Once a part of Denmark, the rich farm-lands of Skåne, became a part of Sweden in 1658. The Danish heritage is still very evident in the design of many churches and manors, and also in the throaty accent of the people. The Skånian cuisine is traditionally the most lavish in Sweden. Goose, turkey and lamb are local delicacies, and ‘spettekaka’’, a tall meringue-like pyramid, is a speciality. Smörgåsbord - the ‘national dish’ of Sweden also originates from Skåne.
Day 1 - Helsingborg - Landskrona - Ven - Eslöv - Lund - Malmö
From Helsingborg, drive to the seaside village of Landskrona to take the ferry to the Island of Ven, the home of Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. His castle, Uranienborg, still stands in the center of the island. Drive towards Eslöv to visit the area castles. From Eslöv drive southeast of Lund to Dalby, to see the stone church of the Holy Cross,probably the oldest church in Scandinavia, built in 1060 by Sven Estridsen. Overnight in Malmö.
Day 2 - Malmö - Skanör/Falsterbo - Ystad - Glimmingehus - Simrishamn
Drive to the flat Falsterbo peninsula to see the migratory birds, sandy beaches and golf courses. Travel east from Malmö on the winding country roads to Ystad, well-known for its many well-preserved half-timbered houses. At the tiny fishing port of Kåseberga, visit Ales Stenar (stone settings from the bronze age). At Backåkra, see the home/museum of Dag Hammarskjöld, the late UN Secretary General. Overnight in Simrishamn, the old Baltic port here has an attractive waterfront, with cobbled streets, where roses climb the colorfully painted fishermen’s cottages.
Day 3 - Simrishamn - Baskemölla - Brösarp - Åhus - Höör - Röstånga
Continue along the coast to Brösarp. Along the way visit the small fishing village of Baskemölla, with its picturesque harbor. In the summer there is the old steam train which operates between Brösarp, Vitaby, and St. Olof. The medieval parish churches at Vitaby and St. Olof are among the most interesting in Skåne. At Åhus, known as the ‘City Of Three Sins’ because of its specialities of schnapps, snuff and eels, visit Kristinehov Manor, with its vineyard and sparkling wine, still run by the Piper family. Continue to Bosjökloster Castle to visit the 12th-century Benedictine convent. The drive between Stockamöllan and Ljungbyhed is regarded as one of the most scenic in Skåne. Enjoy the gardens at 17th-century Vrams Gunnarstorp manor. Overnight at Röstånga. In the morning it will be a short drive into Malmö. |
