Over the years Lukáš and I have criss-crossed Europe and tried just about every conceivable way of travelling. We’ve slept in a rooftop tent on the car, driven mountain passes in a camper van, pedalled long-distance cycle routes and occasionally treated ourselves to fancier hotels. Now that our little Jonáš travels with us, we’re rediscovering old favourites from a completely new perspective.

Europe travel destinations are a safe bet for me, because this is easily the most varied continent on the planet. Nowhere else do you have such incredible contrasts within a few hours’ flight or drive. You can wake up in the morning to a view over deep Norwegian fjords and fall asleep in the evening on the shore of the turquoise Mediterranean.

If you’re currently planning where to go, this list is exactly for you. It covers Europe travel destinations for beach lovers, high-mountain enthusiasts and anyone chasing the perfect city break. I’ve picked 17 of the most beautiful places that shouldn’t be missing from your travel bucket list.

A quick summary for those who don’t have time to read the whole article

• Best for families by car: Croatia and the Slovenian Alps offer great infrastructure and a short driving distance.
• Best off-season warm-up: the Algarve in Portugal is our secret tip for spring-like temperatures in the middle of February.
• Best high-mountain panoramas: in our view the Dolomites easily outshine even the American national parks, and we speak from experience.
• Best value for money: Budapest and Slovakia’s Tatras are destinations where your wallet won’t cry quite so much.
• Most beautiful beaches and sea: Sardinia thoroughly deserves its nickname as the European Caribbean.
• Most exotic without leaving the continent: Iceland and Norway’s Lofoten show you scenery that looks like it’s from another planet.

Summer beach holidays: 6 places where Europe shows off

If you’re looking for the perfect place to go on holiday in Europe for sunshine and salty air, the south of the continent definitely won’t disappoint. From pebble coves in the Balkans to wild cliffs at the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula, you’ll find beaches to rival any exotic island.

1. Croatia: an Adriatic that keeps on surprising

Lukáš and I have been to Croatia several times, and each time we were amazed at how much this country moves forward year on year. On our last road trip we mostly slept in nature, but it was impossible not to notice that the quality of accommodation and services is growing at an incredible pace. The drive from Central Europe down to Dalmatia takes roughly eight to ten hours, which makes it an ideal choice for flexible travellers.

Besides the iconic Plitvice Lakes, which you have to see at least once in your life, I recommend heading to historic towns like Trogir or Šibenik. Travellers on Reddit often point out that while Dubrovnik is bursting at the seams under the onslaught of cruise ships, Trogir offers a far more authentic experience within its walls. For the most beautiful sea, look to the islands of Hvar, Brač or Vis.

If you’re considering a trip to the Adriatic, you’ll find a full detailed itinerary in our guide on a holiday in Croatia. I always advise avoiding overcrowded August and going at the edges of the season instead.

🗓️ When to go: June and September (you’ll avoid the crowds and peak prices) · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 10 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (apartments have gone up, but off-season prices are still fair) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Adriatic Hotel by Maistra Collection in Rovinj or Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel and Spa in Opatija.

2. Greek islands: blue-and-white romance and perfect relaxation

Greece boasts more than two hundred inhabited islands, and choosing the right one can be a real puzzle. Every scrap of land in the Aegean and Ionian Sea has a completely different atmosphere. Travellers rave about the lunar landscape and snow-white rocks at Sarakiniko beach on Milos, while food lovers and fans of long sandy beaches regularly pick Naxos.

Legendary Santorini and its stunning caldera are a chapter of their own. On discussion forums people often argue whether the island isn’t overpriced and overcrowded. But one of the most popular opinions on Reddit sums up the reality perfectly (I’m quoting): I expected to be disappointed and in the end it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. The key to success is going in April or May, when you’ll have the loveliest sunset views in the village of Oia almost to yourself.

For a detailed comparison of the individual destinations, read our article on where to go on holiday in Greece, where you’ll also find tips on the most beautiful Greek islands. The water stays pleasantly warm well into autumn.

🗓️ When to go: May, June or September and October · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 10 days (it’s ideal to combine two islands) · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (factor in extra costs for ferries) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Stella Village Seaside Hotel on Crete or Angsana Corfu Resort and Spa on Corfu.

3. Sardinia: the European Caribbean you have to see

Sardinia is quite rightly nicknamed the European Caribbean, and looking at the photos it’s no wonder. The turquoise colour of the sea on the northern coast is so vivid you won’t believe your own eyes. The most famous beach, La Pelosa, near the town of Stintino tempts you with white sand and shallow water that’s ideal even for weaker swimmers.

But the island isn’t only about lazing on the beach. The interior hides mysterious prehistoric structures called nuraghi, and the Su Nuraxi complex is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you like wilder nature, the Cala Goloritzé cove is sure to captivate you — you can only reach it on foot along a beautiful mountain trail or by rented boat from the sea.

We share more practical advice and a complete map of interesting spots in our guide on what to see in Sardinia. To get around the island you’ll definitely need your own or a rental car.

🗓️ When to go: June and September (in August the whole of Italy is on holiday and everything is packed) · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 14 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range to higher (ferries and flights can jump in season) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Hotel Villa Las Tronas in Alghero or Su Gologone Experience Hotel inland.

4. Sicily: antiquity and volcanoes on one plate

Sicily probably offers the best imaginable mix of history, gorgeous sea and fantastic food in all of Italy. The island’s most striking feature is, of course, Europe’s highest active volcano, majestic Etna, which rises to more than three thousand metres. You can get close to it by cable car and then by off-road buses.

While roaming the island you mustn’t miss romantic Taormina with its ancient theatre, which offers an incredible view of smouldering Etna. Other gems are historic Palermo, the beautiful mosaics in Monreale and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. And if you’re vegetarian like us, you’ll be in paradise here. You absolutely have to try the fried rice balls arancini filled with cheese and peas, or the sweet cannoli pastries.

If this vibrant island appeals to you, check out our tips for a holiday in Sicily. Food here is also noticeably cheaper than in the more industrial north of Italy.

🗓️ When to go: May, June and the turn of September and October (summers bring extreme heat) · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 10 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (very friendly prices for local food) · 🛏️ Where to stay: You’ll find specific verified hotels and guesthouses spelled out in our detailed guide.

5. Algarve: Portugal’s paradise on earth

If you’re thinking of heading to the south of Portugal, I have to warn you honestly in advance. You’ll fall in love with it so much that you won’t want to go home. Lukáš and I have been coming to the Algarve every single year since 2020, and the region charmed us so much that we’re eventually hoping to buy a little house here. We usually spend the whole of February here, when temperatures hover between a pleasant seventeen and twenty degrees, the beaches are empty and the sun is shining.

The Algarve is famous for its ochre cliffs and caves. Among the most beautiful spots are the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade near Lagos, Praia da Marinha beach and the celebrated Benagil cave. The ocean is fairly cold even in the middle of summer and often brings big waves, which makes the region an absolute paradise for surfers. Sunset on the cliffs by the Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse, Europe’s southwesternmost tip, is simply magical.

Experienced travellers on community forums often advise avoiding large resorts like Albufeira, which feel more like a British colony. Far more picturesque, they say (and we fully agree), is historic Tavira in the east, where you’ll find peace and beautiful beaches reached by ferry. We’ve put together our entire Algarve road trip as a detailed itinerary for you.

🗓️ When to go: Year-round (summer is ideal for swimming, winter for hiking and escaping the frost) · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 14 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (off-season you’ll get accommodation for a fraction of summer prices) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Quinta Nova Vale Del Rey in Carvoeiro or the unusual houseboat The Homeboat Company in Albufeira.

6. The French Riviera: cinematic charm and endless light

The south of France combines incredible elegance, picturesque historic towns and famous pebble beaches. The local light is so distinctive and soft that historically the area attracted the world’s greatest painters, including Matisse and Picasso. And when you look out over the coast at sunset, you’ll quickly understand why. The centre of all the action is the city of Nice with its famous Promenade des Anglais.

Besides lazing by the sea, it would be a sin not to head into the surrounding hills. The medieval town of Èze, hanging like an eagle’s nest high above the water, is truly exceptional. Another stop should be Menton, the city of lemons, or famously film-worthy Cannes. The great news is that the whole coast is perfectly connected by local TER trains, so you’ll save yourself the stress of hunting for expensive parking.

To find out more about what the area around Nice hides, check out our article on Nice and its surroundings, and be sure to peek into our guide to colourful Menton too.

🗓️ When to go: May, June and September (July and August are extremely expensive and crowded) · ⏱️ How long: 4 to 7 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (but train travel and market shopping can tame the budget) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Hotel Florence Nice in the mid-range or the legendary luxury Le Negresco right on the promenade.

Mountains, fjords and lakes: 5 of Europe’s natural gems

Sometimes you simply need to swap your swimsuit for hiking boots and let the power of raw nature blow you away. If you’re seeking the most beautiful places in Europe full of peaks soaring into the sky, deep forests and crystal-clear glacial lakes, from the following destinations you’ll bring home photos that nobody back home will believe were taken in Europe.

7. The Dolomites: Italian mountains that will take your breath away

The Dolomites are our absolute favourite and we come back every year. We’ve discovered the mountains here from the saddle of a bike, camped in a tent, driven the passes in a camper van and occasionally treated ourselves to the comfort of a hotel. This year we were here for the first time with little Jonáš, and although we swapped long, demanding treks for comfortable cable cars, we discovered it’s perhaps even more stunning that way.

The region’s best-known symbol is undoubtedly the iconic trio of teeth, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which you have to walk around at least once. On discussion sites you’ll find comments with thousands of upvotes claiming the Dolomites are so overwhelmingly beautiful that they’ll ruin hiking in the US for you, because not even the national parks there can match them. And we have to admit that the photogenic Alpe di Siusi meadow and the craggy Seceda really do look painted.

Thanks to its UNESCO listing, the area carefully protects its character. We’ve written up detailed tips on treks and viewpoints in our article on what to do in the Dolomites. Whether you choose Cortina d’Ampezzo or the Val Pusteria valley as your base, you won’t go wrong.

🗓️ When to go: Mid-June to September for hiking, December to March for perfect skiing · ⏱️ How long: 4 to 7 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (accommodation in the Italian mountains is pricier and cable cars usually cost €20 to €40) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Dolomiti Sweet Lodge or the design-led HOTEL de LEN right in Cortina.

8. Lofoten: a magical end of the world above the Arctic Circle

This July we set off for eight days to Norway’s Lofoten with our two-year-old Jonáš, and it was an experience we’ll never forget. Up here in the north the weather changed literally every five minutes. Within a single hour we experienced pouring rain, sharp sun, strong wind and then a shower again, but that dramatic atmosphere is simply part of Lofoten. These islands reminded us enormously of rugged Alaska.

The classic image of Lofoten is the so-called rorbuer, old red fishing huts built on stilts right over the water. Besides the Arctic beaches of Haukland and Vik with their unbelievably turquoise water, framed by peaks jutting straight out of the ocean, you’ll also find fantastic cafés here. From our base in the town of Henningsvær we fell in love with the local bakery and we still dream about their sweet coconut skoleboller pastries to this day.

When planning your trip, remember that Norway is huge and distances are deceptive. As the locals joke on Reddit, tourists often ask which way to walk to Lofoten from Trondheim, even though it’s a thousand kilometres away. You’ll find more tips in our article on what to see in Lofoten. The car rental companies here offer almost exclusively electric vehicles, but the charging network is absolutely top-notch.

🗓️ When to go: June to August for the midnight sun, February and March for the northern lights · ⏱️ How long: 5 to 8 days · 💰 Budget: Expensive (food prices are double those elsewhere in Europe and one car charge costs around €15 to €30) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The iconic red huts of Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy or Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær.

9. Iceland: an adventure on another planet

When Lukáš and I first drove around Iceland, we constantly felt like we’d left planet Earth. It’s the closest feeling of absolute exoticism you can experience in Europe. The landscape is harsh, full of moss, black volcanic sand and vast masses of frozen ice.

Most visitors start with the famous Golden Circle, where you’ll be amazed by the regularly erupting Geysir and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. But if you carry on south along Ring Road number one, you’ll discover more gems. At Seljalandsfoss waterfall you can walk right behind the falling wall of water, and at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon you’ll stare at enormous blue icebergs drifting freely out to the ocean.

In summer you’ll enjoy endless days thanks to the midnight sun, while in winter you can marvel at the dancing northern lights. We’ve summed up everything essential for planning a road trip in our article Iceland: the big guide. Although flights are often surprisingly cheap, the stay itself will put your wallet to the test.

🗓️ When to go: June to August to drive the whole island, September to March to hunt the northern lights · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 14 days (for the complete loop) · 💰 Budget: Very expensive (accommodation and restaurants are among the priciest in Europe) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon near the glacier lagoon or the popular Hótel Kea in the northern town of Akureyri.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to Stay in Europe

6 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Adriatic Hotel by Maistra Collection

First-class hotel in Rovinj, ideal for a family vacation by the Adriatic with quality facilities.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel and Spa

Luxury boutique hotel with spa in Opatija, offers relaxation and comfort on the Croatian coast.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏖️ Beach

Stella Village Seaside Hotel

Seaside hotel in Crete, ideal for families seeking comfort by the beach.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🌲 Resort

Angsana Corfu Resort and Spa

Resort with spa on the island of Corfu, offers luxury relaxation on the Greek coast.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Villa Las Tronas

Elegant hotel in a historic villa in Alghero, Sardinia with sea views.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Su Gologone Experience Hotel

Authentic experience hotel in the Sardinian interior for discovering local culture.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability

10. Slovenia: a green pearl with an enormous heart

Slovenia may be a small country, but it offers such concentrated natural beauty that it boggles the mind. From Central Europe you can drive here in just five or six hours, which makes it an absolutely ideal destination even for a long weekend. The biggest magnet is, of course, the famous Lake Bled with its magical little church on an islet and a castle perched on a steep cliff above the water.

