7 Most Charming Small Towns and Cities in Southern Sweden

Sweden is a place where nature, architecture, and design come together to create something truly unique. From the snowy north to the sunny (well, if you’re lucky) south, from big city vibes to small-town charm, Sweden’s got a little bit of everything. However, for me, it’s the small towns and cities in Southern Sweden with their cute, colorful houses and cobblestone streets that truly stole my heart.

I’ve had two longer stays in southern Sweden. The first time I was there for six months, the second time for two months. And even though I came back to my home country, my heart stayed there.

While the north is exceptionally beautiful with its frozen landscapes, the south — especially the province of Skåne, or Scania — has its own charm. With its Danish roots, Southern Sweden has a vibe that’s different from the rest of the country. The rich history here is still alive in the architecture, culture, and even the local language, giving it a unique charm that stands out from the rest of Sweden. And there’s even more to discover beyond the charming small towns and villages with colorful houses — think rolling hills, endless fields, and sandy beaches. Yes, that’s Southern Sweden.

Ready to discover more of Southern Sweden’s magic? You’re in the right place. Here are my top 7 most charming small towns and cities in Southern Sweden. See them through the lens of my heart (and my camera).

Lund definitely tops my list of most charming small towns and cities in Southern Sweden. From the very first time I visited Lund, it felt like stepping into a fairy tale. A fairy tale where every corner of the town has its own story. My first visit was just for a day, but a few years later, I found myself back there for two months.

Lund is located in Skåne, the southernmost province of Sweden. It has a rich history shaped by both Swedish and Danish influences. Skåne was part of Denmark until 1658, which has left its mark on the region’s culture and architecture. 

As you walk down Lund’s cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, it’s usually so quiet — unless it’s rush hour and people are biking to or from work—that you can really enjoy the charm of the houses and your thoughts.

While strolling around the city center, you might also come across charming surprises — like the famous quirky street art featuring tiny mice that are sure to make you smile. You might actually miss the mice (they really are tiny) unless you spot a group of people looking down and taking pictures. If you see that, you’ll know what they’re admiring.

Lund’s history is also beautifully reflected in its stunning cathedral, Lund Cathedral. Built in 1085, it’s one of the oldest and most impressive churches in Sweden. When I was there, both the Swedish and Danish flags were displayed in front of the cathedral, reminding visitors of the town’s rich, shared heritage.

The university in Lund is nearly as historic. It was founded in 1666, making it one of Sweden’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education and research. The university library, with its grand architecture and lush ivy-covered walls, is like a piece of art in itself. Fortunately, I had the chance to spend quite some time there, gathering material and writing my Master’s thesis on Swedish literature and translation.

Another favorite spot and a must-visit is Kulturen, an open-air museum where you can wander through historic buildings and feel like you’ve traveled back in time. You can even peek inside the houses to see how people lived in different eras and what daily life was like centuries ago.

If you need a break, the Lund Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape with its lush greenery and blooming flowers. And don’t miss the popular café Botan, known for its delicious pastries and cozy atmosphere.

Lund’s blend of history, creativity, and charm, combined with its unique vibe, made it a place I couldn’t help but fall for.

Ystad is a small town in Skåne, about an hour by car or train from both Malmö and Lund. It’s a beautiful place, often associated with Henning Mankell’s crime novels. Mankell, a renowned Swedish crime author, set his Kurt Wallander series in this picturesque town. The narrow, cobblestoned streets and quaint half-timbered homes definitely provide a contrast to Wallander’s dark mysteries.

Wallander, a grumpy but brilliant detective, solves chilling cases against a backdrop of serene streets and colorful houses. Despite his serious job, Wallander, like any typical Swede, has a sweet tooth and finds solace in a fika break. His favorite spot is Fridolfs Konditori, where you can enjoy a “Wallander pastry” and experience a traditional Swedish fika. 

There are also movies based on the Wallander books, which bring Henning Mankell’s compelling detective stories to life on screen. The old station house, which served as Wallander’s police station in the movies, has been transformed into the cozy Stationen Bed & Breakfast, where fans can stay and immerse themselves in the Wallander experience.

Ystad Studios Visitor Center is a great place for movie enthusiasts. It’s one of Sweden’s largest film museums offering insights into the world of filmmaking, from special effects to props. 

As I walked through Ystad, it felt like stepping into a fairy tale and a Wallander novel at the same time. Though it’s hard to imagine real crimes happening in such a tranquil place. And still, the town’s charming scenery and mysterious vibe intertwined perfectly.

Another 40 minutes northeast of Ystad lies Simrishamn. It’s a charming town in Skåne known for its picturesque beauty and quaint atmosphere. Walk around its cobblestone streets, and you’ll find colorful, traditional houses that make the town feel like a scene from a fairy tale. However, unlike the brighter colors of Lund and Ystad, Simrishamn’s softer shades give the town a peaceful, almost dreamy feel.

