The ancient province of Skåne in Southern Sweden is a land of beautiful beaches, fertile fields, medieval villages and vibrant towns. It’s a gourmet’s delight, with its emphasis on locally grown-produce, organic farms and fresh seafood.  Here are some top tips to make the most of a visit to this fascinating region.

1.    Hire a bike to look round Malmö, a fascinating city that seamlessly combines old and new. Just off the medieval square of Lila Torg is the funky modernist Form & Design Center showcasing creative Malmö. 

2.    Visit Malmöhus Castle and then wander round the castle gardens.  Try Fika at the Slottsträdgården café - it's a quirky old greenhouse with grapes hanging from the vines.  Fika: ‘to drink coffee, usually with something sweet’ ie huge slices of delicious cake and crisp biscuits …

Fika

3.    Go swimming from the quaint old wooden Kallbadhuset Bathing House at Ribban (Malmö beach) overlooking the Oresund Bridge and Turning Torso building.  Nudity NOT compulsory! End the day with dinner at welcoming organic restaurant Salt Y Brygge, overlooking the Oresund Bridge to Copenhagen.

Turning Torso and bath house

4.    Get sand in your toes on the beach at Mossbystrand in the Österlen region.  More delicious fika at the traditional café nearby.  Great homemade pastries and cakes – plus a huge range of fruit & herbal teas, preserves and quirky gifts.

5.    Step back in time at mystical Ales Stenar, an ancient Stone Circle high above the sea.  Its use is still unkown but the setting is spectacular. Below is the quaint fishing village of Kaseberga. Try the smoked prawns or chowder at Vendels.

Ales Stenar

6.    Escape for a while to one of Greta Garbo’s favourite hideaway – the luxurious Hotel Ystad på Saltsjöbad.  Relax in the sauna or Jacuzzi, run along the jetty and jump in the sea or, for something completely different, try their Gourmet Food package and cook a meal with their top chef!

Ystad Hotel

7.    Walk in Wallender’s footsteps through the quaint old streets of pretty Ystad. Sweden’s most famous detective solves murders all round here and you can get a guided tour to show all his favourite haunts.  And if you’re lucky you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive Hornblower in the old clock tower …

8.    Test your limits - go abseiling at one of Sweden’s top national parks, Kullaberg Nature Reserve. If heights aren’t your thing try mountain biking, or just take a picnic and enjoy the scenery.  The bustling fishing village of Mölle is reminiscent of Cornwall’s Padstow.

9.    Explore the old city of Helsingborg with Kärnan, its unusual medieval tower and ornate City Hall and Venetian-style campanile.  Luxurious yachts jostle for space with high-speed ferries to nearby Denmark and the nightlife is buzzing.

Helsinborg statue

10.    Discover a real-life fairy story at the Sofiero Palace on the outskirts of Helsingborg.  Inside the palace there’s a fascinating exhibition telling the story of the Swedish Royal family’s summer residence.  The gardens are outstanding and the kids will love the children’s play area and quirky sculptures.

Sofiero Palace

Visit Sweden has lots of information about the Skåne region and there’s a great new Face Book app to help choose the perfect trip.

Zoe Dawes is the Quirky Traveller Editor for Wandering Educators.

For more Quirky Traveller's Tales and information on Tours & Walks in the Lake District and beyond www.thequirkytraveller.com

Feature photo: Meal at Vendel

All photos courtesy and copyright Zoe Dawes