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Skåne, the southernmost county of Sweden, boasts an impressive blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and modern vibrancy. By renting a campervan in Sweden , you can unlock the many things to do in Skåne, unfold your map over breakfast in your rolling kitchen, and set off to discover castles, forests, and beaches at your leisure.
The Essence of Skåne
This region, known internationally as Scania, is more than a geographic region: it’s the living tapestry of Sweden’s past and present. From Malmö’s sleek Turning Torso to quiet fishing villages, Skåne weaves together:
- Vast rapeseed seas that erupt into yellow each May, framing quiet country roads.
- Ancient beech forests in Söderåsen National Park, where moss-draped oaks and winding streams set the scene for legend.
- Coastal charms along the Baltic and Öresund, with chalk cliffs, sandy bays, and lighthouses standing guard.
- Culinary roots in farm-to-table traditions: think creamy Ängelholm cheese, spettekaka cake, and fresh herring caught at dawn.
A Journey Through Time and Nature
Skåne’s history reads like a Nordic epic, its landscapes and landmarks bearing testimony to centuries of cultural transformation and human endeavor.
- Danish heritage until 1658, still visible in half-timbered farmhouses and place names ending in “–rup” or “–arp”.
- Viking relics at sites like Ale’s Stones, a stone ship monument dating to the Iron Age, and reconstructed villages at Foteviken.
- Medieval castles and churches, from Malmöhus Castle (Sweden’s oldest fortress) to stone churches adorned with 12th-century frescoes.
- Prehistoric burial mounds dotting the countryside, silent witnesses to Bronze and Iron Age ceremonies.
How to Get to Skåne
Reaching Skåne is the first step in your campervan road trip. Skåne’s strategic position at Europe’s crossroads ensures easy entry by air, rail, road, or sea. Fly into Malmö Airport (MMX) or touch down at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and drive across the Öresund Bridge.
High-speed SJ and Öresundståg trains link Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen with Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg. But if you prefer the sea, ferries dock at Trelleborg and Ystad, welcoming those who bring their own wheels.
- By Air: Direct flights to MMX; CPH is 35 km away via the toll-bridge.
- By Train: SJ and Öresundståg services connect major cities.
- By Car: E6/E20 motorways traverse Denmark–Sweden; toll applies on the Öresund Bridge.
- By Ferry: Routes from Germany, Denmark and Poland arrive at Trelleborg or Ystad.
Things to Do in Skåne
From urban marvels to hidden waterfalls, there are many places to visit in Skåne, each easily reachable with a rental campervan in Sweden.
1. Visit Turning Torso
One of the top things to do in Skane is marveling at Turning Torso spiraling ninety degrees above the Malmö skyline. Calatrava’s design blends art and engineering, and each glass balcony catches light in fresh ways throughout the day.
The Western Harbour around it is a hub of sustainable design with solar benches, wind turbines, and seaside promenades. At sunset, the building’s white facade glows against the steel-blue waters of the Øresund Strait.
2. Explore Lund Cathedral
Lund Cathedral’s twin towers dominate the medieval town square, inviting you into over eight centuries of history. Inside, an ornate Romanesque portal and a 1424 astronomical clock blend faith and science in living color.
Stortorget’s cozy cafes serve cardamom buns and strong coffee, perfect before stepping into the echoing nave. Outside, the ancient stone labyrinth once walked by pilgrims offers a quiet spot for reflection.
3. Picnic at Sofiero Castle and Gardens
Sofiero Castle ranks among the most charming places to visit in Skane with its ten thousand rhododendron blooms filling the spring air with fragrance. Terraced gardens overlook the Øresund Strait, where sea breezes carry floral scents across manicured pathways.
Seasonal art exhibitions and classical concerts on the castle terrace lawn add cultural flair. Stroll down to the rocky shore for a quiet sea view and enjoy a picnic of locally baked bread and cheese.
4. Wander Glimmingehus Manor
Built in 1499, Glimmingehus remains Sweden’s best-preserved medieval fortress, complete with secret staircases and arrowslits. Period-dressed guides share tales of knights, sieges, and daily life behind its thick stone walls.
Surrounding forest trails feature interpretive signs on medieval defense architecture and archaeology. In summer, medieval markets and reenactments bring the manor’s legends vividly to life.
5. Drive Across the Öresund Bridge
Crossing the sixteen-kilometer Öresund Bridge is an experience in itself, combining bridge, tunnel, and artificial island. From Peberholm, seals and seabirds often peek among shallow rocks, offering a wildlife surprise.
Booking your toll online often secures a discounted rate and guarantees a seamless crossing. On clear days, panoramic views of Copenhagen’s spires appear just beyond the water, making the journey a standout among things to do in Skane.
6. Hike the Skåneleden Trail
Skaneleden charts 1,300 kilometers through forests, fields, and coastal cliffs, divided into five distinct routes. Spring brings carpets of wildflowers, while autumn ignites the forests in fiery hues. Including this trail in your list of things to do in Skane highlights both outdoor adventure and regional heritage.
7. Paddle Lakes and Rivers
Skane’s calm waters at Ringsjön and the Rönneå River reflect forested banks and host heron colonies. Kayak and canoe rentals often include trailers, making launches at secluded coves a breeze.
