Abbekås harbour

The harbour of Abbekås

Abbekås has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. A few traditional fishing huts from past centuries still remain as reminders of its heritage. In 1872, a devastating storm known as the Baltic Sea flood (Backafloden in Swedish) destroyed large parts of the village, sweeping away many homes closest to the harbour. Out at sea, you can still see the stone foundations of these houses, resembling the remnants of old harbour piers.

A deeper, dredged harbour was built in 1889, but after another storm in 1904, it could only accommodate smaller boats until a major reconstruction took place between 1926 and 1928. Thanks to this rebuild, fishing and coastal trade quickly recovered, and during World War II, Abbekås harbour experienced a boom in fishing activity.

Just west of the harbour lies an easily accessible birdwatching area, where waders, ducks, and geese often rest.

Coastal fishing

Fishing is not part of Sweden’s Right of Public Access, but you may fish freely with a rod or other handheld gear along the coast, except in protected areas. No fishing licence is required for this type of fishing. However, you must follow regulations regarding minimum fish sizes, seasonal restrictions, and protected species.

The south coast

Skurup Municipality boasts 15 kilometres of beautiful coastline, featuring long stretches of white sandy beaches. Along the south coast, you can discover rare species such as the red-listed insects Bactra suedana and Hemistola chrysoprasaria.

One highlight is Mossbystrand, one of the municipality’s finest beaches. This two-hectare nature reserve combines pristine sand with extensive beach meadows. The area is protected to preserve its unique dryland flora, including species like pasqueflower and Breckland wild thyme.

On sandy patches, you’ll find sea thrift with its purple blooms, while the meadows host common harebell and lady’s bedstraw. Close to the dunes, sand-binding grasses such as marram and sand ryegrass thrive, along with the rare sea pea.

The Skivarpsån River

The Skivarpsån River flows into the Baltic Sea and is a popular spot for sea trout fishing. From the river mouth, you can fish up to two kilometres upstream with a valid fishing licence. Other species include rainbow trout, perch, and pike.

The river mouth area is rich in archaeological heritage, featuring the three burial mounds known as Oshögarna, flat graves, and settlements from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages. The surrounding vegetation is typical of dryland habitats, with species such as pasqueflower, sandy everlasting, field restharrow, woolly butterbur, and cowslip.

The Bongska Wetlands

East of Abbekås, at the mouth of the Skivarpsån River, lies the Bongska nature reserve. Here, the river has carved a scenic valley into the landscape. The name “Bongska” comes from the area’s history of fruit and vegetable cultivation, which once supplied Gustav Bong’s factories.

This reserve is famous for its wild roses – nowhere else in Sweden are so many species found in one place. Thirteen species have been identified, including glaucous dog rose, dog rose, small-leaved sweet briar, and sweet briar. Some grow south of the road near the river mouth. With a bit of luck, you might also spot the dazzling blue common kingfisher.