Southern Sweden

A visit to southern Sweden can involve a trip to Småland, Öland, Malmö in Skåne, or the amazing summer island destination Gotland and its main town, Visby. On the west coast of Sweden you’ll find Sweden’s second largest city Gothenburg, and the region of West Sweden will sure stun you with it’s beautiful archipelagoes.

Halland, Sweden – a coastal haven for foodies and nature lovers alike
Halland, Sweden is an idyllic west coast province boasting a rich foodie culture and a wealth of outdoor activities, not least cycling and even surfing. With a perfect mixture of sandy beaches and lush forests – featuring towering sand dunes and waterfalls – this coastal region is worth visiting.

A haven of coastal living, Halland’s natural landscapes beg to be explored. Regardless of where you set foot in Halland, you’ll find it hard not to be tempted by its outdoor activity prospects, from child-friendly hikes and cycle trails to kitesurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and – for the really committed – the award-winning Kattegattleden cycle and hiking route.

Halland’s outdoorsy vibe shares the limelight with a proud culinary culture based on high-quality, locally produced food. Halland as a whole will also appeal to the culture enthusiast. The historic Varberg Fortress now serves as a museum, and Halmstad Castle is a must-see cultural highlight to weave into your tour of this unique region.

Nestled on Sweden’s west coast between Gothenburg and Helsingborg, this beautiful province has three must-visit towns – Halmstad, Falkenberg and Varberg, each with its own unique character.

Halmstad – the capital of Halland
Halmstad, Halland’s biggest town, has a lot to offer. It serves as an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the province. A draw for outdoor enthusiasts, Halmstad’s abundance of trails will enable you to explore much of its beautiful countryside, on foot or by bike.

A cycling hotspot, Halmstad is the starting point of Kattegattleden – Sweden’s very first national cycling trail. Unsurprisingly to anyone who’s whizzed along this scenic path, it was awarded European Cycling Route of the Year (2018) by the Cycling & Hiking Fair. This unique cycling route extends across 390 km, taking you through the spectacular coastal landscapes of Halland and beyond. It’s divided into eight stretches, and along the way, you’ll be able to refuel at the many eateries in close proximity. Or, check into a hotel for a restful night’s sleep before jumping on your bike for the next day’s ride.

For a less ambitious, yet equally satisfying outing, consider Prince Bertil’s Trail – an easy 18 km hike offering up never-ending seaside views as well as stretches of enchanting forest. Before setting off, you might want to take some extra time to explore Halmstad Castle, the trail’s starting point. The trail will take you to the unique Möllegårds Nature Reserve (Möllegårds Naturreservat). Take the chance to replenish your energy levels with a scoop of delicious family-recipe ice cream at World of Riccardo’s.

Falkenberg – a foodie destination par excellence
Falkenberg is located along the central coast of Halland. It became the first city to win the coveted ‘Worth a Trip’ award given each year by the White Guide, the Nordic region’s premier restaurant guide. Make sure to arrive hungry, as you’ll want to sample the diverse smorgasbord of culinary delights – from artisanal pizza to seafood feasts.

Being a coastal spot, there’s of course a good selection of fish and seafood restaurants,.for instance the beach-front, upmarket Ocean Bar & Grill. If you’re more into innovative dining experiences, head to Köket at Falkenberg Strandbad to sample its highly creative tasting menus.

Varberg – a surfer’s paradise and so much more
The charming destination of Varberg, less than 40 km north of Falkenberg, has year-round appeal but is known as something of a surf mecca in the summertime. And with 2.5 km of sandy beaches, it’s easy to see why. Arriving at the harbour area, you’ll immediately spot the imposing Varberg Fortress, the oldest part of which dates back to the 13th century. Step into the courtyard, and you’ll find the entrance to the must-visit Halland Museum of Cultural History. This sprawling bastion is home to the extraordinary Bocksten Man (Bockstensmannen). This medieval gentleman’s well-preserved remains – including his clothing and oak cane – were found in a bog in the Varberg area in 1936.

Enjoy some of Sweden’s best beaches
Halland is home to some of the country’s most spectacular beaches, complete with soft golden sand and clear water.

