Häckeberga, Naturreservat

In Häckeberga, Romeleåsen meets the plain. The landscape is undulating with lush deciduous forests and flowering pastures. The area bears traces of both mills and kings. At the same time, the unusual leaf frog and leatherback beetle have found a refuge here. The resting place at Vattenmöllan is a good start for hiking. The reserve is part of a larger outdoor recreation area on Romeleåsen and around Häckebergasjön.

Romeleåsen and the plain landscape

In Häckeberga Nature Reserve, the Romeleåsen mountain range meets the plains of southern Skåne. The result is a difference in altitude of 100 meters and a mosaic-like area with great diversity. There are both older beech forests and pastures. But there are also coniferous forests and hazel groves. The red kite is often seen gliding in the sky.

Dwarf seradellas and leatherback beetles

Häckeberga's pastures are both sandy and dry. This favors several plants. One of the rarest species is the pea plant dwarf seradella. The forest also has rarer species. In the areas with old beech trees, there is the endangered leatherback beetle. The beetle is about three centimeters long and depends on the wood flour that forms inside dead deciduous trees. The wood flour or "mulch" is a crumbly mixture consisting of finely divided decaying wood from the tree, insect droppings and dead animals and plants.

Milling remains and frogs

The Höje river meanders through the reserve. Alongside the river, an old abandoned fishing pond has become a frog-rich wetland. The tree frog is one of several amphibians found here. The river itself is surrounded by alder, ash and beech. There are also ruins from Häckeberga's old mill, Vattenmöllan, on the banks of the river. A short distance away is another cultural heritage site, the traces of Karl XI's old road. Charles XI passed here with his troops as they marched towards the 1670s war against Denmark.

Outdoor life and accessibility

A good starting point for hiking in Häckeberga is Genarp's sports ground (IP) and Vattenmöllan in the western part of the reserve. In the beautiful mill area there is a picnic area equipped with benches, tables and a fireplace as well as information about the history of the mill. There is a toilet adjacent to the parking lot. Skåneleden (SL 2 north to south, stages 14 and 15) runs through the area. By combining the Skåneleden trail with other trails such as Karl XI's road, you get a tour of the entire reserve. It is also possible to roam freely in the forest and pastures. There is another rest area with a shelter, fireplace and toilet in the central parts. Remember to bring your own charcoal and rubbish home.

Parking is also available at Medborgarhuset and in the southern part of the reserve. The nearest bus stop is Genarp bus station which is 1.3 km west.

Häckeberga nature reserve is part of a larger area on Romeleåsen with great outdoor recreation opportunities. In the area where Lake Häckeberga is centrally located, there are hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails, several accommodation options, attractions, café and restaurant.