What to do in Lund - 16 tips for sights and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated May 2026 | Looking for things to do in Lund? The student city of Lund is known for its university and magnificent cathedral, but there's more to discover. Here are the best sights, tips and a complete 2-day itinerary.

Lund

I grew up in Lund and now we've made a return visit to my favourite childhood city. Here are some of the best things to do in Lund - from attractions to nature experiences.

16 things to do in Lund

Lund is a nice city. Here are 16 things we can recommend in Lund.

1. Stroll through charming neighbourhoods

Lund has many charming neighbourhoods with cobblestone alleys, half-timbered houses and winding greenery. Check out the area around Adelgatan and Lilla Sigridsgatan in the centre of Lund.

2. see Lundagård and the University Centre

One area not to be missed in Lund is the Lundagård park, which is one of the city's most charming and historic places. The leafy park is perfect for a quiet walk or picnic.

Lundagård is also home to the University House, the main building of Lund University. The building was inaugurated in 1882 and was designed by architect Helgo Zettervall, who was fond of antique design with pillars and columns.

3. Visit Lund Cathedral

Built in the 12th century, Lund Cathedral is almost 1000 years old. It is with some fascination and reverence that you look at this historic church. There are also several interesting sights inside the building.

As you enter the church, you can see the large astronomical clock almost directly to the left. The clock dates back to 1422-25, when Queen Philippa was the governor of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. However, it has been restored in recent times, and today it works again. Don't miss out on watching the clock play!

• Monday to Saturday: 12:00 and 15:00
• Sunday: 13:00 and 15:00

When visiting Lund Cathedral, don't miss the opportunity to step down into the crypt. This part of the church has remained largely untouched since 1123. There are many columns here and the most famous is the one that, according to legend, is embraced by the giant Finn. However, some argue that the column is actually meant to represent the biblical Samson.

4. Discover the culture in Lund

Culture in Lund is an open-air museum that stretches over two blocks, right in the centre of Lund. Here you can peek into everything from crofts to castle houses, and there are plenty of both permanent and temporary exhibitions. This is a very nice place to visit - one thing to do in Lund that you definitely don't want to miss.

5. Peek inside the All Saints Church

Allhelgonakyrkan in Lund may be overshadowed by Lund Cathedral, but we think this church is also worth a visit. The church was built in 1887, in neo-Gothic style, and was inaugurated in 1891. The church tower is 72 metres high, making it Lund's second highest building (after Ideon Gateway).

The interior of the church is decorated in warm colours, and the high windows of the choir show scenes from the Ascension from the Acts of the Apostles. Here I (Helena) had all my school graduations between first and seventh grade.

6. Botanise among the goodies in Lund's market hall.

The Lund market hall has meat, fish, cheese and chocolate counters. There's everything from locally baked bread to Scanian mustard. The market hall also has several restaurants where you can sit down for a bite to eat.

7. Learn about the world at Lund's museums

There are several museums in Lund that are worth visiting, from the cathedral museum to the curio cabinet.

Another attractive museum is Skissernas museum (Finngatan 2) - a unique museum that showcases the artistic and creative process, in the form of sketches and models. Lund is also home to the Museum of Life, which explains how the body works, and Lund Art Centre, which presents new exhibitions every year.

8. Eat well at cosy outdoor restaurants

Lund has plenty of cosy restaurants and outdoor cafés. We were here just before it got really hot, but you could still sit outside. Lovely! We had lunch at restaurant Stortorget, at Stortorget, where we each got an excellent halloumi burger and fish burger. Good and nice!

9. Walk in the city park

Stadsparken in Lund is a lovely green oasis where you can walk around or enjoy the peace and quiet with a picnic in the green. Cycling is not allowed in the park, so you can either leave your bike outside or lead it.

The large park has several different areas. The Observatory Park is a typical 19th century garden with lush trees. The Sun and Shade Garden offers large fields of perennials and in the southern part there are waterfalls, wooden bridges and ferns. There is also a playground, skate park, outdoor gym and café.

10. Fascinated by the diversity of species in the Botanical Garden

Another fascinating park in Lund is the Botanical Garden, or 'Botan' as it is often called by locals. There has been a university garden in Lund since the 17th century. Initially located in Lundagård, it was moved to its current location on Östra Vallgatan in the 1860s.

Today, over 7000 species are grown here, and it is one of Sweden's most popular gardens. When we were here, people were walking among the flowers, having a picnic or sitting at the small café.

The greenhouses have nine sections with different climates and plants from all over the world. Here you will find exotic plants such as cocoa, papyrus, carnivorous plants and 150-year-old cone palms from the tropics.

11. Feel the wings of history at the Monument to the Battle of Lund.

Skåne, Halland and Blekinge were Danish for a long time, but after 1658 the Danes were forced to give up the areas to Sweden.

In 1676, Swedes and Danes met in a battle outside Halmstad. The Danes lost and retreated towards Skåne. The Swedes followed, and suddenly they were opposite each other in their respective camps, just north of Lund.

