Kivik Things to Do

I would have put Rörum as off the beaten path, were it not for the fact that the road passes by just outside the village so it isn't that unknown. If you turn into the village itself, you will be met by a little place in a dip amongst the hils which gives a pretty setting. It also has some great Scanian houses to admire, including the old inn (now a private house) where Linneaus is said to have stayed during his Scanian travels.

Sten's Head, as the name would be in English, is the characteristic forested cliff that is easily recognisable for miles approaching from the south. One of Sweden's smallest national parks may not be as impressive as the wide highland parks but this is famous for completely different scenery and for the fact that it is based on human activities throughout centuries and how man has affected wildlife. Lots of rare frogs and trees and a day walking around the park with its forest trails, sea views and encounters with deer is simply lovely. There is also a visitors centre telling you more about the park and its flora and fauna and a bit about local history. Finally, one of Skåne's most famous cafés can be found on the way here (local cakes and biscuit buffet) but I have yet to try that one. Look at the travelogue below for more images.

North of Kivik near Haväng, there was a village called Knäbäck. Then came the cold war and the local shooting range had to expand. Something had to give and that was the local village. However, people thought it far too nice to just demolish, so instead the whole village was moved to just south of Stenshuvud and the area there is now known as Knäbäckshusen, the Knäbäck Houses. The first part you see is the village itself (now much a summer cottage area) with delightful Scanian half timbered houses with thatched roofs. As you go down to the beach, you find the smallest chapel I think I've ever been into and dug into the hill overlooking the sea. It is only open on erratic hours but usually Sunday mornings for prayer at least. Have a look at the travelogue below to see more pictures.

Set up by the Kivik juice and cider factory, the house of the apple tells you a lot about why Scandinavian apples are special (avoiding frost as they do because of their late bloom). You get to see how cider was made in the early days, how to spot different apple diseases, taste honey and see a part of the factory. A lot more interesting than it sounds! Add to that that you can book the cider cellar, have a nice meal (see restaurant tip) and much more.

The world's largest apple portrait is found in Kivik every last weekend of September. Made of 4 tons of apples (around 75000 or so of them) and as many nails, the motif differs every year. This was 2003's version and it is as impressive at a distance as close up. The apples - usually 7-10 varieties to give different colours - are fixed between the nails and should one or two fall down, they are caught up in the net below. Waste not, want not.