Welcome to the enchanting countryside in the heart of Skåne – Österlen. With its vast coastlines, picturesque villages, and idyllic landscapes, this part of Sweden offers a unique experience for everyone who visits. Whether you are an art enthusiast, food lover, nature admirer, or history buff, there is something special for you to discover here. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most fascinating and memorable things to do when you visit Österlen, which will entice you to return time and again. Let’s dive into this charming region and uncover its hidden gems together!
Beaches to visit in Österlen
Did you know that 2 of the top 3 beaches in Sweden can be found here in Österlen? Yes, it’s true. Österlen has so many beautiful beaches that the hardest part is deciding which one to visit. You are guaranteed to be satisfied no matter which one you choose, but I’ll share my top tips for the beaches you shouldn’t miss!
Knäbäckshusen
Recently voted Sweden’s most beautiful beach and an absolute must-visit! Knäbäckshusen does not disappoint! This is truly an idyllic place that makes you pause and appreciate how beautiful it is here in Sweden. The beach has an exotic feel to it while being surrounded by absolutely stunning Swedish nature. A tip is to arrive early, as the parking lot can get very crowded in the summer.
Haväng Beach
Haväng Beach is one of my personal favorite beaches. What makes Haväng so special to me is its untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Here, you can just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings far from the hustle and stress of the city. The beach stretches for several kilometers, so there’s plenty of space for everyone to find their own secluded spot to enjoy.
Sandhammaren Österlen
What makes Sandhammaren so impressive is its magnificent sand dunes that rise up to 40 meters above sea level. It is also known for its crystal-clear water and fine sand. Visiting Sandhammaren gives you the feeling of being in a completely different country far, far away.
Other beaches worth visiting in Österlen
- Stenshuvuds Beach
- Vitemöllas Beach
- Mälarhusen
- Vårhallen (Simrishamn)
All of Österlen's charming little villages
Österlen is known for its charming villages with cobblestone streets and well-maintained houses. Take a stroll through the streets of the small villages, such as Kivik, Vitemölla, Baskemölla, or Brantevik. The list is long with all the fantastic small villages to visit in Österlen. Of course, you should also visit the slightly larger towns like Simrishamn and Ystad.
Visit Kivik Österlen
Kivik is a charming village located along Österlen’s beautiful coastline and is known as the apple kingdom of Österlen. Buildings with traditional architecture and beautiful gardens give Kivik an idyllic and inviting atmosphere.
What makes Kivik special is its apple orchards and the annual harvest festival that attracts people from near and far. During the early autumn weeks of September and October, there is a packed schedule of activities, with the main attraction being the annual Apple Festival, which is a must-visit!
Of course, Kiviks Musteri also deserves mention as it is Kivik’s largest tourist destination. Here, visitors can learn about the history of cider-making and also take the opportunity to visit their café and shop.
In addition to apple-related experiences, Kivik has a beautiful harbor with a lovely beach worth a short stroll. There are also several wonderful restaurants and cafés in Kivik that you must try, including Tryffelsvinet, Buhres, and Svabesholm.
Kåseberga
Kåseberga is one of the most famous villages in Österlen. A small fishing village located along the coast in southern Österlen, it is a historic and picturesque village known for its landmark, Ale’s Stones. This impressive ancient monument consists of 59 massive stone blocks arranged in a ship-like formation. The experience is enhanced by the fact that the stones are right by the coastline, offering a view that is nothing short of spectacular.
After a hike up to the stones, you can visit the café located just below, where you can buy fresh fish and smoked shrimp that are truly fantastic.
Baskemölla
Baskemölla is a charming little fishing village located near Kivik. My tip here is to stroll around the streets for a while and enjoy the surroundings of Baskemölla. The place is also known for its impressive watermill, which is one of Sweden’s oldest functioning watermills.
Brantevik
Another old fishing village, Brantevik is located near Simrishamn. Here, you can stroll along the harbor, admire the picturesque fishing huts, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Brantevik is a place to visit if you want to escape the stress of the city and simply enjoy the tranquility that this area offers.
Simrishamn - Österlens capital city
One of the larger towns and a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months, tourists flock to Simrishamn, and it’s easy to see why. Simrishamn is such a beautiful summer town, where it is especially delightful to walk through the old district and admire the historic houses. There are also many restaurants here that are well worth a visit.
Vitemölla
Vitemölla is a very small but charming village located just north of Kivik. Here, you should make a short stop and take a brief stroll along the beach.
Sights You Must Not Miss when visiting Österlen
Farmors Lycka hotel, restaurant and farm shop
A charming farmhouse hotel with an adjoining restaurant that serves a wonderful breakfast buffet with everything homemade! In the evenings, a 3-course farm menu is offered, with all the meat coming from their own farm, as well as the eggs. The farm also features a genuine little farm shop with meat delicacies, eggs, homemade rapeseed oil in various flavors, and many other tasty items. Definitely worth a visit to this unique place in Österlen! Check Farmors Lycka’s opening hours on their website: www.farmorslycka.se
Ales stenar
A mysterious ancient monument consisting of large stone blocks arranged in a ship-like formation, with an impressive view of the sea. As I mentioned before, Ale’s Stones is located near Kåseberga, and this destination should be high on everyone’s ‘to-do list.’
After a walk up to the stones, my tip is to try Kåseberga’s fish & chips—they are wonderfully delicious.