The Swedes suffered greatly, and eventually decided to risk everything in an attack. The Swedes were led by their king, Charles XI, and the Danes by their king, Christian V. The troops met here, at the monument, among other places. The Swedes won, but both sides suffered heavy losses. The Danes lost at least 6000 men and the Swedes lost around 3000 men.

12. Hiking in Dalby Söderskog National Park

Dalby Söderskog National Park is Europe's smallest national park. The nature area is located outside Lund in Skåne and is very beautiful, even though it is only 36 hectares in size. It is surrounded by beautiful deciduous forest and there are a number of short hiking trails. 

READ MORE: Dalby Söderskog - Europe's smallest national park

13. Experience nature in the Skrylle nature reserve

Skrylle nature reserve is a large nature area where you will find several hiking trails, but also a nature centre, restaurant and café. For children there is the Vilsestigen trail and Skrylle's "nature play".

14. Impressed by Dalby church

Dalby Church, or Heligkorskyrkan, is located in Dalby southeast of Lund. The church was built around 1060 and is thus Sweden's oldest building and the oldest preserved stone church in the Nordic region. 

15. Swimming at Dalby quarry

Dalby quarry, or Knivsåsen quarry as it is also called, is located just outside Dalby, southeast of Lund. The quarry is located in the Knivsås-Borelund nature reserve and offers beautiful scenery with lush beech forest. Above all, this is a popular swimming spot where many people jump off the steep cliffs.

16. Enjoy the atmosphere of the castles around Lund

Outside Lund there are a number of fine castles in beautiful settings, but note that most are private and can only be visited to a limited extent.

At Häckeberga Castle in Genarp, when there is no pandemic, you can book accommodation packages, parties and weddings.Please note that the castle and Slottsholmen are private areas and access is prohibited to the public. 

At Hjularöd Castle in Harlösa, located in the municipality of Eslöv, you are welcome to walk in the garden around the castle, but only outside the moat.

Want to extend your trip? Combine with a weekend in Malmö and Helsingborg

More to see and do in Lund

For those who love nature

There is, of course, even more to see and do in Lund than our suggestions. Here are a few more tips for nature lovers.

• Dressin you can try starting in the small village of Björnstorp.
• Crane Lake, less than 15 kilometres from Lund, is said to be one of Skåne's best bird lakes.
• Risen Nature Reserve including fallow deer and orchids.
• Torna Hällestad is less than half an hour from Lund by car. Here you can hike in the Prästskogen nature reserve.

For those who like culture and history

Here are some more tips on things to do in Lund for those who love culture and history.

• cinema is a city centre cinema showing quality non-commercial films (Kyrkogatan 3).
• The Tegnér Museum shows the half-timbered house where Esaias Tegnér lived with his family (Stora Gråbrödersgatan 11).
• University Library The impressive building dates from 1907. The library itself dates back to 1666, when it was located in Lundagård (Helgonavägen 2).

For those with families

Here are some more tips on things to do in Lund for families with children or teenagers.

• Högevallsbadet is a modern swimming centre with adventurous slides, a jungle pool and a fitness pool (Högevallsgatan 3).
• Museum of Life is an interactive museum about the body and how it works (Lasarettsgatan 5B).
• Vattenhallen Science Centre is a centre full of experiences and experiments, with strong links to nearby research (John Ericsson Road 1).

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

Best areas to live in and explore

• Centre of Lund - Ideal if you want to be close to restaurants, shopping and attractions such as the cathedral and the city centre. You'll be right in the middle of the historic centre.
• The Cultural Quarter - Charming area around Kulturen in Lund with cobbled streets, older houses and cosy atmosphere.
• University area - Perfect for those who want to experience the student life and the proximity to Lund University and nice parks.
• Stadsparken and Södra Lund - Quiet and green area close to Stadsparken Lund, perfect for relaxation but still close to the centre.

Pitches and campsites

There is a campsite, Källby Camping, which is located fairly centrally by Källbybadet. There is space for 20 caravans or motorhomes and 25 tents.

The first night we parked in a regular car park in town and the second night we parked outside Dalby Söderskog National Park. In several places next to the natural areas outside the city there are car parks where you probably stand well overnight.

More city guides nearby

• Things to do in Karlskrona
• Things to do in Malmö
• Things to do in Ystad
• Things to do in Landskrona
• Things to do in Helsingborg
• Things to do in Trelleborg

FaQ - frequently asked questions about Lund

What is Lund most famous for?

Lund is best known for its ancient university, impressive cathedral and historic city centre. The city has a unique blend of medieval history, student life and modern research.

How many days do you need in Lund?

One to two days is enough to experience many of Lund's top attractions. With more days you can explore the surrounding area or combine your visit with excursions to Malmö and the Skåne countryside.

When is the best time to visit Lund?

Spring and summer are especially pleasant when the parks are green and the city's cafés and outdoor seating areas are filled with life. Autumn is also a great time thanks to the active student life.

Is Lund a good destination for a campervan?

Yes, Lund works well as a stop on a motorhome trip through Skåne. There are campsites and parking lots in the area, and the city's location makes it easy to combine the visit with other attractions in southern Sweden.

READ MORE: Things to do in Skåne - sights and experiences

READ MORE: Churches in Sweden - 25 very beautiful Swedish churches