Kayaking in Bohuslän
Did you know that CNN has profiled the archipelago of Bohuslän as one of the top 10 great wilderness areas in the world? With clear blue waters, a marine national park, deserted isles and colourful fishing huts it isn’t hard to imagine why. Rent a kayak and explore the area on your own.

Sweden’s first marine national park Kosterhavet National Park is a popular area to explore by kayak with over 12 000 species under and above the surface, of which 200 are unique to this specific area. The National Park include the Koster Islands which also attracts many visitors thanks to their unspoiled, varied nature. Another popular kayaking spot in Bohuslän is Fjällbacka archipelago which you may have read about in the popular Swedish crime novels written by Camilla Läckberg. The area is full off rugged, rocky granite cliffs and turquoise water which is perfect for kayaking. Further out, in the westernmost point of the archipelago, you’ll find the Weather Islands consisting of a few hundred islets with no permanent residents but a rich animal life and beautiful settings for kayaking. Lastly, Lysekil and Skaftö offer Sweden’s wildest kayaking waters and year round-kayaking opportunities – a perfect tour if you’re looking for a more challenging paddling adventure.

Visby, Gotland, a Swedish treasure
Ask any Swede about Visby, Gotland and they’ll probably get a dreamy look on their face. It’s rare to find someone who isn’t fond of this enchanting medieval town, located on the island of Gotland, east of the Swedish mainland.

Whether you’re looking for history, nature, culture, good food or just want to relax on the beach, the town of Visby, on the island of Gotland, has it all. Located in the Baltic Sea, this fairy-tale town is a national treasure. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterised as having “outstanding universal value.”

This well-preserved medieval Hanseatic town dates back to the 12th century and contains a number of remarkable church ruins from the period such as the St Clemens, St Nicolai and Drottens ruins, or the St Karin church ruin with its high arches. Visby boasts a number of historic churches as well, including the Sankta Maria Cathedral built at the end of the 12th century.

Visby also has a well-preserved 3.5 kilometre long medieval ring wall with many of its original towers from the 1200s still intact. The wall encircles the centre of Visby and was originally built for protection against both foreign enemies and Swedish assailants from the countryside.

Along the streets of the town are more than 200 buildings and homes dating back to between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Gotland Museum’s Fornsalen (Hall of Antiquities) contains a number of archaeological finds dating back to Viking times. A visit here will help put the town’s long and fascinating history into perspective.

Every summer, Visby celebrates Medieval Week (Medeltidsveckan) with its lively market including music and theatre. All in all, there are some 500 events. It’s the biggest medieval festival in northern Europe and a lively event where people dress up in costumes and recreate life in medieval days. It’s a lively experience for visitors of all ages.

Garden blooms and Visby crafts
In addition to its long history and fascinating ruins, Visby is also known for its gardens, and particularly, the profusion of roses that bloom in the sunny summer months. In addition to the roses and overflowing flower boxes on Visby’s winding, cobblestone lanes, there’s a collection of roses at the 2.5 hectare Botanical Garden, which dates back to 1855. It also has a large collection of exotic trees and plants that flourish in Gotland’s mild climate. There’s no entrance fee for the gardens, which also contain a herb garden and a Gazebo Garden (open-sided pavilion).

With its natural beauty and ancient history, Gotland is a mystical and inspiring place to live that attracts many artists. Their handicrafts are sold in the local Visby shops. Gotland is particularly known for its wonderful ceramics and woollen items. The grey, wool lambskins from local sheep, warm and decorate many Scandinavian homes.

Beaches and scenery
With its 800 kilometres of coastline, Gotland offers plenty of picturesque spots for relaxing and bathing. There are four beaches within just five kilometres of central Visby and a beach promenade makes it easy to cycle there. If you feel like going a little further afield, head for the popular Tofta Beach, located 20 kilometres south of Visby. It is accessible by road or on a designated bike path.

Gotland has more than 100 nature reserves including Brucebo just north of Visby and Ekstakusten to the south. The island’s scenery ranges from dramatic rock formations and barren landscapes to lush vegetation and sunny meadows. And as always in Visby, there is the presence of the mesmerising sea.

GOTEBORG
Sjömagasinet
Sjömagasinet is a must-visit if you’re looking for a gastronomic seafood experience in a unique environment.

