Skåne is the perfect destination for a car or bicycle holiday, with so much to see and experience within easy reach. Unlike in the north of Sweden, distances are generally short in Skåne. An hour and a half of driving takes you around most of this rich region.
Starting in the northwest, there is the Bjäre peninsula, with the famous tennis town of Båstad, a legendary party spot that attracts visitors from near and far in summer, particularly in July during the week of the annual ATP tennis tournament. Torekov at the end of the peninsula is another exclusive summer resort, with a first-class hotel and restaurant, Kattegatt, and a recently opened hotel and spa resort, Solsidan, operated by the same distinguished management, the famous Nilsson brothers.
Just to the south is the scenic Kullaberg peninsula, stretching far into the entrance to the Öresund strait, which separates Sweden from Denmark. It rises steeply from the sea with dramatic cliffs, caves and steep ravines. It features several nature reserves with interesting vegetation, and is ideal for some fairly challenging walks. Here are also the two ancient fishing villages of Mölle and Arild, both exclusive summer resorts. Grand Hotel in Mölle is a classic landmark building of turn-of-the-century grandeur.
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The cathedral in Lund |
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Photo: skane.com©sydpol.com |
Along the densely populated west coast you find the main centres of Helsingborg, Landskrona, Lund and Malmö, Sweden´s third city and one of the most dynamic metropolitan regions in Northern Europe, linked with Danish capital Copenhagen by the mighty Öresund bridge. The scenic port city of Helsingborg and the ancient university town of Lund, with its famous cathedral first consecrated in 1123, are both towns of great character and atmosphere, with much to offer those interested in history and culture. From Landskrona, you can take the ferry out to the unique island of Ven in the Öresund strait, where you can visit the interesting historic site of the ancient Tycho Brahe fortress. In the southeastern corner of Skåne is the narrow Falsterbo peninsula, with the exclusive and beautiful beach resorts Skanör and Falsterbo, with soft white beaches, interesting nature reserves and a bird station that attracts large numbers of ornithologists in spring and autumn.
Starting from the picturesque small town of Ystad on Skåne´s south coast – the home of bestselling author Henning Mankell´s police chief Kurt Wallander – is the region called Österlen, an area of splendid beauty, with gently rolling hills, long white beaches and lush apple groves, famous for its unparalleled light. It´s this light, and the unique beauty and atmosphere of Österlen, that has made many of Sweden´s leading authors, artists, musicians and other creative people move here. In the spring and summer seasons, there are many exhibitions and various events going on throughout Österlen. The off-season is the time to see it if you want to experience the poetry and romantic atmosphere of the landscape in its purest form.
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Marsvinholm castle, Österlen |
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Photo: skane.com©sydpol.com |
All around Skåne, there is an abundance of sights, attractions and interesting historic locations well worth visiting. The region is famous for its almost innumerable magnificent castles, chateaus and manor houses from various historical eras, many of which have been tranformed into exclusive hotels and conference facilities, while others hold their parks, gardens and historic buildings open for day visits. For golfers, Skåne is the place to go in Sweden. There are over 70 courses around the region, most of high quality, and many among the finest in Northern Europe. The mild climate allows many of these courses to stay open almost year round. Skåne is also an attractive destination for gourmet travellers. There is a large number of top-quality restaurants and hotels throughout the region, many in splendid countryside and coastal settings, offering exciting fares built on Skåne’s rich larder of local foods and ingredients. For food lovers, spring, with lamb, asparagus and fresh vegetables, and autumn, with berries, mushrooms, goose, eel, shellfish and venison, are recommended seasons for a Skåne visit.