Experienced travellers on discussion forums share an interesting observation: although Bled is gorgeous, it tends to be crowded even outside high season. A far quieter and, according to many, even more picturesque alternative is nearby Lake Bohinj, which lies right in the heart of a wild national park and offers better swimming conditions. On the way, don’t miss the walk along the wooden boardwalks through the narrow Vintgar Gorge.

Also explore the emerald Soča River, a paradise for rafters, or the majestic Predjama Castle carved into the rock. You’ll find a complete list of tips in our article on what to see in Slovenia, and after your outings don’t forget to warm up at the best thermal spas in Slovenia.

🗓️ When to go: May to September (nature is at its greenest) · ⏱️ How long: 3 to 5 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (accommodation and services are still noticeably cheaper than in neighbouring Austria) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Adora Luxury Hotel with a view of Bled or the eco-friendly Bohinj Eco Hotel.

11. The High Tatras: the nearest true high mountains

The High Tatras in Slovakia are the most accessible taste of genuine high mountains you can find. I’ve done a multi-day ridge traverse here with a backpack on my back, and I can confirm that the views from the mountain saddles down into deep valleys are absolutely magnificent. The advantage is that you can comfortably reach the foot of the Tatras by overnight sleeper train, and by morning you can already be standing at the trail marker.

The classics include a walk around Štrbské pleso and Popradské pleso. Experienced hikers can head up to Rysy without a mountain guide, rising to nearly two and a half thousand metres. On international forums you’ll often see discussions where hikers compare the Slovak and Polish sides of the mountains. While they call Poland’s Zakopane a tourist hell with queues on the pavements, the Slovak side is still considered an underrated treasure where you can avoid the crowds.

After a tough day on the trail, there’s nothing better than soaking your tired muscles in warm water. That’s why we’ve prepared an overview of the thermal spas in Slovakia, where you can pop after reading the itinerary for the High Tatras traverse.

🗓️ When to go: July to September for safe hiking (in June there’s often still snow on the ridges) · ⏱️ How long: 3 to 5 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap (compared with the Alpine countries you’ll get food and mountain-hut beds at great prices) · 🛏️ Where to stay: You’ll find accommodation tips with wellness facilities in our article on Slovak thermal spas.

Landscapes like a postcard: wine, lavender and Tuscan hills

For those of you who don’t need to rack up elevation gain on holiday or swim in the sea every day, Europe has the world’s most romantic countryside scenery in store. The following regions are made for slow travel from one village to the next, tasting local cheeses and sipping wine at sunset.

12. Tuscany: the Renaissance heart of Italy

Tuscany is tied up with a huge number of wonderful memories for me. I’ve been here several times with my family, driving the classic loop, but Lukáš and I also got to know it by bike on a long-distance cycle trip across the continent. Pedalling up the endless gentle hills between the vineyards was hard work, but the views made up for everything.

The absolute highlight for photography lovers is the Val d’Orcia valley, protected by UNESCO. This is exactly where all those iconic shots of lonely farmhouses lined with perfectly trimmed cypress avenues come from. Besides Florence with its stunning galleries, headed by the Uffizi Gallery, you mustn’t miss medieval Siena or San Gimignano, nicknamed the medieval Manhattan for its tall family towers.

As a reward you can then soak in the hot springs of Saturnia, whose cascading pools are completely free. For the perfect itinerary, check out our article Tuscany: a holiday or the detailed guide to the towns of Siena and San Gimignano.

🗓️ When to go: April, May and September, October (in summer it’s stiflingly hot with huge crowds) · ⏱️ How long: 5 to 7 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range to higher (depends on whether you pick a luxury villa or a simpler guesthouse) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The romantic Hotel Certosa di Maggiano in Siena or the countryside agritourism Ca’ Bianca Tuscany Relais.

13. Provence: a purple sea of scents and colours

The interior of southern France is a world of its own, dominated by the distinctive scent of herbs and good rosé wine. If you long to see the most beautiful endless lavender fields, you have to plan your trip absolutely precisely. The best-known fields are on the Valensole plateau or by the picturesque Sénanque abbey, but they only bloom for a few weeks of the year.

Besides the fragrant fields, Provence also hides one of Europe’s greatest natural wonders, the awe-inspiring Gorges du Verdon. This deep canyon with its vividly turquoise water tempts you to rent a pedalo or kayak and explore the steep limestone walls straight from the water. History lovers, on the other hand, will fall for the villages perched on rocks, like stone-built Gordes or Roussillon, entirely constructed from red-ochre stone.

We’ve mapped the whole area for you in an article focused on the stunning Gorges du Verdon canyon, and it fits beautifully into a longer route described in our road trip around France. And a warning right away: without your own car you’ll be stuck here, as public transport between the villages barely runs.

🗓️ When to go: Late June to mid-July for the blooming lavender, otherwise September is lovely too · ⏱️ How long: 4 to 7 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range to higher (France charges well for its best regions) · 🛏️ Where to stay: You’ll find accommodation options spelled out in our big France guide.

Cities for a long weekend: 4 capitals that won’t disappoint

If you only have a few days off and you’re after the best city break, Europe’s big cities are the obvious choice. They offer the most beautiful landmarks, top-class food and flights for just a few euros from many airports across the continent.

14. London: a cosmopolitan giant that never sleeps

London fascinated me even as a child, when I first stood in the huge queue outside Madame Tussauds. Lukáš and I returned to the British capital right after coming back from our year-long stay in Canada. I remember we were watching every pound back then, so we rented city bikes and cycled all over the centre, joined a free Harry Potter film-location walk and discovered that London can be enjoyed even on a very slim budget.

One of London’s biggest advantages is the fact that most of its key museums, headed by the magnificent British Museum, are completely free to enter. Travellers often compare its energy with New York, because for sheer number of landmarks and attractions it has no rival in Europe. From the crown jewels in the Tower of London, through iconic Tower Bridge, to the colourful markets of Notting Hill or Camden.

So your head doesn’t spin from this enormous city, we’ve put together an extensive list of 50 tips on what to see in London. And if you love discovering quality coffee beans as much as we do, check out the best cafés in London.

🗓️ When to go: Year-round (in spring the parks are in bloom and pre-Christmas December has a unique charm) · ⏱️ How long: 3 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (London hotels are expensive, but you’ll save on museum entry and street-market food) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The Z Hotel Trafalgar for great value and location, or the classic The Cavendish London.

15. Paris: the city of lights and irresistible romance

Paris is simply a classic you should soak up first-hand at least once in your life. When we wandered around here, what we loved most was simply sitting by the River Seine. We bought fresh crusty baguettes and quality French cheeses at a local market and just watched the boats and the bustle of the city. It has far more magic than rushing from one landmark to the next.

The city’s symbol is, of course, the Eiffel Tower, where an iron rule applies: you have to book your tickets well in advance. The same goes for the famous Louvre, the world’s most visited museum. The most common tourist mistake is trying to race through all the collections in a single day. It’s far wiser to pick just two or three sections and spend the rest of your time strolling the lanes of artistic Montmartre.

You’ll find practical advice for your visit in our guide on what to see in Paris. Choosing the right neighbourhood is absolutely crucial to the overall impression here, so be sure to study our guide on where to stay in Paris.

🗓️ When to go: April to June or beautifully coloured October · ⏱️ How long: 3 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (you pay a premium for views and central Paris hotels) · 🛏️ Where to stay: You’ll find specific hotels sorted by district in our specialised article.

16. Prague: a gem right under our noses

For many locals Prague is just a place for the occasional shopping trip or a bit of paperwork, but be honest — when did you last walk around the capital through the eyes of a curious tourist? I had the enormous privilege of attending grammar school in the Lesser Town, and during lunch breaks I’d regularly stroll through the grounds of Prague Castle. Back then I had no idea how exceptional that was, just as I didn’t realise this is where our first date with Lukáš took place.

Prague regularly and quite rightly ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. St Vitus Cathedral takes your breath away with its majesty, and a walk around mysterious Vyšehrad offers peace and the best views over the Vltava. If you want to experience real magic, head to Charles Bridge at dawn, while the city still sleeps. It’s the only chance to enjoy its statues without hundreds of selfie sticks in the way.

We’ve gathered plenty of inspiration for a weekend stay in our article on what to see in Prague. Even though home is just a short hop away, it’s sometimes worth booking a nice hotel and becoming a tourist in your own country for a few days.

🗓️ When to go: Year-round (in my view it’s most beautiful in fragrant May and December during the Christmas markets) · ⏱️ How long: 2 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap (Prague is more affordable than the Western capitals) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The luxurious Augustine in the Lesser Town or the renowned Four Seasons Prague by the river.

17. Budapest: the queen of the Danube and hot springs

The Hungarian capital is probably the best tip for travellers who want an awful lot of bang for very little buck. Budapest is simply beautiful. Its most photogenic landmark is the enormous Parliament building sitting right on the bank of the Danube, which looks especially dramatic after dark when it lights up completely. Fairy-tale views are then offered by the white turrets of the Fisherman’s Bastion on the Buda side of the city.

What sets Budapest apart from other cities, though, is its spa culture, with roots going all the way back to the Romans and Turks. The famous Széchenyi thermal baths, recognisable by their vast yellow façades, or the Art Nouveau Gellért baths are the perfect balm for tired feet. After a full day of walking, treat yourself to some greasy lángos straight from the street, along with kürtőskalács, a sweet chimney cake you simply can’t resist.

You’ll find all the important spots, including the famous ruin bars, in our article Budapest: the best places. Of our entire seventeen, this city is the friendliest choice for tight budgets.

🗓️ When to go: Year-round (in winter the rising steam over the outdoor pools has an incredible charm) · ⏱️ How long: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap (food, accommodation and services are all very affordable) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The modern Hotel Vision or the comfortable Milford Suites Budapest apartments.

When to go where and how to save

If you want your European holiday to run smoothly and not cost you all your savings, careful timing is absolutely crucial. For summer beach stays we strongly recommend avoiding August and focusing on June or September instead. The weather in those months is gorgeous, the sea still warm, but hotel prices and crowds are often half of what they’d be. European cities, on the other hand, are at their loveliest in spring or autumn, when you won’t roast on scorching asphalt.

Destinations like Norway’s Lofoten, Iceland and the French Riviera are among the most expensive places on the continent. You can save here mainly by going just outside the peak and buying food in local supermarkets instead of eating out every day. In contrast, you’ll get a remarkably cheap city break in Budapest or a high-mountain hike in Slovakia’s Tatras, where with a bit of planning you can manage — flight or train ticket included — on around €200 per person.

For finding cheap connections, we’ve had good results tracking departures on Kiwi, mostly midweek when prices tend to be lowest. If you’re planning a road trip, we always use the RentalCars comparison tool, which we’ve had good experiences with across several continents. We also never set off without proper travel insurance. For shorter trips around Europe AXA works reliably for us, and for longer, more demanding journeys we choose True Traveller.

Where to next

• The most beautiful lakes in the world: 25 tips for breathtaking spots
• The best water parks and thermal spas in Europe
• The most beautiful waterfalls in the world you have to see

Frequently asked questions

Finally, I’ve put together answers to the questions that come up most often around planning a holiday in Europe.

People often confuse Estonia the country with Latvia or Lithuania and mentally file it somewhere in the grey post-Soviet east. In reality, this tiny nation belongs mentally and culturally to Scandinavia, and it is far closer to the Finns than to its Baltic neighbours.

Instead of crumbling concrete tower blocks, you’re welcomed by a highly modern and technologically advanced society, where medieval walls flow seamlessly into glass-fronted startup hubs. In the morning you can respectfully watch for bears deep in the taiga, and in the afternoon sip specialty coffee in a neighbourhood that looks like it was lifted straight from a Copenhagen design magazine.

In this article we’ll take a look at the most interesting and surprising facts that make Estonia a true European one-off. Among other things, you’ll find out why people here sometimes drive across the sea in winter without seatbelts, and how it’s even possible that locals handle all their official paperwork straight from the sauna.

Quick answer

Estonia is the northernmost Baltic state, lying in north-eastern Europe by the Baltic Sea and bordering Latvia and Russia. The capital is Tallinn, the currency is the euro, and the official language is Estonian.

With a population of 1.37 million, the country belongs to both the European Union and NATO, and it stands out worldwide for the extreme level of digitalisation of its public administration.

TL;DR

Let’s sum up the most essential points right away. Estonia is incredibly diverse and offers a whole host of unique things.

• Nordic at heart: Estonians don’t feel part of the Baltics at all, and both linguistically and culturally they are closest to neighbouring Finland.
• The e-Estonia digital paradise: Almost 99 percent of all public administration runs online, including nationwide parliamentary elections.
• A land of thousands of islands: More than 2,000 islands hug the Estonian coast, the most famous being Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
• Unique wilderness: Deep forests cover half of the country, and in spring you can experience the so-called fifth season first-hand.
• European historical firsts: Tallinn boasts the oldest continuously operating pharmacy and, quite likely, the first Christmas tree in Europe.
• Safety first: Despite its proximity to Russia, it’s one of the safest and most media-literate countries in the entire world.

Key facts about Estonia the country

20 interesting facts about Estonia

Estonia manages to surprise you at almost every turn. Here’s a selection of the most fascinating facts that perfectly capture this Nordic-leaning country. You’ll discover why the nature here is so unbelievably wild, just how much locals love digitalisation, and which unusual traditions have survived right up to the present day.

Think of this list as great inspiration and a springboard for planning your own Nordic adventure.

1. An e-state where you handle everything from the sofa

Estonia is an absolute world pioneer in digitalisation, because almost 99 percent of all official tasks can be done online. Under local law, there are only three specific things for which you physically have to show up at an office: getting married, getting divorced, and selling property.

This sophisticated system is called e-Estonia and covers absolutely everything, from setting up a company to picking up a prescription. Estonians were even the very first nation in the world to introduce nationwide internet voting, which saves them a huge amount of time and public money.

