6 Days & 5 Nights

4.6

The Österlen Way

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 $1,155.00

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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

Accommodations

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 13 miles / 21 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.

Ascent/Descent: +40m (131ft) -38m (124ft)

Overnight Kåseberga

Accommodations

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.

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 15 miles / 25 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 3km walk to your accommodation for the night, a traditional Skåne farming estate.

Note: Skillinge has only 1 accommodation option at the moment so it is possible that you will be booked in Simrishamn with return transfers.

Ascent/Descent: +760m (249ft) -39m (127ft)

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

Accommodations

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.

Lunkabergs B & B

Situated on a vineyard in the Österlen region, Lunkaberg Bed & Breakfast is 2.5 km from central Skillinge. Cozy, farm setting welcomes a hotel where you can enjoy the sea, sun and countryside of Skåne. Amentities include a sauna, courtyard, and vineyard. Given the remote location, delicious home-cooked dinners are pre-booked as part of your stay (payable locally).

Day 4: Skillinge to Simrishamn 9 miles / 15 km

After yesterday’s longer stage, today’s walk is more relaxed, with easy paths past meadows, rocky coastline, and small fishing villages. From Skillinge, you can either follow the new official route of the Österlenleden along a cycle path to Brantevik, or stay on the older coastal trail by the sea. There’s plenty of time to stop for a swim or take a longer lunch break in the peaceful village of Brantevik. Tonight you stay in Simrishamn, the charming regional centre known for its cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses, and lively harbour. End the day with a good dinner and an evening stroll by the water before settling in for the night.

Ascent/Descent: +30m (98ft) -30m (98ft)

Skillinge to Simrishamn – Old Coastal Stretch - 14.8mk (9miles) Ascent/Descent: +18m (59ft) -60m (196ft)

Overnight Simrishamn

Accommodations

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.

Ascent/Descent: +102m (334ft) -92m (301ft)

Overnight Kivik

Accommodations

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.

Hotell Hanöbris | Hotel

Hotell Hanöbris offers comfortable rooms, and is only 500 metres from the beaches along Hanö Bay. It offers a shared kitchen, a garden terrace and free Wi-Fi.

Day 6: Onward Travel

Other Information

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Is it for me?

If you are interested in food and culture and prefer a gentler walk on flat ground, The Österlen Way is the trip for you. A mixture of historic small towns and peaceful walks along the Baltic Sea shores, you will see a side of Sweden that few international visitors know about.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Coastal Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

This walk is graded easy to moderate, mainly due to some longer walking days of up to 22km (14miles), although these can often be shortened.

The terrain is generally flat and easy to walk, with most routes following footpaths and coastal trails. While the walk follows the shoreline, sand walking is limited and often optional. The surface is mostly a mix of grass, packed earth, gravel roads, paved sections, and forest paths, with only occasional short stretches along sandy or stony beaches. These sandy sections are not heavy or difficult, and in many places you can choose between walking directly on the beach or taking parallel grassy paths.

The area is mostly flat, with some hillier sections at the beginning and end of the route, and daily ascents and descents reaching a maximum of around 120 metres.

Overall, the route offers varied but comfortable coastal walking without significant challenges.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
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
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 strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.