25 things to do in Skåne this summer

What is it? A sweet shop for tomato lovers in Vallåkra, between Helsingborg and Landskrona, packed to the brim with tomatoes in all sorts of colours and shapes.

Why go? In peak season, there are more than 65 different varieties of tomato to choose from, and strolling between the boxes lined up at Tomatens Hus is a feast for all the senses. Being in Skåne during the summer months means having every ingredient you could possibly imagine close at hand. As well as tomatoes, you can browse geraniums, chillies, herbs and cucumbers. Don’t miss the café at Tomatens hus for freshly baked sourdough bread and buns.

Time Out tip: Across the road is Miss Alice, a restaurant with a café and shop. It serves an incredibly popular tomato pie, naturally made with tomatoes from Tomatens hus.

Address: Aspavägen 418, Vallåkra. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11:00–16:00.

What is it? A dramatic rocky peninsula in north-western Skåne.

Why go? This is one of Skåne’s most visited nature reserves, and the best way to discover the area is on foot, along one of its hiking trails. But you don’t have to hike. You can park in several different places and take a manageable walk to one of the many swimming spots. Cows, sheep and horses graze in the pastures and the sea views are magical, like a mix of Scotland and the Mediterranean. The waters around the peninsula are also home to porpoises, which can occasionally be spotted.

Time Out tip: There are plenty of swimming spots, and they vary in how difficult they are to reach. To get to some of them, you’ll need to use ropes to make your way down the steep cliffs. Josefinelust is one of the most beautiful and popular, and you can also explore the caves here.

It can get pretty crowded, especially at the height of summer. For the best chance of having some peace and quiet, visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon or evening on a weekday.

What is it? A sculpture park in north-eastern Skåne with more than 80 permanent artworks and a couple of temporary pieces.

Why go? Wanås Konst is simply the world’s best fusion of art and Skåne’s fantastic natural surroundings. Wander among magnificent and thought-provoking artworks beneath the shady canopy of the surrounding beech forest. There’s also a hotel on site, Wanås Restaurant Hotel, so why not turn your visit into a cosy weekend away?

Time Out tip: The hotel has a restaurant, so even if you’re not staying overnight, you can always combine your art tour with a delicious dinner. Or simply stop for a coffee and something sweet at the café.

Vanås, 289 90 Knislinge. Tickets cost SEK 180 for adults. Sculpture park opening hours: daily 10:00–17:00 all year round. Shop and café opening hours: 10:00–17:00 until mid-August, then shorter hours. See the website for exact times.

What is it? The summer venue of Plan B, Malmö’s somewhat legendary club and concert venue, set in a leafy garden on the edge of the industrial area around Norra Grängesbergsgatan.

Why go? Annelundsgården is everything that’s great about Plan B, dressed up in its floral summer finery. The atmosphere is welcoming and festive, the setting is beautiful and the music is varied. Things can get a little rowdy here, but both children and dogs are welcome. Children under 13 also get in free when accompanied by a guardian.

Time Out tip: Terra, Slowgold and Jens Lekman are among the many acts playing this summer. Check out the programme and circle your favourites. A couple of gigs are free, too.

Annelundsgatan 61, Norra Grängesberg. Book tickets at annelundsgarden.com.

What is it? Landskrona’s wildly popular restaurant Smörtaxen goes on summer holiday, and you’re invited along.

Why go? Come for laid-back hangs in a summer meadow and a more accessible, playful version of Smörtaxen, where tables are snapped up in no time during spring and autumn. The original Smörtaxen stays open as usual, but in July the business expands into a backyard with two containers: jögkiosken, named after the Scanian word for booze, and pommesluckan, serving fries. Enjoy ice-cold wines and indulgent fries with tasty toppings.

On 18 July, there’s also a daytime party featuring Dada Life and Rebecca & Fiona, while 30 July brings superbingo with Farah Abadi.

Time Out tip: A visit to Sommartaxen pairs perfectly with a trip to Landskrona Konsthall, just a stone’s throw away.

Note: If you enter Smörtaxen into Google Maps, you’ll end up in the wrong place. The correct directions are on Smörtaxen’s Instagram instead. Open Wednesday to Saturday throughout July from 14:00 until late.

