Åbjär nature reserve in autumn

The mist weaves delicately through the gilded treetops of the beech forest, and the emerald moss clinging to the trunks glows with an ethereal light in the fog. On this October day, Åbjär Nature Reserve's ravine is shrouded in a mystical veil, adding an extra chill to the air. It feels like a cold, damp shroud of beauty and enchantment. This forest, with its fairy-tale charm, makes an ordinary Saturday feel magical.

Åbjär offers two main hiking trails: the 2,5-kilometer yellow trail and the 3-kilometer blue trail. We choose the yellow trail, which leads us directly into the heart of the gorge. Here, we are enveloped by a profound sense of solitude as we carefully navigate the steep, leaf-covered stairs descending into the ravine's depths. The fallen leaves obscure the steps, and the railing is fractured in several spots, demanding our patience and caution. Each step is deliberate as we tread slowly, ensuring our footing remains steady. The seclusion and tranquility of this hidden path make it a captivating journey.

At the base of the gorge, the Mjöån flows gracefully over the moss-clad rocks. Fallen trees, like natural sculptures, have tumbled into the river, forming intricate obstacles for the water to navigate. Yet, the water, ever-determined, finds its path—under, over, and through. Nature’s resilience and adaptability shine as the river continues its timeless journey.

Åbjär Nature Reserve is predominantly a beech forest, but it also hosts oak, linden, and ash trees. These towering giants seem to have strived a bit harder to reach their light-seeking crowns out of the gorge. The area has been protected since 2012, and before that, it was a mix of pastures and fir plantations—now, there's no trace of their former presence. The forest stands tall and proud, a testament to nature's resilience and beauty.

As we descend into the gorge, we are greeted by an easy hike along relatively flat terrain. We pause for a moment on one of the wooden bridges, captivated by the sight of the swirling water below. The peaceful ambiance and gentle flow of the river create a serene atmosphere, inviting us to linger and absorb the beauty around us.

In this damp and verdant haven, moss carpets the rocks, and peculiar mushrooms sprout from the tree trunks like nature's ornaments. The fallen logs, left to decay over the years, provide an ideal habitat for a multitude of insects. This thriving ecosystem, in turn, attracts a variety of birds. During the summer months, it's not uncommon to spot woodpeckers and swifts flitting about, adding life and song to the serene surroundings.

Suddenly, the forest erupts with a cacophony of cracking sounds, reminiscent of popcorn popping in a pot. Leaves cascade from the trees at such a speed that it feels as though a giant is vigorously shaking the branches. The noise grows louder, and suddenly, a beech mast strikes me on the head. A flock of small birds is perched high in the treetops, feasting, causing both beech masts and leaves to tumble down in abundance. Another beech mast hits my head, followed shortly by a splatter of bird droppings on my jacket. I take this as a clear sign—it's time to move on.

We trudge through the dense blanket of leaves with our shoes, grateful for the yellow markers that delineate the hiking trail. The path itself is nearly invisible beneath the foliage, but as long as we stay close to the river's edge, getting lost is not an option. The river's gentle guidance ensures we stay on track amidst the autumnal splendor.

As we make our way back to the car, we can't help but marvel at the profound silence that envelops us. Throughout our entire hike, we haven't encountered or heard a single soul. Our only companions have been the cascading beech masts and the melodic birdsong. Åbjär feels like a secluded little world unto itself, a true "smultronställe"—a hidden gem. Though I doubt we'll ever find wild strawberries growing here in the gorge, the serenity and seclusion make it a treasure all the same.

Find your way to Åbjär

Just 2 kilometers south of Östra Sönnarslöv along Huarödsvägen, you'll find a quaint parking lot with six spaces. Keep an eye out for the road sign directing you to the car park. We've visited twice—once in spring and once in autumn—and each time, we've easily found a spot.

Map

Read more about other donut places around Kristianstad at 9 wonderful nature experiences around Kristianstad - Skåne or read more about Åbjär on County Administrative Board page, or on The Nature Conservation Society in Skåne.