Discover Scania

Scania, the southernmost region of Sweden, is a hidden gem that offers a diverse range of experiences for tourists. From its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant cities and culinary delights, Scania, also known as Skåne in Swedish, has something for everyone. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a history buff, a foodie, or someone looking to relax and unwind, Scania promises an unforgettable journey.

What To See And Do In Scania

50 sights, attractions and landmarks you must not miss in Scania

1. Malmöhus Castle, Malmö: Sweden's oldest preserved Renaissance castle.
2. Turning Torso, Malmö: An iconic skyscraper by architect Santiago Calatrava.
   
3. Lund Cathedral, Lund: One of Sweden's oldest and most impressive cathedrals.
4. Ven Island, Landskrona: Scenic island with bike paths and Tycho Brahe museum.
5. Sofiero Castle and Gardens, Helsingborg: Royal summer residence known for its beautiful gardens.
6. Ale Stenar, Ystad: A mysterious stone circle near Kåseberga fishing village.
7. Glimmingehus, Simrishamn: The best-preserved medieval castle in the Nordics.
8. Öresund Bridge, Malmö: Connects Sweden with Denmark.
9. Fredriksdal Museums and Gardens, Helsingborg: An open-air museum in Helsingborg.
10. Moderna Museet, Malmö: An art gallery with a focus on contemporary art.
11. Kärnan, Helsingborg: A medieval tower with a fantastic view of the city.
12. Båstad Open Tennis Arena, Båstad: Known for its international tennis tournaments.
13. Wanås Konst, Östra Göinge: A sculpture park and art gallery in a scenic setting.
14. Kulturen Open Air Museum, Lund : An open-air museum with historical buildings and exhibitions.
15. Mandelmann's Gardens, Simrishamn: An organic farm and garden known from Swedish TV.
16. Bosjökloster, Höör: A historic monastery with beautiful gardens and a view of lake Ringsjön.
17. Christinehof, Sjöbo: A baroque castle with a beautiful park and cultural history exhibitions.
18. Ystad Monastery, Ystad: A medieval monastery with museum and gardens.
19. Landskrona Citadell, Landskrona: A historic fortress with beautiful surroundings, including unique .
20. Dalby Church, Lund: Sweden's oldest preserved stone church.
21. Skånes Djurpark, Höör: Zoo with Nordic animals, family activities, scenic environment, adventure trail.
22. Hovdala Castle, Hässleholm: A Historic castle with a beautiful park and hiker's information hub.
23. Regional Museum of Scania, Kristianstad: Learn more about the history of Scania and enjoy exhibitions.
24. Lilla Torg and Gamla Väster, Malmö: Historic buildings, cobbled streets, cozy shops and handicrafts, but also the center of Malmö night life.
25. Tosselilla Sommarland, Tomelilla: Popular amusement park, including a water park and a mini-zoo.
26. Krapperup Castle, Höganäs: A beautiful castle with a park and art gallery.
27. Botanical Gardens, Lund: Beautiful gardens with diverse plant species.
28. Uppåkra, Staffanstorp: Archaeological site with ancient Iron Age artifacts.
29. Karl-Fredrik of Eklaholm, Ystad: Famous florist with his own TV-show, a charming garden and shop.
30. Nimis, Höganäs: Driftwood sculptures by artist Lars Vilks, situated in the Kullaberg Nature Reserve.
31. Absolute Home, Åhus: Experience the origins of Sweden's famous vodka.
32. Vellingeblomman, Vellinge: Large garden center with popular seasonal displays.
33. Limhamn limestone quarry, Malmö: Huge limestone quarry turned nature reserve, open for guided tours.
34. Bäckaskog castle, Kristianstad: A historic castle with beautiful gardens and a restaurant.
35. Kivik grave, Simrishamn: Bronze Age burial site with stone carvings.
36. The Österlen Steam Train, Simrishamn: Heritage steam train rides through Österlen.
37. Tykarpsgrottan, Hässleholm: Underground limestone caves with guided tours.
38. Svaneholm castle, Skurup: Historic castle with museum and park.
39. Hallands Väderö Island, Båstad: Nature reserve with rich biodiversity and a population of seals.
40. Brunnby church, Höganäs: Medieval church with beautiful frescoes.
41. Klippans yllefabrik, Klippan: Historic wool factory with quality textiles and a large shop.
42. Jakriborg, Staffanstorp: Modern village designed in medieval style.
43. Trelleborgen Fortress, Trelleborg: Viking ring fortress with reconstructed buildings.
44. Smygehuk, Trelleborg: Southernmost point of Sweden with cosy harbour, a lighthouse and shops.
45. Torup castle and museums, Svedala: Beautiful renaissance castle with museums.
46. Foteviken, Vellinge: Viking village and open-air museum.
47. Malmö Opera, Malmö: World-class performances in a stunning, historic venue.
48. Landskrona Art Gallery, Landskrona: Modernist art gallery with stunning exhibitions and sculpture park.
49. Malmö Live, Malmö: Impressive, modern venue for concerts and home of Malmö symphony orchestra.
50. Dunkers Kulturhus, Helsingborg: Cultural hub in Helsingborg with diverse exhibitions and activities.

