Halland – a coastal haven for foodies and nature lovers alike

A haven of coastal living, Halland’s natural landscapes beg to be explored. Regardless of where you set foot in Halland, you’ll find it hard not to be tempted by its outdoor activity prospects, from child-friendly hikes and cycle trails to surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and – for the committed – the award-winning Kattegattleden cycle and hiking route.

It's no secret that many of Sweden’s finest beaches are in Halland. Tylösand, Apelviken, and Skrea Beach are well-known favourites, offering unforgettable seaside experiences. However, Halland also boasts lesser-known gems where, if you're lucky, you can have the entire beach to yourself.

Halland's outdoorsy vibe shares the limelight with a proud culinary culture based on high-quality, locally-produced food. Halland will also appeal to the culture enthusiast. The historic Varberg Fortress now serves as a museum, and Halmstad Castle is a must-see cultural highlight to weave into your tour of this unique region.

Hiking and cycling trails in Halland

Kattegattleden

Kattegattleden is Sweden’s very first national cycling trail. Unsurprisingly to anyone who’s sped along this scenic path, it was awarded European Cycling Route of the Year (2018) by the Cycling & Hiking Fair. This unique cycling route extends across 390 kilometres and is divided into eight stretches, taking you through the spectacular coastal landscapes of Halland and beyond.

Hallandsleden

Discover Halland’s attractive inland on foot by hiking the Hallandsleden trail. Experience nature up close and enjoy the silence. The trail is more than 450 km long, conveniently divided into 26 parts or stages, so you can choose where and how far you want to walk.

Prince Bertil’s Trail

For a less ambitious yet equally satisfying outing, consider Prince Bertil’s Trail – an easy 18-kilometre hike offering endless seaside views and stretches of enchanting forest. Before setting off, take some extra time to explore Halmstad Castle, the trail’s starting point. The trail will take you to the unique Möllegårds Nature Reserve.

Inland hiking trails

Also, explore the diverse inland hiking trails, starting with Fjärås Bräcka, where panoramic views of the sea and Lake Lygnern complement the scenic walking paths and Naturum Fjärås Bräcka’s exhibitions and organic café. Discover Åkulla Beech Forests, a 50 square kilometre area featuring 66 km of trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and numerous lakes. In Hjörnered, enjoy a hilly landscape with lakes, perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Lastly, visit Danska Fall, a charming waterfall near Halmstad ideal for family hikes because of its exciting history and accessible trails.

Discover the many nature reserves along the coastline

Haverdal's Nature Reserve

A beech tree forest and probably Sweden’s tallest sand dune, Lynga, towering at 36 meters. A dedicated trail lets you get to the top for sweeping views across the forest and sea.

Särö / Västerskog

Särö / Västerskog is located on a peninsula outside Särö in Kungsbacka. Broad, well-maintained paths make it easy to stroll through the lush forest. The area features several beaches and many opportunities to swim from the rocks.

Grimsholmen

Stroll among coastal meadows, heathland, cliffs, and pine forests in the scenic Grimsholmen south of Falkenberg. The open landscape offers a fantastic view of the sea, and grazing sheep and cows help maintain the area’s open horizon.

Must-see towns in Halland

Nestled on Sweden’s west coast between Gothenburg and Helsingborg, Halland boasts five must-visit towns, each unique. Discover Halmstad, Varberg, Falkenberg, Kungsbacka, and Laholm, all beautifully lined along the coast.

Halmstad – the capital of Halland

Halmstad, the largest city in Halland, is a vibrant destination known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the abundance of trails for exploring the beautiful countryside on foot or by bike.

Relax at Tylösand Beach, one of Sweden’s most beautiful sandy shores. Explore Halmstad Castle, a historic gem offering insights into the city’s past. The town also boasts a lively arts scene with numerous galleries and theatres and hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.

Visitors can enjoy picturesque coastal landscapes and nature reserves just outside the city. Golfers will be delighted by the top-rated courses, including the prestigious Halmstad Golf Club.

