This Simrishamn 2 day itinerary is designed for travellers who want a relaxed taste of Österlen, one of southern Sweden’s most attractive coastal regions. Over two days, you can explore Simrishamn’s pastel coloured old town, walk beside the Baltic Sea, visit nearby fishing villages and nature reserves, and enjoy some of Skåne’s best local food. The plan works well for a weekend in Simrishamn, whether you arrive by public transport or car.
Why spend a weekend in Simrishamn?
Simrishamn is a small harbour town on Sweden’s southeast coast, surrounded by apple orchards, sandy beaches, rocky shorelines and open farmland. It is the main town of Österlen, an area known for independent cafés, farm shops, galleries and scenic country roads.
The town is easy to explore on foot, but its location also makes it a useful base for seeing more of the coast. Within a short distance are the fishing village of Skillinge, the medieval fortress of Glimmingehus, the dramatic coastline at Stenshuvud and the famous viewpoint at Ales Stenar near Kåseberga.
A two day visit gives you enough time to experience Simrishamn without rushing. The first day focuses on the town itself and its immediate coastline. The second day takes you into the surrounding countryside, with options for beaches, hiking, history and local food.
Before starting your Simrishamn itinerary
How to get to Simrishamn
Simrishamn is connected to Ystad and Malmö by train and regional buses. The railway line from Ystad is known as the Österlen railway and offers a convenient way to reach the town without a car. From Malmö, the journey normally involves changing in Ystad or travelling by train and bus, depending on the timetable.
A car is useful if you want to visit several rural attractions in one day, especially outside the summer season when buses can be less frequent. However, you can enjoy the centre of Simrishamn and nearby coastal walks without driving. Check Skånetrafiken before travelling, since routes and seasonal timetables may change.
When to visit
Summer is the busiest period, with longer opening hours, outdoor dining and frequent events. June, July and August are ideal for swimming and coastal walks, although popular restaurants and accommodation can fill quickly.
Late spring and early autumn are excellent for a quieter weekend in Simrishamn. The orchards are attractive in spring, while September brings a softer light and the start of the apple harvest. Some cafés, museums and farm shops have shorter hours outside summer, so check in advance.
Where to stay
Staying in central Simrishamn puts you close to the harbour, restaurants, shops and the old town. This is the easiest option if you are travelling by train. Look for a hotel, guesthouse or holiday apartment near Stortorget or the waterfront.
For a more rural experience, choose accommodation in the surrounding villages or countryside. A farm stay can be particularly appealing in Österlen, but you will usually need a car or bicycle to get around.
Day 1: Discover Simrishamn and the nearby coast
Morning: Begin in the old town
Start your first morning with breakfast in central Simrishamn, then take a slow walk through the town’s historic streets. Many buildings are painted in soft pastel shades, with colourful doors, wooden details and small gardens. The compact centre is best explored without a strict route, since some of the most appealing corners are on quiet side streets.
Make your way towards Stortorget, the main square. Here you will find St Nicolai Church, a prominent medieval building with a long connection to the town’s history as a trading and fishing centre. The church is usually one of the first landmarks visitors notice, and its location helps orient you within the old town.
Continue towards the harbour, pausing to look at the old fishermen’s houses and narrow lanes. Simrishamn’s history is closely tied to the sea, and the waterfront still has an active, working character. Fishing boats, pleasure craft and small tour boats may be visible depending on the season.
Late morning: Visit the town museum
Spend some time at the Museum of Österlen, known in Swedish as Österlens museum. Its exhibitions explore local history, coastal life, crafts and the cultural traditions of the region. It is a useful stop if you want more context for the buildings, fishing heritage and rural landscapes you will see during the rest of your Simrishamn itinerary.
Allow around an hour for the museum, although visitors interested in local history may want longer. Opening hours vary throughout the year, so confirm them before building your morning around a visit.
Lunch: Choose a harbour café or local restaurant
For lunch, stay near the harbour or return to the central streets. Menus often include seafood, fish dishes, open sandwiches, salads and seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. You may also find bakeries serving cinnamon buns, cardamom buns and simple light lunches.
