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Things to Do in Lund

Things to Do in Lund

Lund Skane, Sweden Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Lund and its surroundings present various outdoor activities. From gentle city strolls to more vigorous hikes, options are available for different energy levels.

Hiking & Cycling

Hiking Trails

Within Lund, find easy walking paths in Stadsparken and the Botanical Garden. Nearby, Söderåsen National Park has difficult paths through forests and ravines. Skrylle Nature Reserve offers numerous easy to moderate trails.

Cycling Routes

Lund has an excellent network of dedicated cycling lanes, making city exploration by bike simple and safe. The flat terrain makes it suitable for all fitness levels. Hire bikes from mass bike-sharing systems (Lundahoj) or private shops.

Mountain Biking

Opportunities exist in nearby forested areas and nature reserves. Skrylle Nature Reserve has designated mountain bike trails, offering varying degrees of challenge.

Water & Wildlife

  • Water Sports: Lund is away from the sea, so direct water sports are limited within the city. Closest opportunities for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding are at coastal beaches or lakes in the region.
  • Coastal Beaches: Lomma Beach or Ribersborg The seaside in Malmö are easily accessible via a short train or bus ride. These offer swimming and sunbathing during summer.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Limited within urban Lund. Botanical Garden and Stadsparken attract various bird species. For more substantial wildlife viewing, visit nature reserves like Skrylle or Söderåsen. You might spot deer or woodland birds.
  • Adventure Sports: Not a main focus in Lund. The city concentrates on history, academia, and calm outdoor pursuits. More high-adrenaline activities might be found further afield.

Hiking Essentials

  • For serious hikers, consider bringing Proper hiking shoes.
  • A Daypack is advisable for longer treks.
  • Prepare for bumpy ground on some paths in Söderåsen.
  • Maps are available at the Skrylle nature center.

Park Accessibility

  • Söderåsen National Park is approximately 45-60 minutes drive or bus ride from Lund.
  • Skrylle Nature Reserve is a little bus ride from Lund.
  • Both parks have trails varying in difficulty.
  • Public transport to these zones is available.

Cycling Network

  • Lund has an excellent network of dedicated cycling lanes.
  • City exploration by bike is simple and safe.
  • Flat terrain suits all fitness levels.
  • Bicycles are rentable from public bike-sharing systems (Lundahoj) or private shops.

Important Camping Note

No official camping sites exist within Lund city limits. Consider well-equipped campsites in the surrounding Skåne region for outdoor lodging near the city.

Cultural Immersion

Lund has many ways to immerse yourself in Swedish culture, from local traditions to academic life. Engage with the local scene for a understanding.

Workshops & Performances

  • Workshops & Classes: Check area cultural hubs or community associations for sporadic workshops (Swedish crafts, art, folk dancing).
  • Lund University occasionally has public lectures or short courses on Swedish culture, history, or current research.
  • Cultural Performances: Lund Cathedral hosts regular church services, classical music concerts, and organ recitals, offering a chance to experience its acoustics and cultural role.
  • Stadshallen & Mejeriet: These locations offer programs of concerts, theater, and other performances. Check their schedules for plays, musical acts, or dance performances.

Festivals & Student Life

Cultural Festivals

Lund Comedy Festival (annual, late Aug/early Sep) attracts national and international comedians. Lund Kulturnatt (Culture Night, Sep) opens many cultural institutions with special programs.

Traditional Ceremonies

Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton) on April 30th is a significant event with bonfires and singing. Lucia (St. Lucy's Day) on December 13th involves beautiful processions and singing.

Student Nations Events

Throughout the academic year, the several "Nations" (student societies) host diverse cultural events, including concerts, club nights, and traditional dinners. Some events are public or need temporary membership, providing an unique glimpse into Lund's student life.

Language Learning

Lund University offers Swedish classes to learn a language for international students. Short-term or introductory courses especially for visitors are less common but might be found through private language schools. It's a good idea to bring a Swedish phrasebook for basic phrases to enrich interactions.

Community-Based Tourism

Less formal in Lund. However, exploring local markets, artisan shops, and attending public events by student Nations create tangible ways to engage responsibly with the community.

Seasonal Events

Planning your visit around a specific festival like Walpurgis Night (April 30th) or Lucia (December 13th) creates a truly immersive cultural experience.

Relaxation & Wellness

Lund has opportunities for relaxation and well-being. Find quiet spaces and traditional wellness options.

