Skåne’s historical and cultural must-sees
Skåne is studded with wonderful towns and cities, each with its own character and cultural highlights. The region’s multicultural capital, Malmö, has a diverse line-up of landmarks, many of which serve as reminders of Skåne’s past as a Danish county. Malmöhus Castle was built by King Christian III of Denmark in the 1530s on the ruins of a 15th century fort. This well-preserved Renaissance castle, now a museum, is the oldest of its kind in Scandinavia.
As for the noteworthy modern architecture, the 190 metres tall, neo-futurist Turning Torso is perhaps the most famous. At the time of its inauguration in 2005, it was the tallest residential building in Europe and it’s known as the world’s first twisting skyscraper.
A Malmö building of a different kind, Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, dates back to 1898. Join the locals at this much-loved cold bathhouse – nicknamed “Kallis” – for a dip and a sauna session, year-round.
The charming city of Lund – home to the world-renowned Lund University – has its own cluster of historic sites, such as the spectacular Lund Cathedral with its distinctive 14th century towers.
Helsingborg, meanwhile, boasts cultural highlights such as Sofiero – a 19th century palace world-famous for its stunning park and landscaped gardens.
Ales stenar (Ale’s Stones) is another historic wonder. Located on the south coast, this ship-shaped megalithic monument was created using 59 five-tonne boulders. Studies suggest that the structure dates back to the end of the Nordic Iron Age some 1,400 years ago.
There are also idyllic fishing villages to discover, including Arild – considered one of the most beautiful villages in Europe – and the equally charming Mölle, near which you’ll find one of Sweden’s oldest castles, Krapperups slott, replete with landscaped gardens and a museum.