Discovering Southern Sweden: A Journey Through Helsingborg and Malmö
Photo : Mickael Tannus
Embark on a captivating adventure through the picturesque towns of Helsingborg and Malmö in Southern Sweden. This meticulously planned itinerary takes you from the serene coastal landscapes of Höganäs to the vibrant streets of Malmö, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and modernity. From exploring ancient lighthouses and savoring local delicacies to engaging in thrilling outdoor activities and delving into cultural landmarks, this journey promises unforgettable experiences in two of Sweden's most enchanting destinations.
Highlights include a porpoise safari, beer tasting and brewery tours, a walking food tour, sunset kayaking and paddling, guided bike tours, and wine tasting at a Swedish vineyard. Enjoy a traditional Swedish Fika and so much more! Join us as we uncover the unique charm and beauty of Helsingborg and Malmö, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1: Höganäs
Arrival at Copenhagen Airport and Train from Copenhagen Airport to Helsingborg
In the arrival hall at the airport just a few minuets walk from the luggage pick up you find the train to Helsingborg. The train depatures from platform 1. There is a passport control at Hyllie station in Sweden, but just stay on the train and continue on to Helsingborg C. The trains depart 2 times an hour. For time tabel see Skånetrafiken.
Transfer from Helsingborg C to Mölle and Lunch at Ransviks Havsveranda
Welcome to Ransviks Havsveranda / Ransvik Sea Porch. This is a piece of paradise and is located at the foot of Kullabergs nature Reserve.
At Ransvik, 'the sin in Mölle' began in the late 1800's and is a concept widely known in the Swedish history. The sea bath in Ransvik was the place where men and women, from all over Europe, came to bathe together. Something that was very controversial at the time.
In the spirit of 'the sin in Mölle' we continue to welcome all different kinds of people. As it has always been here!
We love to work with Good, Clean & Fair Food! We offer both À la carte menu and homemade cakes, or "Swedish coffee" as it is called! Of course you will also find ice cream and very nice drinks in the form of our own Kombucha, lemonade, coffee and beer, wine and of course - very cold sparkling wine.
Hike towards Naturum Kullaberg
Naturum Kullaberg invites you to the exhibition "The Gateway to Kullaberg" that shows Kullaberg's Nature Reserve including the sky above it and the sea surrounding it. At the Visitors Center you find modules with quizzes where you can guess bird calls, fungal species, flowers or strange creatures in the sea. The children's number one favourite is, of course, the saltwater aquarium where you may touch a starfish. The personnel at the Center can provide suggestions for countryside hikes and excursions.
Kullens Fyr and the legend of Kullamannen
Credits: Mickael Tannus/imagebank.sweden.se
This beautiful old lighthouse is the highest lighthouse in Sweden and was built in 1561. More than 200 ships have capsized outside this hill, part of the Kullaberg nature reserve, and many of the wrecks still lie on bottom of the sea. Today Kullens fyr houses a small museum and cosy café with panoramic views. It’s a perfect place if you like your coffee with a view. You could spot porpoises too.
Check in and dinner at Kullagårdens Wärdshus
Your home away from home in th middle of Kullaberg Naturereserve. Hike, bike or golf? Just outside your door the outdoor awaits!
Nestled in the serene landscape of Mölle, Kullagårdens Wärdshus offers a charming retreat with its blend of historic charm and modern comforts. This idyllic hotel, housed in a beautifully preserved building, provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the breathtaking Kullaberg Nature Reserve. Guests can indulge in delectable Swedish cuisine at the on-site restaurant, enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding gardens, and experience the warmth of authentic Swedish hospitality. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Kullagårdens Wärdshus promises a memorable stay in the heart of nature.
Day 2: Helsingborg
Porpoise safari with Kullabergsguiderna
Kullaberg is a large nature reserve on the north-western coast of Skåne. With its wild and wonderful mountains and steep cliffs surging dramatically into the sea, the atmosphere here is different from the rest of Skåne.
Kullabergsguiderna offer guided activities perfect for families, such as porpoise safaris, cave walks and abseiling. All activities are certified as organic and sustainable, meaning that they do not disturb the wildlife.