The state also offers so-called e-Residency, a virtual citizenship for entrepreneurs from all over the world, and it lures digital nomads with special visas. According to various surveys, the time locals save on paperwork is most often spent in nature or in their beloved saunas.

2. Not Balts, but hidden Nordics

The key to understanding the Estonian soul lies in their complex language, which does not belong to the Baltic languages like neighbouring Latvian and Lithuanian. Estonian falls into the Finno-Ugric branch, so when an Estonian and a Latvian meet at the border, linguists say they don’t understand a single word of each other.

For this historical reason, locals don’t feel part of the Baltics and see the term more as an artificial geographic label. Mentally, culturally and historically, they look north towards Helsinki, with whom they share a Lutheran work ethic and a passion for minimalism.

The numbers only confirm this strong Nordic lean, because Estonia is by far the wealthiest of the Baltic trio. The country has the highest GDP per capita and consistently tops the whole region in the prestigious Human Development Index.

3. The oldest operating pharmacy in Europe

Right on Tallinn’s picturesque Town Hall Square, you’ll find a historic gem that many tourists walk straight past without noticing. It’s called Raeapteek, and it is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in all of Europe, first opening its doors back in 1422.

In the dark days of the Middle Ages, it routinely sold utterly bizarre remedies, including powder from burnt hedgehogs, bat’s blood, and even dried toads. Back then the pharmacy also served as a social hub, where councillors sipped spiced wine and discussed important town politics.

You can’t buy bat’s blood here any more, of course, but the historical exhibition in the back room is completely free to visit and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine. Meanwhile, the front of the shop still functions as a perfectly ordinary modern pharmacy for locals.

4. The battle over the first public Christmas tree

Tallinn very proudly claims one of the loveliest European firsts, and it’s all about everyone’s favourite winter holiday. Local historians insist that it was right here, on Town Hall Square, that the first public Christmas tree in Europe was raised in 1441.

This tradition was started by members of the powerful Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild of unmarried merchants active across the Baltics. According to surviving records, they set up a huge fir tree on the square, then danced and sang around it before ceremonially setting it alight.

To this day, Tallinn still has a friendly rivalry with neighbouring Riga in Latvia, which claims to have put up its tree a few years earlier. Whoever’s right, the current Tallinn Christmas market ranks in many polls among the most beautiful on the entire continent. 💡 Tip: If you love the Advent atmosphere, head to Tallinn in December, when the markets are given their magic by the ever-present Nordic golden hour. You can easily book winter tours and activities in advance through GetYourGuide.

5. A smoke sauna on the UNESCO list

While you’ll find modern spa hotels all over the country, the true soul of Estonian sauna culture is hidden deep in the south in the characterful Võromaa region. It’s here that the unique tradition of the so-called smoke sauna has survived, which UNESCO added to its prestigious list in 2014.

This small log cabin has no chimney at all, so when a fire of good-quality wood is lit inside, thick smoke fills the whole room and soot covers the walls. Heating takes roughly half a day, and only once the fire has burned out and the smoke has cleared through a small window can people step inside.

The air inside smells incredibly clean, of wood and tar, and the heat is radiant, seeping soothingly right down to the bone. Local families use this all-day ritual to cleanse both body and mind, often whipping themselves with traditional birch whisks in the process.

6. Matriarchy on the island of Kihnu

The small Estonian island of Kihnu is a genuine European rarity, often described as the last functioning matriarchy in Europe. Thanks to the preservation of ancient traditions, its fascinating cultural space is also protected by UNESCO.

The historical reason behind this arrangement is very simple and purely practical. The island’s men would sail off for months at a time to hunt seals, so the women had to take absolute control of running the farms, repairing agricultural machinery, and keeping folklore alive.

To this day, locals say you’ll routinely see island women driving heavy tractors or riding motorbikes dressed in traditional striped woollen skirts. The colour of the stripes on these skirts even carries a precise meaning, signalling to those around whether a woman is in mourning or, on the contrary, rejoicing.

7. Ice roads with bizarre rules

When a really hard winter grips the Estonian landscape and the Baltic Sea freezes solid enough, a phenomenon opens up that you won’t easily experience anywhere else in Europe. The state transport authority marks out official ice roads straight across the frozen sea, with the longest one, to the island of Hiiumaa, stretching an incredible 26.5 kilometres.

Driving across sea ice, however, is governed by rules that sound completely insane and defy all ordinary logic. While driving, there’s a strict ban on wearing seatbelts, so that you can leave the vehicle instantly and without delay if the ice unexpectedly cracks.

Another huge peculiarity is a forbidden speed range, because drivers must not travel between 25 and 40 kilometres per hour. In this specific range, the tyres create a strong resonance wave beneath the ice that could catastrophically shatter the frozen crust in front of the car.

8. The fifth season in the flooded forests

On top of the classic spring, summer, autumn and winter, Estonia has one more utterly unique natural anomaly. In Soomaa National Park, the so-called fifth season regularly plays out at the turn of March and April, drawing adventurers from far and wide.

Water from the rapidly melting snow can’t drain away naturally in this flat area, so it massively floods the sprawling meadows, forests, and local roads. For a few weeks, this enormous expanse turns into a fascinating, disorienting watery mirror.

Locals bring out their traditional canoes at this time, and tourists come to paddle right between the trunks of full-grown trees or straight up to the doorsteps of old rural farmsteads. It’s a surreal experience, but one that requires very good timing, as it lasts only briefly. 💡 Tip: You have to book canoe trips with local guides well in advance during this season, because demand hugely outstrips the available capacity.

9. White nights, when darkness never comes

If you’re planning a trip to Estonia during June, get ready for your sleep rhythm to take a proper battering. The country lies far enough north that around the summer solstice, the sun sets only around a quarter to eleven at night and the light lingers all night long.

This phenomenon, known as the white nights, means the sky never fully darkens and the landscape is wrapped only in a strange bluish twilight. If you’re one of those people who need total darkness to rest, definitely pack a good eye mask.

The biggest event of this period is the midsummer night known as Jaanipäev, which Estonians regard as the single most important holiday of the year. Towns empty out completely at this time, as all the locals flee en masse to the countryside, where they light huge bonfires and celebrate the arrival of summer until the small hours.

10. Two hundred years of mud-bath tradition

Although we usually associate healing treatments with warm springs, Estonian wellness culture is built on something completely different. The therapeutic treasure here is black sea mud, dredged from shallow bays and said to have miraculous effects on aching joints and rheumatism.

This tradition kicked off as early as the first half of the nineteenth century, when Russian imperial nobility began flocking here in great numbers. The first documented mud baths opened in 1824 on the island of Saaremaa, followed a year later by the picturesque coastal town of Haapsalu.

Today Estonia maintains a top Nordic standard in spa culture, and the town of Pärnu even holds the official title of summer capital. Local modern spa hotels skilfully combine historic mud wraps with clean Scandinavian design and extensive sauna worlds.

11. Immunity to disinformation

While plenty of European states wage a tough battle against fake news online, Estonian society functions like a huge educational shield. In the Europe-wide media literacy ranking, Estonia holds an elite fifth place, making it the top of the class for the entire post-Soviet space.

This enormous lead really stands out when you compare it with its neighbours, because in the same ranking Latvia languishes in seventeenth place and Lithuania as far down as nineteenth. Estonians are, in short, highly educated, secular, and strongly resistant to information manipulation.

Experts attribute this success to a modern education system that teaches critical thinking from an early age, along with an overall trust in the digitalised state. As you stroll through the streets of the university city of Tartu, you’ll no doubt feel that calm, organised atmosphere of a smart society.

12. A physical border between two worlds in Narva

In the far east of the country lies the town of Narva, which offers an utterly fascinating, up-close look at today’s geopolitical reality. Across a narrow river, two mighty medieval fortresses stare straight at each other, marking the physical border between the European Union and Russia.

On one bank the Estonian Hermann Castle rises proudly, while barely a hundred and fifty metres away stands the dark Russian fortress of Ivangorod. It’s said to be the only place in the entire European Union where you can view this enormous clash of civilisations from such close range and in complete safety.

Getting to the other side by car is no longer possible, though, because Estonia uncompromisingly closed the main Narva-1 border crossing to all vehicles in February 2024. In theory you can still cross the border on foot, but travellers are strongly advised against it for safety reasons.

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13. Black bread as a national identity

Estonian gastronomy has taken a huge leap forward in recent years, but one traditional element remains utterly unchanged. The dark, dense, slightly sweet rye sourdough bread called must leib isn’t just an ordinary side dish here, but represents the national identity itself.

You get it automatically in every restaurant, and it tastes best simply spread with a hearty layer of salted butter. If you enjoy trying local specialities, we also recommend sampling the sweet curd bar kohuke, a popular chocolate-coated treat you’ll find in every supermarket.

When you fancy something more traditional, local cuisine offers plenty of meaty dishes, with a renowned speciality being elk soup or marinated Baltic sprat. The little fish are usually served laid on a slice of black bread together with a boiled egg and dill.

14. Forest cabins free for everyone

Every nature lover and camping enthusiast will instantly fall for Estonia’s forest management system. The state forestry organisation RMK maintains a huge network of perfectly marked trails and campsites across the whole country, available to absolutely anyone and completely free of charge.

In the most beautiful spots by lakes or deep in the forests, you’ll find simple wooden cabins known as metsaonnid, where you can spend the night at no cost. They work on a fair principle: the bed simply goes to whoever gets there on foot first.

There’s always a carefully prepared fire pit at these campsites, often even chopped dry firewood and a clean dry toilet. This generous approach by the state clearly shows just how much respect Estonians have for their nature and how strongly they encourage free movement through the landscape.

15. A crazy sauna marathon in the frost

While Pärnu serves as the summer hub, southern Estonia has its winter counterpart in the town of Otepää, which becomes the official winter capital each year. In February it hosts an event that perfectly captures the slightly wild Estonian character: the European Sauna Marathon.

Picture nearly a thousand participants from all over the world, split into teams of four and often dressed in completely wild costumes. Map in hand, their task is to visit around twenty different saunas in the shortest possible time, scattered across the whole snow-covered region.

In each heated room they have to spend at least three minutes, and they collect further precious bonus points by voluntarily plunging along the way into ice holes cut into the frozen lakes. It’s a massive social event where you’re constantly cold, but the mood is fantastic.

16. The Singing Revolution and the human chain

The way Estonia, together with its neighbours, broke free from Soviet rule is one of the most moving moments in modern European history. At the end of the 1980s, the nation rose up against the occupation through the so-called Singing Revolution, when people gathered in their hundreds of thousands and sang banned national songs.

This non-violent resistance culminated in August 1989 with a truly unique act called the Baltic Way. Around two million inhabitants of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined hands and formed an unbroken human snake an impressive 600 kilometres long, linking the capitals of all three republics.

With this astonishing gesture, they drew the whole world’s attention to the fiftieth anniversary of the secret Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, which had once divided Eastern Europe. Two years later, Estonia finally restored its long-yearned-for independence, and it has never changed its westward orientation since.

17. A meteorite crater full of mystery

On Estonia’s largest island, Saaremaa, hides a geological curiosity that has earned the area the occasional nickname of the European Tunguska. Roughly three and a half thousand years ago, a mighty meteorite crashed here at enormous speed, shattering the bedrock on impact and creating several craters at once.

The main one is called Kaali, with an impressive diameter of over one hundred and ten metres, and a dark green lily pond now nestles at its bottom. Given that the area was probably already inhabited back then, the fall of a burning body from the sky must have felt to locals like the absolute end of the world.

The whole place still radiates a very strong pagan atmosphere, and archaeological digs suggest that in ancient times the crater served as an important sacrificial site. Around the pond, remnants of a thick stone wall were discovered, which protected the sacred space from the outside world.

18. Treacherous GPS signal jamming

The region’s geopolitical situation also brings one very practical problem you should definitely factor in when planning a road trip. In recent years, deliberate GPS signal jamming has been very frequently recorded over the entire Baltic Sea and especially in eastern Estonia.

If you rent a car (you’ll find great deals through Booking.com) and head towards the Russian border or south-east into the Setomaa region, the navigation on your phone may unexpectedly go haywire. The blue dot on the map might happily tell you you’re in the middle of the Gulf of Finland or deep in the forest.

For this reason it’s absolutely crucial to download offline maps to your phone before the trip. Thankfully, the classic road signage in Estonia is excellent and very clear, so you’ll reliably reach your destination even in the moments when modern technology briefly lets you down.

19. Two thousand islands to explore

When an Estonian family says they’re off to the islands for the weekend, it sounds much like heading off to a country cottage does elsewhere. The country may own more than two thousand assorted islands and islets, but tourist attention focuses mainly on the big western four.

Besides the already-mentioned spa pearl of Saaremaa and the traditional island of Kihnu, this group also includes the wilder, densely forested Hiiumaa, famous for its historic lighthouses. It’s here that the Kõpu lighthouse from 1531 stands, making it the third-oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the world.

The gateway to this island world is the smaller island of Muhu, which every traveller passes through on the way from the ferry. Here you’ll find the idyllic fishing village of Koguva as well as the luxuriously restored Pädaste Manor, considered the most prestigious country hotel in all of the Baltics.

20. Strict rules and a polar lottery

Estonia can be unexpectedly strict in some respects, which is especially true of its traffic rules. Although you’ll read in places about zero tolerance, the formal blood-alcohol limit for driving is set at 0.2 per mille, so it’s best to skip that single beer with lunch, because the fines are seriously steep.

Another peculiarity concerns winter equipment, because from December to March winter tyres are strictly mandatory, and they must now meet a strict certificate with the mountain-and-snowflake symbol. If you’re driving in winter, your reward for all these hassles might just be the view of the sky.

From late September to March, under favourable conditions, the northern lights appear here, which locals call virmalised. Don’t expect the same certainty as in Finnish Lapland, but if you head far from the light pollution of the big cities, you have a good chance of seeing this fascinating celestial dance with your own eyes.

