Pre-study hiking trail from Visseltofta to Åhus

New nature and cultural experience in northeastern Skåne

The project involves conducting a feasibility study for a continuous hiking and pilgrimage trail along the Helge River, from Visseltofta in northern Skåne to the river's mouth in Åhus. The aim is to investigate the possibilities of creating a long-term trail that combines nature experiences, cultural history and increased awareness of the water environment and sustainable development. Helge River is one of Sweden's most important waterways and flows through areas of great natural and cultural value, which are currently relatively unknown to many.

The trail also forms a unique part of the world-famous Nidaros Trail in that it connects to the Nydalaleden trail where the Helge River flows up, in deepest Småland. Therefore, the trail can be a nature trail in both a northeast–southeast direction and in the opposite direction.

The feasibility study will provide a comprehensive picture of how the trail can be drawn, which landowners are affected and how collaboration can take place with local actors such as associations, tourism entrepreneurs and municipalities. An important part is dialogue with landowners to investigate interest and opportunities for accessibility, as well as to identify places of particular historical, cultural and environmental value. The project will also highlight how the hike can contribute to understanding water purification, landscape change and the connection between inland and coast.

The goal is to produce a clear feasibility study report that either shows how a hiking trail can be built and developed further, or that clarifies what obstacles exist. In the long term, the ambition is to create an attractive trail that strengthens outdoor activities, local pride and the tourism industry in northeastern Skåne, while giving more people the opportunity to experience Helge å and get involved in nature and environmental issues.

The board's assessment

Decision date: 2025-12-17

Total selection criteria: 805 points

The board's justification: Pre-studies are generally welcome and justified according to the LAG board, as it is a way of anchoring and creating realistic images for future implementation. A pre-study often leads to increased sustainability and a longer lifespan for a project that is later implemented, but it also saves money if the pre-study shows that implementation will not be possible. In this case, a pre-study is particularly important, as all routes require landowner agreements, and these are not always easy to obtain.