Ystad Old Town
Ystad, Sweden
A small port town in Skåne with narrow streets of half-timbered houses, a medieval monastery and a lively market square. It is a good stop on the coast road and popular with fans of the Wallander novels; park at the harbour.
Ystad in Scania has a history going back to the 11th century. A Franciscan monastery was founded in 1267, and the Greyfriars monastery is today among the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Sweden. In the 14th century the town joined the Hanseatic League, and with the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658 it passed from Denmark to Sweden. The old town preserves examples of Brick Gothic, including St Mary's Church, as well as medieval townhouses and half-timbered houses. Ystad lies on the European Route of Brick Gothic.
The town is also known as the setting of the "Wallander" crime series. Allow about two to three hours for a walk through the old town with the monastery and church. Ferries run from Ystad to Bornholm and Świnoujście, so the town is also a practical stopover for travellers heading to Denmark and Poland (as of October 2026; the Sassnitz connection was discontinued in 2024).
- Nearest town
- Ystad, Sweden
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 55.4295, 13.8200
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Sweden: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Congestion charges in Stockholm and Gothenburg; Øresund Bridge toll. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Ystad CampingCampsite3 km from Ystad Old TownTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- RaftarpCampsite17 km from Ystad Old TownTentsToiletsFree
- Solans MackMotorhome stopover19 km from Ystad Old TownTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Hälldala RanchMotorhome stopover19 km from Ystad Old TownMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Löderups Strandbads campingCampsite20 km from Ystad Old TownTentsCaravansMotorhomesToilets
- Skateholms CampingCampsite23 km from Ystad Old TownCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Sweden · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ystad Old Town?
Ystad Old Town is in Ystad, Sweden, at GPS 55.4295, 13.8200. It is about 16 km from Kåseberga.
Can you camp near Ystad Old Town?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ystads Reningsverket, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Ystad Old Town?
Places worth a stop nearby: Ale’s Stones (16 km), Glimmingehus (27 km), Stenshuvud National Park (38 km) and Hammershus (62 km).
When is the best time to visit Ystad Old Town?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)