The Estonian flag and what its colours mean

The Estonian flag is visually very clean, made up of three horizontal stripes in blue, black and white. The flag first saw the light of day in 1881 as the symbol of an Estonian student society in the university city of Tartu, and it soon became the official symbol of the national awakening.

Each of these three colours carries a very strong symbolic meaning tied to the local character and history. The blue represents the sky, loyalty to the homeland, and reflects the deep blue waters of Estonia’s hundreds of lakes and the Baltic Sea.

The black stripe in the middle symbolises Estonia’s fertile soil and at the same time serves as a reminder of the dark, hard past, when the nation suffered for centuries under the rule of foreign empires. White then represents purity, hope for a better future, and the traditional white bark of the ever-present birch forests.

Language: why Estonian sounds like nothing nearby

The first time you hear locals speak, you’ll probably immediately think it sounds a bit like the Elvish from those famous fantasy films. That’s because Estonian belongs to neither the Slavic nor the Baltic languages, but falls into the Finno-Ugric branch and is very closely related to Finnish.

This fascinating language has several grammatical quirks that reliably make foreigners’ heads spin. Estonian works with an incredible fourteen cases, but on the other hand it has no grammatical gender at all and even lacks a future tense, which is expressed more from the context of the sentence.

If you want to score points with the locals, learn at least three basic words that will open plenty of doors. You can greet people with Tere! (Hello), say thank you with Aitäh! (Thank you, pronounced roughly ai-tah), and when clinking beers, don’t forget a cheerful Terviseks! (Cheers).

The four faces of Estonia

Although the country is fairly small in area, it offers enormous regional diversity, and for travel we can loosely divide it into four main areas.

The northern region is the cultural and economic engine of the whole country, dominated by the metropolis of Tallinn with its medieval core and glass-fronted skyscrapers. Just beyond the city lies the beautiful Lahemaa National Park, which offers perfect boardwalks leading across vast peat bogs.

The western coast is synonymous with summer holidays, since this is where the popular islands are, led by Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. On the mainland lies the resort town of Pärnu, famed for its long sandy beaches and two-hundred-year tradition of mud baths.

Southern Estonia is gently rolling, immensely green, and dominated by the university city of Tartu, buzzing with youthful energy. Further south still, you’ll come across the characterful regions of Setomaa and Võromaa, where ancient traditions live on to this day, led by the famous smoke sauna.

The eastern border shows a more industrial, demographically distinct face of the country, as it’s home to a very strong Russian-speaking minority. The main magnet here is the town of Narva with its huge border fortress and the shores of the vast Lake Peipus, where communities of Old Believers still live and grow their renowned onions.

Practical questions people ask most often

When planning your trip you’ll surely run into plenty of practical questions, since Estonia does lie a little off the main tourist trails. If you’re wondering about the legalities, there’s no need to worry, as the country is a full member of the European Union and the Schengen area, so a valid ID card is more than enough to cross the border and there are no visas to deal with.

Finances are just as smooth, because the euro has been the currency here since 2011 and society runs almost entirely cashless, so you’ll get by with a card on your phone practically anywhere. There’s no language barrier to fear either, because the younger and middle generations of Estonians speak completely fluent English and are happy to use it.

As for safety, Estonia is one of the very safest countries in Europe and, as a NATO member, enjoys strong protection from allied forces. Getting here from abroad is fairly easy: from Central Europe it’s roughly a 1,500-kilometre road trip along the toll-free Via Baltica, or you can fly in with major carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet or Lufthansa to Tallinn from many European hubs.

Where to next

• Estonia: 25 tips on what to see and do
• Tallinn: 20 tips on what to see and do in the Estonian capital
• When to visit Estonia: the weather month by month
• Helsinki–Tallinn ferry: prices, connections and how to save

Frequently asked questions

Before your trip north, you might have a few more practical questions buzzing in your head. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common ones, so you can set off completely worry-free.

Drottningholm Palace in Sweden isn’t just a huge Baroque colossus — it’s the place where the Swedish king and queen actually live. And yet they let you wander through most of their state halls and palace gardens. It’s a fascinating showcase of Nordic elegance that easily rivals the French Versailles, while keeping that typically Swedish sense of ease and approachability. People often say it’s the single best half-day trip you can plan from Stockholm. On top of that, you’ll find a genuine world-class rarity here in the shape of an 18th-century palace theatre that still uses its original wooden stage machinery — the kind you won’t see working anywhere else in Europe.

If you’re looking for the perfect escape from the busy city centre, this place is guaranteed to enchant you. The palace complex, which has rightfully held a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991, sits on the picturesque island of Lovön surrounded by the calm waters of Lake Mälaren. Here you’ll find everything you need to know — from transport and tickets to tips on when to arrive so you don’t end up with half of Stockholm in your photos.

TL;DR

• The prettiest route goes by water: In season, historic steamboats sail here from central Stockholm (from the City Hall), the journey itself takes just under an hour, and it’s an incredible experience.
• Royal residence: Drottningholm has served as the permanent home of the Swedish royal family since 1981, with the king and queen occupying the private south wing.
• Combined ticket: Prices vary by season, so it usually pays to check the current price list on the official site kungligaslotten.se and buy your tickets online.
• The palace park is free: You can visit the gorgeous Baroque gardens and the sprawling English park year-round without paying a cent, which makes it a great destination even for budget travellers.
• Card payment only: Like almost all of Sweden, the Drottningholm grounds are strictly cashless in 2026 — you won’t be able to use physical banknotes here at all.
• Ideal time budget: Set aside at least 3 to 4 hours of pure time for the palace, theatre, Chinese Pavilion and gardens — with transport it’s a solid half-day trip.

12 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting

Drottningholm Palace in Sweden offers plenty of nooks and historical curiosities that would be a shame to miss. To help you explore the grounds and not skip anything important, I’ve put together twelve tips and observations. They’ll save you time and money, and they might just help you spot the things most tourists usually walk straight past.

1. The royal family as your neighbours

As you walk through Drottningholm’s long corridors, you might wonder whether you’ll bump into the king behind the next set of doors. Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia chose this palace as their permanent home in the early 1980s, because it felt far more suitable for raising children than the official Royal Palace right in central Stockholm. That one was simply too busy for their taste and too bound by state protocol, whereas the island of Lovön offered peace and nature.

The family lives exclusively in the palace’s south wing, which is understandably heavily guarded and completely off-limits to the public. The rest of this monumental building, however, is open to visitors — which is fairly rare and a very likeable gesture by European standards. So you can freely wander around places where official state dinners and ceremonial receptions for foreign guests still take place today. It’s a strange feeling to know that just a few dozen metres away the monarch might be having lunch.

The royal presence gives the place an incredibly living atmosphere, because it isn’t a cold museum but a real home. As you stroll the courtyards you can watch the palace guard, who don’t patrol here in the same huge numbers as in central Stockholm but still keep their typical Nordic elegance. The whole complex feels immensely well-kept and dignified.

💡 Tip: Want to tell whether the king is home? If the royal standard is flying from the main flagpole (a large flag with a yellow cross on a blue field and the state coat of arms in the middle), it means the monarch is present in Sweden and most likely right there at the palace.

2. State halls full of Baroque luxury

The moment you step inside, you feel as though time has rewound a couple of centuries — back to the days when Sweden was a great power and made sure the world knew it. The main staircase with its illusionistic paintings is so lavish it might make your head spin, but that’s really just the beginning of the whole experience. Every ruler left their own unique mark here, so the interior works like a colourful textbook of Swedish art history.

You’ll surely be wowed by the stunning Ehrenstrahl bedchamber with its dark, rich paintings, or the absolutely breathtaking library of Queen Lovisa Ulrika, said to be one of the most beautiful rooms in the entire country. Its glowing golden details and hundreds of historical volumes stacked from floor to ceiling create an incredibly photogenic space. Also well worth seeing is the long gallery of Karl XI, whose mirrors and windows are strikingly reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at the French Versailles.

As you move through these enormous halls, don’t forget to notice the very practical period details too, such as the richly decorated tiled stoves in the corners of the rooms. These Nordic gems not only look gorgeous, but during Sweden’s brutal winters they were the only thing standing between you and freezing. The huge, hard-to-heat chambers would have been completely uninhabitable without them.

💡 Tip: Try lifting your gaze to the ceilings during your visit. Most of the state halls boast incredibly detailed stucco work and frescoes depicting ancient myths or celebrating Sweden’s military victories of the era.

3. The Slottsteater palace theatre and its magic

If you were only allowed to see one single thing at Drottningholm and skip the rest, let it be the palace theatre. This unassuming building from 1766 hides a worldwide rarity, because its complete original 18th-century stage machinery has survived to this day. While similar theatres elsewhere in Europe burned down or underwent insensitive modernisation, here time has stopped completely.

The complex system of trapdoors, pulleys, ropes and giant winches is still operated purely by hand using human power, without a scrap of electricity. It’s absolutely fascinating to see machines that produce theatrical illusions — creating the effect of a stormy sea using rotating wooden cylinders, or a giant thunder machine where heavy stones roll down wooden cascades. The theatre slept for more than a hundred years under layers of dust before it was rediscovered and brought back to life in the 1920s.

The tour draws you into an era when the royal court invited Europe’s finest artists here, and you’ll even peek into the original actors’ dressing rooms, where old wood scents the air and time has frozen somewhere in the 18th century. Everywhere smells of old wood, and the atmosphere here is simply magical.

💡 Tip: During the summer months, opera and ballet performances in authentic Baroque style are held here regularly, with the orchestra playing period instruments and performers wearing replicas of old costumes. Tickets for these performances vanish at rocket speed, so you’ll need to snag them on the theatre’s website up to six months in advance.

4. The Chinese Pavilion, a Rococo surprise

If you head a little deeper into the sprawling park from the main palace, you’ll come across a building that at first glance doesn’t belong here at all. The Chinese Pavilion (Kina slott) is a fairy-tale Rococo summer house that King Adolf Fredrik had secretly built as a huge birthday surprise for his wife Lovisa Ulrika in 1753. The queen reportedly couldn’t hide her delight, and the pavilion became her favourite retreat.

In the mid-18th century all of Europe was utterly obsessed with everything Chinese, even though it had only very romantic and heavily distorted notions of the real China. The pavilion is a wonderful example of the style known as chinoiserie, where traditional European Rococo boldly blends with oriental motifs, golden dragons, expensive silk wallpapers and lacquered furniture. It comes across as incredibly playful, exotic and — for the time — very relaxed.

Touring this smaller palace won’t take as much time as the main one, but it would definitely be a huge shame to skip it. Admission (roughly 120 SEK, about €11) is charged separately, but in the summer season it’s well worth buying a combined ticket straight away, which costs around 230 SEK (€21) and covers both buildings.

💡 Tip: Right next to the pavilion there’s a small romantic café serving excellent fresh waffles. You can sit down on the grass, order a coffee and calmly savour that absurd but visually gorgeous combination of Nordic nature and Asian architecture.

5. A palace park with a Czech trace

Drottningholm’s gardens are so vast and varied that they could easily fill a whole day trip on their own. The best news is that entry to the entire park is completely free year-round, so you can come here just for an afternoon stroll without buying a ticket to the indoor exhibitions. That’s why locals love coming here to relax at weekends.

The park is divided into two entirely different sections, and the one closest to the palace is a strictly symmetrical Baroque French garden, full of geometrically trimmed hedges, large fountains and long avenues. This is exactly where an intriguing Czech surprise awaits you. Many of the bronze statues by the famous sculptor Adriaen de Vries that decorate this section were carted off by Swedish troops as war booty from Prague’s Wallenstein Palace at the very end of the Thirty Years’ War in 1648.

Further from the palace, this French formality smoothly gives way to a romantic English park, designed instead to evoke untamed, wild nature. You’ll find long winding paths, huge grassy lawns perfect for resting, and picturesque little ponds. For families with children there’s even a system of small hedge mazes where you can get lost for a surprisingly long time.

💡 Tip: If you enjoy long walks, head all the way to the far end of the English park. You’ll find much more peace and quiet there, along with wonderful views back towards the royal palace, beautifully mirrored on the surface of the local ponds.

6. The royal chapel and Sunday services

The architect masterfully incorporated the royal chapel into the palace’s north tower, and it remains genuinely alive today — not just a nicely lit backdrop. Its interior from 1746 is a display of the purest Nordic Rococo, dominated completely by snow-white paint combined with lavish gilding and heavy, hand-woven tapestries. Architect Carl Hårleman created a space here that feels incredibly bright and airy.

Since the late 18th century the chapel has been the regular parish church for all the permanent residents of Lovön island. If you come here on a Sunday morning, you can attend a classic Sunday service, which is open to the general public and requires no special invitation. It’s a beautiful and very authentic way to experience the palace’s atmosphere in its original, spiritual dimension.

During the summer, lavish weddings are also held here very often. It’s not at all unusual to unexpectedly run into a wedding party in their finest during a walk through the palace park. Locals love getting married here, so on a park stroll you might well come across newlyweds all dressed up — and that gives the whole place a completely different vibe than your average museum.

💡 Tip: Even if you’re not planning to attend a service, definitely pop into the chapel for at least a moment during your regular tour. The contrast between the plain exterior facade of the north tower and its richly decorated inner sanctuary is genuinely huge and well worth a few minutes of your time.

7. Two routes, two very different travel experiences

Getting to Drottningholm offers two completely different routes, and each has something going for it. The most romantic and by far the most beautiful option is a trip on a historic steamboat that transports you into the last century for a while. The cruise across the calm Lake Mälaren offers wonderful views of Stockholm’s shoreline, and that moment when the silhouette of the royal palace first appears on the horizon is simply priceless. You can sit on deck, sip your coffee and let the wind ruffle your hair.

But if you need to save time or you’re travelling on a tighter budget, Stockholm’s metro will get you there reliably and noticeably faster — and while waiting for your connection you can even photograph those wonderfully painted stations. The transfer to the bus is then completely seamless and hassle-free.

Whether you choose water or land, the journey to the palace works as a great overture to the whole experience. The palace was historically built to impress visitors arriving by water the most, so if you have the chance, I recommend taking the boat for at least one leg — ideally the morning one on the way there.

