Simrishamn is an excellent base for exploring southeast Skåne. Within a short drive, you can reach sandy beaches, medieval castles, dramatic coastal viewpoints, charming villages and some of Sweden’s most distinctive historic sites. These day trips from Simrishamn by car make it easy to combine several nearby attractions in one relaxed outing, whether you are interested in nature, food, history or beautiful road trips through Österlen.
Why explore Österlen by car?
Public transport connects the larger towns in the region, but a car gives you much more freedom. Many of the best places to visit are spread across the countryside, and some beaches, viewpoints and farm shops are easiest to reach by road. Driving also allows you to adjust your plans according to the weather. You might spend a sunny morning at Stenshuvud National Park, stop for lunch in Kivik and finish the afternoon at a quiet beach near Haväng.
Distances in southeastern Skåne are generally short. Most of the destinations below can be reached in less than an hour from Simrishamn, although you should allow extra time for scenic stops, parking and walks. During July and August, popular beaches and attractions can become busy, so an early start is useful.
1. Kivik and the apple orchards
Driving time from Simrishamn: about 20 minutes
Kivik is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Simrishamn by car. This small coastal town is known for its apple orchards, attractive harbour and relaxed atmosphere. The road north from Simrishamn takes you through the landscapes that give Österlen much of its character, with fields, low hills and fruit farms lining the route.
Begin with a walk around Kivik harbour, where you can enjoy views across the Baltic Sea and find places to eat or have coffee. The town is also home to the Kivik Museum, which introduces visitors to local history, fishing and agriculture. At the edge of town, the King’s Grave is one of Sweden’s most unusual prehistoric monuments. This Bronze Age burial site contains an impressive stone-lined passage and carved stones, although the monument has been reconstructed over time.
Apple lovers should visit during the autumn harvest season, when farm shops sell fresh apples, juice, cider and other local products. The Kivik Apple Market, usually held in September, is famous for its large apple artwork made from thousands of individual fruits. Check opening dates before travelling, as seasonal attractions vary throughout the year.
Suggested Kivik itinerary
- Walk around the harbour and waterfront.
- Visit the King’s Grave and learn about the region’s Bronze Age history.
- Stop at a farm shop or cider producer in the surrounding countryside.
- Continue south or north to add Stenshuvud National Park or Haväng to your day.
2. Stenshuvud National Park
Driving time from Simrishamn: about 25 minutes
Stenshuvud National Park is one of the most popular nearby attractions and a perfect choice for visitors who want a mixture of forest, coastline and walking trails. The park covers a varied landscape with beech woodland, open meadows, sandy beaches and the distinctive Stenshuvud hill, which rises above the surrounding countryside.
Several walking routes lead through the park. The climb to the highest viewpoint is manageable for most reasonably active visitors, and from the top you can see across the coastline and, on clear days, far over the Baltic Sea. The summit area has three rocky points, each offering a slightly different perspective.
After the walk, head down to the beach for a swim or a quiet break on the sand. The coast here can be windy, but that is part of its appeal outside the height of summer. In spring, woodland flowers add colour to the trails, while autumn brings rich shades to the beech trees.
Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore beyond the easiest paths. Bring water and a picnic, especially outside the main summer season when fewer cafés are open. Parking areas can fill quickly on warm weekends, so arriving before midday is a sensible choice.
3. Haväng and the Verkeån coast
Driving time from Simrishamn: about 35 minutes
Haväng offers a quieter coastal experience than some of Österlen’s more famous destinations. Located north of Kivik, this broad landscape combines open meadows, low dunes, the Verkeån river and a long sandy beach. It is one of the best places in the area for a peaceful walk with plenty of space and few buildings.
The Haväng burial monument, sometimes called Havängsdösen, is a megalithic tomb close to the shoreline. The monument dates from the Stone Age and sits in an atmospheric setting of grassland and sea. From there, you can walk along the beach or follow paths beside the river. Keep an eye out for birds and changing coastal light, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
Haväng is also a good destination for a picnic day. Facilities are limited compared with larger beach resorts, so bring food, drinks and suitable clothing. The beach is exposed, and swimming conditions can change quickly. If you are travelling with a dog, check local seasonal rules before visiting the beach.
