Welcome to Ystad

City

About

Welcome to Ystad

Our town was formed by the trade and shipping industries over the centuries, and you can wander among the medieval half-timbered houses of oak and brick along with the beautiful grand palaces from the 1800s.

Ystad is surrounded with hilly agricultural landscapes and Österlen to the east. There are magnificant castles, galleries, artisans and cafes scattered throughout the area. To compliment each other, there are also larger arrangements such as; opera, theater, markets, festivals and concerts.

The south of Ystad has four miles of sandy beach. Go down to the beach, take off your shoes and let the wind blow through your hair. Then, take a deep breath and enjoy! Or visit Backåkra, Ales stones or the hills in Hammars, where the view over the sea and the countryside is absolutely breathtaking.

Transportation in the area is fantastic. Our port is the gateway to Europe with several daily connections to Bornholm and Poland. We also have frequent trains and bus connections, you can go from Copenhagen and Malmö to Ystad in about an hour.

A Warm Welcome awaits you!

City

Film in Ystad

Do not be surprised if you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a movie! So look around for movie stars amid the crowds!

Ystad - City of the Year Participants

The many small individual shops with international brands coexist with the big chains. The range will surprise you. Here is everything from Armani to Ferrari. The international appeal, fine shopping, cozy cafes and restaurants which are surrounded by medieval half-timbered buildings helped make Ystad town of the year in 2007. Come and Discover Ystad!

* Historical city and theme tours
* Herbal fields, horticultural and vineyard tours
* Guided city tours with a vintage fire engine
* In Wallanders footsteps with a vintage fire engine
* Bicycle taxi's and the little Ystad train all summer
* Cineteket Film Museum with film gallery
* Guided tours: City Tours, Monastery Gardens and Ystads Theater
* Sculpture Park in Marsvinsholms Palace Park
* Murder Mysteries in Ystad
* Concerts and music at Öja Castle Ruins, Ystads Theater
* Art Museum
* Christmas in Ystad, Christmas markets, concerts and friendly people.

History

Ystads History

1100s
The Bishop Absalon, Bishop of Roskilde, and the Archbishop of Lund, created peace around the Baltic Sea coasts and many businesses moved down to the sea.

The first inhabitants of Ystad were the fishermen during the 1100s. The settlement was located at the mouth of Vassaåns, approximately where Ystads Turistbyrå is today. Herring fishing was the largest industry and remained so for many centuries.

1200s
The Saint Maria Church was built which is the cities oldest building and also one of Skåne's oldest brick churches.

Ystad was first mentioned in literature in 1244 when King Erik and his brother visited the city.

Gråbrödraklostret (Monastry) was founded by the Fransiscaner Order in 1267 plotted by an archbishop even though the Church and the Royalites were in conflict. Ystad continued to be a royal city, which to some extent is confirmed by the seal of the lion as a heraldic figure.

1300s
The Hanseatic period characterized life in the city and Ystad periodically belonged to the Swedish Empire.

Union Queen Magaretha visited the city in 1387 and lived in the newly built section of Gråbrödraklostret.

1400s
The southern part of Scandinavia's oldest half-timbered house called Pilgrändshuset (built in 1480) and the prolonged Gråbrödraklostret were finished.

At the large square were four wells and the Town Hall had an ale house in the basement.

1500s
Today, there are several well-preserved houses in the town built during this time: Latinskolan (School), Brahehuset and Birgittahuset, three substantial stone houses with staircases, Änglahuset and Kemnerska Estate.

In 1532 reformation reached Ystad and the Monks lost their power over the monastery. The western and northern sections were torn down and the monastery became a house for the sick and the poor.

The Town Hall, with the city's archives, was burned down by the Swedes in 1569. The Saint Nicolai Church on Stora Östergatan (street) was torn down and was used to build up the Town Hall again at the large square.

Herring fishing ended, but the trade of ox and horses continued with the Northern German cities .

Ystad received its city charter in 1599 which made Ystad the export port for oxen.

1600s
Ystad became an export port of large scale for ox. The ox were gathered at the Packing Square, which is presently the Continental Hotel, before they were loaded onto ships. The Maria Church collapsed in 1648.

Ystad became a Swedish city in 1658 and had approximately 2,000 inhabitants. The Pony Express started between Ystad and Stralsund.

1700s
Saint Maria Church was built and still has the same appearance as it can be seen today.

Karl XII visited and lived in the city on several occasions during his travels in Europe. The City Ports were kept, but the fence of wood around the city was replaced by an embankment foreclosure.

