Lund
Hotspots
Food
Lund, a university town with a strong international influence, offers a variety of options for eating, from traditional Swedish cuisine to international dishes. Here are a few addresses:
- Mat & Destillat $$$: A gourmet restaurant located in the centre of Lund, specialising in contemporary Swedish cuisine. Perfect for a special occasion, the dishes are made with local and seasonal produce.
- Västergatan $$: This small bistro serves modern Swedish cuisine with a menu based on seasonal produce. The cosy setting is perfect for a small dinner party.
- Govindas $$: For vegetarian food lovers, this Indian restaurant offers delicious dishes at affordable prices. A favourite with vegetarian students in Lund.
- Malmstens Fisk & Kök $$: This restaurant specialises in fresh seafood dishes, such as salmon, prawns and grilled fish. It’s a good option for those who want to sample Scandinavian seafood.
- Inferno Burger $$: Fancy a good burger? Inferno is one of the best places to enjoy gourmet burgers with vegetarian and vegan options.
- St. Jakobs Stenugnsbageri $: An artisan bakery where you can enjoy traditional Swedish pastries such as kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and freshly baked bread. Perfect for a quick fika.
Coffee
As in the rest of Sweden, the ‘fika’ culture is ubiquitous in Lund. Here are a few must-try cafés for a coffee break:
- Love Coffee Roasters: This speciality coffee shop is one of the best in town, with locally roasted beans and a warm atmosphere. A popular place for students to work.
- Café Ariman: Located right in the centre of Lund, Ariman is known for its artistic atmosphere and good coffee. It is a popular place for students and creative people.
- Espresso House: A chain of cafés throughout Sweden, this is a reliable place for a classic fika with a friendly atmosphere and fresh pastries.
Going Out
Lund’s nightlife is influenced by its student population. Although the city is small, there are a few bars and clubs where students hang out at weekends.
- Mejeriet: A very popular concert hall and club in Lund. It hosts live concerts and DJ nights, as well as film screenings and cultural events. Very popular with the student community.
- Cafe & Le: Located next to the train station, this bar is popular with young people for its relaxed atmosphere and craft beers.
- Nations: As Lund is a university town, the ‘nations’ (student clubs) are the centre of nightlife. Each nation organises themed evenings, dinners, parties and concerts. You have to be a member of a nation to take part, but it’s an essential part of student social life.
Activities
Lund is a city steeped in history, but it also offers plenty of outdoor and cultural activities not to be missed.
- Lund Cathedral (Domkyrkan): Lund Cathedral is an impressive historical monument, dating back to the 12th century. It is one of the city’s symbols and a must-see.
- Lund University Botanical Garden: A botanical garden in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing break. The garden is home to a wide variety of plants, and is a great place to recharge your batteries.
- Kulturen: An open-air museum where you can discover Swedish history through traditional houses and exhibitions. A great way to immerse yourself in local culture.
- Stadsparken: Lund’s largest park, perfect for picnics, walks or outdoor sports. In summer, it’s a gathering place for the locals.
- Skrylle Nature Reserve: About a 15-minute drive from the centre of Lund, this nature reserve offers hiking and mountain biking trails through forests and hills. It’s a great getaway for nature lovers.
Hikes
The area around Lund offers great opportunities for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few options :
- Rökepipan: A small hill just outside Lund, ideal for a leisurely stroll. From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Skåne area.
- Dalby Söderskog National Park: About 10 km from Lund, this is one of Sweden’s smallest national parks, but it offers hiking trails through dense forests and meadow landscapes. A great place for a half-day walk.
- Vombsjön: A lake about 30 minutes from Lund where you can hike around the banks, picnic or swim in summer. It’s a popular place for locals to relax in nature.
Cost of living
- Rent
– Private accommodation: Renting a flat in Lund can be expensive, especially in the centre. The price of a studio or small flat varies between EUR 600 and EUR 1,200 per month, depending on location and facilities.
– Student accommodation: Students in Lund can find student accommodation through AF Bostäder, an organisation that runs student residences at more affordable prices (around EUR 300-600 per month). However, demand is high, so it is advisable to apply early.
- Groceries
Shopping prices in Lund are comparable to those in the rest of Sweden. The most affordable supermarkets are Lidl and Willys, while ICA and Coop are a little more expensive, but offer a wider variety of products.
- Transport
– Skånetrafiken: The public transport network in Lund is efficient and much used by students. A monthly student pass costs around EUR 60 and allows you to travel throughout the Skåne region.
– Train to Malmö or Copenhagen: Lund is very well connected to Malmö (10-15 minutes by train) and Copenhagen (45 minutes). The train is fast and convenient for excursions to these major neighbouring cities.