the entertainment metropolis of Båstad. The route continues along one of the longest sandy beaches in Sweden and then makes a turn inland towards the nature reserves of Gullbränna and Tönnersa. Short after this, the route will take you through the city centre of your overnight destination of Halmstad.

Note: It is possible to shorten this day’s cycling to 26 miles/41 km by skipping Bjäre peninsula. It’s also an option to lengthen today’s cycling to 58 miles/94 km by skipping the train and riding the full way to Halmstad. This day is flexible for you!

Day 4: Halmstad–Falkenberg (35 miles/57 km)
From Halmstad city the ride will continue west, towards one of the most beloved beaches of the west coast, Tylösand, followed by the beaches of Frösakull, Ringenäs, and Vilshärad. After this, the path turns towards the east and connects to Kustvägen, the coast road.

Along the way, you’ll pass several beautiful nature reserves with unique beach meadows both before and after the charming village of Steninge. Near Steninge beach the landscape will change from barren and stony into a lush agricultural setting, guiding you to your overnight destination of Falkenberg.

Day 5: Falkenberg–Varberg (24 miles/39 km)
The route continues through the town of Falkenberg, one of the oldest of Hallands’medieval towns. As you are getting closer to Varberg, the final destination of the day, you’ll pass Apelviken, a beach that attracts windsurfers from all over Europe. A short ride away the Varberg Fortress will tower before you, well worth a visit. You can bike all the way up to the fortress if you are up for a challenge. Or, make a visit to Societetsparken instead and take a well-deserved rest in the shade of the leafy trees.

Day 6: Varberg–Kungsbacka (31-45 miles/50-72 km)
North of Varberg, the scenery changes–sandy beaches become rocky cliffs and the first islands begin to appear, like Getterön, Balgö, and Vendelsö. Further on you will get to a quiet stretch along the ocean and the beautiful beaches of Åsa. From Åsa, you have the option to take the train to Kungsbacka or continue cycling.

The route continues on small roads along fields and horse pastures until you reach Kungsbacka. Further up the route, we recommend a small detour to visit Tjolöholm Castle, Sweden’s only Tudor castle. Along this same detour off the official Kattegattleden path is Fjärås Bräcka, famous for its 100 standing stones at the Li grave field. Then continue to Kungsbacka, the final stop for today and one of the largest trade centers in western Sweden.

Day 7: Kungsbacka–Göteborg (26-39 miles/41-63 km)
This last stretch of the route runs along the Kungsbacka fjord, back towards the ocean. You’ll pass the small seaside village of Särö, where royalty and the Gothenburg society met up for amusement in the early twentieth century. The trail continues along cliffs, lush forests, bays, and small harbours, offering plenty of places to swim or just relax.

As you approach central Gothenburg, you will pass Nya Varvet and the Klippan Culture Reserve and continue along Göta älv until you reach your final destination: the Göteborg Opera and the Lilla Bommen harbour. Welcome to Gothenburg!

Note: possible to shorten to 26 miles/41 km by skipping the Onsala peninsula.

Day 8: Tour ends after breakfast or extension
Your tour along Kattegattleden ends after breakfast or book extra nights to continue exploring Gothenburg.