Simrishamn brings together a medieval history, museums and the 20-kilometre Skåneleden trail stage to Kivik. When planning your stay, it helps to make a simple distinction: would you like to focus on the town’s history, or set aside time for the coastal route? You can then tailor your accommodation search to whichever matters more to you.

Old Town, Museum and Churches

The medieval centre of Simrishamn is characterised by cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses and carved doors. Österlen Museum offers a deeper insight into the town’s history, presenting the history of Simrishamn and its villages through exhibitions, event programmes and the museum magazine Garvaren.

The museum has been housed in the Hafreborg building since 1956. Hafreborg was built as a granary in 1848; its well-preserved surroundings tell the story of the extensive grain trade and shipping that shaped Simrishamn in the 19th century. This makes it possible to distinguish the history of an institution from the building’s former commercial role, without separating the two.

The Church of S:t Nicolai also offers a distinct historical reference point: it was first mentioned in writing in 1161. The church contains a 12th-century limestone baptismal font. The written mention and the font point to different aspects of the church’s history—one to its recorded mention, the other to a specific piece of church furnishings.

Discover the Town’s History Independently

A digital walking tour lets you discover Simrishamn’s history at your own pace. The Österlen Museum app includes a town walk, a climate walk through Simrishamn and a guide to the exhibition “Simrishamn 900 Years”. The app’s content may be revised, and its availability in app stores may change. The museum apps can be downloaded free of charge from app stores; check that the services you want are available there before planning your visit.

Walk from Simrishamn to Kivik

The fifth stage of the Skåneleden runs from Simrishamn to Kivik and is 20 kilometres long. Along the way, it passes sandy beaches, stony coastal meadows and wooded cliffs, and includes Stenshuvud National Park. This stage therefore offers a different focus from the town’s cultural history. The route and access may change seasonally, so check the latest conditions before setting out.

Festivals and Seasonal Visits

Sillens dag is a popular tradition and a festival for all ages, with good food, culture and stage performances. Depending on the programme, visitors can enjoy herring prepared in traditional or new ways, learn how to fillet fish and smoke herring, buy local products or go aboard the schooner Sarpen. Activities depend on the programme; dates and programmes vary. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the details for that year’s event.

Tobisviksbadet is open during the summer season; outside this season, the facility is closed. Bear this seasonal schedule in mind when planning a visit to the baths.

Sillens dag and the summer offer at Tobisviksbadet may also influence your choice of dates. This lets you tailor your accommodation search to the experiences that matter most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Gladsax, Vik, Rörum, Gärsnäs, Sankt Olof, Kivik, Vitaby, Brantevik

Back to the main travel overview: Simrishamn.