Ystad Attractions
Biografteatern ScalaAles Stenar, Kåseberga (15 km east of Ystad). 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 600AD. 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. There is no entrance fee to the Stones but a guided tour will cost you 40 SEK ( 4 Euro ) per person. The tour is free for children younger than 17.. edit
Biografteatern Scala. St. Östergatan 12. Sweden's oldest cinema, now restored.
Karl XII's Hus, Stora Västergaten, where the king is said to have spent the night.
Santa Maria Church (13th century) is the oldest surviving building in Ystad and one of Skånes oldest brick churches. From 9.15pm until 3.00am the night-watchman blows his horn to reassure the townsfolk that all is well.
St Petri Church and monastery
Ystads Konstmuseum, St Knuts Torg, open Tue. - Sun. - a good art museum, with interesting exhibitions and a decent shop.
Ystad Film Studio. 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.
Walk through the old part of the city and enjoy the old half-timbered houses. In the evening eat and drink on the main square or shopping streets, and enjoy the comings and goings of the volunteer fire brigade in their antique vehicles.
Follow the Wallander Trails - if you are a fan of the books or films there are many, many references as Mankell based his material on actual places and situations. If this is to be believed there seems to have been a murder or gruesome incident on almost every corner of the town. In reality the police are hardly ever seen, except when parking up to collect a burger order from the stall on St Knuts Torg, near to the excellent Tourist Information office within the Art Museum.
During summer, enjoy a walk by the beach (east of the town). Stop by and grab a beer or ice cream at "Fritidsbaren" and get a good view of the ocean.
North of the town is a beautiful lake and forest area. Several national parks are found within a short drive and every other year, Ystad hosts a Tattoo, a must-see if you are interested in music.
To be a tourist in this cosy little medieval town is a pleasure. The environments are beautiful and there are many interesting sights to discover. Ystad has it all for both body and soul. Fine art galleries mixed with fascinating museums and a living zoo as well. Why not spend a day or two at the gorgeous beaches or an evening in one if the nightclubs. Ystad is just wonderful.
