Malmö & the South - Sweden - page 423

Located down by the beach in a meticulously restored 19th-century schoolhouse is a su-
perlative hostel-B&B combo that's more chic boutique than backpacker bolt hole (think
William Morris-style wallpaper, rustic floorboards and a savvy sprinkling of antiques).
The communal kitchen is bright and well equipped, while the cafe serves exceptional es-
presso (and key lime pie).
Stenshuvud National Park
Just 3km south of Kivik, this enchanting national park ( www.stenshuvud.se ) features lush
woodland, marshes, sandy beaches and a high headland. Among its more unusual residents
are orchids, dormice and tree frogs. Several superb walks in the area include the hike up to
a 6th-century ruined hill fort. The long-distance path Skåneleden ( www.skaneleden.org )
also runs through the park, along the coast; the best section is from Vik to Kivik (two or
three hours).
The Naturum (Visitor Centre; 0414-708 82; 11am-4pm mid-Aug-Sep, shorter hours rest of
year) is 2.5km from the main road. Rangers lead regular 1½-hour guided tours of the park
(adult/child Skr30/15) covering everything from bird life to swamps. Call ahead to arrange
an English-language tour.
Kristianstad
044 / Pop 77,250
Kristianstad (kri- shan -sta) is a handsome town with elegant squares, an exquisite cathed-
ral, quirky street sculptures and a sprinkling of eye-catching 18th- and 19th-century build-
ings.
Known as the most Danish town in Sweden, its construction was ordered by the Danish
king Christian IV in 1614. Its rectangular street network still follows the first town plan,
although the original walls and bastions have long gone (aside from the Bastinonen
Konungen rampart, which has been restored). Both a major transport hub and gateway to
Skåne's southern coast, it's also the region's administrative and political centre.