A calm fishing village on Sweden's west coast, known for its traditional stone houses and 19th-century lighthouse. Local fishermen still sell fresh catch at the harbor.
Torekov sits on Sweden’s Skåne coast, where fishing boats still dock beside summer vacation homes. Look for the white church tower above the harbor, watch locals swim in the sea each morning, and learn about the 1971 meeting here that changed Sweden’s monarchy. Take boat rides to Hallands Väderö island, walk on rocky beaches, and try smoked shrimp or mackerel from dockside stands. Bright yellow rapeseed fields stretch inland during spring, and ferries from Denmark make this village easy to reach for a quiet coastal stay.
Getting to Torekov
Drive two hours north from Copenhagen, taking the Helsingør-Helsingborg ferry across the Øresund Strait. The 20-minute crossing lets you spot Kronborg Castle or buy tax-free goods. From Helsingborg, head west on roads lined with potato farms and golf courses until you reach Torekov. Between June and August, buses run regularly from Båstad’s train station to the village. Rent a bike to follow marked paths connecting towns on the Bjäre Peninsula—flat terrain makes cycling easy.
The 1971 Monarchy Agreement
Swedish leaders gathered in Torekov in August 1971 to draft a law removing political power from the monarchy. Ask a resident to show you where the meeting happened—some houses have plaques explaining the event. The village’s name might come from old words meaning “high huts,” but stories also describe a girl named Thora who drowned nearby. Her grave was said to heal a blind man centuries ago. You can search 1800s church records online to trace local ancestors.
Hallands Väderö Island Trips
Catch the M/S Nanny ferry at Torekov’s harbor for a 20-minute trip to Hallands Väderö. The island’s pine woods host nesting seabirds, and granite cliffs rise above walking trails. Bring your own food and water—the seasonal snack bar doesn’t open daily. Use a free wheeled cart from the dock to carry supplies to picnic spots. Swim in clear coves or explore concrete bunkers left from WWII defenses. Return before the last ferry leaves; overnight stays require advance permits. Back in Torekov, rent a kayak or try catching crabs using meatball-baited traps.
Beaches and Hiking Paths
Drive 15 minutes south to Glimminge Plantering beach, where a wooden jetty stretches into the Kattegat Sea—locals leap off it on warm days. Ängelsbäcksstrand beach has softer sand and shallow water, good for young kids. Start at Torekov Hotell to hike the Skåneleden Trail section, passing twisted pine trees and rocky tide pools. Walk inland in May to see rapeseed fields turn vivid yellow.
Accommodation Options
Torekov Hotell has a spa, golf course access, and rooms from 2,095 SEK per night in summer. Try their smoked trout with dill sauce in the dining room. First Camp Torekov rents small cabins near the beach, each with a kitchenette for cooking meals. Hovs Hallar Hotel, a 10-minute drive east, sits next to steep coastal cliffs. Reserve massages or sauna sessions weeks ahead during July and August.
Eating and Local Traditions
Order pickled herring on crisp bread at Fiskekajen restaurant in Båstad’s harbor. In Torekov, Moby’s Shack piles slow-cooked pork sandwiches with tart lingonberry jam. Many residents walk to the sea in robes for early swims—join them if you’re staying nearby. Dance around flower-covered poles during June’s Midsommar festival, or visit in September when beaches stay warm but crowds shrink.