💡 Tip: Many travellers cleverly combine the two options. In the morning they take the sightseeing boat to the palace to enjoy that grand arrival by water, and in the afternoon they head back to the centre on the fast metro, once they’re tired from all the walking and want to be back at the hotel as soon as possible.

8. When to arrive and how to avoid the crowds

Drottningholm is immensely popular, and it can get really packed during the summer months. The palace sees the biggest surge of tourists and organised tours from giant cruise ships between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., when it can be a struggle to get a nice photo without strangers in the frame. The palace corridors can feel a little tight at this time.

If you want to enjoy emptier chambers and a quiet park, the ideal strategy is to arrive right at opening time, which is usually 10 a.m. Always double-check the specific month on the website, since the times shift slightly by season. You’ll have roughly an hour and a half of pure time for the most beautiful halls before the main wave of visitors arrives. Another great option is an afternoon visit after 3 p.m., when most big groups are already heading back to the centre for dinner and the grounds empty out pleasantly.

July in Sweden is the time of the so-called industrisemester, when almost the whole country takes its collective holidays and heads out sightseeing. In this month, expect the absolute peak of the season at Drottningholm and the longest queues at the ticket desks. Travelling outside the main holidays, typically in May, June or September, will give you a much calmer and more authentic experience of the whole place.

💡 Tip: If you don’t mind slightly worse weather, a winter visit to the palace has a truly one-of-a-kind charm. The snow-covered park looks like something out of a fairy tale, and inside the palace you’ll often have the state halls almost to yourself. Just don’t forget to check the winter opening hours — it’s usually open mainly at weekends.

9. How much time to set aside for the visit

Definitely don’t count on popping in for a quick hour and heading straight off again. Drottningholm is a genuinely solid half-day trip that requires a certain time investment to be worth it and to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Just the journey from Stockholm and back will take you at least an hour and a half (if you go by public transport) to more than two hours (if you choose the sightseeing boat).

For the main palace itself and carefully working through the state halls you’ll need roughly 60 to 90 minutes of pure time, especially if you like to stop and study the historical details. The Chinese Pavilion lies fairly deep in the park, so the walk there and touring it will take you at least another hour. On top of that, the palace theatre can only be seen with a guide on a commented tour, which usually lasts 45 minutes.

Once you add in time for an afternoon coffee, the essential photos in the gardens and a walk through the sprawling English park, you’ll safely reach 3 to 4 hours spent purely on the island. So it’s ideal to set off first thing in the morning, take everything in at a relaxed pace, have lunch at the palace café and head back to Stockholm in the early afternoon.

💡 Tip: Don’t try to cram Drottningholm and another big Stockholm museum like the Vasa into a single day. You could probably manage it physically, but you’d just end up unnecessarily rushed and worn out from both experiences.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Stockholm

4 accommodations — hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel

A few steps from the central station and city hall. Ideal location for the steamboat, lake views and city hall tower.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Scandic Grand Central

Classic Swedish hotel by the central station. Metro right on your doorstep, great café on the ground floor.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏡 Guesthouse/B&B

Castle House Inn

Budget option in the heart of Gamla Stan. Old town atmosphere, 15 minutes walk to city hall.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🔍 Search

View all accommodations in Stockholm

Explore all available accommodation options in Stockholm and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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10. Audio guide and modern technology

Do you hate being herded along in an organised group with someone dictating your pace? Drottningholm takes a very modern and welcoming approach here. You can download the official app completely free straight to your smartphone — it’s called Kungliga slotten (The Royal Palaces) and works as an absolutely brilliant personal audio guide to the whole complex.

This handy app is available in English and several other world languages. It offers very detailed commentary on individual rooms, paintings and statues in the park, so you’ll learn plenty of historical gossip and context. Just don’t forget to pack your own headphones and you can explore the whole palace at your own pace. Stop where it interests you most, and simply move faster through the rooms that don’t grab you as much.

The app works offline too, so you don’t have to worry about mobile data, and although there is Wi-Fi on the grounds, you can’t really rely on it everywhere across the sprawling park.

💡 Tip: If you still prefer a live voice to technology, guided tours in English are held here regularly during the summer season, from January to the end of September. These tours are often included right in the price of the basic ticket — you just need to turn up on time at the designated meeting point in the main courtyard.

11. Visiting Drottningholm with kids

You might think dragging small children to a Baroque palace full of fragile historical furniture and gold ornaments is pure madness, but Swedes are extremely family-friendly and tolerant. During the summer months and school holidays there’s a special children’s programme here, where young visitors can actively join in various treasure-hunt games and fun historical quizzes right in the palace chambers.

But the real paradise for kids is clearly the adjacent palace park. The English section of the gardens with its large lawns practically invites running and family picnics. Nobody will scold you here when the children play on the grass or run around the trees. The local mazes made of tall hedges are also a huge hit, where you can get lost for a surprisingly long time and kids absolutely love it.

What’s more, the palace is largely barrier-free and accessible with a pram. Prams can’t, for understandable reasons, be taken directly into the historical halls to protect the precious floors and furniture, but there are safe spots ready right by the entrances where you can leave them parked without worry. You can then comfortably walk the interiors with smaller kids by the hand or in a carrier.

💡 Tip: A huge advantage for the family budget is the fact that all children and young people up to and including age 17 get free entry to all the indoor palace exhibitions. You only pay for the adult companions.

12. Where to eat and vegetarian tips nearby

Exploring royal history reliably works up an appetite, and luckily the complex is superbly prepared for visitors. Right by the main palace entrance you’ll come across Karamellan Café, a cosy palace café and restaurant that offers absolutely fantastic surroundings for a traditional Swedish fika (coffee break). You can settle in comfortably inside or on the lovely outdoor terrace with a great view right over the water.

For vegetarians, Swedish cuisine is generally very welcoming, and Karamellan is certainly no exception. Definitely try their salad bowls or the vegetarian cheese sandwich — they’re properly filled and come perfectly in handy after a morning of marching through the park. And your afternoon coffee simply can’t be without a freshly baked cardamom bun (kardemummabulle), which is genuinely renowned here and smells beautiful from a distance. You’ll find another smaller café with excellent sweet waffles right by the Chinese Pavilion.

Prices in the palace cafés are understandably a touch touristy — a coffee with a sweet pastry will cost you roughly 75 to 100 SEK (about €7 to €9) — but for the setting it’s definitely worth it.

💡 Tip: If you want to save a little and enjoy the very best the grounds have to offer, buy fresh bread, cheese and vegetables in central Stockholm in the morning and treat yourself to a luxurious royal picnic. In the sprawling English park you’ll find hundreds of perfect spots in the shade of old trees where you can lay out a blanket and lunch with a view of the Baroque facades.

How to Get to Drottningholm

The logistics of the trip are surprisingly simple — you just need to decide whether you prefer romance, or speed and a low price.

If you want to turn the journey into a full-blown experience, the historic steamboat is the clear choice. Boats run by Strömma depart in the summer season straight from central Stockholm at the Stadshusbron quay, which you’ll find right next to the famous City Hall. The cruise itself across the calm Lake Mälaren takes roughly 50 minutes. A return ticket will cost you around 260 SEK (about €24). I recommend buying tickets online in advance, since these sightseeing boats tend to sell out fairly fast during the summer months. There’s usually a small buffet on board, so you can enjoy a morning coffee with the views.

The second, significantly cheaper and faster option is to use Stockholm public transport (SL). In the centre you board the metro (blue line) and ride to Brommaplan station. The underground journey takes a short while, and at Brommaplan you just walk up the stairs straight to the bus station. There you hop on the connecting bus line 176 or 177, which drops you off in just under 10 minutes at the Drottningholm stop, only a few steps from the palace gate. The whole journey takes about 40 minutes.

The huge advantage of the metro and bus is the price. A standard single ticket for 42 SEK (about €4) applies here. And if you’ve bought a multi-day or monthly pass, the trip to the palace is essentially completely free. That’s especially worth it in 2026, when state subsidies have brought the price of the monthly pass down to 530 SEK.

💡 Tip: If you have a rental car, there’s a spacious central car park (Karamellan parking) at the palace. It’s usually paid, though, and fills up quickly in the summer peak. Another option is to cycle from Stockholm — safe, quality bike paths run alongside the roads, and the ride from the centre takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes at a leisurely pace.

A Half-Day Trip Step by Step

To make planning easier and save you from any needless fumbling on the spot, I’ve put together an ideal timetable for the whole trip. This plan assumes you want to avoid the worst of the crowds and enjoy the palace in as much peace as possible.

9:00 a.m. Departure from Stockholm: Set off from the city centre. If you’re going by metro you have plenty of time; if you’re taking the boat, be at the City Hall a little early so you can grab the best spots on the outdoor deck.

10:00 a.m. Palace opening and the main palace: Arrive at the gates on the dot of ten. Head straight into the main palace to the state halls. You’ll have roughly an hour to walk through the Ehrenstrahl bedchamber, the library and the gallery in relative calm, without having to dodge the big groups from the cruise ships, who are still having breakfast in the harbour.

11:30 a.m. Moving into the park and the Chinese Pavilion: Step out of the palace and immerse yourself in the sprawling gardens. Walk through the French Baroque section and head towards the Chinese Pavilion. You’ll spend around 45 minutes here admiring the Rococo architecture and exotic wallpapers.

12:30 p.m. Palace lunch or picnic: Time to refuel. Either sit down at the café by the Chinese Pavilion for fresh waffles, lay out a blanket in the English park for your own picnic, or slowly make your way back to the entrance gate to Karamellan Café for a hearty vegetarian sandwich and a proper coffee.

1:30 p.m. Palace theatre: After a good lunch, join the guided tour of the historic Slottsteater theatre. The tour lasts 45 minutes and you’ll learn all about the fascinating 18th-century wooden machinery.

2:30 p.m. Back to Stockholm: You’re full of impressions and you’ve got a few kilometres in your legs. It’s the ideal time to head back to the centre, whether by boat or bus, so you can rest for a while at the hotel before an evening of exploring Stockholm’s streets.

💡 Tip: You can of course stretch this timetable however you like. If you hit lovely weather, there’s absolutely no problem spending another two hours just lying on the grass in the English park.

Practical Summary and Approximate Prices (2026)

Sweden is an almost 100% cashless country, and the Drottningholm grounds are no exception. You’ll pay for tickets, coffee and souvenirs by card only — cash really is happily refused here. Admission is also dynamic and changes depending on the season, so I always recommend verifying the final prices on the official site kungligaslotten.se.

For easier orientation, count on a rate of roughly 1 SEK = €0.09.

• Ticket to the main palace (adults): approx. 160–180 SEK (€15–17)
• Ticket to the Chinese Pavilion: approx. 120 SEK (€11)
• Combined ticket (palace + pavilion): approx. 230 SEK (€21), the best-value option in the summer season
• Children and young people up to and including 17: FREE ENTRY to all buildings
• Palace park and gardens: FREE ENTRY year-round
• Coffee and a cinnamon bun at the café: approx. 75–100 SEK (€7–9)
• Return ticket on the steamboat from the City Hall: approx. 260 SEK (€24)
• Metro and bus (SL ticket for 75 min): 42 SEK (€4)

Where to Stay in Stockholm for an Easy Trip

💡 Accommodation and experience tip: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, where the cancellation terms tend to be the best. Tickets, tours and activities are then worth comparing and buying through GetYourGuide.

If you’re planning a trip to Drottningholm, it’s ideal to stay in Stockholm close to the main transport hubs so you don’t waste too much time in the morning crossing the city. Look for hotels either within walking distance of the City Hall (where the sightseeing steamboats depart), or near the blue metro line stations, which will quickly and comfortably take you to the Brommaplan interchange for the connecting buses.

Here are 3 specific tips for great accommodation, chosen for transport and quality:

• Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel: Just a few steps from the main train station and Stockholm City Hall. The location is genuinely ideal — it’s a few minutes’ walk from breakfast to the steamboat, and the views of the lake and the City Hall tower are a bonus that sets a great morning mood.
• Scandic Grand Central: A classic Swedish hotel right by the main train station — clean, comfortable, and with the metro right under your nose. If you decide to take the metro and bus to the palace, it’ll save you loads of time on the early wake-up. Plus they have a great café right on the ground floor.
• Castle House Inn: A more budget-friendly and very cosy option tucked right in the heart of the historic Gamla Stan. The rooms are smaller, but they have a wonderful old-town atmosphere. From here it’s a lovely, roughly fifteen-minute walk along the water to the City Hall for the steamboat, which will reliably wake you up first thing in the morning.

Where to Go Next

If you’ve already got Drottningholm behind you and you’re wondering what to add to your Swedish itinerary, Stockholm and its surroundings offer countless more experiences. Here are our best tips to help you plan the rest of your trip:

• Stockholm: 25 Tips on What to See and Do: a complete guide to the city, from the narrow lanes of Gamla Stan to the best viewpoints and cafés.
• Sweden: 30 Tips on What to See and Do: if you’re about to leave the capital and head further north or to the sunny south, this article is for you.
• Djurgården: 15 Tips on What to See on the Island of Museums: an island full of fun where you’ll find the famous Skansen and plenty of greenery.
• The Vasa Museum in Stockholm: Tickets and Tips: how to avoid the queues at the world’s most famous sunken ship, an absolute Stockholm must.
• The Stockholm Archipelago: Which Island to Choose: how to swap the city bustle for absolute peace on one of the 30,000 islands in the Baltic Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skåne je nejjižnější a nejteplejší kout Švédska, který na první pohled vypadá spíš jako Dánsko než jako typická Skandinávie. Místo nekonečných temných hvozdů a sobů u silnice tady najdete zářivě bílé písečné pláže, zvlněné zelené pláně a v květnu neuvěřitelně žluté lány kvetoucí řepky.

