Richard Lindberg is a co-founder of One Planet Journey, a platform and magazine for deep travel enthusiasts. Deep travel is making big waves in the travel industry as more travelers want to stay longer, have more personal and exclusive experiences, and crave authentic and local immersion. Richard is from Sweden, specifically the most southern province, Skåne, which is seeing a lot of interest from international visitors, as it sports endless beaches, an innovative food and beverage scene (the home of Absolut Vodka among others), and a 900-year-old cathedral. It’s the perfect place to combine with a trip to Copenhagen, the Danish capital connected by a bridge that in itself is a sight to behold.
Richard believes Skåne is poised to see even more interest in the years to come, as the hot weather in the south of Europe already has had the effect of increasing tourism to the Nordics, what is called coolcation. Here he presents the highlights of this lovely piece of the north. Because of its small size, you can reach any place within 1-2 hours. Get to Skåne by train from anywhere in Europe, or fly in, either via Copenhagen or Malmö Airport. Enjoy his recommendations!
My hometown of Lund is a charming city that is a fantastic mix of old and new. It is home to one of Scandinavia’s oldest and most prestigious universities, Lund University, and a world-class particle accelerator, the ESS. There is a vibrant academic atmosphere with 45 000 students ever present. The medieval architecture and cobblestone streets make for suitable exploration by foot. There are quaint cafes and boutiques alongside impressive landmarks like the famous 900-year-old Lund Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque style. It draws tourists from across Europe, and is a personal favorite, even having been baptized there.
Beyond its historical legacy, Lund offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from art galleries and museums to lively festivals and events. I can especially recommend the Museum of Sketches, a fascinating establishment. It houses the world’s largest collection of sketches and preparation works from artists like Matisse and Léger.
With a history that harks back to 1899, this is an icon in Lund and the entire region and here you will stay in true style in the central part of town. It has a renowned restaurant and an even more famous wine cellar, including a complete collection of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Bordeaux, from 1945 and onwards. I highly recommend booking a tour of the wine cellar.
Adress: Bantorget 1, Lund.
If you prefer a big city feel, you can choose to base yourself in Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city, which has long stretches of beach, a lively center with lots of shopping, award-winning restaurants and bars. For a convenient location to stay, try the Clarion Hotel near the central station.
Skåne is surrounded by water on three sides, which means plenty of coastlines and high-quality beaches. There is one particular beach that makes you forget you are in the Nordics when you lay eyes on it. I swear you will think you are in Mexico or Thailand with its soft sand and crystal-clear water (you’ll be reminded of your location when you start swimming). It’s called Knäbäckshusen and you find it on the eastern side of Skåne. While you are in the region, I advise you to visit the Stenshuvud National Park, a great place to hike among the trees, not least if you like a bit of a climb. You are rewarded with epic views of the coast, spotting where you should swim next.
Österlen is a wonderful area to explore by car or public transport, with plenty of farms, art galleries, and markets where you can try local food or the many cute harbors where fresh fish is on offer, among them the perennial favorite, salmon.
Helsingborg is a city on the western coast of Skåne, and it’s an elegant place. At the heart of the city, high upon a hill of terraced walkways, you find the Kärnan fortress tower. Visitors can explore the sprawling grounds offering panoramic views of the Öresund Strait and Denmark’s near shores where you will spot the Kronborg Castle, the very one from Shakespeare’s Hamlet play.
Nearby, the charming terraces of Helsingborg’s Old Town invite leisurely strolls amid cobblestone streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Along the picturesque waterfront, you can find Sweden’s version of the Copacabana, perfect for a lazy day on the beach.
For more culture, I’d pay a visit to Dunkers Cultural Centre for a dash of local history, contemporary art, and quirky exhibitions. Note the architecture from world-famous Danish architect Kim Utzon who made a modern interpretation of a medieval castle. For an actual castle, head to Sofiero, a former summer residence of the Swedish Royal Family. Spectacular gardens that drop down to the sea below make for a stunning vista.
This northwestern part of Skåne, with the resort town of Båstad as its major centre, is a piece of Swedish paradise, drawing tourists from the late 19th century who came for wellness treatments. Located by the sea, Båstad is internationally famous for its tennis tournaments that have drawn stars such as Björn Borg, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams. It is known for summer vibes and world-class party venues but has lately taken steps to become a year-round destination, with plentiful nature trails and cultural events like music and film festivals.
The Bjäre Peninsula is widely recognized for its produce and ingredients, affectionately called the Tuscany of Sweden with its rolling green hills. The first potatoes of the season command a high price in auctions when plucked out of the ground. With a car you can make a day out of visiting different farms, picking your own vegetables or fruits, or buying from the quaint farm stores. Meat, dairy, eggs – there is a place for whatever you desire, often with beautiful views of the sea in at least two directions.
The newest addition to the food and beverage scene are the wineries. Yes, I said wine. Swedish wine is on the rise, winning awards for its high quality. On the Bjäre Peninsula, you can find several to visit. One of them, Ljungbyholm Winery, has a close collaboration with Croatian Matosin Winery, outside Split, for red wine production. With the aforementioned climate change, Swedish wine is expected to become a sought-after product and Bjäre is ground zero in this development.
The above recommendations merely serve as a taster for the many experiences that await you in Skåne. The enchanting landscapes, rich history, and borderland culture converge to create a remarkable destination. You have city vibes, pristine nature, fabulous beaches, farm fresh food, and even locally-produced wine. Skåne has been part of Sweden since 1658, previously belonging to Denmark. Today it’s connected to Denmark by a bridge, making it easy to visit the Danish capital, Copenhagen via train. And of course, you can travel further north to explore more of Sweden, by train or if you fancy a road trip through the beautiful forested sceneries that define Sweden. See you in the cool north!
