Trail section
7 S Hultarp - Frostavallen
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Length
12 km
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Degree of difficulty
Moderate
Explore the volcanic violence that created central Skåne. Lava flows, basalt pillars, and bedrock so iron-rich that you cannot trust your compass. Most of the terrain is forested, but here and there small, open fields provide a change of scenery. Visit Scandinavia’s largest zoo collection of Nordic animals.
Nature
This section of trail carries you through what was once a hotbed of volcanic activity between 200 and 80 million years ago. You start your adventure by climbing up Allarpsbjär, the top of which was formed from lava flows. This is where you really must trust the trail markers since you cannot trust your compass, so high is the iron content in places. From the top, search to the northwest for the five- and six-sided basalt pillars which are the remains of vents from the crater. Many different types of flowering plants grow amongst the trees on Allarpsbjär, and butterflies abound.
Approximately at the half-way mark, you come to Dagstorpssjön Lake, where there are several volcanic remains. Just south of the lake and next to the trail is one of the largest of these – Ulfsbjär – in the key woodland habitat known as Bjäret. The bedrock here is greenstone, which erodes easily releasing many minerals into the soil. The trees provide shade, humidity is high and there are a lot of decaying trees. All of this combines to provide a home to unusual species including woodruff and three kinds of anemone, rare lichens, mosses, fungi, insects and birds. Tread carefully and respectfully in this fragile environment.
At the eastern and final part of this section of trail, small roads carry you through Frostavallen Recreation Area, with its species-rich beech woodlands, cliffs and scree slopes, several footpaths and lakes suitable for swimming. Do not be surprised if a parrot flies over your head. Southwest of Vaxsjön Lake, there is a bird sanctuary with many exotic species. At the southern tip of the lake, your footsteps follow along the fence of Skånes Djurpark, the largest Nordic wildlife zoo in Scandinavia. You may be able to hear or spot the animals in their natural habitat.
Cultural History
At Södra Hultarp there are many remains from previous generations, for example fossil fields with small clearance cairns and several sunken roads. In the middle of the area you find the rather unremarkable Karrastenen Stone, where once upon a time men tested their strength by lifting it. Perhaps you’d like to give it a try.
The village of Hallaröd has a holy well and a church, both dedicated to Olof II Haraldsson, or the Holy Olof (995-1030), a Norwegian king who tried to unite the country and convert it to Christianity. A few remaining parts from the original church are from the late 1100s. Many people made pilgrimages here for health and prosperity during the middle ages and later, and east of Hallaröd you follow this well-worn pilgrim's route for a stretch.
The area around Vaxsjön Lake is rich in archaeological remains and just southwest of the lake you pass two of these. The most westerly is a burial mound from the Bronze Age and the other is a pile of fire-cracked stone, a sure sign that hunters roasted their catches here, and often.
Frostavallen Recreation Area dates from the 1930s. There are five trails here of varying lengths, but much of the area is privately owned, so discretion and respect is a given.
Highlights along the section
Are you looking for a place to stay or a cozy cafe during your hike? Here are some of the sights and places to visit along the section.
Hiking suggestions
Do you find it difficult to know where to start your hike? Here is some inspiration and a selection of recommended hikes - short and long, with or without accommodation or based on different themes.
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Here you will find information about what's new on the trail as well as current redirections and disturbances.
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