Excursions in the vicinity

Here in Sweden, we continue to self-isolate. Venturing out for errands, shopping, and excursions. If one should seek a positive angle for the present situation, it is that we have so much time on our hands. In the last 20-23 years, we have been very busy, and time has been a rare commodity. We, therefore, appreciate it a lot. It has also given us the opportunity to discover our new surroundings. I think we would not have discovered so many wonderful places had times been normal. 

The Skåne (Scania) area where we live has a lot of nature parks, forests, and seashores. It is all there to enjoy. Here are a few photos from our latest outings. 

The modern-day Falsterbohus, today housing flats. In the foreground the ruins of the ancient fortress. 

There are lots of castles in this area. They are mostly beautifully situated around a lake. One of our favourites is Häckeberga Castle. Surrounded by woodlands they make for a stunning walk. 

Söderåsen/Skäralid is another beautiful park. We made a long walk up to the viewpoint. Continuing around the forest, past creeks, old paths littered with stones, deeply sunk in the earth. Stones full of moss makes it look like a troll forest. Arriving at an old farm we sat down to enjoy our picnic. Wonderful, sitting among old fruit trees. From there we went to see the Deer Leap which is where ancient people used to force the wild animal to run. At the end of a narrow path towards the gorge, the only step forward was going over the cliff. That is how they killed them. We continued back to the lake where we started. Quite a stunning tour. 

One day we drove over to the southeastern part of Skåne and visited Kivik. Famous for the apple orchids and freshly pressed apple juice. Visited another bronze age grave on the outskirts of the village. Close by is the natural park of Stenshuvud (Sten's head, presumably a giant). Containing an arboretum it hosts exclusive and fantastic trees. Just look at the roots on the tree in the image below. Below is the Sten's Gates and opening to the sea. You see how big they are in comparison to Martin. 

Glumslövs or Hilleshögs backar (hills) is situated along the west coast. We parked at a wonderful camping/beach area and started our walk there. Over the hills to a small fishing village, Ålabodarna. Pure picturesque! Close by lies an ancient bronze age grave. The entrance was too small and low for me to enter. Walk pass Örestad Castle, now a hotel and conference center, and back to the car. A walk of around four hours. 

Landskrona Castle was initially built by the Danish when this area was part of Denmark. It has gone from fortress to prison to refugee-center during the Second World War. Today it is a museum and a lovely spot to visit, take something to eat and walk around.