When botanist Carl Linnaeus traveled through the region in 1749 he described the plain of Angelholm with the words, “No place in Europe surpasses this place in charm, beauty, climate and prosperity.”
Located in northwestern Skane by the Ronnea River, between the Bjare peninsula and the Kullaberg peninsula, Angelholm has surroundings of forests, hills, plains, ridges, lakes and the sea. The nearby area offers plenty of outing opportunities (for example Bastad, Torekov, Halland’s Vadero Island and hiking in Hovs Hallar), and the small town itself does have charm. Here are a few suggestions of what to see and do during a visit, where to eat, and where to stay.
Shopping
Angelholm has more than 90 shops, including 40 clothing shops, and many of them are situated along the town’s central pedestrian shopping street. In April 2010, Angelholm was awarded a diploma as a Fairtrade City for being a commune that engage in ethical consumption. For fair trade products, drop by Världsbutiken Klotet on Storgatan 10.
Galleri Moment
Galleri Moment in the City Library on Stortorget square is a small art gallery with contemporary art from national and Nordic artists. Open Tuesday to Friday noon-5pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm.
One of the Longest Beaches in the County
At 6 km long, Angelholm’s havsbad is one of the longest beaches in the county of Skane. There’s a pier for swimmers, long shallow water makes it child-friendly and sun-seekers have enough space to relax and better their tan. The beach is lined with a few hotels, restaurants, cottages and camp grounds.
The Homestead Park (Hembygdsparken)
Hembygdsparken. CC Image by Guillaume Baviere (Flickr).
The Homestead Park is a year-round open park and playground area with four museums, the Museum of Technology, the School Museum, the Grönvall Manor from 1817 and the Luntertun Cottage from 1673. There’s also a zoo, a restaurant, an ice cream house, and a stage for live performances. Every year, about 300,000 visitors come to see this park outside the center of town.
Ronne River
Whether in summer, autumn, winter or spring, the paths along the river makes for a nice stroll in the early morning or evening.
Where to Eat
MM Mat & Bar.
Some favorites among locals in Angelholm include Fuji on Nybrogatan 2, a small sushi bar with satisfying makis and nigiris, Nilsson’s Skafferi lunch restaurant above the library, Torstens Smakar Mera (Torstens tastes more) on Storgatan 37 for lunch, café or à la carte, Baratapas (translated “just tapas”) on Storgatan 8, Casa Mia on Storgatan 59 for Italian food, and MM Mat& Bar on Storgatan 61 for gourmet cuisine in a stylish setting.
Where to Stay
Hotel Lilton
Hotel Lilton on Järnvägsgatan 29 beats all other hotels in town in terms of location. Since it is situated only a few minutes walk from the railway station by the Ronne River, it offers easy access for travelers and a good starting point for pleasant strolls or jogs along the water.
Built at the end of the 18th century the small hotel is now run by Yvonn Nilsson and Anna-Michelé, who offers a friendly welcome.
All 15 rooms are large, some with heigh ceilings, and have shower, toilet, satellite TV, telephone, mini bar and clock radio. I liked my double room on the second floor, especially the balcony with view of the garden and river to the west. With comfortable beds, armchairs for reading or resting, work desk, and free wireless Internet, a stay can suit both business and leisure.
Every morning, a free breakfast is served in the hotel lobby area downstairs. I loved this space as it has somewhat of a feeling of someone’s living room rather than just a hotel reception.
During July, a summer café in the garden by the river serves home baked waffles with whipped cream and strawberry jam.
Rainy days are well spent by a table or in one of the armchairs in the hotel lobby. A selection of books are available to lend for free or bring home for SEK 15.