Bus to and from Lund from $3.99

If you want to want to see one of the most charming towns that seems like it just popped out a fairytale, Lund in Southern Sweden is your place. The town is nestled and easy to see by foot or bike. There is a wonderful mix of old and new buildings to meander amongst which seem to look gorgeous in every season. Since Lund is home to Lund University, one of Sweden’s largest universities, if you are visiting during the school year you are guaranteed to stumble upon some fun event whether it be a concert, play, pub quiz or art exhibit.

The date of origin of all the university buildings vary, but all of them have had some sort of renovation to keep up with the changing technological demands for a research institution. For example, the Main Library found just a short from the main university square Lundagård from the outside looks to be very old and covered in brick and ivy. Yet inside you will find a sleek Scandinavian designed building which is the opposite to its façade.  Some are baffled by the stark differences while others find it amazing that the same building can have two different faces. The last notable building to see in Lund is the Lund Cathedral which is well known for its astrological clock. The church is free to enter and walk around, look online for the schedule of tours and concerts. If you are visiting between April and October be sure to stop by the Botanical Gardens. The entire garden including the greenhouse is run by university students. The garden is open all year, but it is prettiest during the warmer and sunnier times of the year. There is also a small café in the garden open only during certain times of the year. From time to time the gardens offer walking tours and other events, check online for a schedule.

Lund is bustling with small shops and adorable cafes where students hideaway to study and meet friends. If you have started to fall in love with the Swedish tradition of fika, then Love Coffee (Klostergatan 1L 222 22 Lund) should make it on your list of stops while in Lund. They roast their own coffee in a roastery not far from their café where you can taste all their coffees paired with tasty treats.  If you prefer tea, then you should stop into Java Tea Huset (Lund Västra Mårtensgatan 8A 223 51 Lund). This cozy and cutely cluttered tea shop offers their own line of tea along with many different brands from around Sweden and the world next to cute tea sets and accessories, so you have a proper tea party. If you are traveling with a large group or you’re a solo traveler that has issues deciding on what to eat, visit Lund’s Food Hall, Saluhallen (Mårtenstorget 1 22351 Lund). Here you will be able to satisfy everyone and walk across the foodie globe in one meal. You will be offered everything from traditional Swedish to Thai.  Since most Lund’s residents are students, it seems that all the retailers and restaurants try to bring them in with student discounts or very reasonably priced food, so if you are blessed with a young-looking face or have a student ID use it to your advantage! There are also a handful of really great second-hand shops offering everything from clothes to bikes. If you have the time to hunt for deals, take a peek into one of them – you may be surprised at what you find!