How long is Kattegattleden and where does it begin and end?
390 km
Helsingborg – Kattegattleden begins or ends in Helsingborg, outside Helsingborg Central Station (Knutpunkten), which is Helsingborg’s main station for all buses, trains and ferries. An information board is located just outside Knutpunkten.
Gothenburg – Kattegattleden ends or begins at Drottningtorget in Gothenburg, just outside Gothenburg Central Station. You will also find an information board about the path here.
What does the 1 on Kattegattleden’s signs mean?
Kattegattleden is the first cycle path in Sweden to be signposted as a national tourist cycle path, hence the number 1 on the sign.
What is a national cycle path?
Kattegattleden is classified as a national tourist cycle path, but what does that mean? The certification means the path is high quality, safe with regard to traffic, and that a wide range of experiences and services are available along the path.
The Swedish Transport Administration has published a document for national cycle paths that forms the basis for cycle path design: cycle paths for recreation and tourism. Classification, quality criteria and signage. Among other things, the path must be quality-assured, safe with regard to traffic and attractive, with a wide range of services available. Accommodation, dining and public transport should be available within a reasonable distance, but the path should also pass by places of interest and showcase natural areas, cultural history, villages and rural life.
The path must be over 200 kilometres long, and being a national tourist cycle path guarantees that the path is open annually from 15 April to 15 October. The path can run through mixed traffic in a low-traffic road network, as well as gravel or paved surfaces. Regardless of the surface, the path should always be comfortable and safe.
Sweden currently has seven cycle paths with this certification: Kattegattleden, which is path number 1; Sydostleden, which is path number 2, Sydkustleden, which is path number 3, Unionsleden which is path number 4, Ätradalsleden which is path number 5, Vänerleden which is path number 6 and Göta Kanal which is path nr 7.
Where can I hire a bike or find a bike workshop?
There are several places along the path where you can hire a bike and cycling equipment. You will also find several bike workshops that can help you. Go to the Map/map tool and click on Bicycle hire and Bicycle workshop.
How far do you cycle in one day?
The typical distance is about 30-70 km per day. But it depends on how much you want to see and do along the route, and how many stops you make. If you are an experienced cyclist, it may be faster. A “regular” cyclist rides 15-20 km per hour. It takes about 1 hour to ride 15 km.
Which direction is best to cycle?
The Kattegattleden is just as lovely, no matter which way you cycle, and it is signposted from both directions. But if you're looking for a tailwind, cycling from Helsingborg in the south to Gothenburg in the north has proven to be slightly more favourable. Of course, it varies from day to day, so check the wind before you head out on your bike ride.
Can I take my bike on trains and buses?
Train
In general, you can take your bike on the train if space permits. If the train is full, you will have to wait to take your bike on the next train. The guard always decides how many bikes there is room for. Check what applies to the particular train you`re planning on taking. For more information, click on the respective train operator.
Öresundståg and Pågatåg, Skånetrafiken – Right now, you do not need to pay for a bike ticket when travelling within Skåne. But you must always buy a bike ticket or pay an extra bike fee when taking your bike to Denmark.
Öresundståg, HallandsTrafiken – bikes can currently be taken free of charge within Halland. When travelling across county borders to Kronoberg and Jönköping, and also when travelling to Denmark, you must pay an extra bike fee for the portion of the journey in that county/country.
Västtrafik - Gothenburg – It is free to bring a bike on the Västtåg and Öresundståg trains from Gothenburg to and including Kungsbacka Municipality (Åsa Station) and vice versa.
Krösatågen - Jönköpings Länstrafik – It is free to bring a bike on Krösatåg and Västtågen trains within Jönköping County. If you cross into a different county on the Krösatågen train, the bike fees of the different counties will be added.
Plan our trip and see timetables, click on the names: HallandsTrafiken, Västtrafik and Krösatåg.
Buses
Please check with HallandsTrafiken and Skånetrafiken if you are planning on taking our bike on buses.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
You should book your accommodation in advance. From June to August especially, many places can get fully booked, so be sure to book early.
Do I need to check the opening hours of cafés , restaurants and tourist attractions?
Yes, it’s a good idea to do so, especially outside the peak season of September to May.
May I pitch a tent along the path?
You may pitch a tent for one twenty-four hour period in nature. Remember not to disturb the land owner or cause any damage. Special rules apply in national parks and nature reserves. In general, it is not permitted to pitch a tent anywhere other than specially indicated sites. It may also be forbidden to camp in the entire area.
Read more about Sweden’s right of public access and camping in the countryside here »
Are mopeds allowed on Kattegattleden?
The path is 390 km long and there are many different road owners and landowners to consider along the way.
Regarding mopeds on the path, Kattegattleden has checked with the Swedish Transport Administration and the County Administrative Boards of Halland and Skåne.
The Swedish Transport Administration says that on ordinary footpaths and cycle paths along public roads and on municipal streets, you may drive a class 2 moped, i.e. older mopeds that can go a maximum of 30 km/h, and newer mopeds that can go 25 km/h. EU class 1 mopeds, which can go 45 km/h, are not permitted. Private roads have mixed traffic and most vehicles are allowed, provided that the private road owner/private landowner has not posted signs prohibiting motor vehicle traffic (which includes mopeds). These signs must be respected.
In Halland, the path runs through three nature reserves: Hökafältet (Mellbystrand), Tönnersa and Gullbranna (south of Halmstad). Motorised traffic is prohibited in all of these reserves. In Hökafältet, there is a road that you can drive on, but Kattegattleden also goes on paths where driving is prohibited. Find alternative routes for your moped or walk your moped through nature reserves.
In Skåne, no nature reserves are affected by Kattegattleden, since the path is currently a road or a cycle path, so it is ok to drive there.
Are you looking for long-term parking for your car?
In the links below, you will find up-to-date information on parking facilities.
WWhere can I charge my e-bike battery?
There are no charging stations specifically intended for electric bikes along the trail. Ask cafés and restaurants if you can charge your battery while eating there, or contact the nearest tourist office.