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One of the glories of Sweden is Fika … taking time out for coffee, cake and a chat. Heaven on a plate …  On a trip to the southern region of Skane (Skåne) I sampled a lot of VERY good cake as well as many more sensory delights.  It’s a land of beautiful beaches, fertile fields, medieval villages, contemporary design and vibrant towns. Linking in to the concept of sustainable living, there’s a great emphasis on locally grown-produce, organic farms and fresh seafood. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of a visit to this fascinating region, whatever the weather, whenever you go …
Stroll round Malmöhus Castle gardens and discover what’s growing in the organic vegetable patch.  Try Fika at the Slottstrad Garden Café.  It’s a quirky old greenhouse with grapes hanging from the vines and truly scrumptious chocolate brownies …
Go swimming from the quaint old wooden Kallbadhuset Bathing House at Ribban (Malmö beach) overlooking the Oresund Bridge and Turning Torso building.  Nudity NOT compulsory! End the day with dinner at welcoming Salt Y Brygge, one of the world’s first truly organic restaurants.  If the weather’s good you can sit outside and gaze across to Denmark …
Hire a bike and trundle round Malmo (Malmö), a curiously compelling city that seamlessly combines old and new. Just off the medieval square of Lila Torg is the funky modernist Form & Design Center showcasing how very creative Malmo is.
Get sand in your toes on the beach at Mossbystrand.  Sample more delicious fika at the traditional cafe nearby.  Great homemade pastries and cakes – plus a huge range of fruit & herbal teas, preserves and some unusual gifts.
Step back in time at mystical Ales Stenar, an ancient Stone Circle high above the sea.  Its original use is still unknown but the setting is spectacular. Below is the quaint fishing village of Kaseberga. Try the smoked prawns or chowder at Vendels where you can eat out overlooking the tiny harbour.
Walk in Wallender’s footsteps through the quaint old streets of pretty Ystad. Sweden’s most famous detective solves murders in Skane and you can get a guided tour to show all his favourite haunts.   If you’re lucky you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive Hornblower in the old clock tower.
Escape for a while to one of Great Garbo’s favourite hideaway – the luxurious Hotel Saltsjöbad in Ystad. Relax in the sauna or Jacuzzi, run along the jetty and jump in the sea or, for something completely different, try their Gourmet Food package and cook a meal with their top chef, who’ll make you think you can win Master Chef without trying.
Test your limits – go abseiling at one of Sweden’s top national parks, Kullaberg Nature Reserve. If heights aren’t your thing try mountain biking, or just take a picnic and enjoy the scenery.  The bustling fishing village of Molle is reminiscent of Cornwall’s Padstow, with the iconic Grand Hotel looking down on all the activity.
Explore the old city of Helsingborg with Karnan, its unusual medieval tower and ornate City Hall and Venetian-style campanile.  Luxurious yachts jostle for space with high-speed ferries to nearby Denmark and the nightlife is buzzing.
Discover a real-life fairy story at the Sofiero Palace on the outskirts of Helsingborg.  Inside the palace there’s a fascinating exhibition telling the story of the Swedish Royal family’s summer residence.  The gardens are outstanding and the kids will love the children’s play area and quirky sculptures.  Exhibitions change in the palace and grounds so plenty of reasons to revisit.
Many thanks to Malin and Visit Sweden for organising this trip to Skane and to Sara from Four BGB for being a fab host.  There’s a great Face Book app to help choose the perfect trip to this fascinating part of the world.
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Sunshine and luxury at Azure Golden Sands Resort & Spa, Malta
Zoë Dawes November 11, 2011 at 4:58 pm
What a fun trip that was … My first visit to Sweden but most definitely not my last. Very friendly people, passionate about their area and keen to promote responsible tourism in this special area. The food was a revelation – such flavours and freshness. And loved the visit to the vineyard – what a surprise to get sparkling wine to match that in parts of France 🙂
Jayne November 11, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Wonderful summary of all the best places in Southern Sweden 🙂
Zoë Dawes November 11, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Cheers Jayne – every time I hear of Fika I think of you 🙂
Sara November 11, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Lovely post, Zoe – really sums up what a wonderful place it is. Hoping to go up to the north of Sweden before long. Fingers crossed!
Zoë Dawes November 12, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Cheers Sara ~ it was a real revelation in so many ways. I’ve been telling all my mates they`ve got to go. Malmö is a great place for a weekend & it’s so easy to travel from there into the Skäne countryside.
Andy May 26, 2012 at 8:30 am
Great post Zoe, Sk̴ne is a lovely area with lots of surprises. We had a great time in Ystad, and as Wallander fans found that the tourist board had done a great job promoting the town Pyou can see most of the sights yourself using a handy brochue (or even a Wallander app!): //grownuptravelguide.com/following-the-trail-of-scandinavian-crime-fiction-kurt-wallander-ystad
Zoë Dawes May 27, 2012 at 11:37 am
So agree re the area & Ystad. Our Wallender tour inspired me to get the boxed set of Kenneth Branagh films, although the town’s quirky, quaint beauty doesn’t feature hugely. Enjoyed your article.
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