This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure about affiliate links here.
Skåne (Scania) in Southern Sweden is one of the most under-rated regions in Europe. And visiting Lund is a must-do activity when in the region.
I travelled to the lovely city of Lund as a day trip from Malmo. But Lund would also serve as an excellent base when visiting Skåne.
WHAT TO SEE IN LUND
LUND CATHEDRAL (DOMKYRKAN)
Every guide to Lund has the cathedral as the main site to see. The dark sandstone building towers over the centre of the city and is a useful landmark when orientating oneself. Construction on the cathedral started in the 11th century, making it one of the oldest buildings in Sweden. There is an astronomical clock inside the front door. The adjacent park (Lundagard) is a pleasant place to stroll.
LUND UNIVERSITY
For me, the biggest attraction in Lund was the university. If you like visiting university towns and cities such as Tartu and Oxford, then you will love Lund. It has the same intangible atmosphere that those famous places have. Lund University is also one of Europe’s largest.
The buildings of Lund University are dotted around the city with a number located in Lundagard Park. One such building is Kungshuset (King’s House) and it served as the university’s main building up to 19th century.
The most beautiful and most interesting university building in Lund is the library. Opened in 1907, the building has been extended several times in order to accommodate its growing collection. Foliage adorns the front of the building and changes colour depending on the season.
TOWN HALL & SQUARE
South of the cathedral lies the Town Hall (Radhuset) and square (Stortorget). The square is frequently used for events. Relax in one of the square’s cafes and watch the people and world go by. Speaking of cafes…
CAFÉ CULTURE
Lund is a fantastic place to experience fika, Sweden’s sacred morning ritual of coffee and pastry. To be honest, coffee at any time on one of Lund’s quaint streets is an absolute pleasure.
GATES OF LUND
Lund is the oldest city in Sweden, founded at the end of the 10th century. In medieval times, Lund was surrounded by a fortification with four gates as entrance points: Nortull, Sodertull, Ostertull and Vastertull. All are identified by signs.
Nortull, the north customs point for levying tolls, was the northern entrance point into Lund. It’s possible to follow much of the route of the medieval city fortification.
DROTTENS KYRKORUIN
During medieval times, Lund became an ecclesiastical centre with in excess of 20 churches at one stage. All but two of these churches were demolished when the Reformation came to Sweden – the churches remaining are Lund Cathedral and St. Peter’s Priory Church.
One of the demolished churches, Drotten Kyrka, was discovered in the city centre during excavations prior to redevelopment. The church is found in the basement of 6 Kattesund Street and dates back to the 11th century.
ST. PETER’S PRIORY CHURCH (KLOSTERKYRKAN)
As the only other pre-Reformation church still in existence, St. Peter’s is worth visiting and worth comparing/contrasting with Lund Cathedral. Few visit this church so peace and quiet reigns outside of service times.
Size-wise, St. Peter’s Priory is much smaller but architecturally, it is quite different. It is believed that the original church was built with sandstone. The replacement was built with red/brown bricks in the gothic style. Attached to the church was a priory for nuns. The priory ceased over the course of the Reformation.
KROGNOHUSET
Krognoshuset on Martenstorget is one of Lund’s oldest buildings, dating back to 1300. Both the house’s structure and use have changed since medieval times. Initially, it was the main building of the city farm, before being converted into residential quarters, offices, a restaurant and finally to the art centre that it now is. It is owned by the City of Lund and is worth dropping into to check out the art exhibitions.
SALUHALLEN COVERED MARKET
Saluhallen is a good place to sample local produce and pick up culinary gifts for friends and family. It’s worth checking Saluhallen’s Facebook page in case there is an event on during your stay.
VISITING LUND: TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WALKING TOUR
I did a walking tour with the Lund Greeters and it greatly enhanced my Lund experience. Their knowledge and love of their native city is to be commended. Without the Lund Greeters, I would never have known that Lund was founded by King Harald Bluetooth.
ACCOMMODATION
While I stayed in Malmo, Lund is an equally good place to stay. Check out booking.com for a selection of deals in Lund.
GETTING TO LUND
Lund is easily reached by train with the journey to Malmo only 15 minutes. Local trains are run by Skanetrafiken while long distance trains are run by SJ, the national train company. Lund Central Station is located in the centre of the city, 5 minutes’ walk from the cathedral.
Bus information can also be obtained on the Skanetrafiken website. The yellow buses serve areas in the wider Skane region and don’t take cash.
GETTING AROUND LUND
Lund is walkable but bring a comfortable pair of shoes as some of the streets have cobblestones. The green buses serve destinations within the city and don’t take cash either.
Arrivals Hall 