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A Driving Tour in Northern Europe's Skane RegionSouthern Sweden is the Perfect Addition to a Scandanavian VacationWhen the Swedes look for a getaway in Sweden, they head to Skane. The region serves up culinary delights, outdoor adventures, seaside towns and progressive cites.
Travelers to Sweden often visit Stockholm and not much else. That’s a shame because Skane (scone-a) in Southern Sweden combines progressive cities with an idyllic countryside reminiscent of the American Midwest. After a stay in the capital city, an hour-long flight is all it takes to get to Malmo, the largest city in the area and start delving into this region that is currently the fastest growing in the country. A Living Environmental Experiment in MalmoToday Malmo is the definition of a progressive, eclectic city, but that wasn’t the case a few decades ago when it was an industrial center and not much else. Malmo threw off its blue-collar roots at the beginning of the 21st century when it decided to revitalize its Western Harbor. Twenty international architects were invited to reinvent the old shipyard into a mixed-use development with a focus on green building. In fact for every square meter built on, one of 38 “green” features had to be used to replace it. Wind and solar power generate 98% of the energy used by the area. At the entrance to the Western Harbor isTurning Torso, a building destined to become the city’s landmark. The tower, opened in 2005, was the first residential building designed by famous Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava. Enjoy dinner in the area at Salt and Brygga, Sweden’s first slow food restaurant. Spend the night in the main part of town at the Hotel Duxiana. Furnished with the five-figure Dux Beds and other modern Duxiana furnishings. Seaside Landskrona and the Swedish HamptonsA short 40-minute drive up the coast is the picturesque town of Landskrona. In the heart of the city take a guided tour of The Citadel before heading north to Borstahusen, a small fishing village with a gourmet restaurant. The Pumphuset, is a perfect lunch spot before catching the ferry to Ven, a nearby island featuring an interactive museum dedicated to Swedish astronomer, Tycho Brahe. After returning to the mainland, continue on a scenic drive along the coast until reachingTorekov. Affectionately known as the Swedish Hamptons, this seaside town is the perfect place to relax. Stay at the four-star Hotel Torekov and enjoy the onsite spa and fine gourmet dining. A Day Fit for a King in Helsinborg and YstadAn hour south of Torekov is the region’s second largest city, Helsinborg. Start the day off at the Sofiero Royal Palace. The palace was originally the home of King Oscar II and Queen Sofia and then home for King Gustav VI and Princess Margaret. While the home doesn’t contain many original pieces, the showcase of the property is the gardens. The famous rhododendron garden features over 450 species. Nestled on the grounds is the children’s playhouses where King Gustav VI used to attend tea parties with his young daughter. Venture to the heart of the city for lunch at one of two of the best restaurants in all of Sweden—Sofiero Slottsretaurang or Gastro. Spend the afternoon shopping in the nearby boutiques. Drive southeast towards Ystad for an overnight stay at Snogeholms Castle. This 1860s French baroque style castle is more like a manor house, than luxurious castle, but the area surrounding the property is stunning. Set on a lake there are opportunities for fishing, hiking, riding and hunting on the grounds. Historically the castle is well known because Kaiser Wilhelm II stayed here while on a hunting expedition (look for the stuffed fox he bagged in the castle) and ask the owners about Little Karen White, a ghost that is said to haunt room seven.
The copyright of the article A Driving Tour in Northern Europe's Skane Region in Sweden Travel is owned by Dena Braun. Permission to republish A Driving Tour in Northern Europe's Skane Region in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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