Choose the turn-off towards Södra Mellby in Raskarum and become an experience richer. The narrow road leads through a unique piece of Österlen, very hilly, so steep in places that there is a piste right in Åkarp. The slope is just over 200 meters and many people come here when the snow is in place and the temperature is right. Åkarp is a village with scattered farms along the road. These include: Åkarps brydestua with flax preparation.
The name Åkarp is known in writing as Akathorp as early as 1313. It was not until 1713 that the name was written as we write it today. This probably means Åke's new building. Between Åkarp and Mellby there is a unique deciduous forest area where parts of the forest have not been touched for a long time. One can find similarities with the widely known primeval forests in Poland. The area is located next to the larger farms Baråkra and Bökåkra. Baråkra is, by the way, the property designated Åkarp 1. The forest is of different age and the presence of old, large trees, fallen trees and dead wood is abundant.
There are many springs and streams, of which Åkarpsån is one. Parts of the area serve as pasture with elements of hazel groves and juniper bushes. The lichen and moss flora is very interesting, as is the rich bird life, including nuthatches, black woodpeckers and treecreepers. There are a number of red-listed lichen and moss species. The nearest major town with services such as schools and shops is St. Olof , two kilometres to the west and Kivik, two kilometres to the northeast. The distance to Simrishamn is just under two miles. There are bus connections from S:t Olof and S. Mellby.
