The charming seaside town of Simrishamn is the capital of the cultural region of Österlen, and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike during the summer months. Enjoy the picturesque country landscape, visit intriguing historical landmarks, check our some konst (art) from local artists, try the delicious local produce, and take a swim in the Baltic.
Simrishamn is a small coastal town situated on the east coast of Skåne, in the southeastern of Sweden.
During the Viking era, the settlement of Svimraros (present day Simrishamn) was founded at the mouth of the Tommarpsån river. Svimraros, later evolving into Simris, is interpreted as “at the mouth of the slow-flowing river” and hamn as “port or harbour”. The settlement developed into a small fishing village. In 1123, Svimraros was mentioned by name for the first time, and Sankt Nikolai Kyrka in 1161. During the Middle Ages Simrishamn became an important port for ships going to Bornholm. Simrishamn was noted for its herring industry by the Hanseatic League during the time. Tumathorp (present day East Tommarp) was the main town in the region at the time, which was navigable by boat up the Tommarpsån river. Tumathorp went into declined in the 1500s and Simrishamn eventually became the main town in the region.
In 1658, when Skåne was ceded to Sweden, Simrishamn had a population of only 200. Besides herring, Simrishamn also traded grain, timber, and stone. Simrishamn surpased 1000 inhabitants in the early 1800s, and 2000 inhabitants by 1900. In the early 1900s, the tannery industry employed over a quarter of Simrishamn’s residence. The harbour was rebuilt and the fishing industry begun growing again. After the World War II, Simrishamn became the center of tourism in region of Österlen, becoming known as the “Capital of Österlen”. Up until the 1980s, Simrishamn had the largest fishing fleet in Sweden, and was one of the largest fishing ports in the Baltic.
Today, Simrishamn has a population of approximately 6000. Agriculture and fishing are Simrishamn’s two main industries, along with the summer influx of tourists. Discover the top sights and the best things to see and do in Simrishamn.
What to see and do in Simrishamn
Storgatan
Storgatan (Big Street) is the main street of Simrishamn. The cobblestone street leads from harbour and up to the main square (Stortorget), where Simrishamns Kyrka is located, and continues west for another 400 metres. The street lines lined with tourist oriented stores, cafes and restaurants. During the summer Storgatan becomes a pedestrian only street, with stalls and art spilling onto the street. From the harbour end, you can find stalls selling fresh seafood and icecream.
Sankt Nikolai Kyrka
Sankt Nikolai Kyrka (Saint Nicholas Church) was mentioned in writing for the first time in 1161. Improvements and expansions continued to be made to the church into the 1400s. In 1953, the appearance of the church changed dramatically when white plaster was removed to restore the original quartzite facade which gives the church its character today.
Tobisviks Strand
Tobisviks Strand (Tobisviks Beach) is located just to the north of Simrishamn, only a ten minute walk from the town centre. The beach is just under 2km long and backed by trees the entire way along. If you’re here in the summer, you’ll find the water is much warmer here on the east coast than on the west coast.
Horsahallen Petroglyphs
Horsahallens Hällristningsområde (Horsahallen Petroglyphs) are Bronze Age petroglyphs in Simrislund, 3 kilometres south of Simrishamn. The site consists of two main areas: “Yxornas Häll”, located by the sea, and “Stenkilsristningen”, located a little further inland. Yxornas Häll depcits more than 200 motifs consisting of 45 ships, 50 axes, 7 wheel crosses, 6 circle figures, 5 wagons, 4 human figures and 40 bowl pits. Stenkilsristningen depcits 65 motifs including ships, people with axes, crosses, horses and over 100 bowl pits.
Järrestad Petroglyphs
Järrestads Hällristningar (Järrestad Petroglyphs) are Bronze Age petroglyphs a kilometre north of Järrestad, near Simrishamn. The site is considered one of Scandinavia’s largest rock carving area with over 1200 motifs. The carvings consist of 25 ships, 6 riders on horseback, 4 spirals, 4 animal figures, 3 crosses, axes, 210 feet, and 700 bowl pits. The most famous of the carvings is a large human figure which looks as if it could be dancing, called “Dansarens Häll”.
Glimmingehus
Glimmingehus was constructed between by the Danish knight Jens Holgersen Ulfstand in 1499-1506, during an era when Skåne was still a integral part of Denmark. Evidence of the family’s wealth can be seen inside the fortress with some of the most expensive items that could be bought in Europe at the time including: Venetian glass, motif pressed glass from the Rhine, and ceramics from Spain. Glimmingehus is thought to have served as a residential castle for only a few generations before being used to store grain. In 1924, Glimmingehus was donated to the Swedish National Heritage Board (Vitterhetsakademin). In 1935, extensive restorations were carried out, and today Glimmingehus is a popular attraction in southern Sweden. The site has a museum, medieval kitchen, giftshop and cafe.
Glimmingehus Entrance
Adults (Jul-Aug): 80 SEK
Adults: 70 SEK
Youth: Free
Hikes Near Simrishamn
Österlenleden
Österlenleden (Österlen Trail) is a part of the larger 1250 kilometre long Skåneleden (Skåne Trail). The trail begins in Ystad and follows the coast anti-clockwise, passing through Simrishamn, Kivik, before going inland, and eventually back to Ystad. The 188 kilometre long trail is split into 14 sections, with each section corresponding to a day of walking. Simrishamn is the rest stop between sections 4 and 5.
Section 4: Borrby Strand – Simrishamn (20km)
Section 5: Simrishamn – Kivik (21km)
Stenshuvud National Park
Stenshuvud National Park, located just south of Kivik, is one of three national parks in Skåne. Stenshuvud is characterised by its coastal hills, lush forest, heathland, and beautiful beaches.
Where to Eat
GÅRDENS
Storgatan 17, Simrishamn
Bagaren & Konditorn
Storgatan 19, Simrishamn
Where to Sleep
Hotel Svea
Strandvägen 3, Simrishamn
En Gaffel Kort
Hamngatan 31, Simrishamn
Hotel Kockska Gården
Storgatan 25, Simrishamn
STF Brantevik Råkulle
Råkullavägen 7, Brantevik
How to get to Simrishamn
Malmö to Simrishamn via Ystad
- Departures: every 1h
- Duration: 1h31m
- Price: 105kr (SEK)
Malmö to Ystad
- Departures: every 30m
- Duration: 41-51m
- Price: 105kr (SEK)
YSTAD to Simrishamn
- Departures: every 1h
- Duration: 40m
- Price: 60kr (SEK)
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