Simrishamn tells its story not only in the museum: cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses and intricately carved doors shape the well-preserved medieval old town. For centuries, the town was both a fishing village and a trading centre. This maritime past remains part of the city’s character today, and its harbour serves as a commercial and fishing port.
Old Town History Between Church and Museum
The Österlens Museum explores the history of Simrishamn and the surrounding villages through exhibitions, programmes and the museum shop Garvaren. It is open year-round; admission to the exhibitions and garden is free. You can visit the garden when the museum is open. The exhibition “Simrishamn 900 Years” covers the town’s history from the 12th to the 20th century. A digital walking tour of Simrishamn is available in Swedish, English and German. The museum’s free apps also offer a town walk, a climate walk through Simrishamn and a guide to the exhibition.
Individual buildings also tell of different chapters in the town’s history. Hafreborg at Storgatan 24 was originally built as a grain store; exhibitions are located on floors 1, 2 and 3. Magasinet in kvarter Ålen illustrates the trade and shipping that were characteristic of Simrishamn as a coastal town in the 18th and 19th centuries. Björkegrenska rederikontoret is a mini-museum in Björkegrenska gården, Storgatan 22. It is opened for visitors on request through the museum shop.
Several periods can be distinguished in S:t Nicolai Church: it was first mentioned in writing in 1161, its nave was completed in the 13th century, and its vaults were added in the 15th century. The limestone baptismal font dates from the 12th century. Thus, one building brings together an early written mention, several construction phases and a baptismal font from an even earlier period.
Harbour, Traditions and Unique Collections
The culturally protected T/S Sarpen has been based in Simrishamn for more than fifty years. Visitors can join long voyages, weekend trips, and half- or full-day trips aboard the ship. They can learn to set sails, steer, navigate, tie knots and cook on board. If you are planning a trip, check the dates and availability.
The long connection with herring is also reflected in Sillens dag: this family festival is a popular Simrishamn tradition associated with the importance of herring and herring fishing. Market trading has taken place in Stortorget for more than 100 years. Another seasonal meeting place is the flea market at Suckarnas gĂĄng, held on Saturdays during the summer half of the year and on five Sundays during the autumn season. Check the current dates before visiting.
At Autoseum, a motorcycle museum focusing on motorcycles from the 1980s and 1990s is combined with L.A. TOYs, a toy museum featuring toys from earlier times. The collections therefore range from a clearly defined era of motorcycling to toys from the past.
Coast, Nature and Local Trails
The municipal Skansen Nature Reserve lies in a densely built-up area between the town and the sea. Rocky terrain, dry meadows and wetter areas provide a variety of habitats; several threatened plant species grow in the reserve. The contrast between town and coast is also reflected in the landscapes along the walking trails. The fifth stage of SkĂĄneleden SL4 starts in Simrishamn and passes sandy beaches, stony coastal meadows and wooded slopes. SL4 reaches Simrishamn from Stenshuvud National Park, after crossing the park and then following the beach.
Between Vik and Simrishamn, the Skåneleden trail runs along beaches, small paths and a cycle path. Sydostleden offers a different scale: this national long-distance cycle route is 270 kilometres long, with stages between Växjö and Simrishamn. Two routes in the immediate area offer shorter walks with different themes. The approximately 1.5-kilometre Hällristningsleden is a circular trail linking the Yxornas häll and Stenkilsristningen rock carvings; it is marked with red-painted posts and red arrows. The approximately 1.7-kilometre Jätteleden is signposted and runs through a historic landscape south of Gröstorp. Their lengths are similar; the rock carvings on one route and the historic landscape on the other are the main points of reference when choosing between them.
For a trip nearby, Tobisvik has an approximately two-kilometre-long sandy beach. Buses 574 and SkåneExpressen 3 serve Tobisvik; from there, it is a 750-metre walk. Check the timetable before travelling. Within Simrishamn, Snurringen is the town’s own bus service; travel is free. The tourist centre is located right by the harbour at Marint centrum.
Discover more destinations: Gärsnäs, Borrby, Gladsax, Kivik, Rörum, Sankt Olof, Simrishamn, Skillinge, Vik, Brantevik, Tommarp, Vitaby, Hammenhög, Simrishamn V
For the main travel overview: SkĂĄne.
