Kivik: Local History and Apple Culture

In the older parts of Kivik, half-timbered houses line narrow, winding lanes. Kivik’s chapel also plays a part in the town’s history: the building was constructed during the Second World War as a church and community hall and inaugurated in June 1941. A gravel path lined with birch trees leads visitors to the chapel.

Art, Architecture and History

Kivik Art Centre is a sculpture park and art gallery that brings together three-dimensional art, architecture and landscape. Contemporary art is presented in an architecturally designed setting in the gallery. Each exhibition engages in a dialogue with the space and the surrounding landscape. As the exhibitions change, it is advisable to check the current programme if you are interested in a particular exhibition.

Archaeological Heritage and Local Tradition

Kiviksgraven lies in the area around Kivik. The burial mound is about 3,000 years old, has a diameter of 75 metres and is Sweden’s largest circular burial mound. Bredarör in Kivik is another archaeological landmark: thanks to its Bronze Age carvings, the monument is considered one of Sweden’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Among the depictions are images that are unique within the Scandinavian rock art tradition.

Kiviks Marknad also has a long history: its royal privileges were confirmed as early as 1623. This is a historical fact about the market and does not mean that it still takes place today.

Apple History and Flavour

The history of Kiviks Musteri dates back to 1888. That year, Henric Åkesson planted apple trees in Kivik, which led to Sweden’s first professional fruit orchard and laid the foundations for Kiviks Musteri. Äpplets Hus was established as a knowledge centre in 1996. Its topics include the history of the apple, as well as cultivation, harvesting, research and processing.

At Bistro Kärnhuset at Kiviks Musteri, visitors can sample most of the drinks made there, including juice and cider with or without alcohol, as well as other beverages. If you are planning a tasting, check the latest visitor information in advance, as offerings and operations may change.

Nature and Activities in the Surrounding Area

Marknadsfältet in Kivik is designated as a Natura 2000 site due to the high natural value of its sandy areas. Stenshuvud National Park is located just south of Kivik and can be reached by car and public transport. A section of the Skåneleden long-distance trail runs through the national park. This makes it possible to consider the park as a destination and the trail running through it as two distinct aspects of the surrounding area.

Guided tours can be booked for nature and cultural experiences in the area around Kivik. If you are planning a particular tour, check the booking details in advance. It is also worth checking the latest information when planning to follow a specific hiking trail.

Bookings and Getting Around

Kiviks Museum accepts bookings year-round and can open for individual visitors as well as groups. Almost all of the museum’s guided tours can also be booked year-round. If you are planning a specific date or a particular tour, check the latest booking information in advance, as offerings may change.

Kivik has good bus connections to the north and south. Check routes and timetables before your trip to plan your specific journey. If you are looking for hotels in Kivik, first decide which themes matter most for your stay: local history, apple culture or nature in the surrounding area. You can then compare information about each hotel with your own priorities.

Discover More Destinations:

Mellby, Hammenhög, Gärsnäs, Borrby, Tommarp, Brantevik, Gladsax, Rörum

Return to the main travel overview: Simrishamn.