The ancient city of Lund in southern Sweden is known as the ‘city of ideas’. Founded over a thousand years ago, this charming city combines history with modern ideas, knowledge and creativity in form of a world-class university and research centre. For visitors, Lund offers plenty to see and do in the form of gardens, museums, shopping and cafes.
The History of Lund
The city of Lund was believed to have been founded at around 1020 by the Danish king Sven Forkbeard. The area of Sweden where it is located was then a part of Denmark. However, recent archaeological excavations seem to indicate that the area was settled even earlier, in 990, making the city over a thousand years old.
In 1103, Lund became the seat for the Archbishop of Scandinavia and the magnificent Romanesque Lund Cathedral was built shortly thereafter. The Lund Cathedral School is the oldest school in Scandinavia and one of the oldest in Northern Europe. Lund University was found in 1666 and is now Sweden’s largest university with over 42,000 students.
Lund officially became part of Sweden in 1658 when it was ceded by Denmark in accordance with the Treaty of Roskilde. The historic district of the city is well preserved with the medieval street system and parts of the city walls still in existence.
What to do in Lund
Located in the Skåne region of Sweden, Lund is close enough to Copenhagen for a day trip. Lund is a popular tourist destination where visitors can experience the best of the old and the new.
The towering Lunds Domkyrka, or Cathedral, stands at the city centre. One of the finest examples of Romanesque churches in Sweden, it is difficult to miss with its two towers standing at 55 meters tall. The cathedral is open for visitors all week, with free guided tours taking place during the summer. The Cathedral houses a beautiful organ and pulpit but its two most popular attractions are the crypt and the 15th century astronomical clock on which, at noon and 3.00 pm on weekdays, figures of the three kings and Mary and Jesus make an appearance.
Kulturen, located in the city centre, is an open air museum featuring 30 historic buildings, a garden, exhibitions and a restaurant. The museum takes up two blocks of the city centre which are filled with buildings that were preserved and moved to the area in order to show visitors how people lived in worked in Sweden through the ages. A museum displays arts and crafts from Sweden and around the world, along with changing exhibitions. A park and playground is located on the grounds to provide relaxation and fun. Kulturen is open all year round with admission for adults at 120 kroner in the summer and 90 kroner in the off-season. Children can enter the museum for free.
The Botaniska Tradgarden, or Botanical Gardens, is located at the edge of the city centre, about a 10 minute walk from the Cathedral. Entrance to the gardens is free and there are many paths to choose from to see the beautiful flowers and plants from all over the world. A greenhouse is located at the gardens, as well as an outdoor cafe near a peaceful pond.
The University of Lund is an ever-present fixture in the city. Visitors can wander around the campus and the city is filled with the sights and sounds of young people having a good time. There is a large variety of coffee shops and cafes around the university providing an opportunity to socialise as well as much-needed caffeine to students and visitors alike.
The centre of Lund combines charming old fashioned buildings with modern architecture. You can find the typical Swedish chain shops, such as Lindex, Kappahl and H&M, as well as smaller independent shops selling arts and crafts, secondhand clothing and furniture and souvenirs. On the city square is an old fashioned covered market offering different types of food and cafes.
Visiting Lund
Lund is a 35 minute train ride from Copenhagen. The train station is located near the city centre and the city is pedestrian and bike-friendly. The train station has maps available, as does the tourist information office which is located on the main square.
Sources
Lund Cathedral official website
Beth MacMillan - Beth MacMillan fulfilled her dream of living and traveling in Europe when she, her husband and their two dogs moved to Denmark in 2001 for ...
