Karlaby Kro

Art Round

by Sjalen

Every Easter, the roads on ?sterlen are packed with people wanting to make a bargain or simply see some art. This is when the art round takes place and all the galleries are open at the same time. There is no possibility to visit them all and you will see anything from pure c**p to masterpieces. In the picture is Tj?rnedala Farm in Baskem?lla which is a restaurant but also the centre for ?stelen Art Society so this is the place where all artists in the art round exhibit ONE piece so that people can see if they want to visit a certain gallery. Sometimes Tj?rnedala also has ordinary vernissages.

Icelandic horses or Haflingers

by Sjalen

Go riding in the gorgeous landscape. From 2 hrs up to whole days depending on where you go. Usually with reliable little Icelandic horses (which are for adults despite their size) but there is also a Haflinger farm and a place with Swedish warmbloods. Some cater for beginners and some not. A hard hat is included in the price. Just bring sensible shoes with a heel.

Tjörnedala nature trail

by Sjalen

At Tjörnedala gallery and inn at Baskemölla, you can park your car or bike and wander down the fields to the sea. There you are met by a rocky shore with interesting geology and a great view towards Stenshuvud. There is also a walking path that takes you to Baskemölla harbour and even on to Simrishamn should you want to walk the whole 6 km. along the sea. This is a very popular walk amongst bird watchers.

Österlen

by Sjalen

Österlen is the south eastern part of the Skåne province in the far south of Sweden and it is a gorgeous region! Unfortunately, many people know this so I would advise you to go in May, when everything is in bloom and hotels have opened but the tourist season isn't quite there yet OR in September which is apple time, for this is the apple region of Sweden and there is plenty of chance you will find good cider or apple juice with your meals - they come from the famous village of Kivik. If you are still in search of food and drink, the region hosts Sweden's only wine castle, largest (?) turkey farm and one of the largest fishing fleets so you will not starve.

Scenery is what people come for, be it the magnificent white sands of Sandhammaren or the small but dramatic Stenshuvud national park. There are beaches in abundance as well as cycle tracks and cosy country inns. The main town in the area is Simrishamn, although parts of Österlen stretches down towards Ystad too. Apart from Simrishamn, the picturesque fishing villages to the north and south are popular night camps with various accommodation and good sea views. Having the sea everywhere around makes the light special and many artists know this and have moved here if they aren't already local. Galleries and potteries are one in every converted farm it seems! I can go on and on and on about this corner of Sweden. With ferries to Skåne from Germany, the Germans have discovered it and so too of course the Danes but surprisingly few other nationalities apart from us Swedes.

This is a page which is constantly under construction since I live only an hour away and the family loves this part of Sweden so look out for updates.

Österlen for children

by Sjalen

"Maybe beaches aren't always enough..."

Children's Farm (Barnens gård) is a farm in Södra Mellby, between Simrishamn and Kivik (seen from the road) with an adventure path and climbing wall for bigger children and petting zoo for the small, plus other actvities: http://www.barnensgard.nu/

"Glimmingehus medieval days"

Glimmingehus Castle sometimes has medieval days for children when they can paint shields and dress up in costumes and get to know about life at the castle. There can also be jousting events. If there is nothing special going on, children will still enjoy the nooks and crannies of this place.

"Tosselilla sommarland"

Summertime amusement and water park in Tomelilla with all the things you expect from it: http://www2.tosselilla.se/

"Ystad zoo"

Back in Ystad you find Sweden's southernmost zoo with camels, monkeys, zebras, pony rides and playground. Open mid May to mid September.