What to do in Ystad - 12 tips for experiences and attractions

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated May 2026 | Looking for things to do in Ystad? This southern Swedish town is incredibly idyllic with its beautiful half-timbered houses. Here are the best sights, tips and a complete itinerary for 2 days.

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Ystad

We've visited Ystad many times, not least by motorhome. Here are some of the best things to do in Ystad - from attractions to nature experiences.

• Stroll among the half-timbered houses in the centre of Ystad
• Visit the Ystad Abbey Museum and learn about the city's history
• Follow in Kurt Wallander's footsteps through the city
• Enjoy the sea at Sandskogen and the long sandy beaches
• Explore the rocks of Ales just outside the city

Planning more trips? Don't miss our guides to Malmö and Trelleborg

12 things to do in Ystad

Ystad is one of Sweden's most charming cities. Here are 12 things we can recommend in Ystad

1. Walk among half-timbered houses and cosy alleys

"The whole of Ystad is an attraction!" That's the answer we got from friends when we asked about what to see and do in Ystad, and we agree. Without aiming for any particular sights at all, it's a pleasant experience to stroll around Ystad's charming neighbourhood, among half-timbered houses and historic buildings.

2. Take a city walk among special houses

If you are interested in history, you can specifically look for houses that are particularly interesting. One option is to take a guided tour.

Another way is to stop by the tourist office and ask for a walking tour brochure. Then you can find all the famous buildings on your own. Here are some buildings you won't want to miss:

• Birgitta House - with staircase gables and decorations from around 1500. Charles XII lived here when he visited Ystad around 1700.
• Brahehuset - with decorations and original paintings from around 1500.
• The tannery -from the 18th century and built along the Vassa River.
• Pilgrändshuset - The oldest half-timbered house in the Nordic countries from the 1480s.
• Latin school - a medieval brick building, and one of the oldest school buildings in Sweden.
• Ystad Theatre - in its original condition from 1894, with a unique stage construction.

One of the most ornate houses in Ystad is the house known as the Angel House. The house was built in the 16th century, and its name comes from the angelic wooden figures under the eaves.

3. Visit the Church of St Mary

St Mary's Church was built around 1200 and is the oldest surviving building in the city. In 1648 the tower collapsed, and the tower you see today dates from 1689.

Every night of the year you can hear a loud signal from the tower - it's the Guardian of the Tower, who, according to a centuries-old tradition, announces that all is calm in the city.

Inside, the church is beautifully decorated.

4. Strolling at the Grey Friar Monastery

The Gråbrödra Monastery was founded by Franciscan monks in 1267, but the monks were expelled from their monastery during the Reformation in 1537. Today the monastery is located in a beautiful environment surrounded by several different gardens.

There is also the Klosterdammen. Once used as a washing pond, today it is a relaxing environment full of birds.

5. Take a walk in Wallander's footsteps

Perhaps one of the most popular things to do in Ystad is to discover the locations of the Kurt Wallander books and films. A total of 44 films have been filmed in Ystad and the Österlen region, and the books have been translated into as many languages. At the tourist office you can find information and guides to find the different locations. For example, you can check out:

• Mariagatan 10 - Wallander's home address in the books.
• Mariagatan 11C - An address opposite Mariagatan 1o, which for filming purposes was used as Wallander's residence in the first 13 films starring Krister Henriksson.
• Fridolf's pastry shop - Wallander's favourite café, at Lingsgatan 3

If you wish, you can also visit Ystad Studios Visitor Centre. Here you can enter Kurt Wallander's apartment and the police station in the BBC's Wallander productions.

6. Discover the Per Helsas farm

Per Helsa's farm is considered to be the most extensive and best preserved half-timbered building in Sweden. This trading estate consists of an entire block from the 17th and 19th centuries.

When we passed by, it had just rained. In better weather conditions, the courtyard looks very inviting for a meal or coffee at the popular Grändens mat, located here.

7. Coffee at Bäckahästen

Restaurant Bäckahästen is located in traditional and beautiful half-timbered houses in the centre of Ystad. In fine weather you can hang out in the beautiful courtyard. Sandwiches and simple dishes are on the menu. For us it was a good ice cream.

8. Take a guided tour by vintage fire engine

In high season, you can take a guided tour of the city by vintage fire engine. You can choose between city tours and Wallander tours.

9. Sunbathing and swimming

Along the coastline outside Ystad there are long sandy beaches with lovely fine-grained sand. We were here just before the real summer heat, but on a lovely summer day we can imagine that it is full of sun worshippers here.

Don't forget to check out the charming bathing huts, located all along the beaches. The huts are privately owned, where owners can store their beach chairs and other necessities for a day at the beach.

If you want to take a trip to a particularly famous and talked-about beach, you can go to Sandhammaren. However, note that it can be crowded and difficult to find a parking space on hot summer days.