Sjömagasinet is located in an old warehouse for the East India Company, dating back to the 18th century. The restaurant is run by Ulf Wagner, awarded Swedish restaurateur of the year in 2016, and his head chef Gustav Trägårdh, awarded Swedish chef of the year in 2010. Both are renowned chefs with long experiences of creating gastronomic experiences. Wagner aims to provide a “total dining experience” meaning that the food, beverages and spiritual fulfillment are equally important at this restaurant.

The restaurant is located right by the waterfront of Göta älv river, creating a relaxing sea side atmosphere with beautiful views. They serve freshly caught seafood in both classic and innovative ways, such as baked halibut, truffle hake with red wine sauce and delicious lobster soup. The menu varies daily depending on what ingredients are available and everything is cooked with seasonal produce for a guaranteed fine dining experience.

Moderna Museet in Malmö
Looking for contemporary art in Malmö? Moderna Museet exhibits art by some of the of the most prominent international and Swedish artists in one of Malmö’s most beautiful buildings.

Moderna Museet is Sweden’s leading museum for contemporary art. The main museum is based in Stockholm, but a filial was opened in Malmö in 2009.

Moderna Museet in Malmö comprises art collections from the start of the 20th century and onwards. The art exhibitions are ever changing, but always with high-quality modern and contemporary art by some of the most important artists of our times. As if that wasn’t enough, Moderna Museet is housed in one of Malmö’s most beautiful buildings – an old power station designed by Swedish architect John Smedberg in 1901. A modern orange part has been attached to the original building, designed by Tham & Videgård Hansson, creating an interesting combination of Swedish architecture designed more than 100 years apart.

Culture, arts and crafts in Skåne
Skåne is a local artist, silver, glass, and pottery hot spot with a long tradition of arts and crafts.

Skåne, the southernmost part of Sweden, is a region with a rich cultural heritage and to this day Skåne is a region of artists and craftspeople. Ceramics, textiles, silver smithing and glassblowing are just of few of the arts practiced here.

As you explore Skåne you will come across small galleries, studios and workshops selling local arts and crafts. A great point of departure is to visit one of the artist-owned cooperatives. Skåne is also home to a number of world renowned practitioners of applied art, some of which have their own galleries and some of whose art can be viewed in expositions all over the world.

Wallåkra Stenkärlsfabrik example is a stoneware factory, restaurant and garden. The pottery here makes traditional stoneware out of clay from its own grounds.

SMALAND
Bruno Mathsson Center, Värnamo
Curious about one of the most prominent Swedish furniture designers of all times? Learn more about Bruno Mathsson’s furniture at the Bruno Mathsson Center, and visit the studio and office where he created many of his designs.

Bruno Mathsson presented a new type of furniture design in the 20th century and soon became one of Sweden’s most prominent furniture designers of all times. The chairs he designed became immensely popular and have become icons for Scandinavian design. It is said that his aim was to provide a new way of sitting, suitable for modern times. In the 1940’s Mathsson paid a longer visit to the USA, where he was inspired to build glass houses. When returning home, he built a glass house adjacent to his childhood home, which is now the Bruno Mathsson Center. Visitors are invited into Mathsson’s office and studio, and can visit an exhibition to view the furniture he designed from the 1930’s onwards, which are excellent examples of Swedish design. A guided tour is recommended for the full experience.

VASTERGOTLAND
Kata Farm and Varnhem Monastery
Curious about architecture from the Viking Age and medieval period? Discover the remains of an old Viking Age church at Kata Farm and visit the majestic Varnhem Monastery dating back to the 12th century.

Kata Farm is part of Västergötlands Museums and is an information building located above a private church dating back to the Viking Age. The name originates from one of the female skeletons found at the site, named Kata. Visitors are invited to walk around the finds and look at the graves through the glass sections in the floor. Especially Kata’s grave with runes engraved in the covering stone. The old church’s crypt still remains and is perhaps Sweden’s oldest preserved room.

Kata Farm is located behind the Romanesque-Gothic Varnhem monastery erected about a millennium ago. Varnhem was a major spiritual, political, cultural and economic centre in the Middle Ages and several Swedish kings have been buried in the graveyard.