Kullahalvön is Skåne's answer to the High Coast with its steep cliffs, clear water and cobbled beaches. Where the waves of Skälderviken roll in over Kullahalvöns northern coast is nature at its wildest and most beautiful. Here is the small fishing village of Arild, named by the travel magazine Travel+Leisure as one of Europe's secret gems. And I can't help but agree.
Arild was first mentioned in a papal letter in 1475, but it is believed that the village began to take shape as early as the 12th century. The name is said to come from the legend of Saint Arild. Saint Arild was a boy who lived in the area during the 12th century and who was murdered by his stepfather when the boat he was traveling in was set on fire and Arild and his brother Tore drowned. Arild floated ashore on a rock in the village of Arild and Tore floated ashore at what is today Torekov.
Arild has been a tourist resort ever since artists discovered the village in the mid-1850s. There are many paintings that were painted by this village in the 19th century, I myself have one of these paintings on the wall at home. The painting depicts the road by the chapel in the village, with a view of the harbor and Kullen. Here hung the hottest artists of the 19th century - everything from Isaac Grünewald to Prins Eugen. The light here is said to be similar to the soft glow of Skagen, which was clearly a draw for every single artist within the kingdom's borders. The more popular the village became, the more the settlement expanded higher and higher from the harbor, causing the road to wind its way up through the village in true San Francisco spirit.
Today, the village attracts visitors who seek the calm and lapping of Skälderviken's waves. If you are a spa lover, wine connoisseur or a family who wants to discover the area's wide range of attractions, nature experiences and good food.
The harbour
The harbor is the heart of Arild and a good starting point for exploring the village. In the past, herring and mackerel were hauled up here in large quantities from the fishing boats in the harbor, now you can instead eat a herring sandwich in the summer-open harbor cafe or walk to one of the two bathing spots that are here - one in each direction from the harbor. If you want to discover Arild and Skälderviken from the sea, you can rent kayaks and SUP down here in the harbor from Hill kayak.
Arild's chapel
A little way above the harbor on the hill is the village's fine old chapel from the 15th century surrounded by greenery. Legend has it that the chapel was built on the spot where Saint Arild's body is buried. The chapel is Scania's only medieval fishing village chapel and the small chapel has details from the 18th century. The chapel is simply decorated with beautiful paintings by the pews and clean wooden details on the ceiling. Out in the cemetery lie the graves of the souls that the sea has taken over the years.
Porras Backe
During the summer months, the sun rolls down over Kullaberg's cliffs and lands in the sea outside Arild. Several evenings we have stood by Porra's hill and looked out over the village covered in a golden glow. A hard-hitting show that never offers the same numbers.
Porra's hill is just below Arild's bus stop and the park bench here is rarely free during beautiful summer evenings.
Saint Arild's spring
To the west of the village, the cliffs begin to tower and the Skåneleden takes hikers from here towards the tip of Kullaberg. Here among the rocks you will find Saint Arild's spring, a large stone pot said to be where his body floated ashore. The "source" and its water have throughout the ages been said to bring health. It's not entirely easy to find the spring, but regardless, it's a nice walk to the little white bathhouse on the edge of the cliff.
Arild's vineyard
Kullahalvön has an excellent climate for viticulture and on the outskirts of the village you will find one of the most beautiful vineyards. Arild's winery not only has a nice restaurant and wine bar, but also offers accommodation. Most popular is the glamping in white tents in the middle of the vines, but there are also regular rooms.
Nimis and Skåneleden
Just a few kilometers from Arild along the Skåneleden is one of Kullahalvöns biggest (and most controversial) attraction – the artwork Nimis by Lars Vilks.
Read more about Nimis on my page: Visit Nimis on Kullaberg – The place that is not on the map
How do I get to Arild?
Arild is on Kullahalvöns northern shore at Skälderviken, about 10 minutes by car from Höganäs. The best parking is found in the harbour.
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What a wonderful place.