Varberg Walkabout

May 6-8 is the premiere of Varberg Walkabout - a new walking festival for the joy of movement, presence of nature and community, which premieres in Åkulla outside Varberg this spring. We invite you to a weekend of hiking, music, campfire, yoga, BBQ and nature experiences in the forest and by the sea.

Varberg, Sweden
From May 6 to
May 8, 2023
3 days
Difficult Levels: Moderate, Easy
Landscape: Coast, Forest
Complementary: Gastronomy, Music
Themed walks: Yogawalks
070-617 2817

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

Varberg Walkabout

There are several different hikes to choose from, with different themes and distances.

You choose hiking after you have bought a ticket on this page. First come, first served, the hikes are booked as tickets are sold.

Overview Saturday and Sunday ( hikes start from Åkulla unless otherwise stated . Bus ToR Varberg every day included ):

SATURDAY :

Full day (3-5 hours)

Yoga hike around Lake Valasjön
Hike with mountain hiking tips
Hike with a dog expert

In Varberg:
Sky, sea & open views

Half day (2-3 hours)

Bootcamp hike
Yoga hike in the Bockstensmannen's tracks

Yoga walk around Valasjön (Saturday)

This hike with a guide from yogavandring.se begins with yoga to gently wake up, strengthen and prepare the body for a day outdoors in motion. We roll out the yoga mats inside the beautiful yoga hall with glass partitions facing the lake, which is just a few meters away. At the end of the session, we stretch out for nice relaxation.

The walk takes us in a circle that goes along the Hallandsleden and other paths around beautiful Valasjön. Most of the day we walk in beech forest, but also some mixed and spruce forest towards the end. It is a fairly easy walking path, a little hilly in places, but we don't rush up the slopes. And as usual on a yoga walk, we stop from time to time to do mindfulness exercises in nature. The hike ends with a shorter yoga session and deep relaxation.

Distance: approx. 13km
Start and end at the festival area Åkulla
Leader: Helen Högsten from yogavandring.se

Hiking with mountain hiking tips (Saturday)

Join us on a pleasant hike with an experienced mountain hiker who shares valuable tips and advice during the hike. We walk on forest paths and dirt roads through mixed and beech forest past several lakes. Although we can't promise a mountain feel, this round takes you through partially hilly terrain with some nice uphills that will raise your heart rate a little, but it's not a difficult trail to hike.

Start and finish at the festival
area Distance: approx. 12 km
Leader: Kerstin Thornell

Hiking with dog training (Saturday)

It is clear that the best friend should be allowed to come along to the festival. This hike is led by Maria from vovking.se , (certified dog psychologist and dog instructor), a lovely and experienced dog trainer who, in addition to leading you along beautiful paths, will also give you interesting dog training tips. You can also try different exercises with your dog in the forest.

Dogs are also welcome on other hikes (except yoga hikes because there are silent meditations in nature), but this hike is a good chance to also learn something new, deepen the relationship with your dog and meet other dog owners.

Start and finish at the festival
area Distance: approx. 10 km
Leader: Maria from vovking.se

Sky, sea and open views (Saturday)

This hike goes right by the water and follows the sea from the old fishing village of Träslövsläge to Varberg. We walk on the beaches in Träslövsläge and Apelviken, and at the end we follow the beautiful historic promenade past Varberg's coastal hotel, the fortress and the Kallbadhuset. The hike suits you who love the mighty sea, the open horizon and want to let your mind open to greater perspectives.

Distance: approx. 11 km
Start: Träslövslage by the beach (bus from Åkulla and city center)
End: Kallbadhuset Varberg (bus to Åkulla)
Leader: Åsa Nilsson

Bootcamp Hike (Saturday)

Maybe some sit-ups among the whites? This hike is interspersed with exercises to build strength and fitness using the body and nature as aids. You get to hike and exercise in nature, surrounded by beech trees and spring birds. One of Golden Wellness' lovely instructors leads the walk.

