Österlen is Skåne's most visited tourist area. Especially in summer it gets crowded, so plan smart for the best possible experience. Book accommodations in advance and expect occasional queues at popular restaurants and attractions. Patience can be good to bring along in July!
But there's a reason so many people come here. Österlen and the rest of southeastern Skåne offer an unusual and attractive combination of vacation highlights: sandy beaches, art exhibitions, medieval towns like Ystad and Simrishamn – and plenty of farm shops where you can actually buy directly from the producer.
Discover Österlen Outside Summer
Want to be sure to avoid the biggest crowds? Come in spring or early autumn; both seasons dress southeastern Skåne's rolling plains in beautiful colors, and several major cultural and food events also take place during these times (see further down in the article). Or treat yourself to a peaceful winter stay at one of the many cozy hotels in the area. On a quiet November day, there's a good chance you'll have a unique place like Ale's Stones all to yourself.
Nature Experiences and Activities in Österlen and Southeastern Skåne
Österlen and southeastern Skåne have activities for both weekend trips and longer stays. Golf on the courses in Vik, Sjöbo, Ystad, or Tomelilla, take the steam train to Brösarp, explore the area on horseback, or try water sports and fishing. Or simply stroll through the old town centers of Ystad and Simrishamn.
Festivals and Events Year-Round
From spring to autumn, the calendar fills with events. In spring, Konstrundan, probably one of the world’s largest art exhibitions, takes place when local artists open their studios and galleries to visitors. Matrundan during Ascension Day in May lets you taste local products directly from growers, farm shops, and restaurants.
In September, the Apple Market in Kivik fills with tens of thousands of kilos of apples grown in Österlen. Taste and feel the difference between various varieties from over 90 exhibitors, try fantastic apple drinks, and check out this year's apple artwork, a piece of art made entirely of apples. There are also loads of apple-themed activities for children.
Österlen lyser (translated Österlen Lights) in October-November transforms the villages with light installations and local arrangements.
Find more events and activities in the area here.
Farm Shops and Local Specialties
Österlen has favorable conditions for food production – fertile soils, mild climate, and proximity to the sea. The result is visible in the many farm shops along the roads where you can buy directly from the producer. Here you'll find everything from vegetables (asparagus in early summer!), cheese and meat to the locally famous apple juice.
Taste Your Way Around Southeastern Skåne
Delicacies Around Ystad
Österlenkryddor grows and sells their own herbs. Köpingsbergs vineyard offers wine tasting. Have fika at Olof Viktors or lunch at Pastafabriken (pasta factory) in Ingelstorp. In Hagestad, there are also small shops for flowers and interior design. The road back toward Ystad goes through the fishing village of Kåseberga to stock up on delicacies at Kåseberga Fisk. Or take the route via Strandkompaniet in Löderup, which often has live music – have dinner here and stay late!
Flavors Around Sjöbo
At Eriksgården, you can indulge in the berry buffet with ice cream, strawberries, and other berries, and if you're hungrier, have lunch at the farm inn Sjöbo Gästgivaregård. Or try the egg cake at Östarps Gästis. At nearby Kulturen Östarp, you can experience what life was like in the Skåne countryside in the 1800s.
Delicacies around Simrishamn
Press your own rapeseed oil at Gunnarshögs Gård. Meet Sweden's only mustard grower, Hans, at Petersborgs Gård where he makes genuine Skåne mustard. Good opportunities for fika with coffee and exquisite chocolate at Österlenchoklad in Skåne Tranås, continue to Kivikås Musteri with its apple juice and home-grown apples. The tour continues to the rural shop and café in Svabesholm and a round through The English Garden. End with a short hike up Stenshuvud.
Three towns you shouldn’t miss
Kivik
Kivik
The idyllic fishing village of Kivik is often seen as the center of the Österlen Apple Kingdom. In spring, it's a fantastic sight when thousands of fruit trees, mainly apple trees, burst into bloom. In September, the Apple Market is held in the area, where tens of thousands of kilos of fruit are for sale along with juice and cider. It's an apple festival for the whole family, with many activities for children. From Kivik, there's also a beautiful hike on the Skåne Trail to the northern entrance of Stenshuvud National Park.
Read more about Kivik Read moreSimrishamn
Simrishamn
The coastal town of Simrishamn has old fishing traditions, pastel-colored houses, and cozy cobblestone streets. Visit the Nordic Sea Winery, see the old church, and let the children play knights at Glimmingehus, 20 minutes southwest of Simrishamn. The medieval castle and museum have plenty of activities for all ages, where you can learn about the clever death traps that were meant to keep intruders away. Just 20 minutes from Simrishamn, you can see the charming fishing village of Vik and the meteor impact site Prästens badkar (The priest's bathtub).
