Ystad Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the picturesque Skåne region of Sweden, Ystad is a charming town that offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and stunning coastline, Ystad is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.

One of the main attractions in Ystad is its well-preserved medieval town center. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and immerse yourself in the town's rich history. The iconic St. Mary's Church, dating back to the 13th century, stands tall in the center of town and is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

For fans of crime novels, Ystad is particularly special as it is the setting for the popular Wallander series by Swedish author Henning Mankell. Follow in the footsteps of the famous detective as you explore the town, visiting the locations featured in the books and TV series. Don't miss the Wallander Museum, which offers an intriguing insight into the world of the beloved character.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by Ystad's stunning coastline. Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy beaches, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea. The nearby Ystad Sandskog Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers and hikers, offering miles of scenic trails through beautiful forests and dunes.

No visit to Ystad would be complete without indulging in the local culinary delights. Sample traditional Swedish dishes at one of the town's cozy restaurants or cafes, and be sure to try the famous Ystad herring, known for its exceptional flavor. For a truly unique dining experience, book a table at the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, Daniel Berlin Krog, where you can savor innovative and creative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Ystad is also a cultural hub, hosting a variety of festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year. From the Ystad Jazz Festival to the Ystad Sweden Jazz Cruise, music lovers will find plenty to enjoy in this vibrant town.

Alternative names: Population: 19.9 thous. (2019)Area: 4.25 mi²Elevation: 23 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 55°25'47"N, 13°49'16"E

Location

SkåneSweden

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Ystad Top Attractions

Ystad Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ystad offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: St. Mary's Church, Marsvinsholm Castle, Ystad Djurpark, Greyfriars Abbey. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Gothic architecture
St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church, Ystad is a medieval Lutheran church in Ystad, Sweden. It is the main church of the city.
Specialty museum • Museum • Forts and castles
Marsvinsholm Castle
Marsvinsholm Castle is situated in Ystad Municipality, Scania, in southern Sweden, 12 kilometres from Ystad.
Park • Outdoor activities • Zoo
Ystad Djurpark
Ystad djurpark is a zoo 10 km northwest from the town Ystad, and is the most southern zoo in Sweden. The zoo displays exotic animals from around the world and many different native breeds located by a large farmhouse, as well as monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, birds and reptiles.

Museum • Monastery
Greyfriars Abbey
The Greyfriars Abbey, sometimes also simply Abbey in Ystad, is a medieval former friary in Ystad, Sweden. Together with Vadstena Abbey, it is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Sweden. It houses the Museum of the cultural history of Ystad.
Historical place • View point
Ales Stenar
Ale's Stones is a megalithic monument in Scania in southern Sweden. It is a stone ship, oval in outline, with the stones at each end markedly larger than the rest. It is 67 m long formed by 59 large boulders, weighing up to 5 tonnes each. The carbon-14 dating system for organic remains has provided seven results at the site.
55°26'11"N • 13°49'35"E
Surbrunnsparken
Night club • Park
55°25'40"N • 13°49'8"E
Ystads teater
Concerts and shows • Theater
55°25'47"N • 13°48'49"E
Västra Promenaden
Park

Day trips

Ystad – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ystad, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Turning Torso (Malmö), Tosselilla Summer Park, Lund Cathedral (Lund).

35 milesW
Architecture, Skyscraper, Postmodern architecture
Turning Torso, Malmö
Rising above the skyline of Malmö, Sweden, the Turning Torso is an architectural marvel that has reshaped the city's profile since its completion in 2005. This skyscraper, standing at a remarkable height of 190 meters, is not just the tallest building in Sweden but...
9 miN
Amusement, Amusement park
Tosselilla Summer Park
Tosselilla Summer Park, nestled in the scenic landscape of Skåne, Sweden, is a vibrant amusement park that offers a perfect blend of thrills and relaxation for families and fun-seekers. This popular seasonal destination, which opens its gates during the warmer months...
31 milesNW
Lutheran church with organ concerts
Lund Cathedral, Lund
Lund Cathedral, with its striking silhouette, stands at the heart of Lund, a historic city in southern Sweden. This majestic church, renowned for its Romanesque architecture, has been a prominent fixture of the city since its consecration in 1145.
17 milesE
Forts and castles, Historical place, Museum
Glimmingehus, Hammenhög
Glimmingehus, located in the quaint village of Hammenhög in southern Sweden, stands as a remarkable testament to medieval architecture and history. This well-preserved fortress, built in the late 15th century, is the most authentic and complete example of a medieval...
40 milesW
Bridge
Øresund Bridge
Spanning the expanse between Sweden and Denmark, the Øresund Bridge is an engineering marvel that has become an iconic feature of Scandinavian connectivity. Officially opened on July 1, 2000, this bridge-tunnel combination stretches across the Øresund Strait...