The Charms of Lund – Sweden
September 17, 2011 by Travel Guide Greg
Filed under Travel Guides
The university city of Lund, Sweden is a good day trip destination from Malmo or Copenhagen, which is less than an hour’s ride away. It is also easy to catch a train from Gothenburg and Stockholm that will take you to this charming old town retreat.
Lund is a compact enough city that can be easily covered by foot. Its old world atmosphere makes it a delightful place for lazy strolls and relaxing sightseeing. You can start your tour at the 11th century Lund Cathedral or the Domkyrkan. This massive Romanesque cathedral is one of the largest in the continent. Aside from its architecture, it also features several other attractions such as the astronomical clock, the crypt and the cathedral’s organ concert that is performed every Saturday morning for free.
From the cathedral, you can proceed north and visit the Lundagard Park where you will find the 16th century King’s House and the University buildings nearby. Make sure to pass by the picturesque street of Sandgatan on your way there.
The university library is also worth visiting to catch sight of the 12th century manuscripts and more than 2 million volumes of books it keeps. Not far away from the library is the Botanical Garden where you can check out more than 7,000 species of plants from different parts of the world. It is a good place for lazy afternoons where you can have a quick sandwich before you proceed to your next destination.
Across from the university grounds is Kulturen or the Museum of Cultural History. This open air museum houses dozens of old buildings that reflect much of the area’s culture and history for the past two hundred years. There are also Viking artifacts, old carriages and handicrafts on display. If you happen to visit during Christmas, you can check out the Christmas Bazaar hosted in the premises of the museum and buy some good souvenirs of your Lund visit. Another museum worth visiting is Historiska Museet that displays artifacts from the Stone Age up to the Middle Ages.
To meet Lund’s friendly locals, check out the market square of Martenstorget. You will also find plenty of fruit, vegetables and flowers here. It is a good place to buy some fresh produce to keep you fueled up. There are also some medieval structures to check out in the area such as the Krognos House and the Market Hall.
For some Swedish art displays, the Art Gallery is just nearby for a quick stopover if you like. There is also the City Park at the south side of Lund, which is the venue of Walpurgis Night at the end of April. If you happen to visit at this time, you can join the locals as they light a big bonfire and celebrate till the wee hours of the morning.
Finally, if you still have time to spare, you can visit Bosjokloster Castle just 19 miles north of Lund. It is beautifully situated in the scenic shoreline of Ringsjo. Aside from the picturesque location, it also features the Skane Wildlife Park and the hundreds of animals housed in the area.
