Ystad

11th century town

The town of Ystad in Skåne County dates back to the 11th century and has since become a busy ferry port, local administrative centre and tourist attraction. Considered one of the most scenic places in Sweden with its sandy beaches, Ystad is also well known as the home of fictional character Kurt Wallander of the popular Wallander crime series.

The town has two large Medieval churches, the Church of Saint Peter (Klostret) and the Church of the Virgin Mary (Mariakyrkan) in addition to many other surviving structures and half-timbered houses. But if you’re looking for something even older, head east to nearby Kåseberga, where you can see the mysterious Ale's Stones (Ales Stenar).