"We think training should be fun, easy and sweaty. With us, you work to the best of your ability. Regardless of whether you are used to training or training for the first time, we make sure you enjoy yourself and get the challenge you need." Petra, Golden Wellness.

Start and finish at the festival
area Length: About 3 hours in the forest
Leader: From Golden Wellness

Yoga walk in the Bockstensmannen's track (Saturday)

This walk takes you to the bog where the Buckstone Man was found. The walk begins with a nice yoga session under the beech trees and during the walk there will be breaks for presence training and meditation. The lunch box is eaten outside in nature or when you return to the festival area. In the afternoon you can participate in the activities on the festival grounds.

Start and end at the festival
area Distance: approx. 7 km
Leader: Per Gunnarsson from yogavandring.se

SUNDAY :

Full day (3-5 hours)

The talking stones
Yoga walk with Sky
Pilgrim 's walk Vineyard, fairies and birdsong

Half day (2-3 hours)

Walking gong with sound healing Yoga
walk Five Hills

The Talking Stones (Sunday)

We start at Öströö sheep farm and head from there along Hallandsleden out into the beech forest via Skärsjön back to Åkulla. Apart from a few kilometers at the beginning, the paths go deep into the forest far from roads. About halfway we come to the unique area of ​​Bexell's stones where we stop and learn more about the history behind these "talking stones" and have time to walk around and look for stones with interesting inscriptions. This hike is quite hilly in parts but mostly easy walking.

Distance: approx. 14 km
Start: Öströ sheep farm (transport by bus approx. 15 min)
End: Festival area Åkulla
Leader: Kerstin Thornell

Yoga Walk with Sky (Sunday)

We are proud that the founder of Sama yoga, Sky, is coming to the festival to hold a yoga walk. Sky is a highly regarded teacher who teaches in Bali and at various festivals in Sweden. He will offer a two-hour yoga session indoors and then take you out into the beech forest for a couple of hours. Out in the forest, there will be a longer break as Sky holds a "forest talk" - conversation about yoga philosophy and how it can help us in everyday small and large challenges. Then there will be a picnic lunch before you return to the festival grounds and can participate in the afternoon's activities if you wish. This yoga walk is held in English. You don't need to have any previous yoga experience - Sky's sessions are soft, caring and light and at the same time very profound.

Distance: approx. 7km
Start and end at the festival
area Leader: Sky ( read more about Sky and Samayoga here )

Pilgrimage (Sunday)

This hike takes you to Svartrå church and the very beautiful area around Sumpafallen. During the hike, we focus on walking with the 'conscious step' that Therese will introduce at the start. The walk takes place in the sign of silence, which is one of the pilgrim's keywords to be able to focus on himself and his own steps. After eating lunch at the rapids, you take a taxi back to the start.

Start and finish at the festival
area Distance: 12 km
Leader: Therese Lind

Vineyard, fairies and birdsong (Sunday)

This hike takes us on beautiful trails from Öströö sheep farm via Ästad vineyard back to Åkulla. We mainly walk in beech forest and along several lakes. A short distance on the road, otherwise easy paths and small dirt roads. It is a bit hilly in places but no huge hills. For a while we walk right along the beautiful Älvasjön, where it will probably be enough to stop and enjoy the lunch in the box we got with us. During the hike, we pay extra attention to the birdsong, maybe we will hear the cranes that live here?

Distance: approx. 12 km
Start: Öströ sheep farm (transport by bus approx. 15 min included)
End: Festival area Åkulla
Leader: Eva Johansson

GångGong – hiking with sound healing (Sunday)

A quiet and slow hike in the beech forest that ends indoors with a gong bath - you lie down and relax while the leader plays large gongs that bring healing vibrations to the body and mind. Powerful and relaxed at the same time. In the afternoon you have time to participate in the activities on the festival grounds.

Start and finish at the festival
area Distance: 3 km
Leader: Beatrice Nilsson from beasgongyoga.se

Five Hills Yoga Walk

One of the most popular trails in the Åkulla area. We set out on the most popular hiking trail in the Åkulla area, a trail that is described as Halland's most demanding because it goes over five steep hills. It is a varied path with beautiful views and deep valleys.