At the heart of the town is the beautiful Saint Nicolai Church, with its bright white walls and medieval style. The church’s clean, elegant look fits right in with the town’s peaceful vibe, making it a great spot to stop and enjoy the timeless charm of Simrishamn.

Simrishamn is also famous for its lovely harbor, where you can watch fishing boats and enjoy the sea breeze. Unfortunately, the weather was not the best when I visited Simrishamn so I couldn’t really enjoy a nice walk along the harbor.

Another highlight is the nearby Österlen region, known for its stunning coastal scenery and vibrant art scene.

Just a short hop from Lund, still in the beautiful province of Skåne, you’ll find the quaint town of Hjärup, home to the unique village of Jakriborg. Jakriborg, with its charming, medieval-inspired architecture, feels like it’s from another era. Unlike the traditional, colorful houses in Lund, Jakriborg’s buildings feature half-timbered façades and turreted roofs, creating a storybook atmosphere.

While you might expect cute cafés and nice restaurants like those in Lund, keep in mind that Jakriborg has only one restaurant — a pizzeria. It wasn’t even open during my visit, but that’s okay. The real charm lies in the streets and houses themselves, and how tranquil it is there.

You can easily reach Hjärup by train from Malmö or Lund, as it’s conveniently nestled between the two cities. I cycled from Lund to Hjärup, enjoying the peaceful half-hour ride through the fields. Even though there isn’t much else to do there, wandering around Jakriborg and soaking in its unique vibe made the trip worthwhile.

Landskrona, a charming town in Skåne, offers a wonderful mix of history and scenic beauty. One of its highlights is the Landskrona Citadel, a fortress surrounded by a picturesque moat, adding a fairy tale touch to its historic presence. As you walk towards the fortress, you’ll also pass colorful, colonial-style houses that enhance the town’s old-time charm.

In the colonial area, you’ll also find the Kolonimuseum, known as Rothoffs Museikoloni. The museum shows what the early 20th-century colonial lifestyle in Sweden was like.

Landskrona also has a special literary connection. Selma Lagerlöf, the Nobel Prize-winning author, worked as a country schoolteacher at a high school for girls in Landskrona from 1885 to 1895. It was during this time that she began writing her first novel, Gösta Berling’s Saga.

To honor her contributions, a statue of Lagerlöf was unveiled in 2009, marking the hundredth anniversary of her Nobel Prize award. It celebrates her significant impact on Swedish literature and the important years she spent in Landskrona, where she started her writing career.

Kalmar is located in the province of Småland, a bit further north from Skåne. The town is home to Kalmar slott, or the Kalmar Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by a moat and towering walls. The castle not only offers a peek into Sweden’s past but also hosts various exhibitions and events that bring history to life. 

In Kalmar, you’ll find history not only in its grand castle, but also in its charming neighborhoods. The town’s traditional wooden houses are like an open-air museum and offer a glimpse into Sweden’s architectural heritage.

Another highlight is the city square, where you’ll find the Kalmar Cathedral. Built in the 17th century, this bright yellow building stands out with its distinctive, simpler design compared to older, more elaborate cathedrals.

There’s also a harbor, which is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful view and a bridge connecting Kalmar with the island of Öland that you can cross to visit the island. 

Öland is known for its beautiful beaches, windmills, and the ruins of Borgholms slott, or Borgholm Castle. It’s a great spot for exploring nature, with vast landscapes that are perfect for hiking and biking. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit Öland when I was in Kalmar, but it’s on my list!

Varberg is a beautiful town just an hour south of Gothenburg. It’s located in the province of Halland on Sweden’s west coast. It is a beautiful mix of history and seaside charm. It’s perfect for both a beach getaway and a dive into the past.

The highlight of Varberg is Varbergs fästning, or Varberg’s fortress, which has stood guard over the town since the Middle Ages. Inside, you’ll find the Halland Museum of Cultural History. The museum is home to the so-called Bockstensmannen, or Bocksten Man, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval bodies. Discovered in a nearby bog, the Bocksten Man was brutally killed and impaled centuries ago. Today, you can see both a reconstruction of what he might have looked like and his original skeleton.

Varberg’s sandy beaches and Kallbadhuset, a charming 19th-century wooden bathhouse perched over the water, are also worth a visit. At Kallbadhuset, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or a classic Swedish sauna experience. There’s also a lovely seaside promenade, where the stunning views of the coastline made it a perfect spot to breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the beauty of the sea.

Southern Sweden really does have it all — charming towns and cities, stunning coastlines, and impressive castles and fortresses. There’s something for everyone — from Lund’s vibrant houses to Varberg’s quaint bathhouse, from Ystad’s literary crime scenes to Kalmar’s grand castle, from Simrishamn’s picturesque streets to Landskrona’s beautiful citadel, and not to forget Jakriborg’s medieval-inspired architecture. No matter where you explore, these 7 most charming small towns and cities in Southern Sweden are sure to captivate you with their unique charm and beauty. Just like they did for me.