Day-Tripping In Sunny Skane

Sweden'S Southern Tip Knits Together History, Nature And Gastronomy

- Joanna Lobo

Skåne is the best part of Sweden; you will find the most beautiful men here,” says the young officer checking my passport in Helsingborg, Sweden. “The Danes are only good at drinking. Write about us,” he adds.

It’s 9 a.m. and I’m looking forward to a rapid fire introduction to Sweden. Of the many perks of visiting Copenhagen, the most interesting has to be the ability to be in two countries within minutes. A hop, skip and 20-minute ferry ride later from Helsingør, a 40-minute drive from Copenhagen, I am in Sweden. The border encounter has whetted my appetite for the bounty offered by the southern tip of Sweden, Skåne (pronounced scorn-uh). The region is like a patchwork quilt, knitting together sandy beaches, natural beauty, culinary experiences and Swedish heritage. I have one day to soak it all in.

10.30 A.M. CITY HIGH

A 30-minute drive from Helsingborg, and I am in Höganäs, a city known for its salt-glazed earthenware. I head to one of Sweden’s oldest pottery factories, Höganäs Saltglaserat. A small prodcution unit of the factory remains today alongside the new Höganäs Saluhall, a market hall with old-world charm. The coal-fired brick kilns still function; they now bake bread too.

The market meanders around these kilns —a pottery store, a café, and a grocery store with fresh produce, baked treats, cold food (pickles, meats and cheeses) and gourmet preserves. I get to sample this upstairs, in the cavernous dining section. Lunch is served buffet style and is a popular after-shopping activity, and I join the crowd gathered around a spread of salads, roast beef, and fish filets slathered with olive oil and herbs (hoganassaluhall.se).