This small coastal town in southern Sweden has hosted major tennis tournaments since 1948. Its sandy beaches and 16th-century church draw summer visitors to the Bjäre peninsula.
Båstad, a coastal town in southern Sweden, welcomes 10,000 summer visitors who come for its professional tennis tournaments, calm beaches, and historic sites. You can watch matches at Sweden's largest tennis center court, swim at Skansenbadet beach, walk through the themed gardens at Norrviken, or explore the 15th-century Saint Mary's Church with its medieval wall paintings.
Tennis Culture in Båstad
Since 1948, the Swedish Open tennis tournament brings international tennis stars to Båstad each summer. The center court seats 5,000 spectators in the middle of town, where players like Björn Borg, Mats Wilander, and Rafael Nadal have competed. Visit The Swedish Tennis Museum to see equipment, photographs, and memorabilia from the tournament's 75-year history.
Swimming and Beaches
Walk from the tennis courts to Skansenbadet beach, where a 200-meter bathing bridge stretches into the water. When you want to avoid summer crowds, head to Malen, Hemmeslöv, or Skummeslöv beaches. You'll find several swimming piers along the coast - locals often choose between Paulins Pier and Morgonbryggan depending on the day's wind direction.
Exploring Norrviken Gardens
A 5-minute drive from central Båstad takes you to Norrviken Gardens, recognized as Sweden's most beautiful park. Walk through seven distinct garden areas, each with its own theme, created by Rudolf Abelin in 1900. The gardens stay active year-round, with the Winter at Norrviken celebration bringing light installations and winter activities during the cold months.
Saint Mary's Church
Step inside this 15th-century Romanesque church to see medieval wall paintings and a Danish altarpiece. The original stone walls and arches remain intact, while art pieces from different periods, including a preserved madonna image, tell the church's history through the centuries.
Bjäre Peninsula Nature
Follow the Italian Road west from Båstad to reach Hovs Hallar nature reserve, where limestone cliffs drop 30 meters into the sea. Take a 30-minute boat ride to Hallands Väderö island to spot seals and white-tailed eagles. The Hallandian ridge near Båstad has 12 kilometers of marked hiking trails through beech and pine forests.
Getting Around
Catch regular buses from Båstad to Ängelholm (20 minutes) for train connections. Buses to Halmstad run every hour and take 40 minutes. By car, you can reach Malmö in 75 minutes via E6 highway. Park near the harbor or tennis courts when exploring the compact town center on foot.
