Just what else does Sweden have to offer when looking beyond the country’s capital? We sent our trusted contributor Monica Stott from The Travel Hack to delve into the southern region of Skane.
Tell anyone that you’re heading to Sweden and they’ll say something along the lines of: ‘Oh, I love Stockholm, you must visit this place and that place and eat here and drink there.’
Stockholm seems to overshadow the whole country, a little like London overshadows the UK, so I’m well aware that there’s more to a country than just the capital. When Visit Sweden invited me and a few other bloggers to spend a weekend in Skane, southern Sweden, I jumped on board to see what the rest of the country has to offer.
Here were my highlights from the trip and some top things to do for wintery break with a sprinkle of festive spirit:
‘Julstök’ Traditional Christmas Market, Lund
Nothing makes you feel more festive than Kulturen’s market in Lund. This is a market with a difference where it feels like you are stepping into a fairy-tale Christmas village. Visit houses from different eras of Swedish history and you will find the people who once lived there going about their usual Christmas business. The blacksmiths are working hard while the other servants sew gifts and bake bread. You will find out how the Swedes celebrated Christmas hundreds of years ago and get to taste some of their festive food.
The streets are filled with stalls selling handicrafts, traditional gifts and tasty treats and there are children’s workshops where they can make some personalised presents.
Swedish Super Club
The Swedish Super Club is a new initiative to help visitors understand Swedish culture and cuisine. Local people invite tourists into their homes for dinner and you will end up sharing much more than just a meal. You will get to know the family and learn more about the Swedish way of life.
We had a delicious three course meal with a family in Malmö where we enjoyed traditional dishes like meatballs and pickled herring, all washed down with plenty of schnapps and singing.
Hotel Ystad Saltsjöbad
This hotel is one of the few to be found along Ystad’s pristine beach and is the ultimate place to relax and unwind. Think steamy Jacuzzis mixed with fresh sea air and luxurious treatments in comfortable yet stylish surrounds. I also love a posh hotel where you can walk around in your dressing gown and slippers and there’s something so cosy about watching the winter sea from a warm and comfy sofa.
Wallander Tour in Ystad
Wallander is a series of novels by Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell. They follow the journey of Kurt Wallander, a maverick detective who catches baddies in the town of Ystad. The novels were adapted into films, a Swedish TV series and a BBC adaptation.
Even if you aren’t familiar with Kurt Wallander, don’t dismiss the tour during your trip. I hadn’t read any of the books but I really enjoyed seeing how the films were made and visiting the sets. You can take a tour around Ystad to see all the famous sites from the films and visit Wallander’s favourite restaurants and see the street he lives on. Virtually everyone who lives in Ystad has played a role in at least one of the films – something the local residents are very proud of and the love for Wallander is infectious.
Enjoy Sweden’s Tasty Treats
The Swedes sure know how to satisfy a sweet tooth and you can start with some traditional ‘Fika’. Fika is usually an afternoon break with tea and coffee and plenty of cake and cookies. Princess Cake is a favourite and is made from layers of sponge, custard, cream and icing.
If you’re looking for an alcoholic way to warm up then try some glogg – Sweden’s answer to mulled wine. Red wine is combined with Christmassy spices like cinnamon and ginger and served warm with orange, sultanas and nuts.
