Take a week-long road trip through Skåne and Blekinge

Day 1

Check in and explore Simrishamn

Make the coastal town of Simrishamn your base for three days of exploring. From here, you can discover Österlen’s villages, beaches and nature areas by car or bike.

Simrishamn has several charming hotels to choose from, including:

• Hotel Svea: A traditional hotel by the sea, with a restaurant and sea views.
• Maritim Hotell & Krog: A small, welcoming hotel in the harbour, with individually decorated rooms and a restaurant.
• Hotel Kockska Gården: A small hotel in a historic 17th-century half-timbered building in the old town.

Spend the day in Stenshuvud National Park

From Simrishamn: 25 minutes by car or one hour by bike.

There’s no better introduction to Österlen’s natural beauty than Stenshuvud National Park. The park brings together leafy deciduous woodland, beaches, heathland and views across the Baltic Sea.

Follow the walking trails through the park, including sections of the Skåneleden Trail. Keep an eye out for grazing cattle, sand lizards, tree frogs and the park’s rich birdlife. In warmer weather, stop for a swim at the soft sandy beach. Nearby, the Naturum visitor centre offers insights into the area’s nature and history. And a short walk away, Kaffestugan Annorlunda serves lunch and a traditional Swedish cake buffet, perfect for a break before continuing your day.

Discover Österlen’s local flavours

End the day in Simrishamn, where local produce takes centre stage at many of the town’s restaurants. Here are a few places to try:

• Röken by Sonesson: Enjoy fresh fish and Swedish classics by the waterfront, with views of the sea and, if you’re lucky, a colourful sunset.
• Gårdens Vedugn: A relaxed restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas and other dishes, with local ingredients from Österlen.
• Marcu på Vineriet: On the outskirts of Simrishamn, serving French-inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients in a winery setting.
• Vyn: For a special occasion, book a table at chef Daniel Berlin’s restaurant, awarded two Michelin stars, around 15 minutes’ drive from Simrishamn.

Day 2

Discover Kivik and its apple orchards

From Simrishamn: 20 minutes by car or one hour by bike.

Head to the fishing village of Kivik, known for its harbour, cafés and surrounding apple orchards. The area is one of Sweden’s main apple-growing districts, producing fruit for juices and ciders sold across the country.

Visit Kiviks Musteri

From central Kivik: 5 minutes by car, 10 minutes by bike or 40 minutes on foot.

At Kiviks Musteri, a family-run fruit business established in 1888, you can learn about apple production, explore the orchards and browse the farm shop for locally produced juices, ciders and jams. Round off your visit with lunch or a cider tasting.

Walk along Haväng beach

From Kiviks Musteri: 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bike.

Continue to Haväng for a walk along the sandy beach and dunes or simply relax by the sea.

Have dinner in or around Kivik

From Haväng: approximately 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bike, depending on the choice of restaurant.

Return to Kivik for dinner. There are many cosy and genuine restaurants in and around the town, including:

• Buhres: Located in Kivik harbour, specialising in fresh fish, seafood and local culinary traditions.
• Allé på Österlen: Just south of Kivik, serving refined yet unpretentious cuisine inspired by Österlen’s seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
• Farmors Lycka: Countryside hotel north of Kivik, offering rustic, farm-to-table dining with seasonal menus built around the farm’s own produce.

Day 3

Visit Sandhammaren beach

From Simrishamn: 30 minutes by car or 1.5 hours by bike.

With its fine white sand and rolling dunes, Sandhammaren has won several awards and even been compared to the Caribbean. Enjoy a coastal walk or bring something tasty for an outdoor fika overlooking the Baltic Sea.

Safety note: Strong and potentially dangerous currents can occur at Sandhammaren. Exercise caution and follow local safety information if you go for a swim.

Have lunch in Kåseberga fishing village

From Sandhammaren: 10 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bike.

Continue to Kåseberga, a small fishing village surrounded by coastal scenery. Take a stroll around the harbour, watch the birdlife and stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood, such as Kåseberga Fisk or Kåseberga Café & Bistro.

Marvel at Ale’s Stones

From Kåseberga harbour: a 750-metre walk.

Overlooking the Baltic Sea, Ale’s Stones is a 67-metre-long, ship-shaped monument made up of 59 standing stones. Believed to date back around 1,400 years, it’s one of southern Sweden’s best-known ancient sites.

Step back in time at Glimmingehus

From Kåseberga: 25 minutes by car or 1 hour and 10 minutes by bike.

On your way back towards Simrishamn, stop at Glimmingehus, one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval castles. Built in the late 15th century, this imposing stone fortress offers a glimpse into life during the Middle Ages. Explore its historic rooms, discover hidden passages and learn about the people who once lived here.

Enjoy dinner in Simrishamn

From Glimmingehus: 15 minutes by car or 35 minutes by bike.

Return to Simrishamn for a relaxed evening. Why not try one of the restaurants you haven’t yet visited from our earlier recommendations?

Day 4

Go on a wildlife safari at Eriksberg

Located on the Blekinge coast, near Karlshamn, Eriksberg is the largest safari park in the Nordic region, combining wildlife experiences with accommodation and dining. The reserve is home to red deer, fallow deer, European bison and mouflon, roaming freely across forests, open grassland and rocky terrain. It also makes an ideal base for your two days in Blekinge.

Explore the park on a guided safari and learn about its wildlife and conservation work. During the safari season, hotel guests can also drive through the park in their own cars at designated times.

For lunch, stop at the on-site restaurant Visenten, where the menu features seasonal ingredients and local flavours.

Join a guided bison walk

For a closer encounter, join a guided walk to see European bison. Follow in the footsteps of these impressive animals inside the park as your guide shares insights into their behaviour. Other activities at Eriksberg include fishing, canoeing and climbing.

