Autumn in Skåne- What to Do This Fall in Southern Sweden

Originally posted October 5, 2021

If there’s one thing I learned from my first winter in Malmö, it’s that I am not a fan of winter.

AT. ALL.

Especially not cold, dark, wet Nordic winters… Though I do like the glögg.

Whether I like it or not (which I very much do not)… it is about that time again — WINTER. IS. COMING… Right after a crisp, sweet, (and hopefully, this year, not so short) fall.

If it’s your first time in Sweden during autumn, my biggest piece of advice is this: You HAVE to get outside and enjoy ALL of the outdoor activities (and daylight hours) while you still can. All of them! Seriously. — You’ll thank me in the dead of winter when the sun sets by four and you’ve all but entered hibernation mode.

Your in luck because there are actually a lot of unique things to do in Skåne in the fall like apple picking, pumpkin things, stunning strolls, and seasonal festivals… and I’ve rounded them all up here to help you make the most of this autumn in Malmö!

Here are the special autumn events + seasonal menu items you won’t want to miss this year!

Mikkeller Ölhallen i Moriskan

Summertime is all about Mikkeller’s outdoor beer garden, but now that the temperatures have cooled this popular favorite has moved inside Moriskan and transformed into a cozy Oktoberfest-esque beer hall.

At Mikkeller Ölhallen you’ll find 16 beers on tap, Chicago/New York style hot dogs (and their vegetarian and vegan alternatives), pretzels, and of course schnitzel that can be enjoyed by candle light in the Oktoberfest themed hall.

Seasonal Eats + Drinks

And by that… you know I mean pumpkin spice lattes.

Espresso house does do a pretty decent PSL, but for an upgraded version I’d recommend checking out Farm2Table. While you’re in the area, head to Kärleksgatan 3 for a delicious homemade pumpkin ravioli.

These are two of my favorite cafes in Malmö and they’re located right around the corner from each other.

Pumpafestival at Slottsträdgårdens Kafé

Speaking of my favorite cafes in the city, Slottsträdgårdens Kafé, (another go-to spot) typical hosts a pumpafestival in late October. You can expect live music, yummy eats, and, of course, pumpkins and pumpkin flavored foods.

Check out their Facebook page for updated information on this year’s events!

Halloween at Tivoli

Tivoli is never a bad idea… especially when it’s all dressed up for the holidays. Every year in October and November this famous theme park gets all dolled up in its spookiest most bewitching decor for Halloween at Tivoli.

…I know, I know…technically speaking, this isn’t actually in Skåne. As a matter of fact, it isn’t even in Sweden… (And THAT, my friends, is one of the beautiful things about living in Malmö) — Copenhagen is just a short train ride away!

During the autumn season, Tivoli is filled with ghosts, scarecrows, over 20,000 pumpkins, countless Halloween photo-ops, and even hosts a Giant Pumpkin Championship! A full program of events during Halloween at Tivoli is available on their website.

Need more ideas and inspo for fall in Southern Sweden?

Here are my favorite things to do and places to go during autumn in Skåne!

Alnarp Slott

One of my favorite things about Europe is the number of castles scattered all over the place, and the south of Sweden is no exception.

If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to Hogwarts (or any magical fairy tale land of your choosing), Alnarp Slott is the place. This castle now houses the southern campus of the Swedish agricultural Univeristy in Alnarp and is located about a mile from Malmö in Lomma municipality.

It’s a must visit in the fall when the foliage covered facade transforms into beautiful shades of autumn.

Alnarp Slott is easy to reach from Malmö by bus, but, if you do travel by public transportation, be mindful of the bus timetables. They don’t run very frequently so you’ll want to plan your trip accordingly.

To get here, take bus 133 from Malmö Central Station.

Note: Bus information is accurate at the time of writing this article. Up to date timetables and itineraries can be found via Skånetrafiken.

Alpaca Walks

Maybe it’s just me… but this is prettyyyy high on my to-do list for this autumn.

If you’re thinking… “Y tho?” for one, because alpacas are adorable… and, two, because… why not?

There are surprisingly quite few of places near Malmo where you can take part in this quirky little alpaca walking experience, but I’ve heard the most about Kungshaga Gård in Höllviken… so that’s where I’m heading this month.

Expect some photos and updates on this one real soon…

Eksholm Nature Reserve

Eksholm is a nature reserve established in 2003. Its close proximity to Malmö (just a 25 minute drive) makes it the perfect autumn day trip from the city.

We came here last year in late October on a fall foliage photo mission, though I can’t imagine there’s a bad season to visit as long as you’re properly dressed. I have been back several times since solely because this is a really nice place for an afterwork walk in the forest.

Scavenge for mushrooms or enjoy the scenic views from the piers around the lake.

Glorias Äppelgård

For a quintessentially autumn experience, check out Glorias Äppelgård for self apple picking.

Located just past Lund about a 30 minute drive from central Malmo, this family run orchard is the perfect fall weekend activity. Their apple varieties available for picking differs depending on the timing of your visit, but they’re all tasty and perfect for fall baking.

After apple picking, grab a fika at the on-site cafe or a bottle of their homemade applemust to take home with you from their boutique.