4. Glimmingehus medieval castle
Driving time from Simrishamn: about 20 minutes
Glimmingehus is one of Sweden’s best-preserved medieval castles and a fascinating stop for anyone interested in history. Built in the late fifteenth century, the fortress has thick walls, defensive features and a strikingly solid appearance. It was designed to withstand attack and offers a vivid impression of life in medieval Skåne.
Inside, you can see features such as narrow staircases, fireplaces, storage areas and defensive openings. Guided tours and exhibitions explain how the building was used and what daily life may have been like for the people who lived and worked there. The surrounding grounds are pleasant for a short walk, and families can often find activities connected with medieval life during the summer programme.
The castle is close enough to Simrishamn to combine with several other stops. A practical route could include Glimmingehus in the morning, lunch in Simrishamn or Skillinge, and a coastal visit in the afternoon. Check the official opening hours before setting out, since access to the interior is seasonal.
5. Skillinge and the southeast coast
Driving time from Simrishamn: about 15 minutes
Skillinge is a former fishing village with a small harbour, traditional houses and a more local feel than some of the region’s main tourist destinations. It makes an easy short trip when you want to experience the coastline without planning a full day of hiking.
Take a walk around the harbour and explore the narrow streets near the water. The Skillinge Maritime Museum provides insight into the area’s fishing heritage, although opening times may be limited outside the summer period. You can also continue along the coast towards Brantevik, another attractive fishing village south of Simrishamn.
The road between Simrishamn, Brantevik and Skillinge is particularly pleasant in summer. It passes fields and coastal viewpoints, with occasional places to stop for photographs. Add a bakery, café or seafood lunch to create one of the simplest road trips in the region.
6. Ales Stenar and Kåseberga
Driving time from Simrishamn: about 45 minutes
Ales Stenar is one of southern Sweden’s most remarkable landmarks. The monument consists of 59 large stones arranged in the shape of a ship on a grassy headland above the sea. Its date and original purpose remain subjects of discussion, although the site is generally associated with the late Iron Age.
The stones are located above the fishing village of Kåseberga. After visiting the monument, walk down to the harbour for smoked fish, seafood or coffee. The headland is open and exposed, so the wind can be strong even on a warm day. The setting is especially impressive in changing weather, when the sea and sky create a dramatic background.
Parking in Kåseberga can be busy in the main season. Arrive early or visit later in the afternoon, and be prepared to walk from the parking area to the monument. The path includes a moderate uphill section, but most visitors can manage it comfortably with ordinary walking shoes.
How to include Ales Stenar in a longer drive
For a full coastal day, combine Kåseberga with Ystad. You can drive west along the coast, visit Ales Stenar in the morning, explore Ystad’s old town in the afternoon and return to Simrishamn by the inland route. This makes a varied itinerary with history, sea views and urban cafés.
7. Ystad and its medieval old town
Driving time from Simrishamn: about 45 minutes
Ystad is a lively town with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in Sweden. It is a useful choice when the weather is less suitable for a beach day, since you can combine museums, cafés, shops and historic buildings.
Stroll through the old town to see colourful façades, small squares and quiet lanes. St Mary’s Church is a prominent landmark, while the town’s medieval monasteries and historic houses add to its atmosphere. Ystad is also associated with the fictional detective Kurt Wallander, and fans can find locations connected with the books and television adaptations.
The town has several museums, including the Ystad Art Museum and the Charlotte Berlin Museum. Families may prefer the Ystad Military Museum or a visit to the harbour. Restaurant choices are broader here than in many of the smaller villages, making Ystad a convenient lunch or dinner stop during one of your road trips.
