A trip to Europe is a dream for so many of us, and honestly, it feels like a bucket-list goal for almost every traveller. I mean, who wouldn’t want to take a midnight walk in Paris, admire the beauty of the Swiss Alps, soak in the sunshine in Ibiza, or enjoy the bustling vibes of Amsterdam? I was no different.
For years, I imagined myself taking those Insta-worthy photos in all the famous places around Europe.
Little did I know the universe had something completely different in store. On my very first trip to Europe, instead of city-hopping, I ended up spending eight days in the quaint little town of Lund in southern Sweden, just a few kilometres away from Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.
And somehow, it became the experience I didn’t know I needed.
Here’s a first-time traveller’s guide to Lund and everything that you need to know about this gorgeous little town.
Lund is a charming little university town in southern Sweden, tucked away in the region of Skåne.
It’s the kind of place you might miss on a typical European itinerary, but once you’re there, it feels almost impossible not to fall for its calm, cosy vibe. It sits just a short train ride from Malmö and only a few kilometres across the water from Copenhagen, which makes it feel both peaceful and surprisingly well-connected.
It’s small, walkable, filled with old cobblestone streets and cafés, and has this warm, slow-paced atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home.
For a small town, Lund has this quiet magic that slowly grows on you. It’s not the kind of place where you rush from one attraction to the next. Instead, you wander, breathe, and let the town show itself to you.
I ended up enjoying slow travel here more than I ever expected, and these are the places that truly made my days in Lund special.
1. Lund Cathedral (Domkyrkan)
I had been hearing about the Lund Cathedral for months before I even arrived, so by the time I finally walked up to those towering stone walls, the anticipation was real. But nothing prepared me for the feeling I got the moment I stepped inside. It honestly gave me goosebumps. The dim light, the high arches, the ancient crypt… it all feels powerful and peaceful at once. And, of course, watching the astronomical clock put on its little show is such a fun bonus.
2. Lund University and its beautiful campus
Lund is a university town through and through, and it shows. I spent a considerable amount of time just walking around the campus, and it never got old. The grand old buildings, the quiet courtyards, the bikes everywhere, the mix of history and student life… it all creates a really warm, lively atmosphere. The main university building and the library are especially stunning, and yes, they make perfect spots to sit and soak in the vibe.
Note: Lund University is the second-oldest university in Sweden.
3. Lund Botanical Garden (Botaniska Trädgården)
This garden is huge and incredibly peaceful. I loved wandering through the paths, stopping by the greenhouses, and just sitting by the little ponds. It’s the perfect place if you’re travelling slowly and want to spend a couple of hours doing absolutely nothing except enjoying the greenery around you.
4. Kulturen Museum
Exploring the Kulturen open-air museum was indeed a cool experience, and maybe more so, because the day I went there, everything was wrapped in a veil of snow!
Founded more than a century ago (the museum’s roots go back to 1882, and the open-air section opened in 1892), Kulturen is the second-oldest open-air museum in the world (after the famous Skansen in Stockholm). I walked through old houses and buildings that had been brought here from different parts of Sweden, and suddenly, it felt like I had stepped into another century! It’s quirky, charming, and genuinely interesting if you like learning about local history hands-on.
5. Strolling Around Stortorget and the Old Town Streets
Walking through Lund is honestly one of the best things to do here. Starting from Stortorget, the main square, you can wander into narrow cobbled lanes lined with colourful houses, tiny boutiques, and all kinds of warm, cosy corners. There’s something really calming about not having a plan and just letting the town guide you.
6. Lund University Library
Even if you don’t go inside, the building itself is worth the stop. With ivy climbing up its brick walls, it looks almost like something out of a fairytale. It’s impossible not to take a photo here, and undoubtedly, if you are looking for some Insta-worthy spots in Lund, this is one!
7. City Park (Stadsparken)
Stadsparken is where life in Lund happens. People walking their dogs, parents chasing kids, students lounging on the grass. It has a relaxed, local feel. It’s perfect for slow afternoons and people-watching. Every time I passed this place, I saw university students and locals chilling with a book or just soaking up the sun.
8. Cafés and the Swedish ‘Fika’ Culture
Lund’s cafés are not as happening or busy as the ones you’ll find in Malmö or Gothenburg, but they definitely have a charm of their own. They’re quieter, more intimate, and perfect for a slow fika break. I loved sitting with a cup of coffee and something sweet, just watching the world go by. It fits perfectly with the slower pace of travel that Lund naturally encourages.
