Skåne (Scania) is a landscape of contrasts, which offers great diversity within easy travelling distance. The countryside is varied – from the wide open plains, rolling fields of rapeseed, and 400 km of coast lined with white sandy beaches, to the deep forests of the north east and the steep cliff faces of the north west.
It is only a short journey from peaceful countryside and picturesque fishing villages to the vibrant cities of the region: Malmö in the southwest with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Helsingborg in the northwest and Kristianstad in the northeast.
Skåne is recognised as the culinary heartland of Sweden, so it is no surprise that the region boasts many award-winning restaurants - not only in Malmö and Helsingborg, but also scattered throughout the region's rural areas.
Skåne is a golfer's Mecca. This is where you will find some of Northern Europe's most delightful and inviting links courses, parkland courses and heathland courses. Skåne has more than 70 golf courses on offer within around an hour's drive.
The stunning gardens of Skåne spread out before your eyes, offering a myriad of unique experiences, from the beauty of traditional botanic gardens to gourmet food, festivals and concerts served up in delightful surroundings.
You cannot fail to notice the sense of history as you travel around the region, not least in the 200 castles and manor houses. Several of the castles are open to visitors and offer activities in the gardens (Sofiero), art exhibitions (Wanås), food and of course a wealth of history. At a number of manor houses you can even treat yourself to an overnight stay in a traditional castle milieu (Kronovall, Häckeberga, Bäckaskog).
Skåne's "art rounds" are a well-known Easter tradition, where more than 300 workshops and galleries open their doors to the general public. Småland's speciality is its world-famous glass art, while north western Skåne is renowned for its ceramics.
Skåne is perfect for outdoor activities , with its 1000 km of walking trails, a seemingly infinite number of narrow picturesque roads that constitute a paradise for cyclists, and vast lakes and clear rivers for canoeing and fishing excursions. You can also have a go at mountaineering in north western Skåne.
Skåne is an ideal destination for the entire family. Child-friendly white beaches stretch for miles, Malmö and Åhus are home to excellent theme parks, and fun is waiting to be had at Tosselilla Sommarland in Österlen. In central Skåne you'll find Skåne Zoo, with over 80 animal species from the Nordic region.
In Skåne, you don't have to choose between one thing or another. Skåne is the place for both. Skåne is the best of both worlds.
Visit us and find out for yourself!
| Skåne facts: |
Area:
11,027 km2
(10,983 km2 land area).
113 inhabitants per km2.
Bank hours:
Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 3pm, in some large towns until 5.30 pm. On Thursday banks stay open until 6pm. Saturday, Sunday closed.
Calling code:
+46 (Sweden)
Climate:
Average temperature
(city of Malmö)
| April |
+ 5° C |
( 42 F ) |
| June |
+ 14° C |
( 58 F ) |
| Aug |
+ 16° C |
( 61 F ) |
| Dec |
+ 1° C |
( 34 F ) |
| all year |
+ 7° C |
( 46 F ) |
Average rainfall
(city of Malmö)
| April |
36 mm |
(1.4 in.) |
| June |
58 mm |
(2.3 in.) |
| Aug |
74 mm |
(2.9 in.) |
| Dec |
74 mm |
(2.9 in.) |
| all year |
701 mm |
(27.6 in.) |
Source: weatherbase.com
Customs regulations:
Information on duty-free allowance (wines/spirits/ tobacco), see:
Swedish Customs
Daytime driving lights:
During the day, drivers must use dipped headlights or special daytime driving lights.
Exchange rate:
GBP 100 = SEK 1100
USD 100 = SEK 700
EUR 100 = SEK 900
(January 2012)
Currency can be exchanged in most Swedish banks. Currency may also be exchanged at Forex outlets in Malmö, Ystad, Helsingborg, Trelleborg and Lund, and at Malmö-Sturup airport.
Highest point:
Söderåsen 212 metres.
Language:
Swedish. Most people can speak English.
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Largest cities:
| Inhabitants 2010: |
| Malmö |
298,963 |
| Helsingborg |
129,177 |
| Lund |
110,488 |
| Kristianstad |
79,543 |
Largest lakes:
Ivösjön (54,2 km2)
Östra Ringsjön (25 km2)
Immeln (24 km2)
Petrol and diesel
Petrol and diesel prices vary in Sweden too. Petrol is about SEK 15, diesel SEK 15 (January 2012). In addition to manned filling stations providing services, there are numerous unmanned stations that stay open round the clock, accepting Swedish kronor notes and international credit cards.
Population:
1 243 329 inhabitants
(Dec 31, 2010)
Prices in Skåne:
| A cup of coffee: |
SEK 20 |
| A Bic Mac: |
SEK 40 |
| A large beer: |
SEK 50 |
| Lunch incl. salad, drink and coffee: |
SEK 70 |
| 5 km taxi journey: |
SEK 130 |
| Three-course dinner with wine: |
SEK 400 |
Public holidays 2012:
Swedish public holidays:
1 Jan: New Year's Day
6 Jan: Twelfth Night
6 April: Good Friday
8 April: Easter Sunday
9 April: Easter Monday
1 May: Labour Day
17 May: Ascension Day
6 June: National Day
27 May: Whit Sunday
22-23 June: Midsummer
3 Nov: All Saints' Day
24 Dec: Christmas Eve
25 Dec: Christmas Day
26 Dec: Boxing Day
Shopping:
On weekdays, shops usually stay open 10am - 6pm,
on Saturdays 10am - 2pm. Department stores and grocer's stay open longer, and all days of the week. On days before public holidays, all shops shut early.
Speed limits:
The speed limit generally applying inside built-up areas is 50 km/h, outside built-up areas 90 km/h. On motorways, the speed limit is 110 km/h. Drivers are otherwise expected to stay within the speed limits indicated on road signs.
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