Frequently asked questions

We’ve pulled together the most commonly asked questions when travelling to Skåne to make your trip here a truly great one.

1. How do I get from Copenhagen to Malmö? What’s the best way?

The fastest option is to go from Copenhagen to Malmö by train, it takes about 35-40 mins and runs frequently. You can also take a bus or drive across the toll bridge. You can find more details about payment options here.

2. Is it better to stay in bigger cities or on the countryside?

This depends on your personal preferences, but you don’t have to choose since the province is fairly small. Get the most out of your stay and spend one night in the city and the next in the countryside.

3. Where can I have the most authentic experience?

Authentic experiences can be found throughout Skåne, both in cities and across the countryside. Stay at a traditional guest inn (gästgivaregård), visit local farm shops, explore fishing villages, or discover small towns and villages where local traditions are still part of everyday life.

4. What is the weather like?

Summer in Skåne is generally mild and pleasant, but the weather can change quickly. Pack light summer clothes along with a sweater, a light jacket and a raincoat. During autumn, winter and spring, warmer clothing is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are a good choice, whether you're exploring the countryside or wandering along the cobblestone streets of Skåne's towns and cities. For the local weather forecast visit SMHI

5. What vaccines do I need to visit Skåne?

No special vaccinations are required for travel to Sweden. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date and consult your healthcare provider before travelling if you have specific concerns.

6. Which languages do people speak in Skåne?

The most common language in Skåne is Swedish but the vast majority of Swedes speak English. 

7. Where can I follow the latest news before my trip?

For news about Sweden in English, Radio Sweden is a useful source. You can also visit Sweden.se for practical information and updates about travelling in Sweden.

8. Will my phone work in Skåne?

If you're travelling from another EU country, you can usually use your mobile phone in Sweden just as you do at home thanks to the EU's "Roam Like at Home" rules. This means you can make calls, send texts and use mobile data without additional roaming charges, subject to your mobile plan. If you're travelling from outside the EU, check with your mobile provider for roaming charges before you travel. Free Wi-Fi is also widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants and many public places throughout Skåne.

9. Where can I find ATMs and do I need to carry cash?

Sweden is one of the world's most cashless countries, and you can pay by card or mobile payment almost everywhere. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and many businesses also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay. Some shops, cafés and attractions no longer accept cash at all. If you do need cash, ATMs are called Bankomat and can be found in most towns and cities. Before you travel, check with your bank about any fees for using your card abroad.

10. Do I need to rent a car in Skåne? If so, where can I rent one?

If you’re staying in the cities you usually don’t need a car, nor if you are heading to the smaller towns since trains and buses go there frequently. If you want more flexibility you can rent a car at any airport, bigger gas stations or online. Rent the car on the Swedish side as it's cheaper than on the Danish side. 


 

11. Will I have to pay road tolls?

There are no general road tolls in Skåne. If you're driving between Denmark and Sweden, you will need to pay a toll to cross the Öresund Bridge.

12. Is my driving licence valid?

A driving licence issued in a state within the EEA is valid in Sweden as long as it is valid in the country where it was first issued. Your driving licence must have a photograph of yourself on it or you must have a valid ID document with you containing a photo when driving. If your driving licence has not been issued in English, German or French, the police may require you to have a certified translation of your driving licence. An international driving licence is a certified translation that can be used for this purpose.

13. How do I get around in Skåne if I don’t have a car?

Skåne has an extensive public transport network operated by Skånetrafiken, with regional trains and buses connecting cities, towns and many rural areas. You can plan journeys and buy tickets in the Skånetrafiken app. Bicycles can be taken on many regional trains when space is available, and local ferries provide additional connections along the coast.

14. What should I know about driving in Skåne?

Roads in Skåne are generally well maintained, although you may come across gravel roads in more rural areas. Drive on the right-hand side, keep your headlights on at all times and follow the posted speed limits, as speed cameras are common. During winter, roads can be icy or snowy, and winter tyres are required when winter conditions apply. Check the weather and road conditions before setting off.

15. What if I have dietary requirements?

While a lot of traditional Swedish food is heavy on meat and fish, vegetarians and vegans are well catered for. There are restaurants specialising in veggie-friendly food in most big cities, and most restaurants have at least one or two vegetarian dishes on their menus. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are also common, especially in the supermarkets. 

16. Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is recommended when visiting Sweden, as it can help cover unexpected medical expenses and other travel costs. If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, or Switzerland, you can use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access necessary state healthcare during your stay. The EHIC gives you the same access to public healthcare as local residents, either free of charge or at a reduced cost, depending on the treatment.

17. Where can I find suggestions about what to do in Skåne?

Stay here at Visit Skåne’s website which is the official tourist guide. Choose a theme or region and get inspired. Under "The Pinspiration Map", you will find our social media posts pinned to the exact locations they highlight, making it easier than ever to plan your travels.

18. In case of an accident, where do I find a doctor or a pharmacy?

In an emergency, call 112 for the police, fire service or an ambulance. For non emergency medical advice, call 1177 or visit 1177.se, where you can find information about healthcare and the nearest health centre. If you need to see a doctor, visit a local health centre (Vårdcentral) or an emergency clinic (Närakut or Akutmottagning). If you are an EU or EEA citizen, remember to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Prescription medicines are available from pharmacies (Apotek), which are found throughout Skåne. Some over the counter medicines can also be purchased in supermarkets and convenience stores.

19. Can I swim, hike, bike, and roam around wherever I want?

Yes. Thanks to Sweden's Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten), everyone has the freedom to enjoy nature, whether you are hiking, cycling, swimming or picking wild berries and mushrooms. You may walk on most land, even if it is privately owned, as long as you respect nature and the people who live there.

The Right of Public Access also comes with responsibilities. Leave no trace, do not disturb wildlife or damage plants and trees, and respect private homes and farmland. Camping for one night is generally allowed in the countryside if you stay well away from houses and cultivated land. During the spring and summer, dogs must be kept on a lead in areas where there may be wildlife. Always check local fire restrictions before lighting a campfire.

20. Will I need to show my passport when I enter Sweden?

Sweden and Denmark are both part of the Schengen Area, allowing most travellers to move freely between the two countries. However, temporary border checks may occur. Always carry a valid passport or national ID card when travelling between Denmark and Sweden.

21. Can I buy alcohol in any shop?

No. All alcoholic beverages containing over 3.5% alcohol by volume are sold through the government owned chain called Systembolaget. You have to be over 20 to buy alcoholic beverages at Systembolaget, whereas the age limit for ordering alcohol in bars and restaurants is 18. The reason for this monopoly is to control and reduce damage caused by overconsumption and to promote a moderate drinking culture. Systembolaget can be found in central locations in most Swedish cities. Note that the store is closed on Sunday.