Kivik offers several ways to shape your stay: contemporary art, apple history, archaeological sites and nature in the surrounding area. For planning, a simple consideration can help: would you mainly like to explore exhibitions and local cultural heritage, or also set aside time for Stenshuvud National Park and other nature experiences?
Art in an ever-changing dialogue with the landscape
Kivik Art Centre is a sculpture park and art gallery that brings together three-dimensional art, architecture and landscape. Its art gallery presents contemporary art in an architecturally designed setting. The exhibitions engage in a dialogue with the space and the surrounding landscape. As the exhibition content changes, it is worth checking the current programme if a particular exhibition is a deciding factor in your trip.
Kiviks Museum also offers a different perspective on local cultural heritage. It accepts bookings year-round and can open to individual visitors and groups. Almost all museum tours can be booked year-round. Check the latest arrangements if you want to plan a visit or tour in advance.
Apple history and regional drinks
The history of Kiviks Musteri dates back to 1888, when Henric Åkesson planted the apple trees in Kivik that became the foundation of Sweden’s first commercial orchard. This laid the foundation for Kiviks Musteri. Äpplets Hus was added as a knowledge centre in 1996. Its topics include the history of the apple, as well as cultivation, harvesting, research and processing. Together, these places offer different perspectives on a story that encompasses both agriculture and knowledge about apples.
At Bistro Kärnhuset at Kiviks Musteri, you can sample most of the beverages made there. These include juice, cider with and without alcohol, and other drinks. As the selection and opening arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.
Archaeological traces and building history
Kiviksgraven is about 3,000 years old and measures 75 metres in diameter. It is considered Sweden’s largest circular burial mound. At Bredarör in Kivik, Bronze Age carvings are among the country’s most remarkable archaeological monuments; these include images that are unique in the Scandinavian rock art tradition. Both sites bring a distant past into focus, but each has a different emphasis: a large burial mound at one, and the imagery of rock carvings at the other.
More recent local history can be read in the buildings and streets. Half-timbered houses line narrow, winding lanes in the older parts of the village. Kiviks kapell was built during the Second World War as a church and parish hall, and was inaugurated in June 1941. A gravel path lined with a birch avenue leads visitors to the chapel. Kivik's Market also has a long history: its royal charter was confirmed as early as 1623. This is a historical reference, not a statement about when the market is held today.
Nature and practical planning
Stenshuvud National Park lies just south of Kivik and is accessible by car and public transport. A section of the Skåneleden long-distance trail runs through the national park. This lets you weigh up art and cultural heritage as travel interests against a nature experience, without necessarily including both in the same day’s plans. Guided nature and cultural experiences in the area around Kivik can be booked; check the latest booking details, as providers, routes and times are not specified.
The village itself also has a special connection to the landscape: Marknadsfältet is designated a Natura 2000 site because of the high natural value of its sandy areas. For travel to and from the area, Kivik has good bus connections to the north and south. As routes and timetables may change, check connections before your trip. This information may help you choose accommodation: consider whether you want to devote most of your time to art and history or include more nature and guided experiences.
Discover more destinations: Mellby, Gärsnäs, Sankt Olof, Skillinge, Borrby, Rörum, Tommarp, Vitaby.
Return to the main travel overview: Simrishamn.
