I will be spending 2 nights in Ystad due to my love of Henning Mankell's character Wallander. I would love to hear from anyone who has been there, what you did, and how you enjoyed it.
I will also visit Ales Stenar to make a connection with my Nordic ancestors.
I will be taking an early flight from Bergen to Copenhagen, then catching a train through Malmo to Ystad. Then the reverse to Copenhagen to fly home. I understand there are some newish ID procedures when moving between Denmark and Sweden. Does anyone have first hand information regarding this?
Posted by
Maryland, USA
533 posts
The ID checks are only for passengers entering Sweden - trips from Sweden to Denmark are unaffected. You will have to show your ID at the Copenhagen Airport before boarding a train bound for Sweden. If you were coming from central Copenhagen (or anywhere else in Denmark), you would have to leave the train at the airport, show your ID, and then board another train to go to Sweden - but since you are starting your train trip at the airport, it shouldn't be too much of an inconvenience for you.
Posted by
OP
Ohio
1478 posts
Thank you KHB for the train clarification...that eases my mind.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
Keep an ear open for Wallander's ringtone.
Posted by
OP
Ohio
1478 posts
Ha Edgar,
I actually had that ringtone on my phone for a long time, but it started to drive me crazy....and then I became acquainted with Krister Henriksson who is my favorite Wallander.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
696 posts
Is there an actual tour? and what is the distance from Stockholm? Wondering if we can squeeze this in on our 3 days in Stockholm
Posted by
Switzerland
383 posts
Ystad is a charming town and as a fan, you will definitely recognize some of the filming sites from the series. I was there a few years ago and really enjoyed my visit (luckily had nice weather!). The "old town" is very quaint and photogenic, so aside from Wallander locations, it is an enjoyable place to just wander around.
The tourism office is right across from the train station so stop there when you arrive. They offer various information about Wallander, walking maps "In the Footsteps of Wallander" etc (can download some too) and you could check if they have a guided walking tour (in English) while you are there. The Cineteket film museum also has some sets/props from various Wallander productions. There is some info here:
http://www.ystad.se/kultur/film-i-ystad/info-in-english/
http://www.ystad.se/kultur/film-i-ystad/se--gora/wallander/ (Eng translation available)
Ales Stenar is a good stop too - very dramatic location (and windy!), great photo opportunities!!
As mentioned by the earlier poster, the ID checks only apply on the train from Copenhagen to Sweden and will not be a big deal if you are coming from the airport. Just keep your passport accessible and when you arrive at the platform, security will give it a quick look and maybe ask a basic question about your travel plans. In the multiple times I have made the trip, it has never taken more than 30 seconds. They have to keep things moving to avoid too much congestion from the escalator down to the tracks. The first train stop into Sweden is called Hyllie and sometimes there are short delays there, sometimes have been asked to show ID again.
Posted by
OP
Ohio
1478 posts
Ystad is about a 40 minute train ride from Copenhagen so not close to Stockholm at all. Not likely to fit into a short visit to Stockholm. I will update my post after my visit in July.