Art for the people
Art galleries, both public and private around Österlen also put on shows for the many local artists working in oils, water-colours, glass, precious metals, ceramics, wood and other materials, as well as computer art. According to a local source there are more artists per square kilometre in Österlen than in any other part of Sweden. This may or may not be true, but given Österlen’s truly spectacular white sand coastline there is no lack of artistic inspiration here.
At one time or another haven’t we all viewed a work of art in a museum or gallery and wondered “but what does it mean?” If you come to the art circuit in Österlen there’s a good chance you’ll meet the artist, so you can ask them about their art to your heart’s content. Walking into an artist’s studio or sometimes even their living room, which is what the art circuit is really all about, helps peel away the pretence that can surround the art world.
The entire ‘art circuit’ idea in Sweden was conceived by a local artist in 1968 who wanted to attract people who didn’t normally attend art exhibitions and showings. The concept proved wildly successful and it has grown to include the art circuits of the south, west, central and northern parts of Österlen. Which means that there is art to see and buy the length and breadth of Österlen.
The best way to get around is by car and with a map at your side. Simply pick a spot on the map and off you go. It must be said here that Österlen is a fabulously beautiful place. Noteworthy towns include Kivik on the north coast, Simrishamn on the south coast and Tomelilla in the middle of the province. As well as the famous south-coasttown of Ystad, the setting for Henning Mankell’s books about detective inspector Kurt Wallander.
Österlen offers a wide choice of accommodation including B&Bs, hotels, country houses, camping sites and even a monastery.
Let Skåne spoil you! Check out our new site dedicated to this relaxing part of the country. Sweden´s southernmost region and one of Northern Europe´s richest farming districts, Skåne is generally associated with endless open fields and wide, flat horizons.
Sweden is known worldwide as one of the leading countries for design in a broad sense – in furniture, interiors, glass, textiles, ceramics, wood, metal and other fields.
The Öresund region melds the Skåne region of Sweden with the Själland, Lolland-Falster, Mön and Bornholm regions of Denmark. Skåne was once a part of Denmark, before Sweden grabbed it back in the 17th century. The countries were always really joined at the hip and the striking Öresund bridge – itself a piece of contemporary art – that joins the two countries is the physical manifestation of this.
Henning Mankell’s ten crime fiction books, featuring Swedish detective Kurt Wallander, come alive in the alleyways, streets, eateries and watering holes of Ystad, Sweden’s southernmost town.