Ystad
Ystad
Ystad is characterized by medieval cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored half-timbered houses and sun-drenched squares. There's a wide selection of museums, original shops, and cozy cafés. Ystad is one of Sweden's film capitals, and it was here that the famous detective stories about Kurt Wallander were filmed. At Ystad Studios Visitor Centre, you can learn all about film and cinema, experience scenography from Wallander's home, and try activities like Circus Imago's ring and the spaceship Vintergatan. The monastery in Ystad, sometimes called the Greyfriars' Monastery, is a medieval former monk monastery and one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Sweden. There's also a cultural history museum about Ystad here.
Read more about Ystad Read moreMore to See in Österlen
Southeastern Skåne and Österlen are certainly known for their beaches, but there's so much more to see and do.
Backåkra
Dag Hammarskjöld's Backåkra is a memorial farm and nature area in Hagestad Nature Reserve. Here, one of the world's most famous Swedes, UN Secretary-General and Nobel Prize winner Dag Hammarskjöld, dreamed of one day settling in Österlen. Visit the museum that tells about his life and shows parts of his art collection.
Snogeholm Land Art
Land Art is six artworks created from natural materials along a 5-6 kilometer hiking trail through forest and open areas in the Snogeholm roaming area 20 minutes north of Ystad. Land art uses rock, soil, stone, wood, and plants to create art in the landscape.
Övedskloster
Övedskloster is a rococo castle in red sandstone from the 1700s with gardens and avenues. Guided tours show the historical rooms. There's also a café, market garden, and organic farm. For those wanting to swim, there's also Vombsjön a 10-minute walk away.
Christinehof Castle
Christinehof Castle is an 18th-century castle that was home to Christina Piper, one of Sweden's first female entrepreneurs. When her husband was captured in 1709, she built up the Alum Works Alunbruket to 900 employees. The eco-park around the castle has hiking trails from 1.4 to 12 kilometers.
Things to Do in Southeastern Skåne and Österlen
Hike Some of Sweden's Most Beautiful Trails
Hike along the Backaleden trail, from Alunbruket via Brösarp to Skepparp's winery in Haväng on the coast. This magic trail passes Hallamölla, Skåne's highest waterfall, then head to Brunnsvik creek, pass Brösarp village with its magnificent views. Don't miss Lindgrens Länga, an outdoor museum with an exhibition about the nature, culture and history of the Haväng area.
Raise Your Pulse
Äventyrscampen (Adventure Camp) in Sövde has loads of activities for the adventurous. There's a 12-meter-high adventure course with three levels and 36 stations. Also mountain biking, adventure golf, football golf, frisbee golf, zip line, climbing wall, and canoe. Sauna and pool for relaxation.
Try Cycling on Water
RedBird Water Cycling offers cycling on water on the lakes near Sövde, Snogeholm, and Gyllebo. No prior knowledge required, life jacket included.
Try a Down-to-Earth Adventure
Jordnära Upplevelser (Down-to-Earth Experiences) in Brösarp offers group activities like hiking, mountain biking, and trail running based in Brösarp. They also offer activities just for women. For the family, the apple train is an excursion tip; a three-hour tractor safari through apple orchards with juice tasting.
RedBird water cycling lets you explore water from a new perspective. Enjoy the peace and tranquility on Sövde, Snogeholm or Gyllebosjön, the region’s most attractive lakes which are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The only sounds you hear are from birds, fish jumping and the gentle lapping of the water. The unique water cycles give you easy and safe access to the lakes. No special instruction is required. Life jackets are provided for your safety.
Stay in Österlen
Österlen has all kinds of accommodations – from camping sites to summer houses, boutique hotels, and spas. Here's just a small selection – more accommodations in Österlen and the rest of Skåne can be found here.
Örum 119
This small farm hotel is decorated with focus on details and minimalism. The entire hotel is carefully and tastefully furnished with materials of the highest quality in collaboration with the Swedish furniture manufacturer Norrgavel. The long breakfast is truly something special. Also enjoy their stone-oven-baked sourdough pizza and homemade ice cream, and shop at the garden shop Blå spaden.
Alunbrukets B&B
This charming bed & breakfast with its half-timbered buildings is located at Alunbruket in the forest next to Verkeån. Alunbruket is part of Verkeån Nature Reserve, which is one of the largest nature reserves in southern Sweden. This is the perfect place for those who like to hike or cycle. Three trails – Skåneleden, Backaleden, and Sydostleden – pass through Alunbruket. If you're in the mood for fika, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and homemade cakes at the café – which has been run by the same family for five generations.
Kåseberga SPA
Kåseberga Gårdshotell & SPA is located a stone's throw from the south coast. Here you can enjoy an outdoor jacuzzi and steam sauna – and the specialty fish pedicure for those who feel inclined.
This calm, peaceful spa hotel offers the best of the natural magic and history of Österlen. Kåseberga SPA is designed to feel like your second home, a place to treat yourself, relax and use as your starting point for exploring Skåne's beautiful east side. Soak in the outdoor jacuzzis, take a hot steam sauna, dangle your feet in the indoor fish-spa or book a treatment.
