Occupying Sweden’s far south-east, Österlen is a popular tourist region in the historic province of Scania. It’s home to picturesque fishing hamlets, coastal reserves and sweeping stretches of sand that have attracted countless artists and writers throughout history.
Things to do in Österlen
Family-friendly theme parks, spectacular coastal reserves and one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval fortifications - Österlen offers all of this and more.
Enjoy the rides of Tosselilla Sommarland. Packed with rollercoasters, bumper cars and water-themed rides, Tosselilla Sommarland is a family-friendly amusement park in central Österlen. It’s the largest theme park in the Scania region, with its heated swimming pools particularly popular during the summer months.
Explore Simrishamn. Home to cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses and elaborately crafted wooden doors, Simrishamn is a charming town in Österlen’s south-east. Wander through the fragrant Rose Garden and admire the stepped gables of St. Nicolai Church, which is fronted by sculptures crafted by Carl Milles. A herring sculpture on the harbour stands as a reminder of the town’s fishing industry dating back to the Hanseatic League.
Visit medieval Glimmingehus. One of Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval strongholds is Glimmingehus, which was constructed between 1499 and 1506 when Österlen formed part of Denmark. It’s a fascinating place to explore, with dead-end corridors and false doors, as well as holes for pouring boiling water over invaders.
Get active in Stenshuvuds National Park. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Baltic Sea is this coastal park, which protects European hornbeam forests, meadows and swamps. It provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife species, including Eurasian golden orioles, hazel dormouse and European tree frogs. At the top of the hill are the remains of a 5th-century fortress while a swimming beach is nestled below.
Getting around Österlen
Österlen is just over an hour’s drive from Malmö Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. The larger Copenhagen Airport is 1.5 hours away. Departing from Malmö, Pågatågen trains travel throughout the region and there is a well-maintained cycling trail that hugs the coast. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring Österlen.