8. Brösarp and the hills of northern Österlen
Driving time from Simrishamn: about 45 minutes
Brösarp is known for rolling hills, orchards and open landscapes that look very different from the flatter coastal areas. The Brösarp hills are particularly attractive in spring and early summer, when the grasslands are full of flowers. Several walking routes cross the area, and the scenery is ideal for a slower countryside day.
The village is also associated with the historic steam railway between Brösarp and St Olof. Train services are seasonal, but when operating, they provide a memorable way to experience the countryside. Check timetables in advance, as services are not available every day.
Brösarp works well as part of a northward route from Simrishamn. You can combine it with Haväng, the Verkeån valley or Kivik, although trying to visit every destination in one day may leave little time for walking. Choose two or three stops and allow yourself time to enjoy the landscape.
9. Tomelilla and Tosselilla amusement park
Driving time from Simrishamn: about 35 minutes
Families looking for a more active day should consider Tomelilla and Tosselilla amusement park. Tosselilla offers water attractions, rides and play areas, making it especially popular during the warmer months. It is a practical choice when children need more entertainment than a museum or long coastal walk can provide.
Tomelilla itself has shops, cafés and local services, while the surrounding countryside is full of farm shops and galleries. Depending on the season, you may also find produce stands selling berries, vegetables and other regional specialities.
Because Tosselilla is seasonal, confirm opening dates and ticket information before travelling. On busy summer days, arrive early and plan for a full day at the park rather than trying to add several distant attractions.
10. Kristianstad and the Vattenriket wetlands
Driving time from Simrishamn: about one hour
If you do not mind a slightly longer drive, Kristianstad offers a different type of nature experience. The Vattenriket biosphere reserve surrounds the city with wetlands, meadows, lakes and waterways. It is an excellent destination for birdwatching, photography and easy outdoor walks.
Start at Naturum Vattenriket, an information centre with exhibitions and views over the wetlands. Boardwalks and marked trails make it possible to explore the area without a demanding hike. Depending on the season, you may see cranes, herons, geese and many smaller wetland birds.
Kristianstad also has a pleasant city centre with cafés, shops and historic buildings. This combination makes it useful on a cooler or changeable day when you want both outdoor scenery and indoor options. Allow a full day for the drive, nature centre and city visit.
Practical tips for driving in Österlen
Plan for seasonal opening hours
Many museums, farm shops, gardens and cafés have reduced hours outside the summer season. Some open only on weekends or during school holidays. Always check current information before leaving, particularly if a specific attraction is central to your plans.
Choose the right vehicle and route
Normal cars are suitable for the main roads and most attraction car parks. Smaller rural lanes can be narrow, and cyclists are common during the summer. Drive patiently and avoid stopping in passing places for photographs. Use signed parking areas rather than pulling onto grassland or private land.
Pack for changing weather
The coast can feel much cooler and windier than Simrishamn’s town centre. Bring a light waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes and sun protection. A picnic blanket, water bottle and small amount of cash can also be useful, especially at beaches and rural viewpoints where facilities are limited.
Combine nearby attractions carefully
The best day trips from Simrishamn by car are not necessarily the ones with the most stops. A day built around Kivik and Stenshuvud is easy and varied, while Glimmingehus and Skillinge make a good history and coast combination. For a longer outing, pair Ales Stenar with Ystad or Brösarp with Haväng. Leaving room for an unplanned café stop is part of the pleasure of exploring Österlen.
Suggested one-day routes from Simrishamn
- Coast and nature: Kivik, Stenshuvud National Park and a late afternoon swim at a nearby beach.
- History and fishing villages: Glimmingehus, Skillinge and Brantevik, with lunch in Simrishamn.
- Southern coast: Ales Stenar, Kåseberga and Ystad.
- Quiet countryside: Brösarp hills, Haväng and a farm shop near Kivik.
- Family day: Tosselilla amusement park followed by dinner in Tomelilla or Simrishamn.
With short distances, varied scenery and plenty of places to stop, southeast Skåne is made for flexible road trips. Base yourself in Simrishamn, choose a direction and let the combination of nearby attractions, coastal roads and welcoming villages shape your day.