Curator’s statement
Båstad is a small Swedish town, which during the months of July and August comes alive with the Nordea Open Tennis Tournament. It has, in the past seen such esteemed players as Björn Borg, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams. The town, in it's modern state, was created by Ludvig Nobel, the brother of Alfred Nobel, of the famous Prize, in 1858, from the original fishing village, which dates from 1513. The oldest street in the town, Aghardsgata (Aghard’s Street) is named after Carl Adolph Agardh, a famous botanist, born in the town in 1785. Today, Båstad is known for tennis, the various golf courses in the area (six around Båstad and 11 more within a 1-hour drive), it's classic car show, it's 15th century church (St. Mary’s), and Norrviken Garden. It is an idyllic place to spend a few days during the autumn/fall and spring, and an exciting place during the summer with all the activities in the area.
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Where to stay in Båstad, Sweden
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Things to do in Båstad, Sweden
Båstad Tennis Stadium Center Court
Nordea Open Tennis Tournament: During the third week of July, Båstad comes alive with tennis, as world-class tennis stars (and even film and TV stars) descend on the town for this tournament.
Golf: With so many golf courses to choose from, you could stay in the area for almost three weeks and play golf almost every single day at a new course.
Hovs Hallar: A nature reserve, which is a pleasant place for a hike, or bring a hamper and have a picnic. For those who like Ingmar Bergman movies, you will recognize it as the place the Knight played chess with Death in the beginning of the movie.
Hallands Väderö: This is an excursion from nearby Torekov, a small fishing village, and is a nature reserve famous for its lighthouse, which dates from 1884. It is also a place where you might see some Grey Seals, which are common in the Baltic.
The Glass District: This is a one- or two-day excursion from Båstad. You can explore this area of Sweden, famous for the various artistic glass studios, including Kosta, Orrefors, Skruff, and many smaller studios as well, such as Bergdalla and Oranäs. At Kosta, you can stay at the famous Glass Hotel, which showcases many of their artists.
Places to eat & drink in Båstad, Sweden
Båstad Square with Victoria i Båstad, and a local "fast food" shop.
Pepe's Bodega & Bar: This local restaurant is named from a classic Swedish movie from 1980. It serves pizzas, burgers, and tapas.
Sand Restaurant: This is attached to Hotel Skansen and serves a very good Swedish menu with both meat and fish options.
Dog & Fox Pub: This is a traditional British pub run by a British/Swedish couple. Here you can find a good burger and also traditional British fare, such as bangers and mash.
Mat och Möten: This is the restaurant at Båstad Golf Club, and is a pleasant place to have one of their daily specials, or a nice lunch of classic Swedish dishes, or just a Fika (coffee and pastries).
Mama's: A little cafe/Italian bistro where you can have a light meal or just relax and have a Fika.
Bistro Grodlår och Timjan: A French-style restaurant with a good selection of wines.
Victoria i Båstad: A cafe, restaurant, and bar all in one. They serve good Scandinavian food in both a cozy indoor and outdoor setting. A great place for a dinner, especially in the fall when they use candles inside to give it a very homey feel.
Boat House: This restaurant is on the harbor. Enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner with exquisite food and a great view. During the summer, you can usually eat outside on their patio. It is very popular, so reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner. The menu contains meat and fish options, and much of the menu can be made with allergies in mind. There are also vegetarian options. Their wine menu is incredible, and it is definitely the place to go if you have a celebration or just want a great meal.
Need to know
Signature dishes:
Swedish meatballs: A Swedish classic, served with ny potatis (red potatoes) and lingonberries.
Wallenbergare: A patty made of ground beef, often served with cooked potatoes and lingonberries. It may come with gravy.
Toast Skagen: An open-face sandwich with shrimp, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, fish roe, and lemon.
Gravlax: A cured salmon in a sauce. The sauce can vary, but popular ones are a mustard sauce or a dill sauce. Served with cooked potatoes and a small salad.
Smörgåsbord: Traditional buffet-style meal with pickled herring, gravlax, meatballs, breads, cheeses, and more.
Pea soup: A split pea soup. Good for colder evenings.
Princesstårta: A sponge cake with rasberry and vanilla filling and a green marzipan covering
Semla: A must-try. The cardamon-flavored bun is filled with marzipan and whipped cream.
Kanelbulle: A fluffy cinnamon bun usually topped with pearl sugar.
Rosehip soup: Can be a main course or dessert, served warm or cold. Very filling and warms you up during winter nights.
Currency and payments:
The local currency is the Swedisk Krona (Kr.). Cash is rarely used, so plan on bringing a credit or debit card. It must be a chip card or it will not work.
Travel tips:
Power plugs are type C and F—make sure to bring a EU-compatible adapter.
Tipping in Sweden: Not expected, but appreciated. Either round up the bill or add 5–10%.
All non-Schengen visitors need a visa to enter Sweden. If you are planning to visit other countries on the trip, get a Schengen visa.
Swedish Fika: This is a true Swedish tradition, and while it is usually involving coffee, it really is a gathering with good conversation and could be around a light meal, but is usually around coffee and pastries. You will experience this everywhere in Sweden.
Travel Advisor
Martin Lessem
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