Ystad is a centuries-old market town filled with cobbled streets and half-timbered houses painted in pastel shades. Historic architecture, a flourishing arts scene and one of the best literary museums in Sweden make Ystad a rewarding destination for culture buffs. Ystad is also an ideal base for beach-hopping along the Swedish coast.
Things to do in Ystad
Strolling around the town centre, you’ll stumble across gems like Per Helsas Gård. The arts centre occupies a beautifully restored half-timbered building from the 1500s and houses galleries, workshops and a cosy café. The excellent Ystads Konstmuseum showcases a fantastic collection of art by Swedish and Danish masters, including Per Kirkeby.
It’s impossible to miss Sankta Maria Kyrka, the town’s beautiful Lutheran church built in the 1200s. Step inside to admire the sparkling chandeliers, gleaming organ and elaborate baroque pulpit. Every evening, the nightwatchman sounds his horn from the top of the clocktower, a tradition the town has maintained since the 11th century.
Cineteket celebrates the legacy of Henning Mankell, one of Sweden’s greatest crime writers. The film museum takes you behind the scenes of the famous Inspector Wallander novels, which are set in Ystad. In summer, the main square hosts outdoor screenings of Inspector Wallander movies.
Venture outside the town centre to discover more than 40 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches. Ystads Sandskogs Strand is a local favourite and features a long stretch of sand fringed by lush coastal forest. Travel inland and you’ll find yourself immersed in the picturesque Skane countryside.
Getting around Ystad
Ystad is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is a one-hour drive from Malmo and 1.5 hours from Copenhagen while trains run to Malmo in under one hour. Ferries connect Ystad with Poland and Bornholm, a Danish island off the coast of Ystad.