Pricing of the apples is calculated by kilo and is extremely affordable. We left with a full bag and four massive bottles of their homemade ciders - all for less than 200 kr.

Don’t forget - you’ll need something to carry your apples in as you collect them through the orchard! Bring your own bag or basket or purchase one on site.

Head to their website for up to date hours and information!

Kivik’s Musteri

Want more apple activities? Head to Kivik’s Musteri, Sweden’s first professional apple orchard.

Take a stroll in their apple gardens and learn about their many apple varieties through the month of November or book one of their Scanian cider tastings which take place almost weekly through December.

Typically in Kivik there is also massive apple festival every autumn (pictured below).

Lund University Library

Another great spot for fall photo-opps is Lund University Library.

The colors of the library’s facade change with the season making it a must visit year round, but it is especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves covering the front of the building turn beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold.

Plan your visit for mid to late October to see the foliage at its peak, and, while you’re in town, head to Love Coffee for a fika or Hypoteket’s rooftop terrace for an afterwork drink.

Måkläppen Nature Reserve

For a nature escape by the sea, head south to Falsterbo and Måkläppen Nature Reserve.

Established in 1902, Måkläppen is Sweden's oldest nature reserve. It remains a favorite for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, wildlife photographers, or anyone who just wants to get out of the city.

Some of the most special things about this nature reserve are its shifting sands, constantly changing landscape, the fact that it’s only open for 12 weeks each year, and SEALS - (the true highlight of Måkläppen).

From November 1 through January 31, visitors have the opportunity to visit the reserve, located on the outermost tip of the Falsterbo peninsula. Here you can see a number of unique birds, and, if you’re lucky, you can even observe seals in their natural habitat.

As much as you may be tempted to go in for a close up shot, it’s so important for visitors to respect the seals and give them space.

Park Picnics in the City

This is obviously more of a summer activity than anything… but in the name of encouraging you to enjoy as many sunny, warm-ish days as you can before winter closes in, I had to put it on the autumn list, too.

The parks around town are beautiful when the leaves changes colors this time of year, especially Malmö’s Kungsparken and Pildammsparken!

So, if the sun is shining… get outside and head to the nearest green space to enjoy the fall colors and have a picnic, fika, or just an afternoon walk.

Pumpa Shop i Hermanstorp

There’s something special about buying directly from the source.

Meet the farmers who grew your pumpkins at the Pumpa Shop i Hermanstorp.

In a barn just steps away from the pumpkin patches, you’ll find a massive variety of pumpkins of gourds of all colors, shapes, and sizes. (Bonus: there are adorable farm dogs and kitties, too).

The pumpkin farm is open throughout the season on Fridays from 15.00 to 19.00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00.

I got half a dozen small pumpkins for just 130sek. This is much better than the prices I’ve seen for pumpkins in the city at the grocery store, and there was a lot more variety to choose from, too!

This isn’t by any means the only farm selling pumpkins directly. There are loads more throughout the region selling a wide range of pumpkin varieties. The best way to find the one nearest you is on Facebook marketplace. Just search “Pumpor” or “pumpkins” to find locations, varieties, and prices that suit you!

One thing to note is that a lot of these locations (especially if they are unmanned/self picking spots) only accept swish payment.

Söderåsen National Park

Established in 2001, Söderåsen National Park covers over sixteen square kilometers and is the largest unbroken area of protected woodland in Northern Europe.

Söderåsen is only about half an hour away from Malmö, and a great place to go for a breath of fresh air, especially during autumn. It is perhaps the most popular autumn hiking spot, and for good reason. The park is gorgeous this time of year, and well connected to Malmo by public transportation - (the only downside is that it takes close to two hours by train and bus versus just one hour by car).

From Malmö Central station take Pågatågen 1274 towards Höör station. At Stehag station you’ll switch to bus 518 towards Klippan station and get off at Skäralid Nationalparken.

I’d recommend visiting in mid to late October for peak colors. We went the first week of November and while there were still some beautiful areas throughout the park, most of the leaves had already fallen.

Vellingeblomman

Vellingeblomman is a massive garden center, cafe, restaurant, and home decor store about 20ish minutes away from Malmö, and a great place to stock up on spooky decor for the season. Many of their pumpkins come from the pumpkin patch mentioned previously which is about 10 minutes away!

They have several seasonal displays throughout the year, including their autumn and Halloween Decor.

Entry is free, but you’ll want to bring some money for fika, plants, cute home decor finds, and, of course, pumpkins to take home.

Article originally posted September 23, 2019 // Updated September 28, 2021

Need help getting around?

You’ll find all of the locations mentioned in this article pinned on the map below!

Many of these locations are accessible with public transportation but it goes without saying that they’re much more convenient to reach if you visit by car.

If you don’t have a car, I’d highly recommend renting a car and making a weekend of visiting as many of these as possible. I have rented previously with Europcar in Malmo and found it to be quite a seamless and affordable experience.

It was well worth the money to be able to come and go as we please to places that weren’t as well connected to bus and train stops, and highly recommended if you don’t have a car of your own.