Österlen is probably best known for it´s beautiful surroundings, it´s artists and many rich abundant of apples. The highly popular area is located in southeast Skåne, and is often named “The Apple Coast”, or Swedens Provence. In Österlen you can enjoy beautiful scenery and picturesque harbour communities, sunbathe at wide beaches and visit historic sights and medieval castles. You can say that Österlen reaches from Brösarp in north to Ystad in the south, but there are no exact borders. The only village in Österlen is Simrishamn, an old fishing camp who were important during late medieval time. Today the village is a well visited tourist attraction. Österlen is especially beautiful during the summer and offer a variety of activities. You can dine at exclusive restaurants, visit quaint harbours and buy fresh fish, take a coffee at art cafés, hang-glide, bathe in the ocean, wind-surf, camp and much, much more. In the summertime it is very popular to live in this beautiful environment. Dag Hammarskiöld and Ulf Lundell are only a few famous Swedes that have had their summer residents in Österlen.

Kivik

Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction on Österlen is Kiviks musteri - an old cider factory. Here you get to see how their delicious beverages are made, and you can take a walk among the apple orchards and dine at their restaurant. In the middle of July the famous Kiviks marknad which is an old fair. It is said to be Swedens largest market place with over 100.000 visitors yearly and originates from the Hansa union. At the fair you can buy a wide assortment of local produce - the salted herring and beverages from Kiviks cider factory is particularly popular.

Art

Österlen is a very popular area for artists and its idyllic coastal landscape has been depicted in many aquarelle paintings. A noted and highly recommended, yearly event is the Konstrundan. Every Easter artists in the region invite people into their homes to see their pieces of art.

Sights worth seeing

Among one of many sights worth seeing in Österlen is the famous Ale Stenar, Ale Rocks. It´s located near the village Kåseberga and exists of 59 stones of quartz which each weighs about 5 tons! This is Skånes most visited tourist attraction and the question of their origin has been subject to many discussions. Were they perhaps used in ancient burial rituals or maybe as an aid to astrologers? Stenshuvud is since 1986 Skånes largest national park. The parks high spot is the 97 metre high mountain whose peak you´ll reach after a couple of kilometers hike. Here you´ll get a splendid view of Österlen and Hanöbukten. Glimmingehus is a medieval castle from the 16th century and gives a unique insight into a noblemans everyday life during this historic period. It is the best kept castle in The Nordic Region and its outer walls were 2,4 metres thick to protect the gentlefolks against attacks and riots. Here you´ll find such defense mechanisms such as secret tunnels, false doors, tar pits, moats and other exciting, but macabre, traps. Today you´ll also find a museum, medieval kitchen and a store. The castle is rumored to be haunted, and during the summer special storytelling evenings are arranged under the name “Bizarre tales and scary stories”. Furthermore you can visit other popular sights such as the Kiviksgraven, museums, rock carvings and churches. You will find a detailed guide on www.appelkusten.se or www.osterlen.se.

Published 2008-10-29 13:58