You can find these spots in the Southern Sweden Spot Guide:
Click here for the spot description
Wow could I have been so blind? It's like the famous description in "The Alchemist" about the "secret of a fulfilled life": the wise man gives the boy a spoon with a few drops of oil in it to carry around while he walks through a palace. "The secret of happiness is to see all the wonders of the world and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon." Well, it seems like I was just focussing on the drops of oil in the spoon and forgot to look at the palace. So basically, I think we are describing in this story (and in the pictures) what a boy (or a tourist) would see when visiting this place for the first time. With eyes wide open.
It took us, the brilliant photographer Robert Almqvist and I, quite a while to decide whether we should accept this assignment. I was kind of blocked and uninspired to write about the places I know all too well - and Robert hasn't been to Skåne that often, so he couldn't know. When we finally got going, we started driving around the coast looking for beautiful, exotic places to present Skåne in all its splendour to the readers of surf magazine.
Where could we find them? Are the locations and spots really exotic, remote or beautiful enough? Are we in a position to be able to deliver? I mean, I grew up here, I have family and friends here. And I've been travelling up and down the coast looking for wind for about 25 years. But I can't really say that I found the environment exceptionally fascinating. Until we started to see it with new eyes - the eyes of a young boy or a traveller seeing the places for the first time.
What can I say? I have rediscovered my surfing home and learnt about its fascination and diversity. So yes, the spots in Skåne are exotic enough, some of them are also remote and definitely beautiful. So our mission is accomplished, we'll take you to the best spots in my home region and give you the chance to explore them for yourself.
The best windsurfing spots in southern Sweden for experts and beginners
1. skälderviken
The bay cut deep into the land just outside Ängelholm offers a wide range of conditions - from wave surfers to pure beginners, everyone will find their spot here. The northern part of the bay caters more to wave surfers, where the waves are mostly onshore and relatively mushy, but also safe (1 to 1.5 metres). The best spots for advanced wave surfers are towards Torekov at the northern end of the bay. In contrast to the rest of the bay, the coast here is rocky. In the southern part near the village of Skälderviken, on the other hand, you will find the finest sandy beach with pine forests and a campsite right by the water (rabockacamping.se). The surrounding area with its old wooden houses, sand dunes, many sights and good restaurants is also worth a longer stay. The shallow beaches around Ängelholm are ideal for beginners and intermediates. Wind direction: Basically there is a good spot in the bay for almost every wind direction, but there are only good waves in the south-west and north-west. Water conditions: In easterly winds there is flat water almost everywhere, big waves break in westerly winds towards Torekov and Båstad. Info under: bastadcamping.se
2. lundakrabugten
At the southern end of Lundakra Bay you will find a very gently sloping, fine sandy beach with clear water and a large standing area. Sometimes the water even gets too shallow at low tide, especially in the northern part of the bay. It is only a stone's throw from the Malmö-Helsingborg motorway to the spot where the Barsebäckstrand campsite is located - you can go straight onto the water from the campsite. This spot also has a good thermal boost, especially in spring. It works particularly well in north-westerly and south-easterly winds. Basically, a wide wind window from south-east to north is good for surfing in the Lundakrabugten. Flat water and slightly choppy conditions prevail (depending on wind direction and strength). The bottom is mostly sandy, but also somewhat muddy in places. Campsite: barsebackstrandscamping.se, Food: barsebackshamnkrog.se
3rd Lomma/Habo Ljung
Habowaii! Okay, so I'm a bit biased here. This is where I live, this is where I met my wife - and this is where my family and friends live. But it really is like Hawaii (without the waves) when it's nice. Steady "trade winds" outside the reef (sandbank), so the inner part is protected from chop and current. There is an active and growing surf culture. Lomma/Habo Ljung has become one of the most popular water sports beaches in Sweden - and for good reason: easy access (but increasingly crowded due to its proximity to Malmö), long, sandy beach, shallow water up to about 300 metres out. There is also a thermally strong wind from the north-west and south-east. There is also a good infrastructure with campsites, bars, restaurants and other leisure activities.
Lomma is a perfect spot for beginners, freeriders, speed freaks and freestylers and works in all wind directions - but is especially gusty under land in easterly winds. Be careful not to ride outside the outer reef in offshore winds! Thermal amplification in the south-east and north-west. Water conditions: normally flat to very flat (depending on water level), can get a little choppy in westerly winds. Camping: lommacamping.se, Food: slaktaren.nu, Shop/rental: Lomma Beach Windsurfing Club has some rental equipment, mostly for beginners. Info: lommavindsurfing.se
4th Klagshamn
Just a few kilometres south of the famous Öresund Bridge is THE spot for speed, freeride and freestyle - when the sun is shining and the weather is high pressure, especially in easterly winds. This spot (and Habo Ljung) is where many southern Swedish windsurfers have covered their first metres on a surfboard and made their first jibes. The shallow water warms up quickly and shimmers in friendly, green-blue colours. In good weather, easterly winds get a thermal boost. The large, shallow area is particularly suitable for beginners and intermediates.
However, parking is limited, so please respect the parking rules of the local windsurfing club. Best wind directions: East/south/west (thermal boost with easterly winds), water conditions: flat with easterly winds and in the south-west (when the water level is low). Camping: firstcamp.se/destination/sibbarp-malmo. It's not the closest campsite to the spot, but it's nice. It's also close to the Viking Museum, which is always worth a visit.
5th Näset
Falsterbo, Skanör, Ljunghusen, Höllviken = NÄSET! The hammer-shaped peninsula between Malmö and Trelleborg is also known as "the Swedish Hamptons". Due to its location and shape, it offers several great freeride, freestyle and wave spots in a very small area. The south-western tip of Skåne is beautiful and has a very serene and sophisticated atmosphere with pine trees, white sand and "bad hytter" (small huts on the beach) in bright colours. You realise that you are approaching Näset when the cars look expensive and the houses even more expensive. But there is a good spot here for every wind direction.
