On the coast, facing the bridge across to Copenhagen, Skanör is a popular destination for tourists in good weather, offering white sand beaches, reasonable waves and nice weather. The area has a history that stretches back to the Middle Ages. It was home to herring fishing in the local area markets which caused Skanör to become a thriving trading place during the 13th century.

Skanörs sjömärke

The sailor's beacon near the northernmost point of Skanör is a wood sculpture visible from the ocean.

Skanör Wooden Houses

All along the beachfront, small wooden houses can be found. A few are up for rent on sites like AirB&B. Small enough they're almost changing rooms, they are a colourful stripe along the sand.

Skanörs Mölla

Sat on the corner of the road leading to the Skanör peninsular, the historic windmill has parts remaining from 1698, but is likely to have existed on this spot since the middle ages, in a very "Ship of Theseus" way. It is the oldest preserved stump mill in Skåne.

Skanörs Rådhus

Set in a small courtyard, the old town hall, dating back to 1777 is still in good condition, and a cheery yellow colour. Since the 1970s it is no longer used for the courts, or administration of Skanör, but rather for local meetings and events.

St. Olofs Church

Red roofed an white faced, the Church of St. Olof faces the rådhus square. The church itself dates from 18th century but worship in Skanör is ancient.

Inside, a choir chair, constructed in the 1580s of cross chair parts from the 14th century, adorns the choir and in the triumphal arch hangs a late medieval crucifix with the support of a crossbeam. The oldest readable tombstone is from 1377.

Skanörs borg

Built in the 1220s and demolished in the 18th Century, Skanör borg was a small hill fort surrounded by a moat. The hill and moat remain along with a few stone ruins of the walls. Given the relatively flat area around Skanör, its not surprising the small hill was chosen to build the fort as the visibility out over the water is slightly better.

The castle was actually conquered in 1312 by Germans.

Skanörs Strand

The beach(s) at Skanörs are long, running the length of the peninsular, which is shaped a little like the head of a hammerhead shark. Fine white sand covered most of it, particularly the area right by the shops and restaurants. The southern section has fewer wooden houses, whereas the northern has quite a few (before you reach the nudist section).

J Persson Skanör

On the peninsular, right by the dock, J Persson offers wood-fired pizzas and other plates. The food is great, with friendly services and gas heaters in case it gets chilly from the arctic wind.

da Aldo

In Skanör town, this cafe offers a huge range of baked goods and ice creams and makes a decent coffee too! I ended up doing an hour or two of work there and the Tiramisu and Lattes kept me fuelled.