We warm up with yoga outdoors before heading into the forest. The hike itself is just under 6 km, but it takes about 2 hours to walk, so you will understand that it is hilly. The path has a total elevation gain of 250 meters with the highest peak at 130 meters above sea level. We pause for presence training (and to catch our breath) out in nature and afterwards we return to Åkulla where you can join the afternoon's festival activities.

Start and end at the festival
area Distance: 6 km (hilly terrain)
Leader: Karin Thornell from yogavandring.se

Forest bath (Sunday etc.)

Forest bathing is about taking it easy and "bathing" in sensory impressions from the forest. (So ​​we will not jump into the lake even if it is recommended). We take a short walk out into the beech forest and are guided in slowly and attentively listening, feeling, looking, smelling and maybe even tasting nature. The guide will tell you a little about research around health and nature and part of the experience is in silence.

Start and end at the festival
area Distance: approx. 3 km
Leader: Ulrika Sandström from yogavandring.se

Varberg, Sweden
Varberg Walkabout

COMPLEMENTARY EVENTS

Varberg Walkabout

FESTIVAL AREA

The festival area is on the lakeside, so at any time you can take a refreshing swim. In addition, we will fire in the sea sauna at the following times:

Friday at 19-22
Saturday at 15-19

Below you can read more about the different hikes. You will get to choose which hikes you want to join before the festival. In the afternoons there are activities on the festival grounds if you choose a half-day hike.

Friday 6/5

15:00 Bus from Varberg
Bus to Åkulla departs from Varberg NOTE only for those who have pre-booked according to email.

From 3 pm Check-in
Come and get your festival pass and a drink ticket to the bar.

16:00 Welcome from the stage
We welcome and inaugurate the festival

16:30 Mingelvandring starts a
3 km easy contact-making hike in the beautiful beech forest by the festival area.

17:30 Lecture in the conference room
Therese Lind "Happiness with pilgrimage - that's how you do it!"

18:30 Welcome dinner outside on the Terrassen
BBQ - buffet with various options for all tastes. Live music with Josefine Wikevand.

19-22 Sauna and bath in the lake
We have a fire in the sauna by the lake during the evening. Just drop in.

20:00 The office closes - no bus as no one has pre-booked.

Saturday 7/5

7:45 Bus from Varberg
Bus departs from the bus stop for train replacement at Varberg station to Åkulla. For those who have pre-booked.

8:30-9:00 Good morning and warm-up
Anna from Åkulla Outdoor Resort gets us started on the terrace by the lake. Morning meeting with welcome and information about the day.

From 8:30 Pick up lunch boxes and drink
The resort arranges delicious, locally produced pre-packed lunch boxes for everyone.

9:30 Hikes start, buses depart
You will get to choose hikes before the festival. There are 6 full and half day tours per day to choose from.

13:00 Activities start
In the afternoon there is yoga, qigong etc. on the festival grounds. A separate program is available in the office.

15:30 Bus from Varberg
Bus (Veddige Bus) departs from Hamnplan to Åkulla for those who have hiked in Varberg.

16:00 After hike with light
refreshments Josefine Wikevand performs a specially written musical love story for Aboriginal Australia. Campfire etc.

15-19 Sauna and bath in the lake
We have a fire in the sauna by the lake in the afternoon and evening. Just drop in.

18:00 approx.Shooted back to Varberg

Sunday 8/5

7:45 Bus from Varberg
No bus as no one pre-booked.

8:30-9:00 Good morning and warm-up
Anna from Åkulla Outdoor Resort gets us started on the terrace by the lake. Morning meeting with welcome and information about the day.

From 8:30 Pick up lunch boxes
The resort arranges delicious, locally produced pre-packed lunch boxes for everyone.

9:30 Hikes start, buses depart
You will get to choose which hike(s) you want to join before the festival. There are 6 full and half day hikes per day to choose from.

13:00 Activities start
In the afternoon, there are activities on the festival grounds for those who go on shorter tours. Separate program coming.