Stenshuvuds National park
One of my absolute favorite places to visit in Österlen. Stenshuvud has fantastic hiking trails that either lead you down to a beautiful beach or up to an impressive rock formation with a breathtaking view of the sea. Highly recommended!
Svabesholms Royal Estate
To reach Stenshuvud National Park, you must pass through Svabesholm, and don’t forget to make a stop here! You can visit the well-known English garden, which is incredibly beautiful, but it’s the cozy courtyard that you should definitely check out. Here, there are several small shops, each with different focuses ranging from home decor to vintage clothing. Additionally, they have a really good café with wonderful food and coffee that you can enjoy.
Allé in Österlen
Right next to Svabesholm’s Royal Estate lies Allé på Österlen. A unique place with accommodations, dinner, lunch, coffee, and a farm shop. This place is incredibly beautiful. The owner is known for their fantastic passion for food and incredible flavors. Don’t miss this!
Glimminge house
A well-preserved medieval castle and even one of the best-preserved castles in all of Scandinavia. Glimmingehus has an intriguing history, which you can best experience through a guided tour. It is also said to be haunted, so if you’re brave enough, you can even challenge yourself with a ghost tour of the castle.
Kiviks Musteri
I briefly mentioned Kiviks Musteri earlier, but there’s much more to say about the cider press. Kiviks Musteri has a rich history dating back to 1888. Their products can be found in stores across the country. Be sure to make a stop here so you can stock up on apple goodies for your home.
Tryffelsvinet in Kivik
Authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Kivik. Tryffelsvinet is one of the restaurants I visit most frequently; they have excellent Italian food and superb service!
Brösarps Hills, Österlen
If you’ve seen pictures of the rolling green meadows from Österlen, it is highly likely that the images were taken at Brösarps Backar. Around Brösarp is a beautiful natural area with hilly landscapes, lush meadows, and a glacial moraine, perfect for hiking and simply enjoying the surroundings.
Skepparps vingård
A hidden gem at you visit to Österlen that takes you on a flavorful journey through the world of wine. Skepparps Vineyard is one of Sweden’s top wineries and has won several awards for its wines. The estate is located between Haväng and Ravlunda.
Hallamölla waterfall in Österlen
One of the most impressive waterfalls in Skåne. Hallamölla is situated in the lush greenery of Österlen, making the waterfall even more striking. Since the surroundings are so beautiful, you can also hike a bit along the scenic Backaleden trail that passes by Hallamölla.
Café Alunbruket
After visiting Hallamölla, you must not miss making a coffee stop at the café Alunbruket, which is a charming little café. The café is housed in a historic building and offers a unique atmosphere with rustic decor and cozy seating both indoors and outdoors. It’s a wonderful café that I highly recommend.
Olaols Gelato, ice cream Österlen
Olaols is a popular gelateria in Österlen that offers delicious ice creams made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. With its creamy gelato, Olaols has become a popular destination for all ice cream lovers visiting Österlen.
The green store in Orelund
Orelund is located north of Simrishamn; it’s a farm that grows a variety of vegetables and berries. After driving through their apple orchards and strawberry fields, you’ll arrive at a medium-sized farm shop where you can find fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, and much more. In my opinion, they grow the most delicious strawberries you can find!
Hammarsbackar
A beautiful and dramatic cliff coast along Österlen’s shoreline, where you can hike along the cliffs and enjoy the view of the sea.
Olof Viktors café in Österlen
On the outskirts of Österlen towards Ystad, you’ll find Olof Viktors, an old-fashioned café with rustic decor, one of the coziest cafés in Österlen. When you visit Olof Viktors, you must not miss their famous crayfish sandwich—it is absolutely delicious!
Sträntemölla waterfall in Österlen
A hidden little gem that most people don’t know about. Just outside Rörum, you’ll find this nature reserve with a beautiful waterfall. To reach the waterfall, you also need to walk through a lovely beech forest.
Gustafs at Österlen, delicious pizza
Gustafs on Österlen is a pizzeria located in a small village called Gladsax, just outside Simrishamn. They make authentic Neapolitan pizzas in a charming and cozy setting. In my opinion, this is where you’ll find the very best pizzas in Österlen, perhaps even the best pizzas I’ve ever tasted! Don’t miss it!
Christinehof castle
Christinehof Castle is an enchanting historical gem located in the lush forest near Brösarp. Christinehof dates back to the 18th century and carries a rich history that stretches far into the past.
Excursion Destinations and Activities with Children
Tosselilla summerland
What could be better than spending a warm summer day at Tosselilla Summerland? In the heart of Österlen, you’ll find this adventure-filled water and amusement park, which is one of Sweden’s most popular destinations for summer activities. Tosselilla offers a variety of water activities for all ages, and in addition to the water attractions, they have carousels and amusement rides.
Tosselilla is known for its child-friendly atmosphere and friendly staff who do everything to ensure a memorable visit for the little ones.
The Steam Locomotive on Österlen
Between Sankt Olof and Brösarp, this charming old steam locomotive chugs along during the summer. So, if you’re in the mood for a historical journey through the beautiful nature of Österlen, you should definitely hop on the steam train. It’s a memorable experience that takes you back to a bygone era of travel in a way that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Pedal Car Cycling Tomelilla
Riding a pedal car is a great family activity. In Tomelilla, you can rent pedal cars and ride along the old disused railway line that goes to Fyledalen and back. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a wonderful day together with the family on the pedal car track.
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