Vineyard Walks & Beech Forests 3 Days

Hiking is popular – so why not do it a little differently? One day among sweeping beech forests, the next strolling through a vineyard. Add a relaxing spa stay and perhaps a canoe trip or a cosy fika, and you’ve got a Halland weekend you won’t soon forget.

Day 1 – Arrival

Start the weekend with a focus on spa and flavour experiences. Begin with a visit to Ästad Vineyard, one of Halland’s most beautiful wineries.

Explore the vineyard through the rows of vines, and learn more about winemaking in Sweden and in Halland. Afterwards, unwind with refreshing pools and warm sauna experiences at Sinnenas Spa.

For dinner, Restaurant ÄNG is highly recommended, serving a carefully composed tasting menu based on ingredients from nearby forests, meadows, waters and farms.

It’s also possible to enjoy the spa, dining or vineyard walk without staying on the estate. You may prefer to combine rural tranquillity with town life and stay at Varbergs Stadshotell, Okéns b&b or Hotell Gästis in Varberg.

Curious about more places to stay in Varberg? Click here!

Day 2 – Hiking in the Beech Forests

After a flavourful start to the weekend, it’s time to head from vineyard to the Åkulla Beech Forests – a large natural area with around 20 lakes and 12 nature reserves, offering beautiful scenery and excellent hiking opportunities.

Choose between gentle walks and more challenging trails. The Hallandsleden Trail runs through the area, but you can also follow routes such as Bockstensstigen (3.9 km) or Yasjöstigen (5.3 km), or simply pick another reminder that suits your pace.

There are also scenic cycling routes winding through the forests.

Several accommodation options are located in or right next to the forest. Åkulla Outdoor Resort, set beside one of the lakes, is a great base for exploring the area.

Remember to pack a picnic in your backpack – either with treats from a farm shop along the way or something you’ve brought from your accommodation. When you find a viewpoint or a sheltered spot, it’s the perfect time to take a break and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature.

As evening approaches, settle into the calm of the forest and the lake. There’s both a café and a restaurant at Åkulla Outdoor Resort, and takeaway is also available. Pull on an extra jumper, light a fire and enjoy dinner under the stars if you feel like it.

Day 3 – Fika & Departure

Round off the weekend with a visit to Öströö Sheep Farm – ideal for a relaxed fika and a bit of farm shopping before heading home.

If you’re in the mood for something completely different, you can stop by Gekås for some shopping before continuing your journey.

Did you walk the Bockstensstigen the day before and become curious about the stories, theories and legends surrounding the more than 600-year-old Bocksten Man, discovered in a nearby bog? If so, a visit to Varbergs Fortress makes for an interesting and memorable finale.