Z Česka i ze střední Evropy se sem dostanete překvapivě snadno a pohodlně. Trajekty z polského Svinoústí nebo německého Rostocku vás vyplivnou rovnou v srdci regionu, takže si ušetříte stovky kilometrů za volantem a můžete rovnou začít s objevováním.

Sepsala jsem pro vás 18 konkrétních tipů — od bílých pláží přes středověké hrady až po nejlepší falafel v zemi. A rovnou prozradím, kde se strategicky ubytovat a jak ušetřit za dopravu.

Shrnutí

• Nejdostupnější část Švédska: Skåne je ideální pro roadtrip z Česka, trajekty vás dovezou přímo do Ystadu nebo Trelleborgu.
• Öresundský most: Ikonická stavba spojující švédské Malmö s dánskou Kodaní, kterou přejedete autem nebo vlakem.
• Ráj pro milovníky historie: Ystad nabízí stovky hrázděných domů, zatímco v Lundu stojí majestátní románská katedrála.
• Švédské Stonehenge: Magické kameny Ales stenar se tyčí na útesu přímo nad rozbouřeným Baltským mořem.
• Krásné bílé pláže: Oblasti jako Sandhammaren nebo poloostrov Falsterbo se pyšní pískem, který připomíná spíše Karibik.
• Po stopách Wallandera: Fanoušci severských detektivek si užijí filmová místa z knih Henninga Mankella.
• Levná doprava v roce 2026: V druhé polovině roku nabízí Skånetrafiken poloviční ceny na měsíční jízdenky pro všechny cestovatele.

Kdy vyrazit do Skåne

Tento region se pyšní nejdelším a nejteplejším létem v celé zemi. Turistická sezóna se tu probouzí už na jaře a konec května tu vypadá jako by někdo přelil krajinu kbelíkem žluté barvy. Celá provincie se totiž zbarví díky kvetoucím polím řepky olejky, což na fotkách vypadá naprosto úchvatně a celá krajina září do dálky.

Pokud vás láká koupání a dlouhé večery, naplánujte si cestu na letní měsíce. Od konce června do poloviny srpna má většina Švédů takzvanou průmyslovou dovolenou (industrisemester), takže všechny letní kavárny, hrady i sezónní atrakce fungují na plné obrátky. Teploty tu běžně šplhají k příjemným pětadvaceti stupňům a mělké moře u bílých písečných pláží se dokáže velmi slušně prohřát. Počítejte ale s tím, že na pobřeží potkáte nejvíce turistů a ceny ubytování budou na svém maximu.

Naopak podzim láká na neuvěřitelný klid a fantastické gastronomické zážitky. Září a říjen jsou ideální pro pěší turistiku ve vnitrozemí, zejména v národním parku Söderåsen, kde se listnaté lesy barví do ohnivých odstínů červené a oranžové. V oblasti Österlen navíc v tomto období probíhá slavná sklizeň jablek, takže celá krajina voní po čerstvém moštu a pečených koláčích. Je to doba, kdy se příroda uklidní a vy si můžete vychutnat pravou severskou pohodu bez davů.

Kde se ubytovat ve Skåne

💡 Tip na ubytování a zážitky: Ubytování si nejradši hledáme na Booking.com, kde bývají nejlepší storno podmínky. Vstupenky, výlety a aktivity se pak vyplatí porovnat a koupit přes GetYourGuide.

Při hledání základny pro váš výlet záleží hlavně na tom, jaký typ dovolené preferujete. Pokud máte rádi ruch velkoměsta a chcete mít po ruce desítky skvělých kaváren s výběrovou kávou, zvolte si za základnu Malmö. Odtud můžete neuvěřitelně snadno vyrážet vlakem na jednodenní výlety do Kodaně nebo nedalekého akademického Lundu. Ceny v Malmö jsou překvapivě přívětivé a metro, tramvaje i půjčovny kol vás dopraví kamkoliv bez zbytečného stresu.

Pro romantičtější duše a milovníky moře je naprosto ideální volbou Ystad nebo malebná venkovská oblast Österlen. Najdete tu dokonalý klid, typické červené dřevěné chatky (stugy) a nádherné staré farmy přestavěné na útulné rodinné penziony. Vzdálenosti ve Skåne jsou na severské poměry velmi krátké, takže i z hlubokého venkova dojedete k hlavním památkám autem maximálně za hodinu.

Při rezervaci ubytování doporučuji podívat se na tyto konkrétní hotely napříč cenovými kategoriemi, které dlouhodobě sbírají skvělé recenze:

• Clarion Hotel Malmö Live: Moderní mrakodrap přímo v centru Malmö, jehož výhled na město sahá až k Öresundskému mostu a snídaně staví na lokálních surovinách — čerstvý chléb, smörgås a místní sýry. Dvoulůžkový pokoj tu seženete zhruba od 1 200 SEK (asi 2 650 Kč) za noc a všude dojdete pohodlně pěšky.
• Ystad Saltsjöbad: Luxusní lázeňský hotel ležící přímo na krásné pláži v Ystadu. Je to ideální místo pro odpočinek po celodenním výletování, kde si můžete užít vyhřívané bazény s výhledem na moře. Cena za noc začíná kolem 2 000 SEK (přibližně 4 400 Kč).
• Kiviks Hotell: Nádherný butikový hotel obklopený jablečnými sady v oblasti Österlen. Ticho tu naruší leda vítr v jablečných sadech a zahrada je přímo stvořená pro odpolední knihu s moštem v ruce. Pokoje se pohybují okolo 1 500 SEK (zhruba 3 300 Kč) za noc.
• STF Vandrarhem: Pro cestovatele s menším rozpočtem nabízí tato síť ubytoven skvělé a čisté pokoje po celém regionu, často v historických budovách. Ceny začínají už na 600 SEK (asi 1 300 Kč) za noc.

Kde se najíst ve Skåne

Švédsko možná na první pohled vypadá jako drahá destinace pro gurmány, ale když víte, kam zajít, ušetříte a ještě si skvěle pochutnáte. Jih Švédska je navíc vyhlášenou zemědělskou oblastí, takže lokální suroviny tu hrají hlavní roli.

Sázka na denní menu a tržnice

Přes den se rozhodně vyplatí hledat restaurace nabízející takzvané dagens rätt (denní menu). Většinou vás vyjde na přijatelných 100 až 130 švédských korun a kromě hlavního chodu, často ryby nebo vegetariánských placek, v něm máte zahrnutý i salátový bufet, pečivo a kávu. Z konkrétních míst doporučuji prozkoumat tržnici Saluhall v Malmö, kde najdete desítky stánků s čerstvými dobrotami od mořských plodů až po řemeslné sýry.

18 tipů, co vidět a dělat ve Skåne

Pojďme se rovnou vrhnout na konkrétní místa: připravila jsem pro vás mix historických měst, přírodních rezervací i architektonických kuriozit, ke každému s tipy na čas návštěvy a orientačními cenami.

1. Öresundský most a cesta do Kodaně

Tato šestnáctikilometrová inženýrská nádhera spojuje švédské Malmö s dánskou Kodaní a stojí za to projet ho i tehdy, když vás Kodaň vůbec nezajímá. Část cesty absolvujete vlakem nebo autem pod hladinou moře, pak se vynoříte na umělém ostrově Peberholm a zbytek přejedete vysoko nad vlnami úžiny Öresund. Z centra Malmö se sem dostanete prakticky okamžitě, protože most navazuje přímo na okraj města.

Jde o nesmírně oblíbenou spojku, ale připravte si peněženku na mýtné. Standardní jednosměrný přejezd pro osobní auto vyjde zhruba na 470 až 510 dánských korun, což je v přepočtu asi 1 550 až 1 700 Kč (přibližně 750 švédských korun neboli SEK). Pokud plánujete cestu tam i zpět, absolutně se vyplatí pořídit si předem online roční předplatné ØresundGO. To cenu jednoho přejezdu srazí na 178 dánských korun (kolem 600 Kč), takže se vám investice vrátí hned při první zpáteční cestě. Most je otevřený nepřetržitě po celý rok, ale pro klidnou jízdu bez kolon se vyhněte pátečnímu a nedělnímu odpoledni.

Při přejezdu ze Švédska do Dánska a zpět nezapomínejte na cestovní doklady. Švédská vláda prodloužila namátkové hraniční kontroly minimálně do konce roku 2026. Ať už jedete autem nebo pohodlným vlakem přímo z kodaňského letiště, vždy mějte po ruce platný občanský průkaz pro všechny cestující. Pokud preferujete veřejnou dopravu, využijte spolehlivé regionální vlaky Skånetrafiken.

💡 Tip: Pokud jedete vlakem, kupte si jízdenku přes aplikaci Skånetrafiken. Cesta z centra Malmö na letiště v Kodani trvá jen něco málo přes dvacet minut, vlaky jezdí velmi často a vyhnete se tak stresu za volantem.

2. Malmö: Turning Torso a Västra Hamnen

Symbolem moderního Malmö je nepochybně mrakodrap Turning Torso, který navrhl slavný španělský architekt Santiago Calatrava. Tato sto devadesát metrů vysoká budova se tyčí nad městem jako obří vývrtka a dlouhé roky držela titul nejvyšší stavby celé Skandinávie. Nachází se jen deset minut jízdy autobusem z hlavního nádraží a z centra k ní dojdete i pěšky příjemnou procházkou podél pobřeží.

Má to ale jeden malý háček pro turisty. Nahoru se bohužel běžně nedostanete, protože mrakodrap skrývá pouze luxusní byty a soukromé kanceláře. Veřejná vyhlídková plošina tu chybí, takže si tuto architektonickou perlu musíte vyfotit jen zvenčí. Naštěstí samotný pohled z ulice je naprosto dechberoucí a obdivování zvenčí vás nebude stát ani korunu. Okolí budovy je přístupné dvacet čtyři hodin denně.

Budova stojí v ekologické čtvrti Västra Hamnen, která vznikla na místě bývalých průmyslových loděnic. V létě se tu po molech prohánějí joggeři, děti skáčou do moře a fronta na zmrzlinu sahá za roh. Podél vody se táhnou dlouhá dřevěná mola, kde si můžete sednout s kávou a užívat si výhled na dánské pobřeží v dálce. Neplatí se tu žádné vstupné a atmosféra je neuvěřitelně uvolněná.

💡 Tip: Vyrazte sem těsně před západem slunce. Od moře fouká příjemný vítr a silueta Öresundského mostu proti oranžovému nebi vypadá naprosto fantasticky.

3. Malmö: Historické centrum a Lilla Torg

Od moderní architektury u moře se přesuňte přímo do srdce starého města, kterému dominuje náměstíčko Lilla Torg. Tento prostor je obklopený nádherně zrestaurovanými hrázděnými domy ze šestnáctého století a působí jako z historického filmu. Nachází se přímo v centru města, jen pět minut pěšky od centrální stanice, takže se sem dostanete naprosto bez problémů.

Přes den tu najdete ideální útočiště pro tradiční švédskou fiku, což je posvátná pauza na kávu a sladké pečivo. Káva se skořicovým šnekem vás tu vyjde zhruba na 65 až 100 SEK (asi 140 až 220 Kč). Večer se pak celá historická dlažba mění v jeden obří venkovní bar, kam se scházejí místní i turisté na skleničku a večeři pod širým nebem. Pokud si chcete užít klidnější atmosféru bez davů, doporučuji návštěvu brzy ráno nebo dopoledne.

Kousek odtud stojí majestátní Malmöhus, nejstarší dochovaný renesanční hrad ve Skandinávii. Dnes funguje jako rozsáhlé muzeum, kde narazíte na všechno možné od historických expozic vyprávějících o dánsko-švédských válkách až po menší přírodovědné akvárium. Vstupné pro dospělého stojí velmi příjemných 100 SEK (zhruba 220 Kč) a muzeum má obvykle otevřeno každý den kromě pondělí.

💡 Tip: Pokud máte rádi design, projděte si obchůdky v uličkách kolem Lilla Torg. Najdete tu spoustu nezávislých butiků s úžasnou severskou keramikou a textilem za rozumné ceny.

4. Malmö: Čtvrť Möllevången a legendární falafel

Pokud chcete zažít skutečnou duši dnešního Malmö, musíte vyrazit do čtvrti Möllevången, které místní láskyplně říkají Möllan. Toto místo je vzdálené jen asi patnáct minut chůze od hlavního nádraží, případně sem snadno dojedete jakýmkoliv městským autobusem. Město je domovem lidí ze sto osmdesáti zemí světa a právě tady tento neuvěřitelný multikulturní mix pocítíte naplno. Ranní trhy na náměstí překypují exotickým ovocem, vzduchem voní nejrůznější koření a ulice lemují desítky zajímavých bister.

Právě sem se chodí na legendární malmöský falafel do bistra Jalla Jalla na ulici Bergsgatan, které představuje regulérní místní kulturní instituci a záchranu pro každý cestovatelský rozpočet. Velký falafel roll tu koupíte za zlomek ceny jakéhokoliv jiného teplého jídla ve Švédsku. Většinou se vejdete do padesáti až sedmdesáti švédských korun (zhruba 110 až 150 Kč). Dostanete k němu čerstvou zeleninu, spoustu výborných omáček a dokonale se najíte zcela bez masa. Lokální bistra mají obvykle otevřeno od pozdního dopoledne až do hluboké noci.

Kolem bezpečnosti v Malmö sice koluje spousta divokých mýtů, ale centrum i čtvrť Möllan jsou přes den i večer naprosto v pohodě, takže stačí selský rozum jako kdekoliv v Evropě. Davům u stánků se nejlépe vyhnete příchodem chvíli před polednem nebo naopak až kolem druhé odpoledne.

💡 Tip: Vyzkoušejte k falafelu tradiční halloumi sýr navíc. Většina bister tuto vegetariánskou pochoutku nabízí za drobný příplatek kolem dvaceti švédských korun (asi 45 Kč) a posune to celý chuťový zážitek na vyšší úroveň.

