Hit the road in Southern Sweden

My road trip of southern Sweden kicked off in spectacular fashion by crossing the 10-mile-long Öresund Bridge from Denmark into Sweden. From here my journey would take me across Småland and Skåne provinces through stunning scenery and on thrilling adventures from bike rides in the forest to hurtling down ziplines.

As my journey began I rolled down my car window and turned up the music. The sky was blue – and stayed that way all through my trip. The scent of the forest filled the car while we were winding through the woods and I kept my eyes wide open for crossing moose.

The first destination was sunny Öland, an island off Sweden's east coast, just a four-hour drive from Copenhagen. The island's flat landscape is peppered with old windmills, red-coloured holiday homes and pine groves, which make it an ideal biking destination. From Öland, we continued our trip through the lush forests of Småland province to the wilderness campsite of Ramoa Adventures in Ramkvilla. Here, I spent the night in an old barn on the normally uninhabited island of Klockesjön. Next destination in Småland: Kosta, with its moose park and Little Lake Zipline – Europe's longest – which took us flying through the treetops.

 After an extended walk across Söderåsen National Park, including a picnic with fresh produce from a local farm, we crossed the border to Skåne province, where we cooked a meal above a campfire in the heart of the forest and spent the night in cabins. Next adventure: rappelling from the sheer cliffs in Kullaberg National Park followed by a much-deserved feast of local dishes — a reward for all our efforts. We also visited several Swedish wineries for a taste of local vintages. 

The final stop on our road trip was Skåne's capital Malmö. From here, the skyline of nearby Copenhagen is visible across the sea strait. After nine days and more than 600 miles, we were back where we started. After a trip full of exciting adventures, I almost resented the idea of spending the last two nights in a city. But I couldn't have been more mistaken. On my folding bicycle, I explored the length and breadth of the town – from the Malmö Saluhall, a modern market hall where Copenhagen's foodies convene, to an age-old bathhouse above the sea, where I sweated together with Swedish women in a sauna before cooling off in the icy sea. Experiences I'll never forget.  

Southern Sweden surprised me in so many ways. It's an adventurous place to visit but also a place where you can find serenity in its abundant nature. Skåne and Småland, I'll miss you.

For more amazing outdoor experiences in Skåne, visit visitskane.com