Simrishamn is a coastal town in the province of Skåne, in a region known as Österlen in the southernmost part of Sweden. It is with its around 6.800 inhabitants the seat of the local municipality. It has developed with the Baltic Sea at its doorstep with a harbor that has been important for both fishing and trade.
A Short History of Simrishamn
Simrishamn was earlier known by the name Svimraros and was actually not the most prominent settlement in the area during the Middle Ages. The area’s main powerhouse was instead the settlement of Tumathorp, today known as Östra Tommarp, a few kilometers to the west. It was with the establishment of the Hanseatic League in Simrishamn in the 15th century that the tide turned. Simrishamn had become the main town in the area by the 17th century. The local harbor had by then become an important connection to the Danish island of Bornholm. The 17th century also meant another significant change. Simrishamn and the rest of Skåne became a part of Sweden in 1658 with the Treaty of Roskilde. The island of Bornholm also became part of Sweden but was returned to Denmark two years later.
It would take until the 19th century before a new push for development came. The harbor had by then become one of the most important ones in the region with both shipping and fishing contributing to the increased traffic. In addition to the harbor, the railway to Simrishamn was completed in 1882. A more complete harbor was also built in the year 1900. The 20th century also saw an increase in tourism.
Things to Do and See
The town center of Simrishamn includes several cobblestone streets and historical buildings. There is a historical atmosphere when walking along the streets, past the few shops and restaurants in the center. This is a coastal town where the harbor and the long sandy beach stand at the center of its attractions. But sometimes there is something to discover in the many small green parks as well.
Simrishamns Hamn
The harbor of Simrishamn is a fairly large area. If you are lucky, this is where you will find the T/S Sarpen. T/S Sarpen is a sailing ship that was built in Denmark in 1892 and has had Simrishamn as its base since 1964. The harbor does have a lot more to offer. There are several great viewpoints to enjoy the Baltic Sea, but also a marina which during the summer months has plenty of boats to look at.
Österlens Museum
Österlens Museum is where you can learn more about the history of Simrishamn and the surrounding villages. The exhibitions here focus on the local culture and traditions, as well as on local arts and crafts.
Sankt Nicolai Kyrka
The local church was inaugurated the last time in 1880. It is, however, not established when it was originally built. It is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and watches out over the central square. The church is today a part of the Simrishamn Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Tobisviken
Tobisviken is a bay to the north of the town center. This is where you will find a long sandy beach. Adjacent to the beach is also the local camping ground as well as Tobisviksbadet, an outdoor swimming pool area.
Brunnsparken
Brunnsparken is a small central park. In addition to being a green escape, the park is also used for different events such as concerts.
Autoseum – Nisse Nilsson Collection
Autoseum is an automotive museum that has its origins in the Skoklosters Motormuseum which was founded in 1963. The collection was acquired by local businessmen in 2007 and moved from Skokloster to Simrishamn. Additional collections such as the Nisse Nilsson Collection have been added to the exhibitions. This is where you will find cars such as the 1902 Bailleau Voiturette and the 1964 Porsche 356 GT. There is, however, more than only cars here. Standing outside you will find a Saab 35 Draken, one of Sweden’s former fighter jets.
How to Get to Simrishamn
- Flights: The nearest airports are Malmö Airport (MMX) to the west and Kristianstad Österlen Airport (KID) to the north. There is also Copenhagen Airport (CPH) right across the Öresund Strait in Denmark.
- Car: Simrishamn lies at the intersection between Road 9 and Road 11 in the southeastern corner of Skåne.
- Bus: Buses from Skånetrafiken connect Simrishamn with the surrounding area.
- Train: The operator Pågatågen has trains between Simrishamn and Ystad.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 610 kilometers (6 h 40 min)
- Gothenburg – 350 kilometers (3 h 50 min)
- Malmö – 98 kilometers (1 h 20 min)
- Linköping – 416 kilometers (4 h 50 min)
- Kiruna – 1841 kilometers (19 h)
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