Table of Contents
| You have never been to Lund if… FOOD – you haven’t tasted delicious cinnamon rolls (kanelbullar) at Mannz Bageri! ATTRACTIONS – you didn’t relaxed in the many city parks! SOUVENIRS – you didn’t buy any Scandinavian-style souvenir at Granit! |
Introduction
Lund is a charming town in southern Sweden, full of history, cozy cafés, and beautiful parks. We only had one day to explore Lund, but it turned out to be the perfect amount of time to experience the best of the city.
We’re Tiziano and Claudia, and we loved every moment of our time here! In this guide, we’ll take you through what we did in 1 day—including a bit of shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying local flavors.
Plus, if you have more time, we’ve included a bonus extra day where you can visit Malmö and Copenhagen.
Let’s dive into our guide about what to do in Lund in 1 day!
1-day itinerary in Lund
Morning: Start Your Day in Lund’s Old Town
We started our day early, as we knew Lund’s compact size would allow us to cover a lot of ground by foot. The Old Town is a must-see, with its cobblestone streets, colorful historic buildings, and charming squares. We kicked off our visit with a stop at the iconic Lund Cathedral. This impressive Romanesque structure is one of Sweden’s most famous landmarks, dating back to the 12th century.
Inside the cathedral, we spent some time admiring the Horologium Mirabile Lundense, a medieval astronomical clock that chimes twice a day with a delightful little show. The experience felt almost magical!
After leaving the cathedral, we strolled around Stortorget, the main square, and found the perfect spot to enjoy a fika—a Swedish coffee break. We sipped coffee and indulged in cinnamon buns at a small café, enjoying the relaxed morning atmosphere. Our tip for a perfect “fika” is Mannz Bageri in Sankt Petri kyrkogata 5, 222 21.
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Late Morning: Explore Lundagård Park and Lund University
From the old town, we made our way to Lundagård Park, which lies at the heart of the city. The park is a peaceful green oasis, with shady paths, fountains, and sculptures that are perfect for a relaxed walk. We loved how calm it felt, with students and locals enjoying the space, and we felt ourselves slowing down to soak in the atmosphere.
Next, we visited Lund University, one of Scandinavia’s oldest and most prestigious universities, founded in 1666. We admired the architecture of the University Main Building before heading to the University Library. Covered in ivy, the library looks straight out of a fairy tale. Inside, it was just as beautiful, with high ceilings, natural light, and endless rows of books. It was easy to imagine how inspiring it must be to study in such a beautiful setting!
If you love history and architecture, Lund University is a must-visit. The campus is compact enough to explore easily, and the combination of historical buildings and lively student life really gave the city a unique, youthful energy.
Afternoon: Scandinavian Design Shopping and Local Flavors
Once we had soaked up enough history, it was time for some shopping! If you’re a fan of Scandinavian design (and who isn’t?), Lund has plenty of stylish shops to explore. Our first stop was Granit, a minimalist’s paradise. This shop specializes in sleek, practical home goods, all designed with that signature Scandinavian simplicity. We found ourselves tempted by everything, from kitchenware to decorative items, and left with a few pieces to remember our trip by.
After our design fix, we headed to Petersborgs Gårdsbutik, a covered market featuring local products. It’s the ideal place to pick up regional specialties like Swedish jams, cheeses, and cured meats. We couldn’t resist grabbing a few edible souvenirs to take home.
The vendors were incredibly friendly, and it was clear they were passionate about their products. It’s a fantastic spot to experience a bit of Lund’s local flavor.
Late Afternoon: A Final Stroll and Reflection
With most of Lund’s highlights covered, we took a leisurely walk back through the Old Town to enjoy the city’s peaceful charm. Lund is the kind of place where you can wander without an agenda and still stumble upon beautiful streets, quaint shops, and historical buildings. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow on the colorful houses, and we felt completely relaxed as we explored.
We ended our walk back in Lundagård Park, where we found a bench to sit and reflect on our day. The park was just as peaceful in the late afternoon as it had been earlier in the day, and it was the perfect place to unwind. Lund may be small, but it’s packed with history, culture, and a laid-back vibe that’s easy to fall in love with.
Evening: Dinner in Lund
To wrap up our day, we headed to Mat & Destillat, a cozy restaurant known for its modern take on traditional Scandinavian cuisine. The atmosphere was intimate and welcoming, and the food was fresh, seasonal, and full of Nordic flavors. It was the perfect way to end a wonderful day in Lund.
For those looking for something a bit more upscale, Grand Hotel Lund is another excellent dining option, offering classic Swedish dishes in an elegant setting. Whether you go for a relaxed bistro vibe or something more sophisticated, Lund has a great selection of restaurants to satisfy your taste buds.
Where to Sleep in Lund: Our Recommendation
If you’re staying overnight, we highly recommend MillasVilla, where we stayed during our trip. This cozy guesthouse is located just a short walk from the city center, making it ideal for exploring Lund on foot. The rooms are modern, clean, and stylish, offering a perfect blend of Scandinavian minimalism and comfort.
Priced at around €100 per night, MillasVilla provides excellent value for money, and the staff were incredibly welcoming, giving us great local tips. The breakfast was also a highlight, with fresh ingredients that set us up perfectly for the day ahead. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Lund that’s close to everything and offers great hospitality, MillasVilla is the place to be!
Possible Extra Day: Day Trip to Malmö and Copenhagen
If you have a second day to spare, we highly recommend taking a day trip to Malmö and Copenhagen. Both cities are incredibly close to Lund and make for a perfect day of exploring two different countries!
Morning in Malmö
We started our extra day with a short, 15-minute train ride to Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city. Malmö blends modernity and history beautifully. We began our tour with a visit to the Turning Torso, Scandinavia’s tallest building, before wandering through Lilla Torg, a lively square with restaurants and cafes. After a quick lunch, we explored the medieval Malmöhus Castle and the nearby Malmö Art Museum.
Check here for further activities to do in Malmö:
Afternoon in Copenhagen
From Malmö, we hopped on a 40-minute train ride across the spectacular Öresund Bridge to Copenhagen. We headed straight to Nyhavn, the iconic harbor lined with colorful 17th-century buildings, perfect for photos and a relaxing stroll. Copenhagen also boasts plenty of landmarks, such as the Little Mermaid statue and the Amalienborg Palace. We spent a few hours soaking up the cosmopolitan feel of the city before heading back to Copenhagen airport.
Check here for further activities to do in Copenhagen:
What to read before traveling to Sweden
Before leaving for a trip to Sweden, we recommend you to read “Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living”, a book that helped us dive deeper into Swedish culture and their unique way of life. Lagom is an untranslatable word that embodies the idea of “just enough” or “perfect balance”, a core value in Swedish society that influences everything from work-life balance to personal relationships.
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Conclusions: One Day in Lund (And an Extra Adventure)
Our day in Lund was filled with history, culture, great food, and a bit of shopping—everything we could have hoped for! Even though Lund is small, it offers a perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. We loved walking around the old town, visiting Lund Cathedral and Lund University, and finishing with a bit of Scandinavian design shopping. And if you have time for an extra day, visiting both Malmö and Copenhagen in one go is an unforgettable experience!
Ready to plan your own adventure? We really hope this guide about what to do in Lund in 1 day will help you plan your trip! Follow our blog for more travel tips and itineraries designed for curious explorers just like you!
Happy travels from Tiziano and Claudia!
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