Attractions - Sweden

Attractions - Stockholm

Lund, Sweden

Founded by the Danes around 1000, Lund is the second oldest town in Sweden. Construction of its spectacular cathedral began in the 12th century and soon after Lund became the seat of the largest archbishopric in Europe. The Swedes took over the region in the late 17th century and founded the university. A relaxed university town, much of medieval Lund still survives today.

A visit to Lund would not be complete without a trip to the famous Romanesque cathedral, the Domkyrkan. Try and get there at 12pm or 3pm on weekdays (1pm or 3pm on Sundays and holidays) when the spectacular astronomical clock strikes. To the tones of In Dulci Jubilo, the figures of the three kings emerge and begin their journey to search for the baby Jesus. Descend into the crypt and take a look at the legendary giant of Finn. Visit the nearby Domkyrkomuseet, which gives a history of the impressive cathedral. The Historiska Museet is not far away and has a permanent collection of exhibits dating from the pre-Viking times, including a 7,000-year-old skeleton. Walk down Kiliansgatan, a beautiful cobbled street lined by houses with tiny courtyards and gardens. Next, head to the impressive Kulturen Open Air Museum, just off Tegnersplatsen. Apart from around 40 houses, some of which date back to the 17th century, there is a permanent china exhibition as well as frequently changing temporary exhibitions. For more history, head to the Drottens Kyrkoruin medieval museum, built on the site of the ruins of an 11th century church.

A relaxed university town...

Lund has a fantastic planetarium that should not be missed. Located in the Stadsparken, the planetarium has permanent exhibitions and a weekly show at 7pm every Monday. Also, visit the Botanical Gardens to the east of the town. There are tropical greenhouses and over 7,000 species of plants on this eight-hectare site. After exhausting Lund, why not hire a bicycle or take a train to the nearby town of Dalby. Here, you can see the oldest stone church in Scandinavia, the Dalby Heligkorskyrka, which was rebuilt in the 13th century. The Dalby Söderskog National Park is not far away and is worth visiting for its deciduous forest, wildlife and flowers. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Lund, ranging from cheap student fare to more sophisticated dining. Lund is also reputed to have some of the most varied nightlife in the region.

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