9. History Museum in Lund (Historiska Museet vid Lunds Universitet)
This museum was such a pleasant surprise. It wasn’t overwhelming, but it had an impressive collection that captured thousands of years of local history. From archaeological finds to medieval artefacts, everything was displayed in a way that made it easy to explore at my own pace. One of the best things you can see here is a significant fragment of René Descartes’ skull (though opinions vary!).
It added so much context to the city and helped me appreciate Lund’s deep historical roots even more.
Overall, exploring Lund felt like stepping into a softer, slower version of travelling in Europe. No rush, no pressure, just peaceful streets, beautiful spots, and a calm rhythm that made everything feel more meaningful.
Where to stay in Lund?
Lund may be a small town, but it offers plenty of comfortable, convenient accommodation options for every kind of traveller. Whether you prefer being steps away from the train station, staying in the heart of the old town, or enjoying a modern apartment-style setup, Lund has something that fits perfectly. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city.
Courtesy: booking.com
Forenom Aparthotel Lund This is where I stayed, and it turned out to be a great choice. The location is incredibly convenient — close to the centre, the university area, and within walking distance of most major spots in town. The rooms are modern, practical, and set up with everything you need for a longer stay. It felt comfortable, cosy, and ideal for slow travel.
Hotel Lundia If you want easy access to transportation, Hotel Lundia is perfect. It’s located just steps from Lund Central Station, making arrival, departure, and day trips very convenient. The hotel is simple yet stylish and well-known for its good breakfast and clean, modern rooms.
Hotel Concordia A lovely boutique-style hotel right in the city centre, close to the cathedral and old town. It’s cosy, charming, and known for its warm atmosphere. The location makes it easy to walk everywhere, whether you’re exploring the university or grabbing a fika.
The More Hotel Lund This hotel offers apartment-style rooms, which is great if you want a little extra space or plan to stay longer. It has a homely feel, while still offering the comfort and service of a hotel. It’s located near the old locomotive sheds, giving it a unique historic charm.
Motel L Lund A more budget-friendly hotel, but still very clean, modern, and comfortable. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for affordability without compromising too much on comfort. Perfect for short stays or minimalist travellers.
Lund’s accommodations mirror the city’s personality — calm, practical, and quietly charming. Whether you stay near the station, in the old town, or somewhere cosy and modern, you’ll find that everything in Lund is easy to reach and simple to navigate.
Where to eat in Lund?
Lund may be a small university town, but when it comes to food, it has a quiet charm that grows on you. The cafés feel warm and unhurried, the restaurants are cosy rather than flashy, and everything somehow fits the pace of the city.
Whether you want a slow fika, a quick lunch between wanderings, or a proper sit-down meal after a long day of exploring, Lund has a little bit of everything.
Broder Jakobs Stenugnsbageri
If there’s one place that instantly pulls you into Lund’s fika culture, it’s this bakery. And every time I was here, I noticed a long queue that was hard to overlook! I loved their fresh pastries — especially the cardamom and cinnamon buns — and the way the place always smelled like warm bread.
Café Ariman
Ariman felt like the kind of café where you can spend hours without realising it. Filled with students, artists, and locals, it’s laid-back, cosy, and great for a simple meal, coffee, or just sitting with your thoughts. It has a certain old-school charm that fits Lund so well. And on Fridays and Saturdays, this place starts buzzing after dark, and in case you are lucky, you can catch a live music show while enjoying your beer!
Tugg Burgers
If you’re in the mood for something casual and comforting, Tugg is a solid pick. The burgers are hearty, the vibe is easygoing, and it’s one of those places where you can walk in after a long day and know you’ll leave happy.
Restaurang Ved
It’s definitely one of the best places to eat in Lund. Their wood-fired pizzas were delicious, and the warm, inviting ambience made it a good choice for dinner. It’s a nice balance of quality food without being overly fancy.
Dinner at Ved, Lund
Lund Market Hall (Saluhallen)
If you like variety, Saluhallen can be fun to explore! You’ll find everything from sandwiches and baked goods to deli-style meals and fresh produce. It’s a good stop for lunch or quick bites between exploring the city. It’s also a nice way to get a taste of local ingredients. What I enjoyed most about eating in Lund was how unrushed everything felt. The cafés weren’t trying to be trendy, but they had their own quiet personality and an unmatched vibe, that was hard to find in other bigger cities in Europe.