Höganäs Bryggeri - Lunch, beer tasting and brewery tour
This brewery in Höganäs, north-east Skåne, specializes in IPA, APA and even African Pale Ale. Beers include their Höganäs Brewer’s Special, High Nose Snow and Miss Behave. They also sell beer by the keg. The brewery holds regular tastings for all the beers they produce and you can buy their Höganäs Folköl (Swedish beer at 3.5% by volume) and Höganäs Scoville, a chili beer in their farm shop. Don’t miss their beer sausage made from local lamb.
Transfer Back to Helsingborg and Check in at Scandic Oceanhamnen
A stone's throw from Helsingborg city centre right by the sea is where you’ll find the new, innovative Oceanhamnen district and our hotel with the same name, Scandic Oceanhamnen. Like a lighthouse at the far end of the historic harbour pier with a view of Oresund, we welcome you to enjoy a modern and sustainable hotel experience.
Feel right at home at Scandic Oceanhamnen, in one of our 184 rooms decorated in calm, Nordic colours inspired by the sea. Our hotel enjoys a front row seat by the sea, in an urban archipelago with fantastic pedestrian walkways along the pier. You step right from the quay into our personal and welcoming hotel. You’ll find everything you need here from early morning until late night.
Visit and guided tour of Kärnan
The defensive watchtower, Kärnan, is the symbol of Helsingborg and it has kept watch over the city for almost 700 years. Kärnan is what remains of the mighty Helsingborg castle. Kärnan is some 35 metres high and getting up to the top and enjoying the magnificent views over the port, the Sound and Helsingör is worth every single step. On the way up you get an exciting history lesson on the city’s heyday during the Middle Ages.
Visit Fredriksdal's museum and gardens
Surrounded by beehives, hops cultivation and a decorative kale garden you will find Lillaryd´s farm. With its silvery-grey timber walls and thatched roof, it blends in perfectly with a landscape reminiscent of the 1840s – and many centuries before that, when life and farming revolved around what the nearby land produced. Back then, providing food for one’s family and making use of one’s surroundings was common knowledge and a necessary part of life.
The diverse Scanian landscape was comprised of both plains and shrubby heathlands as well as wooded areas. By recreating the old agricultural landscape at Fredriksdal, we hope to inspire new ways of thinking about how farming can work in cooperation with nature for a productive and sustainable future.
Fredriksdal in Helsingborg is one of the largest open-air museums in Sweden. It features everything from regional botanical gardens with flowers and plants to historical vegetable and herb gardens. The crown jewel is the rose garden with its spectacular collection. For a peek of times past, visit the historic buildings and preserved town quarters complete with cobblestones and old houses surrounded by meadows and pastures.
Dinner at Sillen & Makrillen
It’s almost impossible to dine closer to the sea than at “Sillen & Makrillen” in Helsingborg – the restaurant is located right on the water and offers breathtaking views of Öresund. The menu offers a wide variety of fish dishes. All courses are prepared with great attention to detail and are fresh from the sea or from top quality local produce. For your after-dinner walk on the beach, just step off the veranda.
Day 3: Malmö
Söderåsen National Park - Guided tour
Söderåsen National Park is an area of virgin forests, soaring cliffs and precipices that plunge into rocky ravines. It’s one of the largest unbroken areas of protected woodland in Northern Europe and a popular destination for nature lovers wanting to spend time hiking and leaving the stresses of the modern world behind. Legend says that the deep gorge was made by giants and they left behind views of incredible natural beauty. Visit Kopparhatten, a lookout spot and one of the highest points in Skåne and enjoy the view of the large forests in the ravine.
Spellbound by Sweden
At Söderåsen National Park you will experience the short audio story, named Kiln, which is an adventure for all your senses. It’s written in the first person, so you’ll get to walk in the shoes of the main character as you go along and listen in the forest. The story starts off at the remains of a kiln, an ancient earth pit used to make charcoal. But soon enough, you’ll wander off and encounter various mythological beings, until you’re finally enchanted by a ‘huldra’ – a seductive forest nymph.
Here you will need your smartphone with internet connection and your set of headphones.
When you arrive, simply click on the button marked “Listen to the story” to unlock the story on Spotify, while you wander deeper and deeper into our mysterious forests. Don’t forget to turn on your internet connection!
Transfer from Söderåsen to Malmö
Credits: Werner Nystrand/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
All roads in the gorgeous southern province of Skåne lead to Malmö, Sweden. The perfect blend of old-world charm and ultra-modern cosmopolitan vibes, this seaside city offers something for everyone.