5. Lund: Románská katedrála a orloj

Jen necelých dvacet minut jízdy vlakem z Malmö leží univerzitní město Lund, které působí jako z úplně jiného světa. Vlaky Skånetrafiken sem jezdí z Malmö každou chvíli a jízdenka vyjde na zhruba 60 SEK (asi 130 Kč). Zatímco Malmö je dravé a moderní, Lund je starobylý, akademický a neuvěřitelně klidný. Od nádraží dojdete do historického centra pohodlně pěšky během deseti minut.

Zlatým hřebem celého města je majestátní románská Lundská katedrála ze dvanáctého století. Uvnitř najdete fascinující orloj z patnáctého století, na kterém se dvakrát denně rozehraje mechanické představení. Dřevění rytíři svádějí souboj obvykle přesně ve dvanáct a ve tři hodiny odpoledne, takže si návštěvu naplánujte na tento čas. Vstup je zdarma a otevřeno je celoročně, takže nemáte žádnou výmluvu ji přeskočit.

Pod katedrálou pak leží temná a trochu strašidelná krypta. Podle staré severské legendy tam zkameněl bájný obr Finn, když se snažil celý kostel zničit a vy můžete jeho kamennou sochu obepínající sloup vidět na vlastní oči. Abyste se vyhnuli hroznům studentů a turistů, doporučuji návštěvu města naplánovat na víkendové dopoledne, kdy ulice ještě spí.

💡 Tip: Lund je městem bicyklů a studentů. Půjčte si kolo v jedné z mnoha městských půjčoven a projeďte se dlážděnými uličkami lemovanými cihlovými domky, které jsou romanticky porostlé břečťanem.

6. Skanör a Falsterbo: Bílé pláže a tuleni

Úplný jihozápadní cíp Švédska tvoří malebný poloostrov Falsterbo. Skály a temnou vodu byste tu hledali marně, místo nich se těšte na kilometry zářivě bílého písku a travnaté duny připomínající americký Hamptons. Z Malmö sem dojedete autem za necelou půlhodinku, případně můžete využít pravidelný regionální autobus číslo 300, který vás doveze přímo k moři. Vstup na pláže je samozřejmě zdarma, platí se jen parkovné, které vyjde na zhruba 20 SEK (45 Kč) za hodinu.

Tyto nekonečné pláže lemují stovky miniaturních, pastelově zbarvených plážových kabinek. Dědí se z generace na generaci, stojí naprostý majlant a vypadají tak pohádkově, že fotku prostě nemůžete nezveřejnit. Pokud chcete mít pláže jen pro sebe, vyrazte sem brzy ráno nebo mimo hlavní letní prázdniny, protože v červenci a srpnu tu bývá o víkendech opravdu plno.

Oblast je navíc domovem přírodní rezervace Måkläppen, která je známá početnou kolonií tuleňů. Na podzim se sem pro změnu sjíždějí ornitologové z celé Evropy, protože přes poloostrov migrují miliony ptáků na své cestě na jih. Jde o naprostý ráj pro milovníky nedotčené severské přírody.

💡 Tip: Vstup do rezervace Måkläppen je z důvodu ochrany zvířat povolen pouze od listopadu do ledna. V létě se sem nedostanete, ale tuleně můžete často pozorovat dalekohledem i z okolních pláží Skanöru.

7. Ystad: Hrázděné domy a klášter

Městečko Ystad ztělesňuje přesně to, co si představíte pod pojmem severská idylka. Jeho historické centrum protkávají křivolaké dlážděné uličky se stovkami perfektně zachovalých historických hrázděných domů. Z Malmö sem dojedete autem nebo pohodlným vlakem zhruba za padesát minut. Vlakové nádraží leží přímo u přístavu, odkud jste v historickém centru pěšky za pouhých pět minut.

Často se jim přezdívá mandlové domy kvůli jejich typické pastelové barvě. Při procházce narazíte i na nádherný klášter Gråbrödraklostret, který patří k nejlépe zachovaným středověkým stavbám v celém regionu Skåne a obklopují ho voňavé bylinkové zahrady. Vstupné do klášterního muzea stojí kolem 50 SEK (asi 110 Kč) a otevřeno je obvykle od úterý do neděle. Pokud si chcete užít romantickou atmosféru bez davů, vydejte se do uliček hned po snídani.

Centrum Ystadu si zachovalo svou původní uliční síť ze středověku, takže tu na každém kroku dýchá úžasná historie. Můžete se tu toulat hodiny, nakukovat do malých dvorků a obdivovat pečlivě udržované fasády staré několik staletí. Ystad je velmi kompaktní a všechna důležitá místa zvládnete obejít pěšky během jednoho odpoledne.

💡 Tip: Udělejte si pauzu v jedné z mnoha místních kaváren. Ystad je vyhlášený svými cukrárnami, kde dostanete ty nejlepší skořicové šneky široko daleko (počítejte s cenou kolem 40 SEK za kus).

8. Ystad: Po stopách komisaře Wallandera

Globální slávu a davy turistů ovšem Ystadu přinesl spisovatel Henning Mankell a jeho fiktivní, věčně zachmuřený komisař Kurt Wallander. Knižní a televizní série udělaly z města oblíbenou poutní destinaci pro fanoušky severských detektivek z celého světa. Všechna důležitá místa z knih najdete rozesetá přímo v historickém centru města, takže nepotřebujete žádnou speciální dopravu.

V místním turistickém centru si můžete vyzvednout speciální mapku (často je zdarma nebo za drobný poplatek) a projít si město přesně po komisařových stopách. Trasa vás spolehlivě provede od jeho bytu v ulici Mariagatan až po jeho oblíbenou pizzerii, kde trávil večery. Procházku můžete absolvovat kdykoliv během roku, protože uličky jsou veřejně přístupné neustále.

Filmoví nadšenci by neměli minout ani Ystad Studios, kde se velká část seriálu natáčela. V interaktivním návštěvnickém centru si můžete prohlédnout původní kulisy a zjistit, jak se tvoří filmová iluze policejní stanice. Vstupné se pohybuje kolem 100 SEK (zhruba 220 Kč) a otevřeno bývá přes léto každý den, mimo sezónu většinou jen o víkendech.

💡 Tip: Zastavte se v kavárně Fridolfs konditori na ulici Lilla Östergatan. Právě sem chodil literární Wallander na kávu a dnes si tu na jeho počest můžete dát speciální modrý koláč za zhruba 50 SEK (110 Kč).

9. Ystad: Noční hlásný z kostela svaté Marie

V Ystadu se udržela jedna naprosto fascinující středověká tradice, kterou už jinde v Evropě jen tak neuvidíte. Z věže majestátního kostela svaté Marie se každou noc ozývá troubení na měděný roh. Kostel se nachází v samém srdci města na náměstí Stortorget a celou tuto podívanou (nebo spíše poslech) můžete zažít zcela zdarma, stačí jen být ve správný čas na správném místě.

Tuto práci zastává noční hlásný, který má za úkol hlídat město před požáry. Od devíti hodin večer do jedné hodiny ranní zatroubí do všech čtyř světových stran přesně každou čtvrthodinu, čímž obyvatelům oznamuje, že je město v bezpečí a mohou klidně spát. V letních měsících je náměstí tou dobou ještě plné lidí, takže se nemusíte bát procházet se tu po setmění.

Tato unikátní tradice funguje nepřetržitě už od osmnáctého století. Když se večer procházíte ztichlými dlážděnými uličkami pod kostelem a slyšíte táhlý zvuk rohu, máte pocit, že jste se přesunuli strojem času o tři sta let zpátky. Je to jeden z nejautentičtějších zážitků, které si můžete z jižního Švédska odvézt.

💡 Tip: Zvuk rohu je poměrně tichý a tlumený, takže se nemusíte bát, že by vás v noci v hotelu budil. Nejlépe ho uslyšíte, když se postavíte přímo na náměstí pod věž pár minut před celou.

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10. Kåseberga: Malebná rybářská vesnička

Asi dvacet kilometrů východně od Ystadu se v malém zálivu ukrývá přístavní vesnička Kåseberga. Tvoří ji shluk malých červených domků, které se krčí přímo pod strmými zelenými útesy a chrání je mohutný vlnolam. Autem sem dorazíte za necelou půlhodinku, případně můžete využít místní autobus, který pravidelně vyjíždí z vlakového nádraží v Ystadu.

Místní uzenkárny sice voní rybami, což je obrovská švédská tradice, kterou tu místní udržují po staletí, ale vy si tu můžete dát výbornou odpolední fiku. Najdete tu několik útulných kaváren, kde podávají skvělou kávu a nadýchané koláče s čerstvým ovocem. Za kávu a dezert zaplatíte zhruba 80 SEK (asi 175 Kč). V létě kavárny fungují od brzkého dopoledne až do podvečera.

Kåseberga slouží jako hlavní výchozí bod pro výšlap k magickému monumentu Ales stenar. Přístav je skvělým místem pro odpočinek po procházce, kde můžete sedět na lavičce, poslouchat křik racků a sledovat rybářské lodě houpající se na vlnách. Přístav je otevřený neustále a neplatíte zde žádné vstupné, pouze parkovné.

💡 Tip: Parkoviště v Kåseberze bývá v letní sezóně velmi rychle plné (stojí asi 20 SEK na hodinu). Doporučuji sem dorazit buď brzy ráno, nebo naopak až v pozdním odpoledni, kdy davy turistů z autobusů odjedou.

11. Ales stenar: Švédské Stonehenge

Přímo nad vesnicí Kåseberga leží jedno z nejmagičtějších míst celého jižního Švédska. Na vysokém travnatém útesu se tyčí Ales stenar, památka tvořená padesáti devíti obrovskými balvany, které jsou rozestavěné do majestátního tvaru lodi. Z Ystadu jste u parkoviště v Kåseberze autem za dvacet minut a odtud už musíte pokračovat pěšky. Samotný výšlap po upravené cestě nahoru na útes zabere zhruba čtvrt hodiny.

Tento megalitický monument měří úctyhodných sedmašedesát metrů na délku a pochází pravděpodobně z doby železné. Dodnes se přesně neví, zda šlo o posvátné pohřebiště významného náčelníka, nebo o sofistikovaný sluneční kalendář, který pomáhal určovat roční období. Památka leží volně v přírodě, takže je přístupná dvacet čtyři hodin denně po celý rok a neplatí se tu naprosto žádné vstupné.

Když tam pak stojíte, vítr vám cuchá vlasy a pod vámi divoce hučí moře, dýchne na vás neuvěřitelná mystická atmosféra starých Seveřanů. Během letních víkendů se tu tvoří davy, takže pro klidný zážitek doporučuji vyrazit mimo hlavní turistické špičky.

💡 Tip: Úplně nejlepší zážitek získáte, když k balvanům vyrazíte těsně před západem slunce. Kameny vrhají dlouhé stíny a zlaté světlo odrážející se od mořské hladiny vytváří dokonalou scénu pro focení.

12. Pláže Sandhammaren a Ystad Sandskog

Pokud jedete do Švédska za koupáním, východně od Ystadu na vás čeká opravdový ráj. Pláž Sandhammaren bývá pravidelně vyhlašována za tu absolutně nejkrásnější pláž v celé zemi a její písek je tak jemný, že prý kdysi sloužil do přesných přesýpacích hodin. Z Ystadu sem dojedete autem přibližně za třicet minut, parkoviště leží jen kousek od pláže a platí se na něm standardní hodinová sazba kolem 20 SEK (45 Kč).

Bílý pás písku se táhne kilometry daleko a je obklopený borovicovými lesy, které poskytují příjemný stín v horkých letních dnech. Voda je tu sice chladnější než ve Středozemí, ale v červenci a srpnu se tu dá bez problémů koupat. Vstup na pláž je pochopitelně zdarma. Na podzim se pak pobřeží mění v ideální místo pro dlouhé melancholické procházky bez lidí.

Blíže k městu pak leží Ystad Sandskog, oblíbená rekreační oblast plná cyklostezek a promenád. Najdete tu perfektní zázemí pro rodiny s dětmi, dřevěné chodníčky i stánky s vynikající točenou zmrzlinou. Dostanete se sem z centra Ystadu klidně i na kole za deset minut.

💡 Tip: U pláže Sandhammaren si dávejte velký pozor na silné mořské proudy, které dokážou být velmi zrádné. Vždy respektujte varovné cedule a plavte jen v oblastech, které jsou vyznačené jako bezpečné.

13. Glimmingehus: Středověká pevnost

Ve vnitrozemí, necelých pětatřicet kilometrů severovýchodně od Ystadu, se tyčí hrad Glimmingehus. Představuje suverénně nejzachovalejší středověkou pevnost v celé Skandinávii. Tuto mohutnou kamennou stavbu nechal na konci patnáctého století vybudovat dánský rytíř Jens Holgersen Ulfstand. Autem sem dorazíte z Ystadu za necelou půlhodinku pohodové jízdy mezi poli a loukami.

Zámek byl navržen tak, aby odolal jakémukoliv útoku, a je plný důmyslných obranných prvků. Při prohlídce objevíte skryté střílny, falešné dveře i otvory ve stropech, kterými obránci kdysi lili na nezvané hosty vařící smolu. Vstupné pro dospělého vyjde na zhruba 100 SEK (asi 220 Kč). V letní sezóně je otevřeno každý den, mimo sezónu se otevírací doba zkracuje jen na víkendy, proto si ji raději ověřte online.

Dnes je Glimmingehus skvělým místem pro rodinný výlet. Během letní sezóny tu průvodci v dobových kostýmech pořádají zajímavé prohlídky a strašidelné večery, při kterých ožívají staré pověsti o hradních duších a dávných bitvách. Chcete-li se vyhnout školním výpravám, dorazte sem hned ráno po otevírací době.

💡 Tip: V hradním areálu se nachází krásná bylinková zahrada a příjemná kavárna, kde si můžete odpočinout a ochutnat vynikající vegetariánské speciality připravované podle tradičních středověkých receptů.