Falkenberg – a culinary and scenic delight

Located along the central coast of Halland, Falkenberg was the first city to win the coveted ‘Worth a Trip’ award by the White Guide, the Nordic region’s premier restaurant guide. Enjoy a diverse smorgasbord of culinary delights, from artisanal pizza to seafood feasts.

Falkenberg’s charming central area features cobbled streets, greenery, cosy cafes, high-quality shops, and well-visited restaurants. A fika at Solhaga Stenugnsbageri is a must. A walk through Gamla Stan – the Old Town – reveals preserved wooden houses, a medieval church, a rose garden, and the RIAN Design Museum.

For nature lovers, Falkenberg offers roaring rapids, fishing spots, coastal biking trails, and serene picnic areas. The town's 13 kilometres of sandy beaches and coastal cliffs provide a perfect seaside escape.

Varberg – a surfer's paradise and so much more

Less than 40 kilometres north of Falkenberg, Varberg is a surf mecca. This charming city offers everything within easy reach, including the magnificent Varberg Fortress. Step into the courtyard, and you’ll find the entrance to the must-visit Halland Museum of Cultural History. This sprawling bastion is home to the extraordinary Bocksten Man (Bockstensmannen). This medieval gentleman’s well-preserved remains – including his clothing and oak cane – were found in a bog in the Varberg area in 1936.

Varberg's city centre is renowned for its fine shopping, with unique shops offering a variety of delights. Enjoy a market day with shopping, coffee, and a seaside walk year-round. A short walk from the centre takes you to Kallbadhuset Varberg, a distinctive oriental-style building dating back to the early 19th century and one of Sweden's best-known cold bathhouses.

In the summer, Varberg offers a variety of beaches, from sandy shores to rocky outcrops. The magical beach promenade winds along the sea, leading to Apelviken, famous for its surfing and beachside restaurants.

Historic markets and timeless charm in Kungsbacka

Just a short distance from Gothenburg in northernmost Halland, Kungsbacka offers picturesque houses and one of Sweden's oldest market squares. The heart of Kungsbacka is characterised by beautiful old wooden houses, creating a quaint and charming atmosphere with cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Every first Thursday of the month, Kungsbacka Square hosts a market that has been running for 600 years. Visitors can shop for fresh vegetables, delicacies, handicrafts, and flowers. Don't miss the historic Tjolöholm Castle, an architectural marvel on the coast, or Äskhults By, a well-preserved 19th-century village offering a glimpse into rural life from over a century ago.

Laholm – southern Halland’s hidden treasure

Nestled in southern Halland, Laholm captivates with its rich history, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality. Explore the cobblestone streets of the old town, which are lined with quaint shops, cosy cafés, and historical buildings. Visit Laholm Church, a medieval gem with stunning frescoes. Art enthusiasts will appreciate Teckningsmuseet, public art installations, and the annual sculpture park exhibition. Skummeslövstrand, one of Sweden's longest sandy beaches, is nearby for a relaxing seaside day.

Halland – a foodie destination par excellence

Halland offers both an adventurous outdoor spirit and a rich culinary scene centred on locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. ALong the coast, you'll find an array of fish and seafood eateries. For a unique dining adventure, venture to Knystaforsen in Rydöbuk for innovative tasting menus prepared over an open fire, with ingredients sourced from local producers or the nearby Nissan River.

For a Michelin-starred experience, Äng by Ästad Vineyard, located inland between Varberg and Falkenberg, offers seasonal dishes crafted from freshly harvested ingredients. Skrea Matbruk in Falkenberg is another standout, founded by renowned foodie Lisa Lemke, offering farm-to-table dining on a reservation-only basis.

Indulge in some of Sweden's best Neapolitan pizzas at Lilla Napoli in Falkenberg, where pizza-making is elevated to an art form.

Träslövsläge, just outside Varberg, has Sweden's largest crayfish port. Don't miss a visit to the restaurant Joels Brygga. It doesn't get more seaside than that, and the menu features delicious seafood.