Why Honeymoon in Österlen
Österlen suits couples who want a slower, more personal kind of travel. It is less about sights than about long lunches, beach walks and evenings at a small inn.
The variety helps. One of you might want to browse ceramics studios and galleries in old farm buildings while the other cycles the coast road or hikes up Stenshuvud. Both can share a plate of smoked eel and a cold beer at the harbor in Kåseberga.
It is also one of the sunnier and warmer parts of Sweden in summer, with sandy beaches that feel closer to Denmark than to the rocky Swedish coast further north. Combined with Copenhagen or Malmö, it makes a calm, food-focused honeymoon.
When to Go
June through August is best. Long days, warm weather by Scandinavian standards and open restaurants make summer the main season. Highs typically sit in the upper 60s to low 70s°F. July is the busiest month, when Swedes on vacation fill the inns and beaches.
Late May brings fields of yellow rapeseed and apple blossom in the orchards. September is harvest time, with apples, fewer crowds and mild days. Kivik hosts an apple market in early autumn.
Around Easter, Konstrundan, an open-studio art trail, draws visitors to galleries across the region. From October to April, Österlen is very quiet, with many places closed or open only on weekends.
Where to Stay
Simrishamn, the main town, has hotels, restaurants and a harbor, making it a practical base. For more charm, look at smaller villages.
Kivik puts you near the orchards and Stenshuvud. Kåseberga and Löderup on the south coast are close to Ale's Stones and long beaches like Sandhammaren. Brantevik and Skillinge are quiet fishing villages with simple guesthouses.
The classic Österlen stay is a farmhouse inn or bed and breakfast in a converted barn or old manor, with a garden and a good kitchen. Many are small and fill up in summer, so book early. Expect roughly $130–$280 a night for a good double, approximate.
Romantic Things to Do
- Watch the sunset at Ale's Stones near Kåseberga, a ship-shaped stone setting on a cliff above the Baltic.
- Hike up Stenshuvud headland for views, then swim from the white beach below.
- Taste cider, apple juice and apple desserts at the orchards in Kivik.
- Explore Glimmingehus, a well-preserved medieval castle near Simrishamn built around 1500.
- Walk the long dunes and beach at Sandhammaren.
- Follow the open-studio galleries in barns and houses if you visit around Easter.
- Cycle part of the Sydostleden or the coast roads between villages.
Getting There and Around
From the US, fly to Copenhagen (CPH), which has nonstop service from several US cities, including Newark, Washington Dulles and Chicago. From the airport, drive about an hour and a half to Österlen over the Øresund Bridge, which has a toll.
Trains also run from Copenhagen Airport through Malmö and on toward Ystad and Simrishamn. Check connections, since local services are less frequent outside peak times.
Once in Österlen, a car is the easiest way to get around. Buses link the main villages but run infrequently. Cycling is pleasant, since the countryside is gently rolling and many roads are quiet.
Food and Drink
Food is a big part of Österlen's appeal. Smoked fish from harbor smokehouses, especially eel, herring and salmon, is a local specialty. Kåseberga's harbor has several places to eat it outdoors.
Apples are everywhere: juice, cider, cakes and preserves. Farm shops sell cheeses, honey and vegetables, while country restaurants build menus around what is in season.
Skåne also has a growing wine scene, with vineyards in the region offering tastings. Ask your hosts which ones are open.
Strong alcohol is sold at Systembolaget state stores. Expect dinner for two with drinks at a good country restaurant to run about $100–$200, approximate.
Honeymoon Tips
Combine Österlen with Copenhagen or Malmö. Two or three nights in the city and three or four nights in the countryside is an easy, balanced trip.
Reserve dinners as well as rooms in July. Some of the best restaurants are small and book up.
Ale's Stones is popular at sunset in summer. Arrive early for a quiet spot on the grass.
The Baltic here is cool, usually in the 60s°F in midsummer. Pack layers for breezy evenings on the coast.
If you plan to drive from Copenhagen, ask the rental company about taking the car across the bridge into Sweden.
