Simrishamn: Old Town, Museum and Coastal Trails

Simrishamn offers a range of reasons to stay: a medieval town centre, the history of the town and its villages, and a longer hiking stage with coastal scenery. Sillens dag and the seasonally open Tobisviksbadet may also factor into your plans. If you’re looking for a hotel in Simrishamn, it helps to first decide what matters most to you: local history, a museum, hiking or a particular event date.

Old Town and Church History

The well-preserved medieval town centre is characterised by cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured houses and carved doors. On a walk around town, you can take in these details as part of its historic character. A digital town tour allows visitors to discover Simrishamn’s history independently. As technical availability may change, it is advisable to check access in advance.

Another historical landmark is the church of S:t Nicolai, which was first mentioned in writing in 1161. Its baptismal font dates from the 12th century and is made of limestone. The church’s early written mention and the surviving baptismal font point to different aspects of its history. This adds a specific glimpse of ecclesiastical heritage to a visit to the Old Town.

The Österlen Museum and Hafreborg

The Österlen Museum presents 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 itself was built in 1848 as a grain warehouse. The well-preserved surroundings tell the story of the extensive grain trade and shipping that shaped Simrishamn in the 19th century. In this way, the building’s original function is connected with its later use as a museum.

The museum app also offers different ways to explore the town: it includes a town tour, a climate walk through Simrishamn and a guide to the “Simrishamn 900 Years” exhibition. The museum apps can be downloaded free of charge from app stores; content and store availability may change. Check in advance which content is currently available and whether it suits your interests. The general digital town tour and the museum app offerings are two different ways of exploring the town’s history.

Hiking and Seasonal Activities

If you’d rather focus on the landscape than on local history, you can include the fifth stage of the Skåneleden Trail in your plans. It covers 20 kilometres from Simrishamn to Kivik. Along the way, the route passes sandy beaches, stony coastal meadows and wooded cliffs, and includes Stenshuvud National Park. As the route and access may change seasonally, check the latest conditions before setting out on your hike.

Sillens dag is a popular tradition and a festival for all ages, featuring food, culture and stage entertainment. Depending on the programme, visitors can enjoy herring prepared in traditional or new ways, learn about filleting fish and smoking herring, buy local products and go aboard the schooner Sarpen. Dates and programmes vary from year to year. If the festival fits your travel plans, check the dates and programme for that year before planning your stay around it.

Tobisviksbadet is open during the summer season. Treat it as a seasonal activity and check the latest information before your visit. Along with the event date and the Skåneleden stage, the season gives you another specific point of reference when choosing when to stay.

Discover more destinations: Rörum, Borrby, Simrishamn V, Vik, Skillinge, Tommarp, Hammenhög, Brantevik.

For the broader travel overview: Simrishamn.