Best Day Trips from Lund
Since I stayed in Lund for a week, I made the most of my time by taking a few day trips around western and southern Sweden.
One of the best things about being based in Lund was how incredibly easy it was to get around. The Pågatågen trains were honestly a blessing — super convenient, well-connected, and reliable. I could hop on a train and be in a completely different town or city before I even finished my coffee! Here are some of the best day trips from Lund that you must bookmark.
Day Trip to Ystad
Ystad felt like walking straight into a cosy Swedish fairytale. I remember stepping out of the station and wondering how a place can look so picture-perfect. With its pastel houses, cobblestone streets, and peaceful seaside charm, it was impossible not to fall in love with the town. I wandered through the old streets, admired the half-timbered houses, and spent a quiet moment by the marina, watching the blues!
There are a bunch of local eateries in Ystad where you can try authentic Swedish meatballs, and a handful of thrift stores for those keen to buy some great woollen wear!
Ystad is also the filming location for the famous Wallander series, so fans of the show will definitely recognise a few spots. And the journey from Lund was seamless, and the vibe in Ystad was slow, warm, and just perfect for a relaxed day out.
Day Trip to Älmhult
Älmhult was a place I had bookmarked thanks to Lonely Planet, and it turned out to be such a fun experience to visit the town that gave birth to one of the largest furniture chains in the world!
It’s the birthplace of IKEA, so of course the IKEA Museum was the highlight — a nostalgic walk through Swedish design, quirky ideas, and memories of assembling flat-pack furniture. We didn’t get to explore much beyond the museum, but I absolutely enjoyed the train ride, which was smooth and scenic, making it an easy escape from city life.
Day Trip to Gothenburg
Gothenburg was the longest day trip we took, but it was completely worth the effort. The city had a vibrant, friendly vibe, with cosy neighbourhoods, canal views, and plenty of cute cafés. I absolutely adored walking around Haga, with its wooden houses and laid-back atmosphere. And since we visited during the festive season, I got to experience Liseberg’s Christmas Market, which was honestly magical, with twinkling lights, mulled wine (gløgg), and the kind of holiday spirit that feels straight out of a movie. Even though it’s a big city, Gothenburg still felt welcoming and easy to explore in a day.
Why must you plan a trip to Lund?
Lund may not be the first name that pops up when you think of Europe, but that’s exactly why it deserves a spot on your itinerary. This small Swedish town has a quiet magic that sneaks up on you — the kind that makes you slow down, look around, and actually enjoy where you are.
For starters, the Lund Cathedral alone is worth the trip. Its history, its scale, and the sheer stillness of the space made it unforgettable.
Then there’s the university atmosphere. With one of the oldest and most beautiful campuses in Scandinavia, Lund is filled with charming old buildings, leafy paths, and a youthful energy that blends perfectly with the town’s historic soul. I spent more time than I expected just walking around campus, and honestly, it was one of my favourite parts of being there.
The city is also perfect for slow travel. Nothing feels rushed. You can wander through cobblestone streets, relax in cosy cafés, browse little shops, or sit in a park without feeling the pressure to “do more.”
And if you like exploring, Lund is incredibly well-connected. The trains make it ridiculously easy to hop around southern Sweden and even pop over to Copenhagen. From coastal towns to bigger cities, it’s the ideal base for day trips.
But what makes Lund truly special is the feeling it leaves you with. It’s peaceful without being dull, historic without being overwhelming, and small without feeling limiting. It’s the kind of place that quietly becomes a favourite — not because of grand attractions, but because of how it makes you feel while you’re there.
Note: If you’re planning a trip to Lund, you can also check out this official Visit Lund page, to stay updated about the events.
The town I fell in love with!
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I travel to collect stories, slowly and meaningfully, with an open heart. I wander a little farther for good food, linger longer to understand a place, and write so I can call it “work.” A slow traveller at heart, I believe in experiences over checklists, in moments that unfold at their own pace, and in connections that stay long after the journey ends. An absolute foodie and die-hard mountain lover, I find my happiest moments in quiet Himalayan towns with a cup of lemon-honey-ginger tea in hand. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of exploring places across India and beyond, each trip teaching me something new about people, cultures, and myself. When I’m not lost in thought or coffee, you’ll find me exploring the world one destination at a time, always looking for places that make me feel something. I love to read and write (give me a book and I’ll love you all the more) and share honest insights, real photos, and thoughtful recommendations from my own travels, so you can experience every place a little deeper, a little slower, and with just the right touch of comfort.
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