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Ystad is a small but charming city in Scania, or Skåne, part of southern Sweden. It is on the south coast of Scania and has good beaches west and east of the town. Its harbour is a meeting place of ship, train and bus connections. It has a new marina and makes a great base for exploring the area, as well as Skåne.
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The Stonehenge of Sweden, a 67-metre-long stone ship formed by 59 large boulders of sandstone, a megalithic monument from the Nordic Iron Age, around 600 AD. You can reach the site by car or by bus from Ystad. There are lots of information signs at the parking lot. Walk the 700 metres up the hill from the parking lot and you will reach the stones.
Sweden's oldest cinema, now restored.
The "house of Charles XII" where the king is said to have spent the night.
A church from the 13th century. The oldest surviving building in Ystad and one of Scania’s oldest brick churches. From 21:15 until 03:00 the night-watchman blows his horn to reassure the townsfolk that all is well.
An old church and monastery. It is today a museum of local cultural history.
A good art museum, with interesting exhibitions and a decent shop.
Ystad is a centre of the Swedish film industry; the studios were established at the closure of the old military barracks and there are guided tours available, plus the Cineteket, an interactive film museum.
Doubles as a brewery. Great food and you can sit in a characterful courtyard or inside dominated by giant shiny copper stills.
Easy to overlook but a small smokery with excellent bargain dishes to take away or eat sitting outside. Great fish and chips, and friendly service. Head for the marina, pass the two restaurants and it's tucked away between the car park and the dunes.
Chinese / Asian tasty food buffet at good prices.
A friendly and charming hotel rather more like a guesthouse than a hotel.
It claims to be the oldest hotel in Ystad, and while its exterior is unremarkable, its interior is more grand. It is a short walk from the train station, even with luggage.
Well-known, cosy bed&breakfast north of Kåseberga and 15 min east of Ystad. Price per room includes breakfast, bed linen, towels and 30 min qigong each morning before breakfast. Small café and art gallery. Bicycles for hire. Close to the sea and white sand beaches.
By train
From elsewhere in Sweden, travel to Malmö and take a local train ("pågatåg") from there operated by Skånetrafiken. From Copenhagen you will need to change trains in Malmö.
By ferry
Ystad has ferry connections from Rønne, Bornholm by Bornholmslinjen. From Świnoujście, Poland Polferries and Unity Line operate ferries.
Walk. Everything is easily accessible on foot. There's also a little tourist street 'train'. Many locals bike, and there are bike paths all over town.
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Malmö · International · MMX
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