10 nature experiences in Scania

1. Söderåsen National Park, Klippan: Fantastic hiking trails and viewpoints.
2. Kullaberg nature reserve, Höganäs: Climbing, diving and hiking.
3. Stenshuvud National Park, Simrishamn: Forests, beaches and viewpoints.
4. Hovs Hallar, Båstad: Cliffs and coastal landscape.
5. Fyledalen, Tomelilla: A nature reserve known for its rich bird life.
6. Vattenriket, Kristianstad: A biosphere area with rich wildlife.
7. Verkeån Valley and the Brösarp Hills, Tomelilla and Simrishamn: Known for its rolling hills and beautiful nature.
8. Fulltofta nature center, Höör: Hiking area known for its deep forrests and lakes.
9. Dalby Söderskog National park, Lund: Sweden's smallest national park, known for its spring blossoms and birdsong.
10. Drakamöllan, Kristianstad: Beautiful nature reserve known for its purple hills during the heather flowering period.

Scania's 5 largest cities

1. Malmö: Scania's largest city and an important cultural and economic hub.
2. Helsingborg: A busy hub with ferry connections to Denmark.
3. Lund: The country's oldest university city, with a cathedral and museums.
4. Kristianstad: Skåne's northernmost city, with a unique biosphere reverve, an impressive church and a beautiful city park.
5. Landskrona: A coastal town with a beautiful citadel, unique colonial area and ferry connection to the popular island of Ven.

10 cozy small towns and villages in Scania

1. Ystad: Known for its half-timbered houses and charming streets.
2. Båstad: Known for its tennis weeks and beautiful beaches.
3. Mölle: A charming village by Kullaberg.
4. Simrishamn : A picturesque coastal town in Österlen.
5. Arild: A small village with a beautiful view of Skälderviken.
6. Kivik: Known for its apple orchards and foundries.
7. Åhus: Known for its medieval city center and Absolut Vodka.
8. Limhamn: Picturesque Malmö district that mixes fishing traditions with industrial history.
9. Skillinge: Charming coastal village with picturesque harbor and community.
10. Brantevik: Historic fishing village known for scenic views.

10 fantastic beaches in Scania

1. Sandhammaren, Ystad: One of Sweden's finest beaches with white sand.
2. Skanör-Falsterbo, Vellinge: White sandy beaches and clear water.
3. Knäbäckshusen, Simrishamn: A paradise beach in Österlen.
4. Haväng, Simrishamn: A scenic beach on Österlen.
5. Yngsjö, Kristianstad: A calm and beautiful beach near Åhus.
6. Farhult, Höganäs: A hidden gem in Kullabygden.
7. Josefinelust, Höganäs: A hidden pebble beach among Kullaberg's cliffs.
8. Vombsjön, Sjöbo: Lakeside beach with exotic lush greenery.
9. Ribersborg, Malmö: A popular, vaste city beach in Malmö.
10. Tropical Beach, Helsingborg: A small city beach with palm trees in Helsingborg.

Scania (Skåne) – Sweden’s Southern Soul

History, Culture, Castles & Museums  

Scania’s rich heritage reflects centuries of both Swedish and Danish influence.Explore Glimmingehus, Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval fortress. Visit Malmöhus Castle, a Renaissance stronghold housing museums and an aquarium. Wander through Kulturen in Lund, one of the world’s oldest open-air museums. Don’t miss Foteviken Viking Museum, a reconstructed Viking village by the sea.

Nature Reserves, Parks & Beaches  

Skåne offers a stunning mix of coastlines, forests, and rolling hills.  Hike through Söderåsen National Park with deep valleys and beech forests.  Explore Kullaberg Nature Reserve, known for cliffs, caves, and porpoises. Relax at Sandhammaren Beach, famous for its white sand and dunes.  Stroll through Bosjökloster gardens for peace and beauty. Follow the Skåneleden Trail, a 1,300 km hiking network across the region.

What to Eat – Local Specialties  

Scania’s cuisine is hearty, rustic, and full of tradition: Äggakaka is a thick egg pancake served with pork and lingonberries. Kalops is a slow-cooked beef stew with allspice and root vegetables.  Spettekaka is a conical cake baked on a rotating spit, made of eggs, sugar, and potato flour, and the regioal apple cake is layered with fried rye breadcrumbs and cinnamon apples.

Souvenirs, Crafts & Local Delicacies  

Scania is a haven for handmade and locally produced treasures: Find ceramics, textiles, and woodwork inspired by folk traditions. Taste honey, jams and cider from farm shops.  Visit craft markets and boutiques for unique decorations to bring back home. 

Getting There & Around  

Scania is well-connected and easy to explore: Skånetrafiken operates trains, buses, and ferries across the region. The Öresundståget train links Malmö to Copenhagen in under 40 minutes. Regional airports in Malmö and Kristianstad offer domestic flights. Bike rentals and summer boat routes make coastal travel scenic and fun.

Conclusion  

Scania is a region where history meets nature, and tradition meets creativity. Whether you're drawn to medieval castles, windswept beaches, or local flavors, Skåne offers a rich and relaxing escape with a distinctly southern Swedish charm.