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Cobbled streets, pretty parks and fabulous beaches...
With rolling fields and sandy beaches and literally peppered with castles, Skåne has much to offer, including cities and towns such as Malmö, Lund, Kristianstad, Ystad and Helsingborg.
The Skåne region is located in the extreme south of Sweden. It was part of Denmark until 1658 and a Danish influence can be detected both in the region’s dialect and in its architecture. Malmö is the region’s principal city. A cosmopolitan city with its canals, parks and largely pedestrianised streets, Malmö is a pleasure to explore. Stroll around the old town squares, beautiful cobbled streets and pretty parks. Visit Malmöhus castle, former home of Bothwell, third husband of Mary Queen of Scots. From Malmö, head to Lund – it’s only about 10 minutes away by train. This pretty town is the second oldest town in Sweden and is home to the famous Romanesque cathedral, the Domkyrkan. Visit the Kulturen Open Air Museum to see how the Swedish lived in previous generations or visit the planetarium. For some relaxation, head eastwards to the Dalby Söderskog National Park and explore the wildlife and flowers of its deciduous forest.
A land or rich and varied wildlife...
About 30 kilometres south of Malmö lies the Falstero peninsula, an area renowned for its nature reserve and birdlife. Head eastwards and pass through Trelleborg on your way to the charming town of Ystad. With its rambling cobbled streets and medieval half-timbered houses, the town is well worth a visit. If you continue along the coast you will come to the attractive Baltic resort of Löderups Strandbad with its long stretches of sandy beaches. Continue along the coast to the small town of Skillinge and visit the Glimmingehus castle. Construction of this five-storey castle was completed in 1499 and it has survived remarkably well.
Spend a day or two in the Stenshuvud National Park on your way north to Kristianstad. The park is made up of sandy beaches, marshes and woodland and has a rich and varied wildlife. Just north of the park is the Kivikgraven, Sweden’s oldest Bronze Age site. Kristianstad is largely the creation of Danish king Christian IV and is a great example of his architectural influence. Visit the Trefaldighetskyrkan directly opposite the train station, considered by many to be one of the best examples of Scandinavian Renaissance architecture. Or, visit the port of Helsingborg to the north of Malmö on your way to the Kulla peninsula. The nature reserve has 11 caves and some of the best diving in Sweden. You can also swim, fish, rock climb or hike in this beautiful location.
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