READ MORE: Sandhammaren in Österlen - a beautiful sandy beach

10. Holidaying at Ystad camping

Ystad Camping is a nice campsite, located right next to the sea, within cycling distance of the centre of Ystad. The campsite has both cabins and space for motorhomes and caravans, as well as a shop and pizzeria. Just below the campsite, in addition to the sandy beach, there is also Jaktens kiosk and miniature golf.

11. Take a trip to the Stones of Ales!

Ales Stenar is Sweden's largest and best-preserved ship settlement. The stone formation is magnificently situated on a hill above the village of Kåseberga on the south coast of Österlen in Skåne.

It is known that the ships date back to sometime between 500 and 1000 AD, but much else remains a mystery. In Kåseberga harbour there are restaurants serving fish and shellfish.

READ MORE: Ales stones - an ancient mystery in Skåne

12. Travelling by ferry to Poland or Bornholm

From the ferry terminal in Ystad there are several different ferries heading south. You can go to Swinoujscie in Poland with Polferries or Unity Line. If you want to experience Danish Bornholm instead, you can travel with Bornholmslinjen.

READ MORE: Polferries Ystad-Swinoujscie - our experience

Want to extend your trip? Combine with a weekend in Lund or Helsingborg

Tips for booking a ferry

Please use Ferryhopper for planning and booking ferry trips – a handy tool for comparing routes between different destinations.

More to do in Ystad

For those who like culture and history

There is of course even more to see and do in Ystad than our suggestions. Here are some more tips for culture and history lovers.

• Balkåkra Church Ruin and Sjörup Old Church, dates back to the 12th century.
• Charlotte Berlin Museum showcases a mid-19th century bourgeois home. Dammgatan 23.
• Marsvinsholm Castle is a beautiful building, but private and not open to the public.
• Military History Museum shows military history from 1773 to 1997. Nils Ahlins gata 19.
• Ystad Art Museum has a significant collection of 20th century South Swedish and Danish art. St Knut's Square.
• Ystad Theatre is not only beautiful, but also has a programme of cultural activities. Sjömansgatan 13.

For those who love nature

Here are some more tips on things to do in Ystad for nature lovers.

• Fishing is popular, both in the sea and in lakes.
• Skåneleden passes Ystad, for those who like to hike.
• South coastal route is a cycle path that passes through the Ystad sand forest.
• Ystad sand forest is a nature reserve located along the sea.

For those with families

Travelling with children? Here are some ideas on what to do in Ystad and the surrounding area with children.

• Indoor cycling between Tomelilla and Fyledalen.
• Glassmaking offers homemade ice cream in many different flavours.
• Little Train do two different tours, one in the city and one to the Sand Forest.
• Tosselilla Summerland is Skåne's largest amusement park and is located just north of Ystad. Svampakorset, Tomelilla.
• Ystad Zoo is a park with exotic animals. Gamla Lundavägen 514

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

Best areas to live in and explore

• Old Town - Charming area with cobbled streets and historic atmosphere, perfect for a cosy stay.
• The sand forest - Quiet and natural area close to Sandskogen and the beach. Ideal for relaxation.
• Coastal locations / Österlen - For those who want to combine Ystad with sea, nature and small picturesque villages.

There are of course plenty of hotels and other accommodation options in Ystad. In the centre of town you will find, for example Southern Continental and Ystad station. If you want to combine accommodation with a spa, you can stay at the Ystad saltsjöbad, which is nicely situated by the sea. A bit west of Ystad, in Abbekås harbour, you will also find cosy Bongska House.

Pitches and campsites

There are also several nearby campsites to choose from:

• Ystad Camping, Österleden 97
• Nybostrands camping, Notvägen 2, Nybostrand
• Löderups strandbads camping, Östanvägen 64, Löderup

If you're travelling with a motorhome and looking for a pitch, there are also a few different options. The photo below is from Ystad Marina's long-term car park.

• Ystad marina car park (with electricity, high season only)
• Ystad marina long-term car park (no service)
• Västerleden 129, west of the treatment plant (no electricity or water)
• Kåseberga car park, at Ales stones (with electricity, no latrine emptying)
• Löderup Strandbad car park, Löderup (with electricity)

More city guides nearby

Planning to visit more cities nearby? Find more city guides here:

• Things to do in Karlskrona
• Things to do in Malmö
• Things to do in Ven
• Things to do in Landskrona
• Things to do in Helsingborg
• Things to do in Lund

FaQ - frequently asked questions about Ystad

How many days do you need in Ystad?

Two to three days is enough to experience many of Ystad's biggest attractions. With more days you can explore Österlen, the long sandy beaches and small villages in the area.

When is the best time to visit Ystad?

Summer is the most popular time to visit Ystad with swimming, cafes and life in the harbor. Spring and early autumn are also good for walks and excursions along the coast.

Is Ystad a good destination for a campervan?

Yes, Ystad is a popular destination for campervan travellers with several campsites and parking lots in the area. The city is also an excellent starting point for discovering Österlen and the south coast of Skåne.

What is Ystad known for?

Ystad is best known for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and connection to the Wallander books. The city has a well-preserved historic city center and an attractive location on the south coast of Skåne.

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