Dine and stay overnight at Eriksberg

Enjoy dinner at one of Eriksberg’s restaurants before settling in for the night. Accommodation ranges from comfortable hotel rooms to individually designed suites, including rooms with a glass panel in the floor that lets you watch wildlife below. For a little relaxation, unwind in the sauna or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool overlooking the savannah.

Day 5

Hike along Eriksbergsleden

Spend the morning exploring part of Eriksbergsleden, a 12-kilometre coastal hiking trail through forests and rocky terrain, with sweeping views of the Blekinge archipelago.

The trail is challenging and not a circular route, so you’ll need to plan your return journey. For an easier outing, simply walk a shorter section and return the same way.

Stop for lunch near Mörrum

From Eriksberg to Mörrum: approximately 25 minutes by car.

After your morning hike, head towards Mörrum for lunch. One option is Bord Trettiosju at Karlshamn Golf Club, serving seasonal dishes in a relaxed setting overlooking the golf course.

Discover Mörrum’s fishing heritage

From Karlshamn Golf Club to Laxens Hus: 6 minutes by car.

Continue to Mörrum, renowned for its salmon and sea trout fishing. Anglers come from around the world to fish in the Mörrum River, with permits and guided experiences available during the fishing season from March to September.

Even if you don’t fancy fishing yourself, there’s plenty to explore. Visit Laxens Hus (the Salmon House) to discover the area’s fishing traditions or stroll along the river at Kungsforsen to watch anglers at work and perhaps spot salmon leaping through the water.

Enjoy dinner in Karlshamn

From Mörrum to Karlshamn: 15 minutes by car.

On your way back to Eriksberg, stop in the coastal town of Karlshamn for dinner. Take a stroll around the harbour before choosing somewhere to eat. Here are two options:

• Dockside Downtown: A casual spot serving smash burgers and Neapolitan-style pizza.
• Brasseriet – Friends and Flavors: A welcoming neighbourhood restaurant that has teamed up with a local artisan bakery.

Day 6

Explore Mölle harbour

Begin with a stroll around Mölle’s harbour, completed in 1881. The village has a long history as a seaside resort, while the surrounding Kulla Peninsula is known for its nearly 200-year-old pottery tradition. Today, around 30 ceramicists work in the area, with studios and workshops to explore.

In summer, the harbour comes alive with restaurants and cafés. Stop for lunch by the waterfront before continuing your day.

Visit Krapperup Castle and its gardens

From Mölle harbour: approximately 6 minutes by car or 13 minutes by bike.

Around five kilometres south of Mölle, Krapperup Castle is one of Sweden’s oldest castles. Wander through its landscaped park, developed in the late 19th century, with rhododendrons, roses and historic gardens. The grounds are free to explore, while the estate also has an art gallery, a museum and a charming café in the old stables. Guided tours are available at selected times.

Have dinner in or around Mölle

From Krapperup Castle: both alternatives are within 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bike.

Round off the day with dinner in Mölle or the surrounding area. Here are two places to try:

• Mölle Krukmakeri: In central Mölle, this pottery studio and restaurant serves Neapolitan-style pizza and dishes made for sharing in a lively courtyard setting.
• Ransvik Havsveranda: A seaside restaurant northwest of Mölle, serving Swedish classics with Italian influences. This is also where the story of ‘The sin of Mölle’ began, when men and women started bathing together in the late 19th century, causing quite a stir at the time.

Day 7

Hike through Kullaberg Nature Reserve

From Mölle: approximately 8 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bike.

Kullaberg Nature Reserve is known for its dramatic cliffs, coastal caves, woodland and sea views. Follow the hiking trails through rocky terrain and open heathland, stopping at viewpoints along the coast. The reserve has more than 20 caves and is home to deer, foxes and a variety of bird species.

Have lunch at Kullen Lighthouse

Continue your hike towards Kullen Lighthouse, near the tip of the peninsula. One of Scandinavia’s oldest lighthouse sites, its history dates back to the 16th century. Take in the coastal views and enjoy a packed lunch in the open air, or stop at the seasonal café if it’s open.

Discover Nimis, the artwork by Lars Vilks

From Kullen Lighthouse: 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bike, followed by a challenging walk.

Hidden along Kullaberg’s rocky shoreline, Nimis is a sprawling wooden labyrinth created by the late Swedish artist Lars Vilks. Begun in 1980, the artwork grew over several decades into a maze of towers and passageways built from driftwood and planks.

The path down to Nimis is steep, rocky and challenging. The wooden structures are unstable and may contain protruding nails, so do not climb them. Wear sturdy footwear and be aware that visiting the site is at your own risk.

Round off your road trip with dinner

From Himmelstorp car park (near Nimis): all three options are within 13 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bike.

Celebrate the final evening of your road trip with dinner on the Kulla Peninsula. Here are three places to try:

• Holy Smoke BBQ: A laid-back barbecue restaurant near Mölle, known for its slow-smoked meats, including brisket. Arrive early to avoid missing out on the most popular cuts. Dogs are welcome, too.
• Arild’s Vineyard: Enjoy dinner among the vineyards, with locally sourced ingredients and wines produced on the estate. Vineyard tours and wine tastings are also available.
• Rusthållargården: A historic hotel in the fishing village of Arild, serving seasonal Scandinavian cuisine inspired by Skåne’s local produce, with views across the sea.

From Mölle, it’s approximately one hour and 15 minutes by car back to Malmö, where your road trip comes to an end. But after seven days of sandy beaches, coastal hikes, historic landmarks and local flavours, you might find yourself wishing for just one more day in southern Sweden.