14. Simrishamn a Österlen: Jablečné království

Jakmile budete pokračovat dál na východ, vjedete do malebné oblasti Österlen, které se často přezdívá švédské Toskánsko. Přivítá vás mírně zvlněná krajina, útulné umělecké galerie a nekonečné voňavé jablečné sady. Centrem regionu je městečko Simrishamn, vzdálené z Ystadu asi pětačtyřicet minut autem. Dostanete se sem velmi snadno i regionálním vlakem, takže auto není nezbytně nutné.

Srdcem ovocnářství je nedaleké městečko Kivik, kde sídlí slavná místní moštárna Kiviks Musteri. Na podzim se tu koná velkolepý jablečný trh, kde umělci vytvářejí obrovské a neuvěřitelně detailní mozaiky z desítek tisíc pestrobarevných jablek. Tento trh přitahuje tisíce návštěvníků, takže se obrňte trpělivostí při hledání parkování. V létě je návštěva sadů mnohem klidnější a vstup do areálu je volný, platí se jen za degustace.

Oblast Österlen je naprosto ideální pro cyklovýlety. Můžete pomalu přejíždět od jedné farmy k druhé a nakupovat čerstvé produkty přímo od místních farmářů. V Simrishamnu nechybí spousta kaváren, kde si odpočinete a naberete síly.

💡 Tip: Zastavte se v moštárně Kiviks Musteri na řízenou ochutnávku. Za zhruba 150 SEK (330 Kč) tu můžete degustovat klasické jablečné mošty i výborné nealkoholické cidery a nakoupit skvělé vegetariánské produkty z lokálních surovin.

15. Helsingborg a brána do Dánska

Na severozápadním pobřeží Skåne, asi pětašedesát kilometrů severně od Malmö, leží pulzující město Helsingborg. Slouží jako jedna z hlavních bran do Dánska a vlakem se sem z Malmö dostanete za necelou hodinu. Z historického centra je to k dánským břehům přes úžinu Öresund necelých pět kilometrů, takže dánské město Helsingør vidíte pouhým okem hned z přístavu.

Dominantou města je Kärnan, mohutná středověká cihlová věž, která jako jediná zbyla z původního obřího hradu. Když vyšlapete desítky schodů až na její vrchol, naskytne se vám dechberoucí výhled na celé město i na rušnou námořní trasu pod vámi. Vstupné do věže stojí okolo 80 SEK (asi 175 Kč) a v létě je otevřena denně. Abyste se vyhli návalu turistů, vyrazte na věž hned úderem desáté ranní.

Trajekty mezi Helsingborgem a dánským Helsingørem pendlují každou chvíli a lístek pro pěšího pasažéra vyjde na zhruba 50 SEK (110 Kč). Plavba trvá pouhých dvacet minut, takže si můžete udělat super rychlý jednodenní výlet za slavným dánským hradem Kronborg, kde se odehrává děj Shakespearova Hamleta.

💡 Tip: Přejezd trajektem s autem je často levnější a rychlejší alternativou pro cestovatele, kteří se chtějí vyhnout kodaňskému provozu a vysokým poplatkům za velký Öresundský most.

16. Kullaberg: Útesy a maják

Kousek nad městem Helsingborg, asi pětatřicet kilometrů autem směrem na sever, vybíhá do moře poloostrov Kulla. Jeho samotnou špičku tvoří divoká přírodní rezervace Kullaberg. Tady končí klidné písečné pláže a začíná opravdové severské drama plné strmých skal a rozbouřených vln. Vstup do samotné rezervace je zdarma, u hlavních stezek se platí pouze parkovné.

Rulové útesy spadají desítky metrů kolmo do moře a celá oblast je protkaná náročnými stezkami přístupnými celoročně. Na samém konci poloostrova pak stojí maják Kullens fyr (nejvýše položený maják v celém Švédsku), do kterého se v létě za drobný poplatek můžete i podívat dovnitř.

Můžete si tu užít nádherné pěší túry s výhledy na moře, prozkoumat jeskyně ukryté ve skalách nebo vyrazit na organizované tulení safari na malých člunech. Oblast je zkrátka rájem pro všechny milovníky nespoutané přírody a adrenalinu. Pokud chcete mít útesy pro sebe, vydejte se sem brzy ráno, než dorazí rodiny s dětmi.

💡 Tip: Terén na útesech je velmi členitý a kamenitý. Určitě si sem obujte pevnou trekovou obuv a buďte opatrní, zvláště pokud fouká silný vítr od moře, který dokáže být velmi zrádný.

17. Nimis: Dřevěná stavba a mikronárod Ladonia

Na severním pobřeží poloostrova Kulla se ukrývá jedna z nejkurióznějších atrakcí celého Švédska. Jmenuje se Nimis a jde o obrovský labyrint věží a chodeb, který z naplaveného dřeva postavil excentrický umělec Lars Vilks. Místo je vzdálené jen kousek jízdy autem od hlavní rezervace Kullaberg a vstup je zcela zdarma, protože stavba leží volně v přírodě a je přístupná nepřetržitě.

Stavba vznikla nelegálně v nepřístupné přírodní rezervaci a úřady se ji léta snažily odstranit. Vilks na protest vyhlásil na tomto kousku pláže nezávislý mikronárod jménem Ladonia (dnes má desítky tisíc virtuálních občanů z celého světa). Celý tento bizarní příběh dodává místu úžasně rebelskou atmosféru.

Cesta k Nimisu není nijak značená a představuje docela slušný fyzický výkon. Musíte sestoupit po velmi strmé a kamenité stezce lesem dolů k moři, ale jakmile se před vámi objeví tyčící se dřevěné věže, pochopíte, že ta námaha stála za to. Vyrazte v pevných botách a ideálně během letních dnů, kdy je půda suchá.

💡 Tip: Pokud sem vyrazíte, nepočítejte s žádným turistickým zázemím. Není tu signál, záchody ani stánky s občerstvením. Vezměte si dostatek vody a nechoďte sem za deště, strmá stezka pekelně klouže.

18. Zámek Bäckaskog a cyklostezka Skåneleden

Jižní Švédsko je poseté desítkami nádherných hradů a zámků, které kdysi sloužily dánské a švédské šlechtě. Jedním z nejhezčích je zámek Bäckaskog, který leží na úzkém pásu země přímo mezi dvěma třpytivými jezery. Nachází se poblíž města Kristianstad a z Malmö k němu dojedete autem přibližně za hodinu a půl. Do zámeckých zahrad se dostanete bez problémů, vstupné do samotných interiérů se pohybuje kolem 80 SEK (asi 175 Kč).

Bývalý klášter z třináctého století byl později přestavěn na letní sídlo krále Karla XV. Dnes si tu můžete projít nádherné rozlehlé zahrady, obdivovat staleté stromy a užívat si dokonalý klid daleko od hlavních turistických tras. Zámek je přístupný hlavně v letní sezóně, kdy se konají i pravidelné prohlídky historických interiérů a funguje tu fantastická zámecká kavárna. Můžete si v ní dát výborný jablečný koláč a kávu s nádherným výhledem na klidnou hladinu jezera. Celou provincií navíc prochází slavná síť turistických a cyklistických tras Skåneleden, která celkově měří přes třináct set kilometrů.

Díky převážně rovinatému terénu je Skåne naprostým rájem pro cyklisty, takže si klidně půjčte kolo a vyrazte objevovat staré zámky, větrné mlýny a malebné farmy čistě po vlastní ose. Většina cyklotras je perfektně značená a bezpečně se proplétá malebnými vesničkami i hlubokými bukovými lesy, kde najednou nevíte, jak dlouho jste jeli, protože vás to prostě pohltilo.

💡 Tip: Podél cyklostezek na venkově narazíte na spoustu takzvaných „loppis“ neboli bleších trhů, které Švédové naprosto milují. Často se konají přímo ve starých stodolách u farem a dají se tam najít úžasné vintage poklady za pár korun.

Jak se do Skåne dostat a jak se tu pohybovat

Cesta do jižního Švédska je z České republiky překvapivě rychlá a nabízí hned několik pohodlných variant. Pokud plánujete roadtrip a vyrážíte vlastním autem, největší smysl dávají trajekty z Polska nebo Německa. Z polského přístavu Svinoústí (Świnoujście) doplujete do švédského Ystadu nebo Trelleborgu zhruba za sedm hodin. Ceny za auto s řidičem začínají na 95 eurech, což je v přepočtu kolem 2 400 Kč, a pokud zvolíte noční plavbu, ušetříte rovnou za jeden nocleh v hotelu a ráno vyjedete odpočatí. Z polské Gdyně se pak můžete plavit do Karlskrony, což trvá necelých deset hodin.

Německou alternativou jsou přístavy Rostock, Travemünde nebo Sassnitz. Trajekt z Rostocku do Trelleborgu zvládne cestu přes moře za šest hodin a představuje velmi oblíbenou volbu pro rodiny s dětmi, které chtějí minimalizovat čas strávený za volantem na dálnici. Lístky se pohybují mezi 60 až 200 eury podle toho, s jakým předstihem rezervaci provedete. Platí tu jednoduché pravidlo, že čím dříve lístek koupíte, tím přátelštější bude konečná cena.

Pro cestovatele, kteří preferují letadlo, je naprosto ideální kodaňské letiště Kastrup. Letenky z Prahy do dánské Kodaně bývají často mnohem levnější než přímé lety do Švédska. Z letištního terminálu pak naskočíte rovnou na pohodlný vlak a po překonání ikonického Öresundského mostu vystupujete za pouhých dvacet minut přímo v centru švédského Malmö. Samotné letiště v Malmö slouží spíše pro vnitrostátní lety nebo menší nízkonákladové aerolinky.

Pohyb po samotném regionu je neuvěřitelně snadný díky spolehlivému regionálnímu dopravci Skånetrafiken. Jejich fialové vlaky a zelené autobusy propojují snad každou větší vesnici, jezdí naprosto na čas a jízdenky koupíte na pár kliknutí přes aplikaci Skånetrafiken. Pokud do Skåne vyrazíte v druhé polovině roku 2026, můžete navíc těžit z plošných vládních dotací, které srazily ceny měsíčních jízdenek na fantastickou polovinu (zhruba 530 SEK, asi 1 170 Kč).

Auto vám sice dodá obrovskou svobodu pro objevování odlehlých pláží nebo skrytých jablečných sadů v oblasti Österlen, ale rozhodně to není nezbytná nutnost. Skåne je úžasně placaté a pyšní se stovkami kilometrů perfektních cyklostezek. Pokud se ubytujete strategicky v Malmö nebo Ystadu, můžete si jednoduše půjčit kolo, sbalit piknikovou deku a prozkoumat okolní pobřeží čistě vlastní silou.

Okruh po jižním Švédsku na 5 dní

Pokud do Švédska přijíždíte ranním trajektem a máte na prozkoumání jihu zhruba pět dnů, připravila jsem pro vás ideální itinerář. Umožní vám vidět to absolutně nejlepší z celého regionu, ale zároveň vás neuvězní na dlouhé hodiny v autě. Vzdálenosti tu jsou opravdu nezvykle krátké, takže denně najedete maximálně kolem osmdesáti kilometrů a zbyde spousta času na vysedávání v místních kavárnách.

První den věnujte objevování Malmö. Začněte ranní kávou ve čtvrti Västra Hamnen s výhledem na mrakodrap Turning Torso, odpoledne se ztraťte v uličkách kolem Lilla Torg a večer si dejte ten nejlepší falafel ve čtvrti Möllevången. Přespat můžete pohodlně přímo v centru města, odkud všude dojdete pěšky.

Druhý den vyrazte hned ráno vlakem nebo autem do nedalekého Lundu. Prohlédněte si majestátní katedrálu s orlojem, projděte se po univerzitním kampusu a dejte si sytý oběd formou denního menu (dagens rätt), které často zahrnuje výborné vegetariánské placky. Odpoledne se přesuňte na úplný jihozápad k poloostrovu Falsterbo a Skanör. Projděte se mezi fotogenickými plážovými kabinkami, nasajte čistý mořský vzduch a ubytujte se v některém z místních menších penzionů u vody.

Třetí den přejeďte podél jižního pobřeží do Ystadu, což vám zabere sotva padesát minut klidné jízdy. Projděte si historické centrum plné hrázděných domů a vydejte se po stopách komisaře Wallandera. Na večeři zamiřte do útulné pizzerie a počkejte na setmění, abyste si poslechli nočního hlásného z věže kostela. Nocleh v Ystadu je naprostou nutností, ideálně v některém z romantických hotelů.

Čtvrtý den vás čeká mystika a příroda. Ráno vyjeďte k rybářské vesnici Kåseberga a vyšlápněte si k magickým kamenům Ales stenar dříve, než dorazí autobusy s turisty. Následně pokračujte dál na východ do oblasti Österlen. Zastavte se v moštárně Kiviks Musteri, nakupte lokální jablečné produkty a projděte se sady. Ubytování hledejte v okolí městečka Simrishamn, kde narazíte na malebné farmy přestavěné na ubytování v soukromí.

Pátý den můžete věnovat majestátnímu hradu Glimmingehus a následně vyrazit buď směrem na sever do hustých lesů Smålandu, nebo se pomalu vrátit po dálnici zpět do Trelleborgu k odpolednímu trajektu. Tento okruh záměrně vynechává odlehlejší severní poloostrov Kulla, abyste nespěchali a opravdu si naplno užili pomalé severské tempo.

Kam dál ze Skåne

Pokud už máte jih Švédska prozkoumaný, nabízí se hned několik možností, kam pokračovat. S autem se můžete vydat na sever do hlubokých lesů Smålandu a zažít pravé Švédsko, nebo zamířit ještě dál a strávit pár dní v úžasném Stockholmu.

Jestliže vás lákají velká města a skvělá gastronomie, určitě využijte Öresundský most a přejeďte do sousedního Dánska. Návštěva Kodaně je naprostou nutností. A pokud si chcete před cestou lépe naplánovat rozpočet, podívejte se na náš detailní rozpis cen a nákladů ve Švédsku.

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