Southern Sweden: Vodka Country, Åhus and the Skåne Coast

Skåne doesn’t look like the Sweden of pine forests and red cabins. It’s farm country — gentle, golden and flat — and that is exactly why one of the world’s best-known vodkas is made here. The winter wheat grown on these fields becomes the spirit distilled nearby and bottled in Åhus, a small fishing town on the Baltic coast.

Åhus

Åhus has a long sandy beach, a historic centre and a production site that bottles vodka for much of the world. Visitor access to the brand’s experience in town is by booking and has changed over the years, so check what’s currently offered before planning a day around it. The town itself — beach, eel-smoking tradition, harbour cafés — makes a relaxed stop either way.

What else to drink in Skåne

• Aquavit and akvavit-style spirits from small regional distilleries.
• Wine — Skåne has a small but serious wine scene, including sparkling wines from the region’s warmer pockets.
• Apple country around Kivik on the east coast: ciders, apple juices and an annual apple market in autumn.

A three-day loop

1. Day 1: Malmö — food halls, the old town, a cocktail bar evening.
2. Day 2: Across Skåne to Åhus and the east coast; overnight by the sea.
3. Day 3: Kivik and Österlen’s orchards and farm shops, back to Malmö or Copenhagen.

For the other side of Swedish drinks culture — museums, snaps songs and the capital’s bars — see our Stockholm guide.

Getting around

Regional trains and buses connect the towns, but orchards, farm shops and coastal villages sit off the network. A driver for the day, or a designated driver in the group, is the realistic way to see the countryside if tastings are involved — our no-driving guide covers the options.

Questions visitors ask

Is Skåne worth it outside summer?

Autumn is lovely for apple season and food; winter is dark and quiet. Summer is the classic choice.

Can I combine it with Copenhagen?

Easily — the train across the Öresund Bridge puts Malmö about 35 minutes from Copenhagen’s centre.