Pre-study Snapphaneden

Despite beautiful nature and pleasant tourist destinations in northeastern Skåne, the accessibility for hiking is relatively low in the area. Since there was a need and demand, the feasibility study aimed to take a first step in the right direction.

The project would investigate the possibility of increasing the attractiveness and strengthening the tourism industry by connecting three major tourist destinations – Wanås art, Hovdala Castle and Naturum in Kristianstad. Between these places there is a blind spot if you look at the map – a Snapphaneled has enormous potential to become an attractive complement to the nodes of the Skåneleden.

The project also wanted to promote public health and recreation. Even before the project was completed, the long-term goal was formulated – to create Sweden's most sustainable hiking trail.

A total of twelve different test hikes were carried out in the municipalities of Östra Göinge, Kristianstad and Hässleholm. Associations, the tourism industry and landowners have been a fantastic asset during the project with their local knowledge, expertise and great commitment. On one of these hikes, an orienteering club participated with their maps and drew up a route for the hiking group. Project manager Britt-Marie Eriksson remembers this well:

– It shines in their eyes!

Guided tours have taken place based on various themes, such as map meetings and planning of trial walks. An important part was the dialogues with landowners to invite participation and to raise their perspectives.

The project also had major collaborations with Kristianstad University. The first collaboration was about a so-called Imagine process which resulted in a proposal on how to attract young and inexperienced hikers. In the second collaboration, the project participants were coached by an innovation advisor on how to think innovatively around operation, maintenance and financing.

Surprisingly and happily, a decision had already been made during the course of the project that the first stage of the Snapphaneleden should be built between Arkelstorp and Sibbhult. That idea came up during one of the test hikes that were carried out. The sustainability idea in this and future projects is about reusing already existing paths.

The proposed theme is Snapphanar, something that is unique to our area. Various nodes have been chosen for the future Snapphaneled such as activities, attractions and farm shops.

Read about the continuation project "Snapphaneleden – stage 1" here >>