Spa & Nature Therapy

  • Wellness retreats: Lund has private wellness centers offering massages, facials, and beauty treatments. Larger spas equipped with pools and saunas might be found in nearby Malmö.
  • Hot Springs and Natural Therapy: No natural hot springs exist in the immediate vicinity of Lund. For natural therapy options, consider forest bathing or quiet walks in nature reserves like Skrylle.
  • Yoga and Meditation: Individual yoga studios exist in Lund, offering drop-in classes for various styles. Dedicated retreats are more likely found in rural areas outside the city.
  • Traditional Healing Practices: Not a prominent feature of Lund's wellness scene. Modern Western medicine is the norm.

Pools & Beaches

Public Pools

Lund is inland. The closest public indoor swimming pool is Högevallsbadet, offering various pools and water slides.

Coastal Beaches

For beaches, the closest option is Lomma Beach (approximately 20-minute bus ride), or Ribersborgsstranden in Malmö (easily accessible by train). These offer swimming and sunbathing during summer.

Cold Bathhouse

The Kallbadhus (cold bathhouse) at Ribersborgsstranden has a traditional Swedish cold bath and sauna experience.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Mejeriet is a prominent cultural center for various live music genres and club nights. Grand Hotel sometimes hosts jazz or classical music evenings in a refined setting. Student Nations often present live music performances or DJ nights.

Theater & Performances

Lunds Stadsteater (Lund City Theatre) offers programs of plays and performances. Stadshallen hosts various cultural performances and events, including concerts and theatrical productions.

Nightclubs & Bars

Evening entertainment in Lund mainly centers around the student Nations, operating pubs and nightclubs. A few commercial clubs in the city center are also public. Weekends are the liveliest nights. The area around Mårtenstorget and Lilla Fiskaregatan has a concentration of bars and pubs.

Shopping & Markets

Lund has a good selection of shopping, from local handmade items to international brands. Markets create a chance to find unique items plus area produce.

Traditional Markets

  • Mårtenstorget: The main city square. It hosts a farmers' market on Saturdays (seasonal) and a general market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You find produce, flowers, and some local goods. This is a good place for an introduction to local life.
  • Christmas Market: During December, a popular Christmas market takes place at Mårtenstorget and within the Kulturen museum grounds. It offers crafts, traditional food, and based on the season items, creating a festive atmosphere.
  • Artisan Workshops and Crafts: Smaller boutiques and shops throughout the city center sell local handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, and art.
  • Look for independent stores around Lilla Fiskaregatan and other central streets. These shops offer unique souvenirs.

Souvenir & Luxury Shopping

Souvenir Recommendations

Swedish design items (ceramics, textiles, glassware). Local food products (lingonberry jam, crispbread). Items related to Lund University or Lund Cathedral (e.g., miniature Dala horses with a Lund motif). Children's books or toys by famous Swedish authors.

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

Lund has a selection of independent boutiques specializing in fashion, home goods, and Swedish design. Major luxury brands are more gathered in Malmö or Copenhagen, which are short train rides away. Lund's shopping scene focuses more on unique, local finds.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Sweden has a strong focus on sustainability and ethical consumption. Look for products labeled with environmental certifications or those from local, small-scale producers. Choose items that support local artisans and sustainable practices. Avoid mass-produced souvenirs.

Shipping & Customs

If purchasing large items or a significant quantity of items, inquire with the retailer about international shipping options. Non-EU residents are eligible for VAT refunds on purchases exceeding a certain amount. Keep receipts for tax-free claims.

Shopping Districts

The city center, especially around Lilla Fiskaregatan and Stora Södergatan, features a wide array of shops, from well-known brands to independent boutiques.

Local Produce

  • Farmers' markets offer fresh, produce in season.
  • Look for local farm shops ("gårdsbutik") in the surrounding Skåne region.
  • These provide direct access to high-quality regional ingredients.
  • Supporting local producers is part of ethical shopping.

Shopping Takeaways

Market Experiences
  • Mårtenstorget hosts regular markets (Wednesdays, Saturdays).
  • Christmas Market in December is a festive highlight.
  • These create a chance to find unique local produce and crafts.
Souvenir & Design
  • Seek out Swedish design items and local handicrafts.
  • University or Cathedral-related items make unique keepsakes.
  • Consider VAT refunds for non-EU residents on significant purchases.

Overall Activity Outlook

Lund's activity scene is rich and diverse, catering to adventurers, culture seekers, and those looking for relaxation alike. From outdoor pursuits in nature reserves to student events and distinctive shopping, the city has a variety of experiences.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor & Active

  • Easy city walks in parks and gardens.
  • More challenging walks in nearby Söderåsen National Park.
  • Extensive cycling network makes city exploration simple.
  • Coastal beaches and lakes nearby for swimming and water sports.

Culture & Leisure

  • Live music venues and theaters for varied performances.
  • nightlife, especially focused on student Nations.
  • Traditional markets and artisan shops for unique souvenirs and local goods.
  • Opportunities for relaxation at wellness centers or natural retreats.