Ystad: Monastery History, Film and Coastal Trails

Ystad offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip: museums covering local history and art, theatre and film, as well as trails in the nature reserve and along the coast. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ystad, you can consider whether you’d like to set aside more time for museums, city walks or the surrounding landscape. The places and routes differ not only in theme, but also in whether they run through the city centre or the nature reserve.

Local History, Art and Theatre

Klostret i Ystad is the city’s local history museum. The Franciscan monastery in Ystad was founded in 1267. The monastery wing in Ystad was inaugurated as a museum and library in 1912. Ystad Art Museum displays a selection from its collection in several themed exhibitions; exhibition content may change over time. The collection focuses mainly on art connected to Skåne. It dates back to the late 19th century and consists primarily of works from the 20th century to the present day.

The history of theatre can also be understood through two different dates: theatre has been performed in Ystad since the 17th century, while the present-day Ystads Teater was inaugurated on 12 February 1894. This helps distinguish the city’s long theatrical tradition from the history of its current theatre building.

Film History and City Walks

Ystad Studios Visitor Center is a film experience centre in Ystad. Guided tours, talks and workshops are available on request. Visitors can also shoot their own film scenes in the green-screen studio at Ystad Studios. The availability of this activity may change; check in advance for the current offering.

There are different themed ways to explore the city on foot. A digital, self-guided route takes you to medieval buildings and well-known filming locations in the city centre. Languages and digital availability may change; check in advance whether the route is available in a language that suits you. The Wallander crime novel city walk takes you to Wallander’s favourite places, including a café and pastry shop and his home, and is based on Henning Mankell’s “Fotografens död”. Another challenging city walk route winds through Ystad’s charming, half-timbered lanes. Booking arrangements for current walks may change; check them in advance if needed.

Ystad Sandskog, Beach and Cycling Routes

The Ystad Sandskog nature reserve lies immediately east of Ystad. The Skåneleden SL4 Österlen, Stage 1, runs through the nature reserve; markings and access conditions may change. The sandy beach in Ystad Sandskog is often used for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months, and is also a popular area for walks.

In the wetter areas, you may be lucky enough to spot the rare bog violet, as well as the orchids common twayblade or coralroot. Such plant sightings are seasonal. Cycling routes also differ in their connection to the area: Cykelleden Skåne Route 102 runs through the picturesque city centre of Ystad, while the Historierundan takes cyclists along the coast to Svarte. Route information may change; check it before setting off.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The 101-kilometre Ystad–Österlen railway line runs between Malmö and Simrishamn via Lockarp and Ystad. Check the current timetable before your trip for specific departures. At Ystad Visitor Center, visitors can get recommendations for sights and excursions, help with questions about the destination, and maps and brochures. Visitor services may change; check in advance for the current offering if needed.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Svarte, Kåseberga, Köpingebro, Löderup, Nybrostrand, Ystad, Trelleborg, Smedstorp.

Return to the main travel overview: Skåne.