In summer, outdoor tables are a pleasant choice, but the waterfront can become busy at midday. Arriving a little early gives you more options, particularly on Saturdays.
Afternoon: Walk along the coast
After lunch, follow the shoreline south or north from the harbour. The exact route can be adapted to your energy and the weather. A short walk along the waterfront offers views across the Baltic, while a longer stroll takes you towards beaches and open coastal scenery outside the town.
One attractive option is to walk in the direction of Tobisvik. The area has a sandy beach, grassy dunes and a more open atmosphere than the harbour. It is a good place for a swim in warm weather, although Baltic water temperatures can remain cool even in summer. Bring a towel, water and suitable shoes if you plan to continue along less even paths.
Another option is to explore the coastal path towards Baskemölla, a small village north of Simrishamn. This route offers a combination of sea views, fields and traditional settlement. If you do not want to walk in both directions, check local buses or arrange a taxi for the return journey.
Late afternoon: Explore local shops and galleries
Return to central Simrishamn and browse the independent shops, craft studios and galleries. Österlen has long attracted artists and makers, so you may find ceramics, textiles, jewellery, paintings and locally designed homeware. The selection changes regularly, and smaller businesses may close earlier outside the main tourist season.
Take a coffee break before dinner. Swedish fika is particularly enjoyable in a small bakery or café, especially when paired with a freshly baked bun and a view of the old streets.
Evening: Dinner by the harbour
Finish the first day with dinner in town. Look for menus based on local fish, vegetables, potatoes and seasonal produce. Some restaurants focus on contemporary Nordic cooking, while others offer straightforward seafood and classic Swedish dishes.
After dinner, take one more walk around the harbour. The light can remain surprisingly bright in June and July, and the waterfront is often peaceful once the daytime visitors have left. If you are visiting in autumn or winter, bring a warm layer because the coastal wind can be strong.
Day 2: Choose an Österlen day trip
The second day of this Simrishamn 2 day itinerary is flexible. Choose one main area rather than trying to see every attraction. The best option depends on whether you prefer hiking, history, beaches or dramatic coastal views.
Option 1: Stenshuvud National Park and Kivik
Stenshuvud National Park is one of the most rewarding nature destinations near Simrishamn. It combines forest trails, meadows, beaches and viewpoints from the park’s distinctive hills. The highest summit provides views over the Baltic Sea and the surrounding countryside.
Start with a walk through the park, allowing at least two to three hours depending on the route. Trails vary in length and difficulty, and some sections are uneven or steep. Wear walking shoes, especially after rain. The sandy beach below the hills is a good place for a break during summer.
After exploring the park, continue to Kivik, a picturesque coastal village famous for its apple orchards and cider production. Visit a local farm shop or cider producer if open, and look for seasonal products such as apple juice, preserves and baked goods. Kivik also has a harbour and several places to stop for lunch.
History enthusiasts can visit the Kivik Grave, also called the King’s Grave. This Bronze Age burial site is surrounded by carved stone panels and is considered one of Sweden’s most important prehistoric monuments. Opening arrangements can vary, so check ahead if the site is a priority.
Option 2: Glimmingehus and the southern coast
Glimmingehus is Sweden’s best preserved medieval castle and an excellent choice for a history focused day. Built in the late fifteenth century, the fortified stone building has thick walls, defensive features and a striking appearance that contrasts with the surrounding farmland.
Guided tours and exhibitions help explain how the castle was used and what daily life may have been like during the Middle Ages. The site is more enjoyable when you allow time to walk around the grounds rather than visiting only the interior. Check the current schedule, since tours and activities are often more frequent in summer.
After Glimmingehus, travel towards Skillinge, a former fishing village on the coast. Its harbour, narrow streets and small galleries make it a pleasant place for lunch or an afternoon coffee. From Skillinge, you can continue along the coast to Mälarhusen or Sandhammaren, both known for sandy beaches and open landscapes.
Sandhammaren is particularly attractive on a clear day, with a broad beach and surrounding nature area. Keep an eye on local safety information when swimming, since currents and conditions can change. In cooler weather, the beach is still worth visiting for a brisk walk and sea air.