15:00 After hike and closing
We gather again at the lake for a really lovely closing party at the festival. There will be coffee and on the Terrasscenen we have invited Thomas Persson with his piano and vocals.

16:00 Transfer to Varberg

 

After-hike

On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, there will be an after-hike on the festival grounds with entertainment, campfire, snacks and a good time.

On Saturday night:

Inspired by nature, humanity and the belief in each person's unlimited potential, Josefin Wikevand (Wikedhvani) offers clear tones and female primal power with personal texts in Swedish and English.

On Saturday afternoon, she takes us on a spiritual journey to Aboriginal Australia and creates a musical love story between wisdom, music and the classic singer-songwriter sound.

Read more about Josefin at www.josefinwikevand.com

Activities

There are other things happening at the festival than walks. On Saturday and Sunday afternoon there will be classes on the festival grounds (indoors in case of rain). Clear so far are:

Saturday
13:00 Qi gong
14:00 Yoga
15:00 Lecture

Sunday
12:30 Meditation and/or forest bath
1:30 pm Yoga
2:30 pm Gong bath

PRICES & RESERVATIONS

Varberg Walkabout

Last day of registration 28/4

Tickets

Festival pass - join the whole weekend SEK 1990 (youth SEK 1790)
2-day pass - Saturday and Sunday SEK 1790
1-day pass - Saturday or Sunday SEK 950

If you buy the festival pass, you can soak in the festival atmosphere all weekend. Luxury! But it's just as well to come one or two of the days, you're just as welcome! If you book accommodation at the nice Åkulla resort, which is our base camp, you are close to everything and there are different accommodation standards to choose from - from tent pitches to hotel rooms with a lake view. (Booked separately via email to info@akullaresort.) There will be buses ToR Varberg-Åkulla morning and evening for those who come by train or who choose another overnight stay.

Included in the price:

FRIDAY

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

  • Mingling walk
  • Lecture
  • Welcome dinner
  • Drink ticket
  • Campfire
  • Access to sea sauna and bath
  • Morning gathering with warm-up and coffee/tea
  • Optional guided hike incl. good locally produced lunch box
  • Transportation to hiking
  • Activities at base camp
  • After-hike with campfire, music and snacks
  • Sea sauna and bath

In addition, a bus to and from the festival from Varberg is included in your ticket.

Accommodation

Book accommodation at the beautiful Åkulla Outdoor Resort, which is our base camp, then you are close to everything and there are different accommodation standards to choose from - from tent pitches to hotel rooms with a lake view. The accommodation is not included in the festival pass but can be booked separately to info@akullaresort alt. 0340-835 00.

If you would rather live in Varberg, you get a 15% discount at Hotell Gästis. Note use this link to book with the festival price. If you book with the hotel in another way, enter the code VW15.

There will be buses ToR Varberg-Åkulla morning and evening for those who come by train or who choose to stay overnight in Varberg.

Festival prices Åkulla Outdoor Resort for overnight stay 6-8/5 INCLUDING DINNER Saturday 7/5

  • Hotel double room with lake view SEK 1995/person incl. breakfast
  • Hotel 3-bed room with lake view SEK 1595/person incl. breakfast
  • Hotel 4-bed room with lake view SEK 1395/person incl. breakfast
  • Economy double room SEK 1295/person incl. breakfast
  • Economy 3-bed room SEK 1195/person incl. breakfast

Hotel with a lake view  

Here you sleep in comfortable beds with your own patio and a view of the beautiful Yasjön. The hotel rooms are adapted for families, couples and the solo traveller. The interior design is inspired by nature in the form of forest, stone and cork. The rooms are 19 square meters, have a 180 cm wide double bed, two folding single beds 80 cm wide. Own shower and toilet in the rooms. Free access to Wi-Fi.

Economy rooms The rooms are located in the main building with a lake view. Comfortable beds with furniture and furnishings in pleasant colors and materials. Own shower and toilet in the rooms. Free access to Wi-Fi. The rooms include sheets & towels, you make the beds yourself.