Skrylle's history
Skrylle Forest
A medieval deciduous forest
Until the end of the Middle Ages, Romeleåsen was covered with deciduous forest. The forest served as outlying areas for the villages around the ridge, where they collected firewood and let their cattle graze. Over time, the forest was gradually replaced by pasture and juniper fields with elements of heather. Traces of these old lands can still be found, for example between Dalby and Hällestad and in the Gryteskog nature reserve. The name Skrylle has been used since the 17th century, also with the spellings Skrulle and Skrölle.
Woodcutting and large-scale shifting
In 1664, the Swedish Governor-General gave the area's farmers permission to cut wood and timber in the forest, but just three years later the permission was revoked in order to save the area from total devastation. During the large-scale land reform in the 18th century, clear-cutting increased, and pasture came to dominate the landscape. In the 19th century, junipers on the heath and alders in the marshes were pretty much the only remaining trees. Remnants of the original forest can still be found closest to Torna Hällestad and in the Dalby Söderskog National Park.
State planting of spruce forests
In 1873, the state bought most of the land and began planting spruce forests for economic gain, under the name “Dalby Kronoskog”. Approximately 80 % of the area was planted with spruce, while only small stands of oak and beech were preserved. Spruce planting continued for most of the 20th century.
Storms and replanting
The forces of nature later showed that the spruce did not belong here. The older spruce forest was blown down during the storm of October 17, 1967. Further extensive storm fellings occurred in 1981 and 1982. On the night between December 3 and 4, 1999, approximately 100 hectares of spruce forest were blown down in the storm Carola. It was replaced by beech, oak and birch forest, which contributed to a more varied and natural forest. The goal of today's forestry plan is to recreate the natural deciduous forest that existed here during the Middle Ages, which benefits both biodiversity and outdoor life.
The nature reserve is formed
In 1993, the Swedish Land Administration sold Dalby Kronopark to the Municipality of Lund and the Skåne Recreational Areas Foundation. The state contributed one third of the purchase price, SEK 10.5 million, on the condition that the land became a nature reserve. The reserve protection protects the area from exploitation and ensures that it can be preserved for outdoor activities and recreation.
The Skryllegården
Skryllegården has been a gathering place for outdoor activities for over 70 years.
1950s
The history of Skryllegården began with the Lunda branch of the Swedish Outdoor Promotion Association. In 1952, the first clubhouse was built from an old military barracks from Kalix. In the first year alone, the cottage attracted around 1,800 visitors.
1960s–70s
The first electric light track was built in 1968, and shortly afterwards Södra Sandby Municipality decided to invest in a larger facility. On 1 August 1972, Skryllegården was inaugurated in its new form – with a restaurant, changing rooms, sauna and gym. The facility was a success – 25,000 visitors came in the first year, and soon the number exceeded 400,000 per year. Operational responsibility was transferred to the Lunda Department of the Swedish Outdoor Promotion Agency.
1980s–90s
Over the years, the area developed with more exercise trails, sport fishing ponds at Rögle, wind shelters and barbecue areas. In 1991, the Skrylle nature center was opened, which became a gateway to nature with exhibitions and guided tours.
2000s
The area was developed with a new large outdoor gym and facilities for children such as themed trails and nature play. The Skrylle area has become one of Skåne's most visited outdoor recreation areas, with hiking trails, exercise tracks and activities all year round.
2019 and beyond
A comprehensive development plan was adopted in 2019 to meet the growing number of visitors. This resulted in a new service building, a refresh of the outdoor environment and a large visitor center that will open in 2024.
On the night of Thursday, March 7, 2024, a major fire broke out in Skryllegården's main building, which included a gym, shower and sauna. The roof burst into flames and the building was completely destroyed.
Lund Municipality has decided to rebuild the destroyed building.
Skryllegården continues to develop, but the core is the same as in 1952: to offer a place where people can meet, exercise and enjoy nature.