Check in Scandic Triangeln
Scandic Triangeln has 20 floors with large, bright rooms offering a fantastic view of Malmö. Our hotel rises high above the Triangeln shopping centre; a natural meeting place and landmark familiar to both the vast majority of Malmö residents and its many visitors. You stay on the city's main shopping street with its shops, cafés and restaurants on your doorstep. The location means you are close to just about everything, no matter what you have planned for your visit. Airport shuttles, local buses and trains are just around the corner. You are just 18 minutes away from Copenhagen Airport if you take the high-speed train. Both residents of Malmö and hotel guests meet for delicious food and beverage at Restaurant & Bar Upstairs, 2 floors up. As a checked in guest, you can also use the hotel gym, unwind in the sauna or treat yourself to a spa treatment.
Matkaravan
We will do a special tour, a mix between all their tours they are offering in Malmö so you can experience different tastes and different places / restaurants in Malmö.
This will be a unique experiences
Matkaravan provide guided walking food tours to the flavors of Malmö, Skåne and all the exiting specialties from the wide range of international food stores that line the streets of Sweden’s most multicultural town.
Matkaravan translates as ”Food Caravan” and is the original foodie Malmö Food Walk, going strong for over thirteen years. All our guides are culinary professionals who have worked as chefs, sommeliers, food journalists and food stylists. All of our private tours are small so there is enough time for questions and special requests.
The tours take 2-3 hours with 4-6 stops along the way, while we taste specialties from the different shops and restaurants that we have hand-picked with a focus on quality and personality. Expect the unexpected! Our aim is to inspire you to look at flavors and ingredients in a new way and find inspiration for your own home cooking.
Transfer from Malmö Saluhall to Ribersborg
The food tour , Matkaravan ends in Malmö Saluhall. After Matkaravan we will have a transfer to the beach Ribersborg . At Ribersborg will we meet Ram and Xenia for a kayaktour
Sunset kayaking and paddling in Malmö
Enjoy the natur kayaking or paddeling along the coast as the sun set over Malmö's skyline. We practice mindfulness paddling softly along the coast, finding both inner and outer balance. No previous experience needed. After the tour will we have a tasty sandwich at the beach.
Day 4: Malmö
Bike tour in Malmö
Tourism now and in the future plays an important role in sustainability. People will always want to travel, visit and explore new places in the world. When thinking of sustainable tourism ones usually think of the journey to the destination and how the journey can be more sustainable. When you arrive at your destination you are dependent on what is offered; sights, accommodation, transportation and other experiences. Most often the sights are located in the city center and the few others struggle with attract visitors. That is why it is so important for a destination to have sustainable products to offer and also show what there is to see outside the city center.
So how can we make tourism in our destination more sustainable? Malmö is a city with more than 350 000 inhabitants and more than 180 nationalities. This is of course an asset but in many ways also a challenge. In the project “Spela roll”, Malmö decided to focus on how to turn the social challenges into being an access for the tourism sector. How can we include the Malmö citizens in all parts of the city and make them feel proud of their city and wanting to show it to others. Therefor we have made a guided bicycle tour with stops outside the city center, built and driven by locals. Visit the more hidden parts of Malmö and see how the city work with social sustainability. On the tour you can also have a “taste” of Malmö.
We start the tour at Travelshop at the Centralstation in Malmö and will be done on E-bikes.
The tour starts in the new Malmö with the Västra Hamnen / Western harbour which is build in a Sustainable way. Afterwards, a visit the local fish market and we get to taste locally caught and fresh fish.
We continue to cycle towards Sofielund, where we find some Street Art along the way. There will a new tastings at Naturmolnet in Sofielund.
In Norra Grängesberg NGBG you will find a cluster of different cultures that work together in an exciting way. You get to see more Street Art in the Hangar, try Malmö's national dish and international coffee. We will end the tour at Botildenborg with an vegetarian and organic lunch.
Torups slott
This castle is just a 20-minute drive from Malmö. It was built in the mid 14th century in the middle of a beautiful beech forest and is one of the best-preserved renaissance castles in the Nordic countries. Admire garden arrangements that are more than 500 years old. Görvel Fadersdotter Sparre built the castle in the middle of an artificial lake. In 1970 the castle was bought by the city of Malmö. Join a guided tour and walk or walk yourself through the garden and beautiful beech forests surrounding the castle that are always open for visitors.
