Holidays to Southern Sweden

Skåne has 400km of coastline – sandy beaches and rocky coves – which are a delight to explore at any time of year, whether windswept and peaceful or drenched in summer sun. The white sand beaches of Stenshuvud and Sandhammaren are especially beautiful and considered, by many, the nicest beaches in the region.

The southern plains of Skåne form an ideal landscape for undemanding walks. Across the region, there are 1000km of marked trails which provide access to the diverse nature and culture. In the north-west of the region is the Kullaberg Nature Reserve. A wonderful day out for all of the family, the reserve offers porpoise safaris, snorkelling trips, cave tours, abseiling, cycling trails and the opportunity to visit the brightest lighthouse in Northern Europe.

The region is a golfer’s paradise with more than 70 golf courses spread throughout the region. Here you will find parkland and seaside courses to suit all abilities, and some of the best championship courses in Europe including Barsebäck where the European Golf Tour plays each year.

The island of Ven is familiarly known as the pearl of the Öresund strait, and with its unspoiled landscape of rolling rape and wheat fields, luxuriant gardens, steep cliffs, sandy coves, quaint fishing hamlets and traffic free roads it is easy to see why.

During the summer months (Jul-Aug) the island pulsates with life as visitors are attracted by the holiday atmosphere and beaches.

Outside the height of season, the island is a haven of tranquillity and home to just 371 full time inhabitants. The university city of Lund is located within a short train ride of Malmö. As well as the historical 17th century academic buildings and wonderful, atmospheric cobbled streets, the city also has the largest and most beautiful Norman cathedral in Scandinavia, and the second largest open-air museum in Sweden.

From the port town of Helsingborg, you can catch a glimpse of Hamlet's castle, Kronborg across the water. The close proximity of Denmark, and the regular ferry connections operating, enable you to explore two countries from one base. The world famous Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, in Denmark, can also be reached within a day excursion.

Food

Skåne is synonymous with good food. Asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, potatoes, apples, cabbages and parsnips are all grown locally. Combine these ingredients with the local lamb, cured ham, suckling pork, freshwater fish and seafood and you are guaranteed a delicious feast.

Why not explore the district by car stopping at coffee shops, bakeries, farm shops and restaurants handpicked by the Culinary Skåne programme?

Throughout the year, the region also plays host to numerous food festivals a visit to which can be incorporated into a holiday itinerary. Events include: the Asparagus festival in Sparrisgården (May); Herring day in Hamnen (August) and the Apple market in Kivik (September).

The favourable climate of Skåne and excellent soil means that the region has more than its fair share of gardens

Visit in Spring (Apr-Jun) to see Wood Anemones, Cowslips, Orchids, Rapeseed, Apple Blossom and Lily of the Valley in bloom. Sofiero Palace gardens, close to Helsingborg, is renowned for having one of Europe's largest collections of rhododendrons. Delightful to visit at anytime of year, although the riot of colour experienced when the 10,000 rhododendron bushes are in flower (May-Jun) is particularly spectacular.

The district of Österlen, in the south-eastern corner of Skåne has, for generations, attracted artists, writers, bird watchers, gardeners and visitors in search of peace and glorious scenery.

Here you will find the little fishing village of Kåseberga, where you can visit Ales Stenar, a Megalithic monument consisting of 59 sandstone boulders. Other villages of interest include Kivik with its small boutiques, cafes and restaurants; Simrishmamn - and its excellent car museum, and Skillinge.

Each spring, artists in Österlen open up their studios for visitors and the regional tourist office has developed a number of ‘Art Circuits’ for tourists to follow during this period. This is a wonderful way in which to meet local residents and to pick up souvenirs of your trip.

A 40-minute journey by train will take you across the spectacular Öresund Bridge – the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe, to Denmark, a great opportunity to spend the day in Copenhagen.

The Danish capital is a vibrant city with a wonderful atmosphere and multiple facets that will appeal to all interests. You can cycle along picturesque canals; swim in the harbours or kayak in the sound; eat fresh seafood, open sandwiches, ice cream and sweet pastries in the numerous cafes; sample refreshing Danish beer in one of the many characterful bars; shop until you drop; explore the Bohemian quarter of Christianshavn; visit historical sites and royal palaces; and, for the thrill seeker, take a ride on a rollercoaster at Tivoli Gardens in the centre of the city.