Hoeganaes, the home of ceramics in the middle of a stunning natural reserve

Ever since we started researching this trip I've been just a little obsessed with visiting Hoegenaes.

The Kullaberg peninsula, a beautiful place for a bike ride.  Hoegenaes is the town in the harbour at the top left of the picture.

I can't really explain why I had to go there, it was partly to do with their Tuesday night fish grill.  But also because of the large national park on the peninsula to the north of the town.  Add to that an airfield right in town and an abundance of potters and I'm there.

We didn't stay for that long, just enough for a bike ride up to Moelle, a beautiful little harbour, beloved of tourists since some time in the late 19th century.  We also had a look at a couple of old churches and the odd potter.

Krapperup castle, note the lovely and unusual star decoration built into the building.

and Krapperup castle from the air

I thought the provision of a communal fish smoker at Molle harbour was particularly nice.  Wood and lighting materials are stored under the nearby table.

This was a really  nice windmill from wooden 'slates', staves.

As to the history, Hoegenaes has a very large coal deposit that people started mining in 1780.  Having abundant fuel the region developed into a centre for industrial and art ceramics.  Traditionally the area produces salt glazed pottery, a dark brown shiny pottery which is fired for much longer than stoneware and is a lot harder and was used in the past for water pipes etc.

But I'm going to put up a separate post for ceramics!