Swedish Fika at Slottscaféet in Torup
Credits: Miriam Preis/imagebank.sweden.se
Time for a Swedish fika. Fika, the delightful custom of enjoying a coffee and a treat with friends, is as Swedish as ABBA. Surely it’s just a coffee break? Not quite. It’s much more than that.
Torup Beech forest
Bokskogen translates to ‘the beech forest’, which is exactly what it is. It is a great place to explore Swedish nature, however, you will also find a few cultural gems hidden between the beech trees.
There are several hiking trails in Bokskogen, which wind through calm nature, past ponds and lush meadows. Some of the hiking trails are connected to the Skåneleden hiking trail, inviting you to hike even further in the Scanian countryside. You can also cycle between Malmö and Bokskogen via an old railway embankment taking you through the stunning Swedish countryside. We will walk the "Harmonirundan" The harmony walk, it´s 2,3 km.
Hällåkra winery and wine tasting
The tour Starts normally at the Centralstation in Malmö by taking the train to the village Svedala. In Svedala is a bike redy for you, you will bike through the beutiful south swedish landscape. At Hällåkra will you have some delicious Scanian tapas and wine tasting.
We will do an alternativ and bike around 5-6 km in the beautiful landscape surrounded by yellow canola fields and end the tour at Hällåkra Winery.
Hällåkra Vingård - Dinner and Wine tasting
Hällåkra vineyard has been pioneering Swedish wine growing under the careful stewardship of the Hansson family for five generations. The unique soil and climate give this vineyard’s wines their characteristic Scandinavian character in colour, aroma and taste. Their reds mix Rondo Regent and Leon Millot grapes while the whites are based on Solaris. The onsite restaurant offers tasty food from locally produced ingredients to perfectly match the wines from the vineyard.
Day 5: Additional activities in Malmö
Disgusting Food Museum
Food is so much more than sustenance. Curious foods from exotic cultures have always fascinated us. Unfamiliar foods can be delicious, or they can be more of an acquired taste. While cultural differences often separate us and create boundaries, food can also connect us. Sharing a meal is the best way to turn strangers into friends.
Lunch at Johan P
Are you craving seafood for dinner? Look no further – this is Malmö’s main fish and seafood restaurant with fresh fish straight from Skagerrak and Kattegatt. Johan P is a real Malmö institution. The seafood delights dominate the menu and the drinks match perfectly. For the bubble enthusiast there are over 100 kinds of sparkling wine to choose from. The ceiling's height, chessboard floors, table with white linen cloths and international clientele go perfect with the meal.
Form/Design Center
This mecca for people interested in Scandinavian design and architecture is based in Malmö. The center organizes around 20 exhibitions around design-related topics each year, along with debates, workshops and lectures where the public, designers, researchers and the industry discuss the Swedish design scene.
The range of exhibitions include industrial design, arts and crafts, furniture and textile design, fashion, graphic design and illustration. There’s also an intimate café with an extensive collection of magazines as well as a store selling classic Swedish design items.
Rundan
Travel along the canals and under the bridges and see Malmö from a new side.
The guide onboard will give you a vivid tour about history, personalities, buildings and anecdotes.
The sightseeing tour goes through parks, the harbor, passing the Malmöhus Castle in the old part of town and back through the modern Malmö. The sightseeing boats are without roof so you will get a great view of Malmö.
We pass some low bridges on the tour where you have to curl up!
There is a cafeteria at the departure serving bakery, pancaces with whipped cream and jam and much more.
If you like you are welcome to put together your own picnic basket from the café menu to bring on the sightseeing tour.
Malmö Museer
At Malmö Museer you can see everything from the Nordic region's oldest surviving Renaissance castle to a real submarine, a new aquarium and fantastic vehicles. The museum's permanent exhibitions focus on history, natural history, technology and seafaring. There are also about a dozen temporary exhibitions every year. Malmö Museer is responsible for preservation of the cultural environment and has extensive collections, including those of textiles and photography.
Slottsträdgården
Slottsträdgården is in a 12,000 square meter park (Slottsparken) surrounding Malmö Castle. Discover the small ecological gardens with different themes such as kitchen gardens, rose gardens and orchards. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a walk or a picnic in leafy surroundings. Visit one of the festivals, florist workshops and other events throughout the summer. The city canal runs through the park where you can rent a paddle boat or kayak and explore the park from the water. Enjoy the changing of the seasons in a quiet and beautiful place with the windmill in the background.
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