Popularly speculated to be the oldest town in Sweden, Lund is located in the province of Scania and is connected to Copenhagen by the bridge of Oresund.
The bridge runs through the city of Malmo, from which the fastest train to Lund usually takes about 13 minutes.
Around 91,940 residents inhabit this city in southern Sweden.
With a rich history spanning about a thousand years, Lund has an almost unclear origin.
This medieval town is home to beautiful Romanesque buildings, Gothic architecture, rich historical sites, and awe-inspiring attractions that have withstood time’s rough edges.
Lund University is one of the most renowned and finest academic institutes in Europe and has earned this town the reputation of being one of the most popular education destinations.
Lund is not a well-known tourist attraction, but this historic and quaint town has everything you would want a destination in, whether you’re after beautiful cobblestone streets packed with colorful houses or natural reserves housing breathtaking greenery.
These are the best things to do in Lund, Sweden:
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Established in the 13th century, Lund University is one of the oldest universities in northern Europe.
This exquisite piece of medieval architecture sits on a spectacularly large campus.
Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, the university boasts a scenic beauty that not every renowned institution can
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Seize the chance to wander around the marvelous campus and feast on the archaic buildings that stand before you.
The Lund University Main Building is the most striking of all and was built by Helgo Zettervall, a famous 19th-century architect.
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Constructed under the heavy influence of the classical style, the entrance is a large wooden door that opens into an atrium glorified by the charming chandelier hanging above.
With columns and towers that date as far back as 1584, this place is a must-see and can easily be reached by foot from the city center.
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Lund Cathedral is one of the finest pieces of Romanesque architecture in Sweden and bears a history worth around over a thousand years.
It is undoubtedly the most significant landmark in Lund, with its high twin towers visible from almost any elevated spot in the town.
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The service that it holds daily has existed for over a thousand years.
Step into a priceless piece of history by visiting this popular attraction and admiring its countless artifacts, 14th-century stalls, and beautiful Gothic altars.
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Do not miss the astronomical clock upstairs.
Although this grand addition to the cathedral still marks the hours, sunsets and the waxing and waning of the moon, the cathedral itself is a portal to a place frozen still in time and preserves breathtaking medieval beauty.
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Enriched with about 20 exhibitions on subjects such as local and global cultures, archaic history, modern and medieval design, folk art, and more, Kulturen is an open-air museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Nestled at the heart of the town, it is the second-largest open-air museum in Sweden and occupies around two blocks of the city.
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Kulturen has an impressive collection of art and architecture woven with endless stories from the middles ages to the 20th century.
The museum also has a plethora of activities for children, ranging from a park to different exhibits displaying clothes, toys, and children’s lives in the middle ages.
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Prepare for a lengthy yet memorable visit to this culturally and historically rich site because Kulturen has a lot to offer, with a number of buildings spread all around the large space it occupies.
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The Museum of Sketches for Public Art, also known as Skissernas Museum, is dedicated to displaying a collection of over 25,000 items consisting of preliminary sketches and compositions of different artists.
It was established in 1934 by Ragnar Josephson, who was a professor of art history at Lund University.
It is filled with works of both contemporary and medieval artists.
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The interest in this unique museum lies in the fact that the exhibitions do not focus on finished artwork but rather on various forms of art in their stages of making or the first ideas of the artists.
The displays range from pencil sketches to huge plaster sculptures and paintings from all around the world.
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This distinctive museum will let you see works of famous 20th-century artists like Matisse, Sonia Delaunay, and Diego Rivera, along with sculptures by Swedish artists such as Arne Jones and Elli Hemberg.
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The Botanical Garden in Lund is proudly home to more than 7,000 plant species.
These plants are carefully housed in about 200 greenhouses categorized into different climate zones.
A haven for nature lovers, this place is complete with vibrant flower beds that best bloom from May to July.
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Stop by this relaxing garden and take a leisurely stroll amid demure, blushing beauties.
The garden is said to have existed since the 17th century and enjoys a large number of visitors every year.
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Built on an area of eight hectares, it is a great place to explore new species of plants and flowers for those who are interested in botany.
As a bonus, there is a cafe by the pond, where you can catch some rest, admire the sparkling water body, and enjoy some quiet time over a cup of coffee.
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On your trip to Lund, don’t forget to take some time to simply walk down the city’s old cobblestone streets.
Alternatively, you can even rent a bicycle and ride down alleys lined with beautiful timbered houses that sport bright, pastel-colored hues.
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The old city is a charming and picturesque place painted in a beautiful, bright palette that will overwhelm your heart and sight in the best way possible.
Head out on a warm afternoon to peek into adorable little antique stores hidden away in corners and marvel at the quaint little cottages that sit crowded against each other on either side of the beautiful streets.
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Food is arguably one of the best and most intimate ways to experience a new destination.
This is where Saluhallen comes in.
It is Lund’s Market Hall and is possibly the best place for food lovers visiting the city.
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Saluhallen boasts every ingredient imaginable, and an endless number of stalls sell fresh raw ingredients alongside mouth-watering Scandinavian and global cuisine, including Middle Eastern and East Asian dishes.
You can shop for quality materials to cook your own meals or take a look at the various gourmets available all over the market.
The place is replete with famous eateries serving some of the best meats, a fine collection of cheeses and dairy, and cafes where you can pop in for steaming shots of espresso.
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Locally known as Rinnebacksravinen, Rinnebäck Gorge is a breathtaking and untouched natural area with lovely streams that cut through stunning greenery.
This area is perfect for a hike up the trails or just basking in serenity, away from the bustling, energetic life of the city.
The area has undulating land covered with healthy green growth.
