Things to do in Ystad in Sweden

Welcome to this guide with things to do in Ystad in Sweden. Anyone who arrives in Trelleborg in the south of Sweden by Stena Line or TT Line ferry probably wants to get out of there as quickly as possible. A much nicer place to visit is Ystad, about half an hour’s drive east of Trelleborg. I spent a day there and had a great time. Here are my tips for what to do in Ystad in Sweden.

Hej hej! My name is Antonette and in 2023 I moved from The Netherlands to Sweden. On my website, you will only find firsthand information, written by a local. Enjoy!

• At the tourist office at Sankt Knuts torg they will be happy to tell you more about the city, the options for a Wallander tour and you will receive a free map of Ystad with all the sights.
• Free parking? View the best options on the free Park4Night app.
• Put on your walking shoes because all the things to seee in Ystad are within walking distance in and around the city center.
• A series of beautiful sandy beaches start just outside the city, you can easily walk there from the center. Ideal if you want to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you!

Ystad is best known for the books about inspector Kurt Wallander by author Henning Mankell, many of which have now been made into films. Ystad is one of the most charming cities in southern Sweden and it is certainly worth spending an afternoon or even longer here. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets past the city’s old colored houses and be amazed by the friendly atmosphere here. Visit the Ystad Monastery with the St. Petri Church and the centrally located St. Maria Church. There are many nice little shops and on the central market square you will find plenty of cozy cafes and places for a fika.

The Ystad art museum is also worth a visit. If you are ready to completely relax after your long trip to Sweden or if it is a rainy day and you could use some warmth, visit the Saltsjöbad, a spa hotel by the sea.

Ystad is a true paradise for fans of the quirky Inspector Kurt Wallander, a character created by the Swedish author Henning Mankell. Wallander fans will get their money’s worth in Ystad during, for example, the Ystad Wallander Tour. You can pick up a brochure ‘Ystad’s best guide to Wallander’ at the tourist office, which discusses all the places where the films were filmed, including maps and photos.

You can also book special Wallander tours and there are audio tours, conceptual tours where you have to solve a murder yourself and you can download a special app on your phone. Moreover, you can visit the Ystad Studios, located in an old military base just outside of the city. Cineteket is Ystad’s film museum and completes a visit to the city of Wallander.

Have you become tired after all the walking and could you use a cup of coffee and something tasty? The best place for a fika in Ystad is Maria Caféet, one of the oldest cafés in the city on the square opposite the market. On the outdoor terrace you can enjoy a semla or other delicacies in the sun.

Want to know more about fika? Read all about fika here!

Do you want to spend the night in Ystad? Then view the best deals via Booking.com below

Would you rather camp? The Ystad campsite is located just east of the city center, on Österleden or road number 9. Wild camping is usually not allowed in the Ystad area, this is clearly stated in most places.

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Although I initially had my doubts about Ystad, I thought it was a really nice place to spend an afternoon. All the main sights of Ystad are accessible on foot and I took a city walk visiting all the must-sees. So I thought it was a successful highlight in the south of Sweden and I can definitely recommend a visit to Ystad!

Would you like to read more about nice villages and towns in Skåne and the rest of Sweden? Then read the following blogs:

• What to do in Arvidsjaur in Swedish Lapland
• Landskrona in Skåne: this is what you can do there!
• Höör in Skåne: surrounded by beautiful nature and worth a visit

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