What is it? One of Skåne’s most popular beaches, located in Skanör on the Falsterbo peninsula.

Why go? That holiday-abroad feeling without leaving Sweden? Sign me up. This fine-sand beach stretches for several kilometres and comes complete with crystal-clear water. You may have seen the colourful little wooden bathing huts pop up on your feed. This is where you’ll find them.

Time Out tip: The water stays shallow for a long way out, making this a perfect destination for families with children who want to practise their swimming strokes before venturing into deeper water.

Skanör harbour, Skanör. The neighbouring harbour has several cafés and restaurants, most of which are open between 11:00–22:00 during the summer months.

What is it? Glamping and flower growing just outside the charming fishing village of Arild on the Kulla peninsula, around 40 kilometres from Helsingborg.

Why go? Coasters is Swedish summer distilled into one perfect little package. Stay overnight in a glamping tent next to a vineyard, complete with all the equipment you need to cook the food you bring with you. If you fancy a swim, take a walk into Arild. Otherwise, grilling and enjoying the sunset is more than enough.

Time Out tip: Pick up ingredients for dinner at one of the many farm shops along the way. And don’t forget to grab a bouquet from the on-site flower garden before you leave.

Coasters Hideaway Boutique Glamping. Norra Kustvägen 996, Nyhamnsläge. One night costs from SEK 1,450.

What is it? Skåne’s most Instagrammable country hotel, among the rolling hills of Brösarp in Österlen.

Why go? It’s stylish, cosy, rural, luxurious and genuine, everything you could want from a country hotel. Everyone who visits Talldungen talks about the heavenly breakfast, even more than the dinner, which is unusual but fun.

Time Out tip: A late-summer stay is a great idea, even in August or September. And always book an overnight stay with your dinner. Or dinner with your overnight stay, depending on how you look at it. Either way, don’t miss breakfast!

Bengtemöllevägen 7, Brösarp. (Breakfast is usually served between 08:00–10:00.)

What is it? Malmö’s newly opened street-food court.

Why go? Malmö’s very own Reffen, Copenhagen’s largest food market, on this side of the bridge? Sign me up! Here you can take your pick from French galettes, Italian sandwiches and Argentinian barbecue. Or why choose at all? Stay a while and try plenty.

Time Out tip: Bar Kiosko has become a hugely popular fixture on Malmö’s nightlife scene, and at Cantin it serves dishes including fried seafood. Don’t miss the cava bar either!

Bockkransgatan 8, Malmö. Open daily between 10:00 and 22:00.

What is it? Scandinavia’s largest city festival, going strong since 1985.

Why go? Having access to world-class music, talks and food completely free of charge is such an incredible luxury. Malmöfestivalen is completely unique in Sweden and well worth visiting for Malmö locals and out-of-towners alike. This year’s acts include Sahara Hotnights and Hannes, with more names being announced little by little and the full programme released at the end of July.

Time Out tip: The number of children’s activities is almost ridiculous, so if you have kids, don’t forget to check out the programme. Arne Alligator is playing this year, for example. If you know, you know.

Runs 7–14 August. Free admission.

What is it? A bustling array of vegetables, fruit and flowers for sale at Möllevångstorget in Malmö.

Why go? It may be a cliché to say that Malmö is ‘a little more continental’, but it’s actually true. And nothing feels more like a southern European holiday than shopping for vegetables, fruit and flowers at a market. If you’re friendly, you can even taste everything before you buy.

Time Out tip: Fancy some cherimoya or a few tree tomatoes? Take the opportunity to seek out fruit and vegetables you wouldn’t usually buy. It’s fun! And don’t be afraid to ask the vendors for the best way to enjoy them.

During the summer months, the market runs Monday to Saturday between 07:00–15:00.

What is it? A golf resort with courses, a hotel and a restaurant.

Why go? Skåne has many beautiful golf courses, but these are guaranteed to rank among the most beautifully situated. Barsebäck Resort has 36 holes, 18 of which are genuine championship standard. Enjoy playing next to Järavallen Nature Reserve with gorgeous views of the Öresund strait. Finish off with lunch in the restaurant after your round.