1800s
Napoleons Baltic Blockade was a major boost for Ystads trade through smuggling. Many merchants became rich, and this showed with the large private houses, including Hembergs house, Sirius house and the new Town Hall.

The shipping docks were a central point in Ystads history and a port was built with stone piers as protection in the early 1800s.

Planteringen av Sandskogen för att hindra sandflykten gjorde Ystad till en badort vid sekelskiftet. Järnvägen Ystad-Eslöv stod klar 1866 och den sk Grevebanan Ystad-Malmö invigdes 1874.

At the turn of the century, sand forests were planted to prevent the drifting of sand, which made Ystad into a seaside resort. Rail Ystad-Eslöv was completed in 1866 and the "Count Banana-Ystad Malmö was inaugurated in 1874.

In the 1890s, Ystad became a garrison town. The barracks were located on Stallgatan (street) at the walking street.

The Theater at the large square burned down and was replaced in 1894 by a new theater building at Sjömansgatan. Today, it is one of Sweden's most well-preserved theaters.

1900s
Ystads Antiquities Association was formed in 1907 and the monastery "was saved" for posterity.

In 1936, Ystad arranged the worldwide renowned exhibition "Leisure". The city received an art museum and built playgrounds and bicycle paths. The half-timbered town became the Leisure City.

In the mid-1900s, Ystad ferry services began to the Danish island of Bornholm and Swinoujscie in Poland.

The military moved to newly built barracks in the eastern part of the city and up until it's closure in 1997, the cavalry, infantry, armor and air defense soldiers trained here.

2000s
After having been one of pioneering film cities in Sweden at the turn of the century, Ystad has regained its place as "The Film City."

Ystad Studios was established in 2004, on parts of the abandoned Regiment areas. This investment means that one of every three movie centers now exist in the city.

And to dot the i, there is also Scala Cinema Theater; Sweden's oldest cinema, restored to original condition, by modern technology.

See and Do

Swimming

Bathing

In Ystad, you can choose between our long beaches or visit the Leisure Pool, Nybrostrandsbadet (outside pool) and Skårby (Ystad Zoo).

Family Activities

Family Activities

There is alot to do during your visit to Ystad. Take a City Tour by vintage fire truck, go with the Little Train, visit Lekpalatset (Playground) and The Laser Zone or try the pottery wheel.
www.ystad.se/turism

Ystad Djurpark

In Sweden's southernmost zoo, see exotic animals from every continent. Furthermore, there is this terrarium with monkeys, snakes and lizards. Swedish native breeds, pasture for small and large children to enjoy, pony rides, games, barbecue area and cafe are all available here in the 1800s garden.
Skårby 3, Ystad
+4 411-710 17
www.ystaddjurpark.se

Fishing

Fishing in Ystad

Fish in Ystad either on the coast or at Nybroån River. Along the coast you can catch cod, trout, pike beak, flatfish, eels and ide. At Nybroån River are trout, perch, pike and rainbow trout.
+46 411-129 79
www.nybroan.com

Guest Harbour

Kåseberga Guest Harbor

20 slips
Port Host in Kåseberga
+46 411-52 71 44

Marine in Ystad

50 slips
+46 704-80 76 92

Museum

Monastery

For the history buff, the medieval monastery of Ystad is a living museum. The museum displays temporary exhibitions. Visit the Silver Smith House, where you can find Ystad silver from 1700-1800s. Last but not least, the rich costume silver are displayed here. Enjoy a walk around the monastery. The splendid herb garden and rosarium are well worth a visit!
S:t Petri Kyrkoplan, Ystad
+46 411-57 72 86
klostret@ystad.se
www.klostret.ystad.se

Ystads Art Museum

The Art Museum offers art collections, photo galleries, exhibitions, cafe and shop.
St Knuts Torg, Ystad
+46 411-57 72 85
konstmuseet@ystad.se
www.konstmuseet.ystad.se

Nature

Nature Reserves

Visit the nature reserves called Hagestads, Fyledalen and Högestads bog. More information about the nature in Skåne can be found on the websites.
www.skaneleden.se

Parks

Parks

The parks in Ystad are well worth a visit. We have the North Promenade + Old Cemetery, Surbrunnsparken Park and Marsvinsholms Palace Park. For more information about the various parks, please visit the website.
www.ystad.se/turism

Other

Ystad Guide

The Ystad Guide is available on mobile phones or mp3 players. A practical way to explore the surroundings at your own pace.