Sweden’s southernmost point
Visit Smygehuk
A visit to Smygehuk, Sweden’s southernmost point, is an experience no matter the time of year. Smygehuk is a flat, sandy point surrounded by stony beaches. It is situated east of Trelleborg, close to Smygehamn. During the summer months, there are lots of activities on offer – music, art, culture, and shopping. The winter offers clean, crisp air, spectacular sunsets, and the magic of transforming Smygehuk into a work of art made from snow and ice.
Köpmansmagasinet
The striking old warehouse Köpmansmagasinet was built at the beginning of the 19th century and was one of four trading warehouses in the Smygehamn district. Rumour has it that it was once a smuggler’s nest during the Napoleonic Wars. Today, you will find art exhibitions and various events that give a lively and dynamic atmosphere to the area.
The Limestone Industry
There is still much evidence in the area of the once-booming limestone industry. The calcination of the limestone took place in so-called cupola kilns that were used periodically. Nine of the ten kilns used here have been preserved, with the oldest dating back to the mid-1800s.
The Harbour
The harbour was built at the beginning of the 19th century from what was originally a limestone quarry. Now it is one of the three marinas in the area that can be used by visiting boats. The western side of the harbour is lined with small fishing huts and boat sheds, locally called “hoddor”, where fishermen store their equipment.
Nature
The flora and fauna around the cape are characterised by the limestone-rich soil. The pebbles on the beach have been washed out of the bedrock, and you can find fossils of sea urchins that lived 100 million years ago. On the beach meadows between Böste and Smygehuk, there is a unique population of free-ranging vipers.
Utkiken
By the East Pier, you will find a viewing platform that marks the southernmost place in Sweden, featuring a compass rose with the distance to various places in the world. Utkiken, with its informative signs, is a popular spot for photos. The waves can get high around the lookout, so be careful not to get a shower!
Famntaget
Rumour has it that actor Uma Thurman’s grandmother modelled for Axel Ebbe’s artwork “Famntaget” – known as “The Embrace” in English. The sculpture is in the harbour at Smygehuk, where the beautiful figure can be seen stretching out towards the water, hair blowing in the wind, breathing in sea air and soaking up the sun.
Palmbussen
In the summer, the red double-decker takes you for free along the beautiful coastline between Trelleborg and Smygehuk!
Events
In addition to Smygehuk’s pleasant shops, dining establishments, and fishing life, there are also many fun events for the whole family to enjoy.
Smygehuk’s history
Fishing & Limestone Industry
Limestone, fishing, and commerce were Smygehamn’s primary sources of income. At the end of the 1800s, limestone mining and processing had reached an industrial scale, and there were 16 fishermen based in the harbour. By the mid-1900s, the limestone industry was no longer profitable, but the number of fishermen had increased to 35, with seven large fishing boats. The railway kept trade alive by transporting limestone, fish, and other goods.
Trading & shipping
Previously, there were four large trading warehouses in the area, with Köpmansmagasinet being the most impressive in size. With its close proximity to the sea, goods were transported via jetties and barges to waiting ships. Köpmansmagasinet was likely involved in many shady deals and smuggling rackets during the Napoleonic Wars.
Beach town, hotels & bars
With the arrival of the railway, Smygehamn became a seaside resort. The fishermen in the village frequented the Östra Torp Strandhotell, which led to protests from the fishermen’s wives, resulting in the closure of the tavern. A new tavern, Hotel Smygehus, was built between Östra Torp and Hemmesdynge in 1919-1920. The churches banned alcohol during worship hours, so the fishermen resolved the issue by being in Hemmesdynge when there was a service in Östra Torp, and vice versa.
Fun facts
“Huk” is borrowed from Dutch and means cape or promontory. “Smyge” is a term in the Skåne dialect meaning narrow passage or hidden nook.
On maps from 1680, the coastline around the cape is labelled with the word “klödder,” which means seaweed. Seaweed remains a problem in the harbour and around Smygehuk to this day.
The postal district Östra Torp, and subsequently the village, changed their name to Smygehamn in 1950. However, the church village retained the name Östra Torp.
Practical information
Parking
There are several parking options in the Smygehuk area. All parking spaces are free, but if you need to use an electric vehicle charging station, there is a fee. To pay for the electricity at the charging stations, you can use the Easypark app. To find the appropriate parking spot, follow the signs in the area.
Bus
Skånetrafiken bus number 190, which operates between Trelleborg Central Station and Ystad, stops at Smygehuk. You can get off at the Hamnen bus stop. During the summer season, the red London bus named “Palmbussen” offers free daily rides between Trelleborg and Smygehuk, with stops at Dalabadet and Gislöv’s harbour.