Time Out tip: Stay overnight in the hotel or one of the newly renovated villas. The latter come with either sea views or a location next to the golf courses. A couple of hours by the pool is compulsory in summer.

Address: Litorinavägen 128, 24655 Löddeköpinge. 

What is it? A palace with a lush and magnificent garden in Helsingborg.

Why go? Browse the palace gardens, take the kids to the adventure playground or enjoy coffee and something sweet at the garden café. Sofiero palace also hosts various exhibitions, while summer brings outdoor concerts featuring some of Sweden’s biggest artists. Håkan Hellström, The Ark and Veronica Maggio are among those playing this year.

Time Out tip: For food lovers, booking a table at the historic palace restaurant is a must to round off a visit.

Open daily 10:00–18:00. Opening hours may vary during major events.

What is it? Malmö’s finest park, located in Slottsstaden. Leafy woodland, open lawns and beautiful planting come together in harmonious surroundings.

Why go? It’s a green oasis where you can escape the buzz of the city for a while. Stroll along the canal, admire beautiful flowers and let your shoulders drop for a moment.

Time Out tip: Stop for coffee, lunch or a glass of wine at Slottsträdgårdens Kafé. This charming garden café serves food and pastries with a focus on organic and locally grown ingredients.

The café is open daily between 10:00–18:00.

What is it? A deep-water swimming spot in the middle of the city (well, in Västra Hamnen).

Why go? Shallow beaches are all well and good, but there’s something special about throwing yourself straight off the jetty into deep, slightly cooler water. It’s two metres deep right next to the jetty and gets deeper quickly, so this isn’t exactly a child-friendly paddling pool. Scaniabadet also has a huge sun deck, perfect for bringing breakfast or snacks and staying put to soak up the sunshine.

Time Out tip: It can get crowded, so come on a weekday morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.

The swimming spot is next to Scaniaparken. It takes around 20–25 minutes to walk here from the city centre. Or hop on the number 2 bus. Appropriately enough, the nearest stop is Scaniabadet.

What is it? An ice-cream café on Dragörkajen in a charming seaside neighbourhood in western Malmö, known for its cosy small-town atmosphere and historic fishing village.

Why go? To eat Malmö’s best ice cream! Every day, Limhamns Glassmejeri makes its own gelato in a wide range of flavours, which you can then enjoy in the sunshine by the water. It also offers a tasting platter to share, a genius concept that should exist at every ice-cream shop in the world.

Time Out tip: Take half a litre or a litre of your favourite flavour home with you. It may be pretty expensive, but you know what? Is there anything more worth spending money on than ice cream during the summer months?

Dragörkajen, Limhamn. Open daily between 11:00–21:30.

What is it? An all-day spot in Malmö’s Old Town that genuinely does everything well: breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake, and dinner.

Why go? Ruths is the perfect combination of elegant and warm. It’s welcoming and kind without ever becoming simple or dull. The perfect everyday luxury, in other words. Best of all is settling in for a long, wine-fuelled lunch in the courtyard, complete with fizz and oysters. It’s a mini-holiday lasting a few hours.

Time Out tip: Last autumn, the deli was replaced by a newly built cocktail bar. Don’t miss the chance to have a summery drink there.

Mäster Johansgatan 11, Gamla Staden, Malmö. Open daily from 07:00 until late.

What is it? A cold bathhouse and well-known Malmö landmark with a sauna and refreshing sea swimming.

Why go? Riberborgs kallbadhus has been here since 1898 and remains just as popular, which probably says more than words ever could. There are several different types of sauna, a bathing tub and sea swimming. In summer, you can also sunbathe on one of the many decks and enjoy the fact that Malmö is Sweden’s best summer city.

Time Out tip: Take a walk along the beach before your sauna, or have a beer or glass of wine in the bathhouse café afterwards. There’s no bad way to seize the day.

Ribersborgsstranden, Ribersborg, Malmö. Weekdays 09:00–21:00, weekends 09:00–18:00.

What is it? Fruktstereo’s urban winery in the industrial harbour area, which occasionally opens to the public under the name Chateau Nubbgatan.