Early mornings reveal mist-shrouded vistas and dragonflies skimming the surface. Guided eco-tours explain wetland conservation and the region’s rich biodiversity.
8. Cycle Ven Island
A short ferry ride from Landskrona brings you to Ven’s sunflower-lined lanes and Tycho Brahe’s Uraniborg observatory, one of the top things to do in Skane. The island’s compact roads make it perfect for a day’s cycling or a campervan stop, with panoramic coastal views of Sweden and Denmark around every bend.
9. Step Back in Time at Foteviken Viking Village
Foteviken recreates a thousand-year-old Viking settlement with longhouses, forges, and authentic crafts. Costumed artisans demonstrate ironworking, wood carving, and medieval cooking over open hearths.
The bay’s tidal flats attract migratory birds, adding a natural layer to the living museum. Seasonal festivals feature fire ceremonies and feasts under thatched roofs.
10. Discover Söderåsen National Park
Söderåsen’s beech forests and deep ravines lead to the Kopparhatten lookout, offering mist-filled valley panoramas. Boardwalks protect delicate bog habitats where rare orchids and mosses thrive.
Ranger-led walks explore Ice Age geology, local folklore, and the park’s diverse birdlife. This park is one of the most inspiring places to visit in Skane for nature lovers.
11. Discover Forsakar’s Cascades in Degeberga
Tucked into the gentle, oak-covered hills of Söderåsen lies Forsakar Nature Reserve, where two powerful cascades tumble through a primeval beech forest. Park along Lillaforsvägen, then set out on the well-signposted paths winding past moss-draped stones and lush fern-filled ravines.
With waterproof gear and sturdy hiking boots, you’ll be rewarded by the soft roar of water thundering into carved rock pools and the peaceful stillness of the surrounding woodland.
12. Tour Historic Castles
Skane’s landscape is dotted with castles spanning centuries of history from medieval Bosjökloster on Lake Ringsjön to Renaissance-era Bäckaskog. Guided tours explore grand state rooms, ancestral portraits, and original tapestries.
Seasonal jousts, candlelit dinners in cellars, and rose-lined courtyards add immersive touches. Weaving castle visits into your list of things to do in Skane offers readers a journey through time and heritage.
Visiting Skåne by Campervan
Traveling by campervan turns Skåne into a self-drive paradise, where every bend in the road can unveil a new vista. To make the most of your adventure, book with an established local provider like Campervan Sweden, and keep these tips in mind:
Best Season
Aim for late April through mid-September, when daylight stretches long into the evening and temperatures hover pleasantly between 15–22 °C. You’ll arrive just as rapeseed fields and Rhododendron blooms reach their peak, and most campsites and attractions are in full swing.
Overnight Parking
- Official Campsites: First Camp Sibbarp – Malmö and First Camp Åhus – Kristianstad both welcome campervans with full service stations (electric hook-ups, waste disposal, potable water).
- Wild Camping: Sweden’s Allemansrätten allows camping on private land with the owner’s OK; just avoid nature reserves and respect any posted restrictions.
- Apps and Resources: Use Park4Night or Campercontact to locate up-to-date spots, check user reviews, and filter by services offered.
Essentials to Pack
- Kitchen Kit: A compact stove, pans, and basic utensils ensure you can prepare fresh herring or local cheese wherever you park.
- Outdoor Gear: Waterproof layers and sturdy hiking boots for variable weather, plus bicycles if you plan to explore village lanes and coastal paths.
- Connectivity: A Swedish SIM (Telia, Tele2) keeps GPS reliable, campsites bookable, and local emergency numbers at your fingertips.
Fuel & Waste Management
Diesel stations appear roughly every 40–50 km along major routes; fill up before heading into remote areas. Most organized campsites provide grey-water disposal and chemical toilet facilities; if you stray off-grid, plan to return to a service point at least every two days.
Local Etiquette
Keep noise to a minimum after 10 pm, it’s common courtesy in small towns and campsites. And whether you’re wild camping or staying on private land, always leave no trace: pack out all rubbish, avoid trampling sensitive vegetation, and respect wildlife and livestock.
With these pointers in hand, your campervan becomes more than just transport: it’s your ticket to spontaneous exploration and authentic immersion in Skåne’s spectacular landscapes.
Frequently asked questions about Skåne
What is Skåne known for?
Skåne is known for its diverse landscapes, including beautiful beaches, forests, and agricultural lands. It's also famous for its historical sites, such as ancient castles and monuments, and for being a culinary hotspot with a rich tradition of local foods and drinks.
When did Skåne become Swedish?
Skåne became part of Sweden in 1658, following the Treaty of Roskilde, when Denmark ceded the province to Sweden.
What is the region Skåne in English?
In English, the region of Skåne is often referred to as Scania. It's the southernmost region of Sweden, known for its unique cultural and natural heritage.
How many cities are in Skåne, Sweden?
There are as many cities as there are places to visit in Skåne, with Malmö being the largest and the capital of the region. Other notable cities include Lund, Helsingborg, Ystad, and Trelleborg, each offering its own unique attractions and historical significance.
All of these cities are easily visitable with a rental campervan, and Skåne is well equipped with campsites and ample parking facilities throughout the region, ensuring a convenient and comfortable journey.