Option 3: Ales Stenar and Kåseberga
If you want dramatic scenery and one of Sweden’s most recognisable ancient monuments, head to Kåseberga and Ales Stenar. Ales Stenar is a large stone ship formation positioned on a hill above the sea. The site is surrounded by open grassland and offers wide views along the coast.
The walk from Kåseberga harbour to the stones is relatively short but includes an uphill section. Take time to walk around the monument and look back towards the village and sea. The area can be windy, so a jacket is useful even on sunny days.
Kåseberga is also a good place for lunch. Harbour restaurants commonly serve fish, seafood and simple seasonal dishes. You can browse small shops and watch boats arriving before returning to Simrishamn or continuing towards Ystad.
Ales Stenar is a popular destination, especially during summer weekends. Visiting early or later in the afternoon usually provides a calmer experience. Treat the monument and surrounding landscape respectfully, and stay on marked paths where requested.
Food and drink to try in Österlen
Food is an important part of a weekend in Simrishamn. The region’s farms, orchards and coastline create a strong local food culture, with ingredients often sold directly by producers.
- Apple products: Österlen is one of Sweden’s major apple growing areas. Try fresh juice, cider, apple cake or preserves when visiting Kivik and nearby farm shops.
- Fresh fish: Look for locally sourced herring, cod, salmon and other seafood in harbour restaurants and fish shops.
- Swedish fika: Make time for coffee with a cinnamon bun, cardamom bun or seasonal pastry.
- Farm shop produce: Depending on the season, you may find strawberries, potatoes, vegetables, cheese, jams and baked goods.
- Regional menus: Restaurants in Österlen often use herbs, vegetables and meat from nearby producers, with menus changing throughout the year.
If you are travelling in peak summer, book dinner in advance. Smaller restaurants have limited seating, and tables can disappear quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Practical tips for your Simrishamn 2 day itinerary
Getting around
The centre of Simrishamn is compact and walkable. For day trips, regional buses connect some destinations, but services may be limited on Sundays and outside the summer season. A bicycle can work well for shorter distances, although coastal winds and rural roads should be taken seriously.
If you drive, do not assume that every attraction or café is open daily. Build your route around confirmed opening hours, and allow extra time for scenic stops. Österlen roads are often narrow, and the most enjoyable journeys are rarely the fastest.
What to pack
- Comfortable shoes for cobbled streets, forest trails and uneven coastal paths.
- A waterproof jacket or windproof layer for changeable Baltic weather.
- Swimwear and a towel if you are visiting in summer.
- Sun protection, even on cooler days.
- A reusable water bottle and a small day bag.
- A charged phone for maps, transport information and checking opening hours.
How to adjust the itinerary
For a slower trip, spend both days around Simrishamn and choose only one nearby village. You could combine the old town with Tobisvik on day one, then visit Stenshuvud and Kivik on day two.
For a more active visit, replace some shopping time with a longer coastal walk or a hike in Stenshuvud National Park. Families may prefer the beach at Tobisvik, the castle grounds at Glimmingehus and short visits to harbour villages rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.
In poor weather, focus on the Museum of Österlen, cafés, galleries, shops and historic churches. Keep a shorter outdoor walk in the plan, since the coastline can still be atmospheric under cloudy skies.
Suggested schedule at a glance
- Day 1 morning: Breakfast, Simrishamn old town, St Nicolai Church and the harbour.
- Day 1 lunch: Seafood or a light meal near the waterfront.
- Day 1 afternoon: Museum of Österlen, coastal walk towards Tobisvik or Baskemölla, then fika.
- Day 1 evening: Dinner and a quiet harbour stroll.
- Day 2 morning: Stenshuvud, Glimmingehus or Ales Stenar, depending on your chosen route.
- Day 2 afternoon: Kivik, Skillinge or Kåseberga, with time for lunch and a farm shop or café.
- Day 2 evening: Return to Simrishamn, or continue to your next destination in Skåne.
This Simrishamn itinerary gives you a balanced introduction to the town and the wider Österlen coast. You will see historic streets, working harbours, open beaches and countryside shaped by farming and apple cultivation. Most importantly, the schedule leaves enough room to slow down, follow a coastal path, linger over lunch and discover the small details that make Simrishamn such a rewarding short break.