Why go? A communal dinner on a cold concrete floor, surrounded by wine tanks and experimental wines, is hard to beat. Not only is the food delicious, there’s also something incredibly lovely about being seated next to people you’ve never met before who have become new friends by the end of the evening.

Time Out tip: Keep an eye on their social media for events throughout the summer.

Nubbgatan 5, Östervärn/Hamnen, Malmö. Times vary by event.

What is it? A small, personal second-hand shop with a café on a farm in the village of Kölleröd outside Hörby, somewhere that, according to the owners, ‘you’d never otherwise visit’.

Why go? It’s eclectic, messy, genuine and absolutely perfect. The café serves home-grown produce and home-baked treats, and it was actually named Skåne’s best café by Magasinet Skåne in 2017. It makes for a magical day trip.

Time Out tip: Combine your visit with a trip to Christinehof Palace, around a 20-minute drive away.

Kölleröd 7374, Hörby. (The café is usually open at weekends and during the summer months, most often between 11:00–16:00.)

What is it? A food hall and food court in an old freight depot in Nyhamnen, a few hundred metres from Malmö Central Station.

Why go? Malmö Saluhall has only been around for ten years, and the feel is distinctly more modern than its counterparts in Gothenburg and Stockholm. It has everything you need from a food hall. Start with a few oysters and a glass of fizz at Söderholmens Fisk, continue with tacos at Maya Cantina or a sandwich at Poms, and finish with an ice cream from Favvo Glass.

Time Out tip: Grab a good cut of meat from Clemens Kött & Husman and some cheese from Möllans Ost to take home, and your evening is sorted.

Gibraltargatan 6, Nyhamnen. Monday to Thursday 11:00–20:00, Friday and Saturday 11:00–21:00, Sunday 11:00–17:00.

What is it? A vast beech forest with walking trails, playgrounds and outdoor gyms in Svedala. Torup Castle is right next door, too.

Why go? It’s one of the most peaceful places in Skåne, at just the right distance from Malmö. Come with children or a dog, on your own or with friends, and enjoy breathing in the fresh forest air.

Time Out tip: Visit the historic Statarmuseet in the castle grounds, where you can explore exhibitions, say hello to cute rabbits and join a guided tour.

Torupsvägen, Torup/Svedala. It takes around 20–25 minutes to drive from Malmö. (Statarmuseet is usually open between 11:00–16:00.)

What is it? An outpost of Moderna Museet in Stockholm, housed in a beautiful former power station in the Old Town.

Why go? Malmö locals aren’t necessarily spoilt for choice when it comes to sleek, stylish museums, but Moderna Museet is a shining exception. On greyer summer days, you can easily spend hours exploring the exhibitions and workshop here, either on your own or with children.

Time Out tip: Kafé Verket, next to reception, might just be Malmö’s most stylish café. Stopping there for coffee and something sweet or lunch is a feast for all the senses.

Ola Billgrens plats 2–4, Gamla Staden. Open Tuesday to Sunday between 11:00–18:00. Free admission for everyone under 26, otherwise admission costs SEK 50.

What is it? Gourmetgården’s garden café in Katrinetorp park, in Vintrie in southern Malmö.

Why go? Katrinetorp feels like a château in the south of France, yet it’s within cycling distance of Malmö. The café is the icing on the cake. Start the day with a walk through the park, stop for coffee and something sweet, and finish with a visit to the shop.

Time Out tip: Cycling there is definitely the nicest option, and it takes around 20 minutes from Triangeln. But there are buses too, of course.

Katrinetorps allé 1, Vintrie. The café is open daily between 11:30 and 17:00.

What is it? A spa hotel right on the beach in Ystad. This historic harbour town on Skåne’s south coast is known for its charming half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes and long sandy beaches.

Why go? A visit to Ystad Saltsjöbad is guaranteed to be one of the most luxurious spa experiences you can have in Skåne. Naturally, there are pools, a sauna, a hot tub and all the usual spa trappings. But it’s the hotel’s own beach that makes this a must in summer.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the rainforest-inspired spa area they call ‘the creek experience’.

Rooms from around SEK 3,500. Saltsjöbadsvägen 15, Ystad.