Overall, it will be an incredibly relaxing experience to be surrounded by a prosperous slice of nature that hasn’t been exploited or altered from its original form.
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Högevallbadet, or simply Högevall, is a water park perfect for a fun family excursion.
The complex has swimming pools of varying sizes, ranging from toddler-friendly ones to those more suitable for adults.
It is furnished with hot pools and jet streams, promising visitors a fun-filled and relaxing time.
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There is an outdoor pool and gym that guests are welcome to explore, along with an adventure pool that your kids and even you are sure to love!
Moreover, there are daring watercourses, exercise slides, and other fun rides that will undoubtedly occupy every minute of your time.
The water park is well-maintained and is cleaned regularly, so you can enjoy it comfortably without worrying about sanitation and hygiene.
It is an exciting place for kids and adults alike because it offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.
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All Saints Church was formed in 1891 on All Saint’s Day and is a beautiful work of architecture designed by Helgo Zettervall.
The church is designed in an exquisite Gothic style and features a spectacular 72-meter tower.
It can accommodate up to 2,000 people at one time.
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The tower sports three bells, which were designed by M & O Ohlsson.
The church’s interior will take your breath away as it features stained glass windows, polished cement altars, and a wooden crucifix at the altarpiece.
It is also decorated with the beautiful paintings of Svante Thulin.
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All Saints Church is located a very short way north of the city center and is an easy place to spot.
This church is not as grand as the Lund Cathedral and might make for a short trip, but it will definitely leave a lasting impact on those who visit it.
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The most well-known park in Lund would have to be Lundagård.
This park is situated between the Lund University main building and the Lund Cathedral.
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It is just the place to relax after having marveled at some of the most majestic architecture surrounding the area.
You can set up a picnic with your loved ones or just stroll around the road of the park, lined with healthy trees and flowers on both sides.
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The best time to visit Lundagård is in the summer, when all the flowers are in full bloom.
Most of Lund’s attractions are around the city center, so this park is a great spot to stop for a break and sit among well-maintained, beautiful greens.
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The small medieval town of Lund is truly a place of living history, given all the archaic exhibitions it has to offer.
The Historical Museum at Lund University, locally known as the Lunds Universitets Historiska, showcases a stunning collection of around 10 million archaeological artifacts featuring important and early eras in human history like the Stone Age and the Iron Age.
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The museum also displays life from the Ice Age in its zoological section.
It is definitely a great place to learn about the various stages of the world’s evolution and development.
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The Drottens Church Ruins are among the lesser-known attractions in Lund.
Drottens Church is an 11th-century church that was revived during an excavation in the 1970s.
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The site is in good condition and houses what has been termed the first-ever stone church in Skane, possibly dating back to 1050.
You can learn a lot about the artifacts and the ruins.
The best part is that the entrance to this place is free!
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Stadsparken is another one of Lund’s parks where you can enjoy an array of facilities that include hiking trails, cycling paths, a skate park, a rock climbing area, a gym, a swimming pool, and a children’s playground.
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There are also well-kept lawns, paths lined with trees, and beautiful gardens—perfect for people who are looking for a quiet place to relax.
It is located southwest of the city center and is an excellent place for some quality time with nature.
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Complete your trip to Lund by meandering through the useful flea markets at Södra Esplanaden.
The market is organized every Saturday during spring and summer.
It’s a great place to shop for antique items, which seems to be a big part of the lifestyle of those from this quaint medieval town.
If you have an interest in science, then you simply must go to the Vattenhallen; and even if you don’t, give the place a shot anyway to see if it can change your mind.
There, children and adults can try out different experiments and explore the many wonders of science and technology.
Shoot protons and tickle electrons, dress up as a soap bubble, or simply learn more about the earth.
Whatever you do, this establishment strives to make it as fun and interesting as possible.
Learning has never been more fun, so give it a try and develop your love for all the wonders of the world.
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Medical history isn’t something a lot of people think of, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing interesting there.
The Livets Museum tells the story of how the human body works and the many medical advancements that have been made across history.
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Entrance is free, and once you’re inside, you’ll see a wide array of exhibits that feature different displays on this topic.
You’ll see how biology is combined with technology to produce devices that have saved countless people through the centuries.
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There’s even a play area for children where they can learn about the body and how it works in a safe and child-friendly environment.
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This is another medieval building for you to visit; Lund certainly has no shortage of them, but no matter how many you see, each one is still as amazing and awe inspiring as the last.
This three-storey brick building claims the title of being the oldest house in the area.
Currently, it’ being used by an art association to display various exhibits and displays.
The art changes and rotates throughout the year to properly give all artists their time in the limelight.
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Also known as “The King’s House,” this building was built by the Danish King Frederick II as a residence for the Bishop of Lund, with construction happening between 1578 to 1584.
The castle is certainly a remarkable sight to see, built with brown and grey brick and towering over anything around it.
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It’s a picturesque destination, so make sure to capture a few memories with your friends and family while you’re there.
The building now houses a university library, and if you’re interested in Swedish literature, you may want to pay a visit there as well.
The Mejeriet, also known as the Kultmejeriet, started out as a co-operative dairy establishment in 1896 and now serves as a cultura venue for citizens and visitors to Lund alike.
You can catch a host of events there, from parades to concerts.
You can also watch movies and view educational exhibits there.
The venue even has a restaurant and a full-service bar to keep their visitors fed and entertained while they’re there.
There are a host of events you can experience in this place, but if you’re looking to catch a specific one, then be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Lund has a lot of history and charm to give to any visitor, so welcome it.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and enjoy yourself in an unfamiliar place.
You’ll learn so much from the culture you’re interacting with, and who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about yourself as well.
Discover the world.
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