The Österlen Way

6 Days & 5 Nights

4.6

Discover hidden Sweden in the idyllic Österlen region.
Enjoy walking along the sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea shores.
Visit Ale Stenar, a stone ship erected during the Nordic Iron Age.
Sample local delicacies in this food Mecca of Sweden.
Explore Ystad, home to Henning Mankell’s ‘Wallander’ detective stories.

The Österlen Way takes you along the coast of the Baltic Sea, visiting picturesque fishing villages and white, sandy beaches along the way. The unspoilt beauty of this region attracts artists from all over the world, drawn here by the special light and absolute tranquillity. Österlen has a thriving cultural scene and you can visit art studios and one-of-a-kind boutiques in towns and villages along your walk. The fertile lands of Österlen have led to a flourishing restaurant scene with locally sourced ingredients. Some of Sweden’s best restaurants can be found here, but for those who prefer a more traditional dining experience, you can sample fresh sea food in many of the villages along the way.

From £885.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Ystad

Your trip begins in Ystad, a medieval city that is the home of Henning Mankell’s Wallander detective stories. The half-timbered houses of Ystad are evidence of its Danish history and add character and charm. In spite of its size, Ystad is bustling with life and is home to many restaurants.

Ystad is easily accessible by train from Copenhagen Airport (1 h) and nearby cities.

Overnight Ystad

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Sekelgarden | Hotel

Built in the 18th century, this charming boutique hotel has been appointed 'Most Romantic Hotel in Sweden'. Hotell Sekelgården is located in central Ystad and has a nice restaurant next door.

Hotel Prins Carl | Hotel

Feel the calm in this historic hotel environment in the middle of Ystad's medieval centre. A family-run hotel with 20 cosy rooms and apartments.

Day 2 Ystad to Kåseberga 14 miles / 22 km

After breakfast you start your walk along the sea shore, crossing the Nybroån stream. The walk starts off in open landscapes, but as you get further ahead, you can see the hills of Hammar. This is a popular spot for humans and wildlife alike and you might spot kites, sea gulls and para-gliders. Your walk continues along the beach until you reach Kåseberga, where you can either dine in the village (June-August) or at your bed & breakfast.

Nearby Ale Stenar (‘Ale’s Stones’) is a megalithic monument in the shape of a ship, not dissimilar from Stonehenge. It is believed to have been erected during the Nordic Iron Age and is situated on a hill top overlooking the sea.

Walk Ystad to Kåseberga: 20-22 km, 118 m. ascent, 123 m. descent, 6 hours.

Overnight Kåseberga

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ejagården B&B | Bed and breakfast

Ejagården B&B is located 26km from Tomelilla Golfklubb and is close to the Baltic Sea and Ale's Stone. It offers access to a shared lounge, garden, a shared kitchen and a patio. There is also free private parking and free wifi. Ejagården B&B does not serve dinner, however, there are places to dine in Kaeberga Harbor.

B&B Vinkille | Bed and breakfast

This B&B is located by the Skaneleden hiking trail, about 0.6 miles from Ales Stenar and Kaseberga. It offers an organic breakfast, a shared kitchen and rooms with garden views.

Day 3 Kåseberga to Skillinge 14 miles / 22 km

If you haven’t already visited Ale Stenar, there is time to do so this morning. You start today’s walk at the beach and follow well-trodden footpaths until you reach Löderup. Here you’ll be taken through a nature reserve featuring pine, oak and birch trees with lilies of the valley covering the ground. At Sandhammaren you return to the shore and walk along pristine beaches and sand dunes until you reach the fishing village of Skillinge. From here its a 1km walk to your accommodation for the night, a traditional Skåne farming estate.

Walk Kåseberga to Skillinge: 22 km, 167 m ascent, 154 m Descent, 7 hours.

Alternative: If you want to spend the morning visiting Ale Stenar, we can arrange for a pick up in Sandhammaren, in which case your walk is only 9 km (must be booked in advance).

Overnight Skillinge

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Sjobacka Gard | Guest House

Sjobacka Gard is a traditional farming estate that is over 200 years old. It has been coverted into a guesthouse with 10 rooms. The guest house has a library where guests can borrow books and relax in front of the open fireplace in the lounge.

Day 4 Skillinge to Simrishamn 8 miles / 13 km

After yesterday’s long day, you are treated to a gentler walk, passing meadows, rocks and fishing villages. There is time to stop for a swim or enjoy a longer lunch break in the idyllic village of Brantevik. The overnight stop today is in Simrishamn, the pretty regional capital with cobble-stoned streets and pastel-coloured houses. Enjoy a nice dinner and a stroll along the harbour before tucking yourself into bed.

Walk Skillinge to Simrishamn: 13 km, 57 m. ascent, 68 m. descent, 3 hours

Overnight Simrishamn

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

En gaffel kort på Maritim | Hotel

Maritim Krog & Hotell is located in the harbor of Simrishamn and houses a popular restaurant. Some of the rooms are located in the historic Customs House, 100 meters from the main building.

Hotell Svea

A traditional, family hotel located in the middle of picturesque Simrishamn, with its unique small shops and its bustling artist life & a stone's throw from the train station. In Restaurant Piraten you can enjoy seasonal & locally produced ingredients in a well-thought-out menu created by our fantastic chefs.

Day 5 Simrishamn to Kivik 12 miles / 20 km

Today offers varied terrain taking you through sandy beaches, orchid meadows and beech forests. Eventually you will reach the national park of Stenshuvud and its distinct hill top. This marks the end of your journey and you will soon reach Kivik, ‘The Apple Kingdom of Sweden’. Walking along beautiful apple orchards, you can stop for a non-alcoholic cider, the regional choice of drink. If your visit coincides with the yearly apple festival, you can enjoy eye-catching ‘apple art’ as well as the popular ‘biggest apple’ competition.

Walk Simrishamn to Kivik: 20 km, 120 m. ascent, 122 m. descent, 5 hours.

Overnight Kivik

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Agda Lund B&B | Bed and breakfast

Housed in a converted apple orchard, Agda Lund is the essance of idyllic Österlen. The atmosphere is relaxing and homely and you can enjoy your breakfast in the garden during summer.

Day 6 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 17kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 17kg is equivalent to 100 cans of coke. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

5 Nights in handpicked B&Bs, guest houses and small hotels with en-suite rooms
5 Breakfasts
Door-to-door luggage transfers
Transfer from Kivik to Simrishamn Railway Station
1:50000 map and detailed information pack with route notes
24/7 support from our local partner and UK office.

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Ystad and from Simrishamn
Lunches and dinners
Local transfers if not part of the itinerary
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

Extra nights before, during and after your walk.

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How do the baggage transfers work? What personal equipment do I need? When is the best time of year? When is the apple festival? How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be?

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The Österlen Way