Earlier this spring, Saturday 29 March, I had the pleasure of taking three visiting friends from India, Gowtham, Mohan and Sanath. on a road trip along the south coast of Skåne, to share a few glimpses of Swedish culture and nature, and to enjoy good conversations along the way.
We began our trip at Emporia [1], one of the largest shopping centers in Scandinavia with around 180 shops and restaurants. The modern architecture, with its stunning curved glass entrances – an amber-colored and a blue, is designed by Wingårdh Architects and opened in 2012.
The Emporia rooftop viewpoint offering panoramic views of Malmö and the Öresund Bridge. The viewpoint sits at approximately 65 meters above sea level and providing a beautiful view, in clear weather 🙂
First stop on the trip was Skanör [2] and Falsterbo [3], 34 km southwest from Malmö. These two idyllic seaside towns are known for their white sandy beaches and pastel-colored beach huts that only the locals, living in the municipality, can buy for around 200.000 SEK. Many are also inherited, to keep in the family.
“It was super cold during the first couple of days—too cold for an Indian like me! But by the time of the trip, I had adjusted enough that Sanath and I even walked into the beach water and took a few photos. Luckily, it was a sunny day, which made things better.” (Mohan)
The area was once a bustling medieval trading hub, today, these towns are a tranquil escape, offering some of Sweden’s finest beaches, birdwatching opportunities, and even a touch of luxury.
In the area you also find Falsterbo Golf Club, one of Sweden’s oldest golf courses, established in 1909, offering a fantastic course with beautiful views.
Falsterbo Horse Show that each summer hosts one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events.
Sweden’s oldest nature reserve, Måkläppen Sanctuary, open for visitors between 1 November – 31 January. Here you can enjoy bird watching and and wild seal spotting.
Continuing eastward along the scenic coastline, we reached Smygehuk [4] (47 km from Malmö), the southernmost point of Sweden and the entire Scandinavian Peninsula.
The area features Smygehuk Lighthouse that dates back to 1883. During the summer months, there are lots of activities – music, art, culture, and shopping. The winter offers clean, crisp air, spectacular sunsets.
The viewpoint Utkiken is a platform that marks the southernmost point in Sweden, from which one can see Köpmansmagasinet, dating from the early 19th century. Rumor has it that it was once a smuggler’s nest during the Napoleonic Wars. There is a signpost pointing to places such as Berlin, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and the North Pole.
We enjoyed lunch at Sweden’s southernmost café, Café Smyge, with their famous prawn sandwich,
“Lunch at Café Smyge was something new—I couldn’t really figure out the food, but it was interesting! Luckily, we found some Indian food in the evening. I was happy—spicy food always hits the spot.” (Mohan)
After lunch we followed the coastline to Ystad Saltsjöbad [5], about 65 km from Malmö. This elegant luxurious spa resort offers a charming and classic Newport-style experience with sea views, delicious food, and a relaxing spa. The resort has a rich history dating back to the 19th century and is situated just 20 meters from the sea, providing an excellent location for a getaway.
Ystad itself is famous for its medieval streets and as the setting for Henning Mankell’s Wallander crime novels.
Our final stop along the south coast was Ales Stenar [6] (80 km from Malmö), a 1,400-year-old Viking stone ship located on a hill overlooking the sea. Composed of 59 massive boulders weighing up to 5 tonnes each, this mysterious monument is one of Sweden’s most fascinating historical sites. Whether it was used as a burial ground or a solar calendar remains a mystery, but the view from here is breathtaking, especially at sunset.
“At Ales Stenar, the sea view was beautiful. Me and Sanath climbed down from Kåseberga ridge to the seashore and caught a peaceful sunset while walking on the stones near the water.” (Mohan)
Returning to Malmö, we ended our journey at Möllevångstorget [7], a lively square in the heart of the city. Known for its fruit and vegetable market, this area is a melting pot of cultures, packed with international grocery stores, Middle Eastern bakeries, and Asian supermarkets. It’s also home to some of Malmö’s best restaurants, including Kontrast, an Indian eatery serving rich, aromatic curries and flavorful tandoori dishes. My Indian guests approved the authenticity of the dishes 🙂
Gowtham’s “Top 5 things that stood out”:
- The roads were smooth, well-maintained, and there was barely any traffic. Everyone followed traffic rules, which made driving feel super calm and safe. Definitely a big contrast to the usual chaos we’re used to back home.
- Parking was super easy and organized, with proper spots everywhere. No random squeezing into tight spaces or stressful searches like in India.
- Since we were mostly in the countryside along the south coast, it was really quiet and not crowded at all. Most places had very few people around, which made the whole trip feel super relaxed.
- The weather was a bit chilly, but overall it was nice. The air felt fresh and clean, and there was zero pollution.
- The beaches we stopped by were really well-kept, with clean surroundings and crystal clear (and freezing!) water. Everything just felt very well-maintained and natural.
Mohan’s story:
“Overall, it was a really chill and refreshing experience—very different from the usual road trips in India.
I felt a bit anxious when I landed in Denmark since it was my first foreign trip, but also excited—the air was so fresh and welcoming, I felt like I had stepped into a European movie set.
The Sweden trip was a surprise! Gowtham bro casually told me and Sanath that we could go on a road trip with Ingo, and I was instantly in. I was already hoping to see the Danish countryside, so I was happy we were actually doing a road trip through peaceful, scenic routes.
It was super cold during the first couple of days—too cold for an Indian like me! But by the time of the trip, I had adjusted enough that Sanath and I even walked into the beach water and took a few photos. Luckily, it was a sunny day, which made things better.
I had stopped beach walking and hiking recently back home because of the crowds and poorly maintained spots. But here, it was the opposite—clean beaches, quiet roads, and no traffic. I even picked a few seashells and small stones for my girlfriend—she finds those things cute, and I didn’t want to return empty-handed!
At Ales Stenar, the sea view was beautiful. Me and Sanath climbed down from Kåseberga ridge to the seashore and caught a peaceful sunset while walking on the stones near the water.
Lunch at Café Smyge was something new—I couldn’t really figure out the food, but it was interesting! Luckily, we found some Indian food in the evening. I was happy—spicy food always hits the spot.
And finally, shoutout to Ingo—our 63-year-old young friend who drove more than 300 km like a pro. His energy was amazing. I hope I have that kind of enthusiasm when I reach his age!
I didn’t get much time to explore agricultural practices in Denmark and Sweden, which I’m actually interested in – but hopefully next time.”
Final thoughts
This road trip showcases the diversity of Skåne, from picturesque villages, golden beaches and ancient Viking landmarks to vibrant city culture and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, the southern coast of Sweden offers something special for everyone.
See previous posts about sightseeing in Skåne:
