Lund’s twin-towered Romanesque cathedral is magnificent. Try to pop in at noon or 3pm (1pm and 3pm on Sunday) when the marvellous astronomical clock…
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Lund
Founded by the Danes around 1000 AD and once the seat of the largest archbishopric in Europe, Lund is the second-oldest city in Sweden. It's also one of its loveliest, surrounded by copses of beech trees and glowing with an impressive architectural legacy. Its magnificent, medieval old town is centred on its strikingly beautiful cathedral. Radiating around it is the country's oldest, most prestigious university (c 1666). Perhaps ironically, the university keeps Lund young, its vibrant, engaged youth driving a lively arts and culinary scene. You'll feel it humming along the old town's photogenic lanes, flanked by cafes, bars and a clutch of engaging museums.
An easy day trip from Malmö, Lund also makes for an excellent base if exploring the Skåne region.
Explore Lund
- LLunds domkyrka
Lund’s twin-towered Romanesque cathedral is magnificent. Try to pop in at noon or 3pm (1pm and 3pm on Sunday) when the marvellous astronomical clock…
- KKulturen
Dating from 1892, this huge open-air museum spans two whole blocks. Its 30-odd buildings include everything from the meanest birch-bark hovel to grand…
- SSkissernas Museum
The exhibition rooms here, with their visual feast of paintings and sculpture, are designed for maximum impact and art immersion. Several sculptures and…
- HHistoriska Museet
Behind the cathedral, the Historiska Museet has a large collection of pre–Viking Age finds, including a 7000-year-old skeleton. It’s joined with…
- LLund University
Lund University is ranked as one of the world's top 100 universities and is one of Europe's oldest institutions for education. It's buildings are…
- DDrottens kyrkoruin
Subterranean Drottens kyrkoruin contains the foundations of an 11th-century church, as well as a grisly collection of skeletons that build a picture of…
- UUniversitetshuset
The main university building, topped by four sphinxes representing the original faculties, looks a little bit like the White House. It's often…
- BBotanical Gardens
The 8-hectare Botanical Gardens, east of the town centre, feature around 7000 species and nine climate zones. The tropical greenhouses are open from 11am…
- LLundskonsthall
This contemporary art space has cutting-edge exhibitions, including Tate Modern–style installations and other forms of creative art.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Lund.
See
Lunds domkyrka
Lund’s twin-towered Romanesque cathedral is magnificent. Try to pop in at noon or 3pm (1pm and 3pm on Sunday) when the marvellous astronomical clock…
See
Kulturen
Dating from 1892, this huge open-air museum spans two whole blocks. Its 30-odd buildings include everything from the meanest birch-bark hovel to grand…
See
Skissernas Museum
The exhibition rooms here, with their visual feast of paintings and sculpture, are designed for maximum impact and art immersion. Several sculptures and…
See
Historiska Museet
Behind the cathedral, the Historiska Museet has a large collection of pre–Viking Age finds, including a 7000-year-old skeleton. It’s joined with…
See
Lund University
Lund University is ranked as one of the world's top 100 universities and is one of Europe's oldest institutions for education. It's buildings are…
See
Drottens kyrkoruin
Subterranean Drottens kyrkoruin contains the foundations of an 11th-century church, as well as a grisly collection of skeletons that build a picture of…
See
Universitetshuset
The main university building, topped by four sphinxes representing the original faculties, looks a little bit like the White House. It's often…
See
Botanical Gardens
The 8-hectare Botanical Gardens, east of the town centre, feature around 7000 species and nine climate zones. The tropical greenhouses are open from 11am…
See
Lundskonsthall
This contemporary art space has cutting-edge exhibitions, including Tate Modern–style installations and other forms of creative art.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Lund
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.