The peninsula has beautiful, sandy beaches and is bathed in a fantastic light that makes the water glow. The easterly wind is thermally amplified here and is particularly popular with freeriders and freestylers on the flat north side. On the south side you can also find quite good wave conditions. There is a large campsite near the beach in Falsterbo. The downside of this fantastic peninsula is that it is very busy from June to August. Especially at the beginning of July - when an international horse show is held in Falsterbo every year - the area is fully booked. But parking is also limited elsewhere - but there are great bars and restaurants. Camping: falsterboresort.se
6th Mossby beach
The spot is located near the small, authentic fishing village of Abbekås, around 15 kilometres west of Ystad. As a relaxed wave spot with plenty of space, it is also suitable for less experienced wave surfers and wave beginners, and in strong easterly winds Mossby is very suitable for jumping. The waves are usually between one and one and a half metres high, on good days they can reach two and a half metres. Especially then you have to expect some current in the shore area, the easterly wind is often thermally stronger. There can also be good wave conditions with a south-westerly wind. But the best sideshore conditions are provided by the easterly wind.
A huge car park right on the beach, where you can also park your caravan, also contributes to the relaxed atmosphere at the spot. The beautiful sandy beach is also ideal for a family swim in calm weather, and Abbekås has good restaurants to suit all tastes. On the way from Malmö to Mossby, it is worth making a detour to Anita på Börringe Kloster with its café and restaurant (anitaz.se). The Bongska Huset right by the harbour in Abbekås, a very authentic pub, café and restaurant, is also highly recommended. Info: bongskahuset.se
7th Österlen
Österlen (or the south-eastern corner of Skåne) is often referred to as Cold Water Bali - and is known and loved for its magical summer light. This region has become the epicentre of the southern Swedish alternative living community. Relaxed, good food, great beaches and a dreamy atmosphere. But it seems that it quickly becomes too popular in summer, as complaints from locals become more frequent. Parking can be a problem on popular beaches. So be considerate, especially in high season (mid-July to mid-August). The spots between Kåsaberga and Kivik offer strong currents, deep (cold) sea and powerful waves, so they are only suitable for experienced wave surfers. In principle, there is always a good wave spot for almost all wind directions (except north-west) in this coastal strip. However, depending on the wind direction, you will have to travel a bit to find the perfect sideshore spot. Due to the fantastic landscape, the beaches and the sights, it is also worth a visit for non-surfers - especially in the early and late season when it is emptier. Camping: kivikscamping.se, loderupscamping.se
8th Ringsjön
This lake in the centre of the country is very underrated. I learnt to windsurf here and there are often very good freeride conditions. It is particularly an option when the warm south-westerly winds on the coast fail to materialise. In summer, a strong land thermal builds up with perfect freeride winds, especially in south-westerly and easterly winds. The landscape around the lake is also very beautiful, although there are the dreaded swarms of mosquitoes in summer. The Ringsjönstrand campsite is located directly on the lakeshore. The east wind is a bit gusty here, but usually strong. North-westerly and westerly winds work best at the campsite, Fulltofta is the most fun with south-west/south. But basically there is always a wind direction somewhere on the lake - except in winter, when it is frozen over. Camping: www.ringsjostrand.se
Spot Info South Sweden
General information
Skåne is the southernmost province of Sweden. It encompasses practically the entire southern peninsula of the kingdom and stretches from Båstad in the west to just before Sölvesborg in the east. The north-western part protrudes into the open Kattegat, while the remaining western part from Helsingborg to Malmö is protected by Danish Zealand. In contrast, the southern and eastern parts are relatively open to the Arkona Sea and Hanö Bay. The windsurfing conditions vary accordingly. You can find a good overview of the regions with lots of practical information on: visitskane.com/en
Approach
Many roads lead to Skåne. Depending on which section you are travelling to, there are different ways to get there. If you want to discover the southern part, you can take the ferry from Travemünde or Rostock to Trelleborg (TT-Lines). The journey from Travemünde takes nine to ten hours, and prices including car and two people start at around 150 euros - depending on the departure date. You can also take the ferry from Sassnitz on the island of Rügen to Trelleborg (frs-baltic.com). The ferry takes just over two and a half hours from Sassnitz, and prices also start at 150 euros including car. The best way to reach the Malmö region is via Fehmarn by ferry to Rødby in Denmark (scandlines.com from 50 euros) and then over the imposing Öresund Bridge near Copenhagen, which is subject to a charge (car: 54 euros, campervan: 108 euros). If you are travelling to the northern part of the region, choose the short ferry crossing from Helsingør in Denmark to Helsingborg. Scandlines also offers discounted combined tickets for these ferries (or ferry plus bridge).
Wind and weather
The wind statistics for the entire region are very good all year round. However, in terms of temperature, the months from November to April are more for the hardened surfers. Water temperatures reach a maximum of 20 degrees in summer. In spring and autumn, they tend to be in the low double-digit range - which means you should bring a wetsuit between three and six millimetres thick. Especially in spring and summer, there are thermal reinforcements at numerous spots. We go into more detail in the spot descriptions.
Shops and schools
There is definitely a lively surf scene in southern Sweden, and we also go into more detail about the clubs and shops in the region in the spot descriptions.
Living and camping
The Everyman's Right in Sweden allows you to stay overnight in a tent or bus outside of campsites. However, this does not mean that you can camp permanently in the countryside. Up to two overnight stays are tolerated where it is not expressly forbidden. There are also numerous campsites near the spots. You can find the addresses in the spot descriptions. And of course there are many holiday homes along the coast.
