Gastronomy, culture and nature – The perfect getaway awaits in Båstad & the Bjäre peninsula

By Malin Norman

During a weekend in Båstad and the Bjäre peninsula, expect a mix of extraordinary culinary, cultural and outdoor experiences. In what is called Sweden’s wine region, three vineyards are also breaking the boundaries for winemaking.

The fertile Bjäre peninsula is well known for its distinct farm-to-table identity, where quality and authenticity are at the core. The region’s restaurants offer a variety of wonderful dining experiences year-round – from exclusive fine dining to seaside bistros and cosy hideaways – where local ingredients and Scandinavian cooking take centre stage.

A visit to the countryside means the opportunity to buy groceries directly from the producers; eggs, new potatoes, cheese, organic meats, vegetables and berries, the list goes on. You will find everything from small carts with freshly harvested produce by the roadside to larger farm shops.

The charming Butikerna på Gården is a fantastic farm shop and clothes boutique open all year round, whilst Ebbessons Gårdsmejeri offers award-winning cheeses and other culinary masterpieces, and Skafferiet på Slottet has a charming deli in Valhall Park. Lindegrens is another gem; an organic farm with its own charcuterie, bistro and boutique, which also organises courses on how to farm, compost, make sourdough and sausages, and more.

Photo: Thora Vingård

Discover Sweden’s wine region

The Bjäre peninsula is also famous for its vineyards. In fact, this is now referred to as the heart of Sweden’s winemaking. Sitting atop a ridge with green rolling hills that border the vast sea, the peninsula’s microclimate and well-drained soil are ideal for winemaking. There are nearly 20 growers and a handful of wineries with farm sales, all driven by heaps of passion, big ambitions and innovative thinking.

Thora Winery is located between Båstad and Torekov, overlooking Halland Väderö. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings, experiencing the area’s tranquillity while sampling high-quality wines from locally grown grapes such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and the typical grape in Sweden, Solaris.

Vejby Winery produces orange and red wines in various exciting styles. The vineyard offers a rare experience with its ancient Georgian-style wine cellar. During tours and tastings here, visitors can explore the rich history of winemaking.

On a southern slope between Förslöv and Vejbystrand, you will find Ljungbyholm Winery. Established in 2019, Ljungbyholm grows equal amounts of blue and green grapes, from a selection of grape varieties.

Photo: Ljungbyholms Vingård

World-class art on display

This region is a vibrant cultural destination too, with world-class national and international art on display at galleries such as Galleri Arnstedt and Bjäre Konsthall, as well as smaller venues like Galleri Torekov, Galleri Blå, and Båstad Konstgalleri. As spring approaches, the venues will present this year’s new exhibitions and programme of activities.

Not to be missed is RAVINEN, a vibrant meeting place for art, music, experiences and design. It is located next to Norrviken Gardens in Båstad, by the stream ravine that gave the cultural centre its name. The 1,500-square-metre building houses three exhibition halls, a concert hall, educational activities, a design shop and a café & bistro.

Renowned for its beautifully themed gardens, views and luxurious parties, Norrviken Gardens has a long and colourful history. The garden was founded over 100 years ago by Rudolf Abelin, a pioneer in gardening. During a visit, you will journey from the mystical to the minimalistic and colourful. For a great day out, combine a visit to RAVINEN with a stroll around Norrviken Gardens.

Kungsbygget Adventure Resort. Photo: HOUSE of MANAO / L.& M. Lackas

Nature and tranquillity on the peninsula

In Båstad and the Bjäre Peninsula, you will encounter a varied natural landscape, including stretches of coastline and dramatic rock formations with stunning views of the sea. It is a place where you can enjoy the fresh sea air and take in the beauty of nature. For nature lovers, spring is probably the best time of the year, with fantastic hiking opportunities along coastal trails, through rolling landscapes and forests, and over Hallandsåsen, which offers both easy hiking and more challenging routes.

For the ultimate weekend getaway, stay at Furuhem, an exceptional inn with a restaurant and a bakery, open from 4 March. Soeder Countryhouse & Kitchen is a boutique hotel for connoisseurs, with a wine cellar and unexpected stories and flavour combinations. And Kungsbygget’s Adventure Resort, with its modern A-frame cabin, is for those who want a personal touch.

Or why not go for a fantastic spa experience at Hovs Hallar Hotel & Restaurant, Hotel Skansen & Kallbadhuset, or Torekov Hotel. Enjoy the beauty of the peninsula, treat yourself to an exclusive wellness experience and find inner harmony.

Altogether, this makes for the perfect weekend destination. With charming hotels, luxurious spas, fantastic farm shops, restaurants and vineyards within close proximity, visitors can easily combine relaxation, nature adventures and culinary highlights – just a short journey away.