Seaside charm and summer life
When people think about things to do in Båstad (Sweden), tennis is the first thing that comes to mind for many – and for good reason.
Tennis is part of the town’s identity.
Home to Sweden’s largest centre court, Båstad attracts thousands of spectators every summer for some of the country’s biggest tournaments.
But there are far more things to do in Båstad than watch tennis.
Set in a sheltered bay beside the dramatic Hallandsåsen ridge, Båstad combines seaside charm, nature and relaxed Scandinavian atmosphere.
The town has around 7,000 permanent residents, though the population more than doubles during summer as visitors flock to the coast.
Just steps from the tennis courts, Skansenbadet is one of the most popular beaches in Båstad, with a long bathing pier, waterfront cafés, restaurants and everything needed for a classic Swedish summer day by the sea.
The town is a great base for excursions in the beautiful nature around it, as well as hiking, cycling, swimming and enjoying excellent local food.
Whether you are looking for what to do in Båstad or simply planning a relaxing coastal getaway, we’ll tell you more in this travel guide to Båstad.
Welcome to Båstad!
Where to stay in Båstad
- Budget: Pensionat Enehall – A charming and affordable guesthouse with a classic Swedish seaside atmosphere near the train station and beach.
- Value for money: Hotel Riviera Strand – A stylish beachfront resort with spacious suites, pools and spa facilities ideal for families and longer stays.
- Value for money: Hotell och Restaurang Hovs Hallar – A peaceful coastal retreat beside the dramatic Hovs Hallar nature reserve with ocean-view suites and outdoor bathtubs.
- Luxury: Hotel Skansen Båstad – Båstad’s most iconic luxury hotel with a rooftop spa, sea views and an unbeatable location beside the tennis courts.
Table of contents
Why visit Båstad
Båstad is one of those rare places that manages to be well-known and yet somehow still feel like a secret.
Famous across Scandinavia as the tennis capital of Sweden, it draws thousands of visitors every summer, but step beyond the courts, and you’ll find a coastal town with charm and far more going on than the scoreboard suggests.
The setting alone is enough to make the trip worthwhile.
Båstad sits in a sheltered bay where the shoreline curves into the dramatic Bjäre Peninsula, with the forested Hallandsåsen ridge rising behind the town.
It’s the kind of backdrop that makes even a stroll to the ice cream shop feel cinematic.
Then there’s the water. The beach at Skansenbadet is a proper Swedish summer classic: soft sand, a long bathing pier and waterfront cafés doing a roaring trade in the sunshine.
Further along the peninsula, quieter beaches give you all the same scenery with a fraction of the crowds.
What to do in Båstad beyond the beach? Rather a lot, as it turns out.
The surrounding Bjäre Peninsula is packed with nature reserves, beautiful gardens, excellent hiking and cycling – all within easy reach of town.
And if you fancy something more indulgent, the spa hotels and harbour restaurants will see to it that you never run out of reasons to stay another day.
In short, Båstad isn’t just a tennis pilgrimage. It’s a full-blown summer destination with lots to do.
The best things to do in Båstad
While there may not be a long checklist of “must-sees” in Båstad, that is kind of the point.
The town and surrounding area are all about simple pleasures: time by the water, easy walks in nature, and long, unhurried meals with a view.
It’s a place where you can do as little or as much as you feel like.
Our first point will not come as a surprise if you know what Båstad is famous for, but don’t worry – there are plenty of other things to do in Båstad too.
- Watch or play tennis. Tennis is at the heart of Båstad, and the atmosphere during the summer tournaments is unlike anywhere else in Sweden. Even outside tournament weeks, you can book courts yourself or simply enjoy the seaside setting around the famous centre court.
- Live the good life. There are plenty of opportunities for watching the ocean and nearby rolling hills while enjoying some quality food and drinks in the harbour of Båstad.
- Jump in the ocean. If you want a more remote feeling than Skansenbadet beach, consider visiting the nearby beaches of Malen, Hemmeslöv and Skummeslöv.
- Enjoy the spa culture. Båstad has several well-known spa hotels where you can combine sea views with saunas, outdoor pools and cold-water swimming.
- Walk the historic streets. Båstad’s centre is very easily walkable and has a cosy atmosphere with a lot of shopping options.
- Visit Båstad Church (Mariakyrkan) in the historical city centre.
- Learn about tennis at the Swedish Tennis Museum (Sveriges Tennismuseum). Read more about it on the official website.
- Explore the Bjäre Peninsula. Get away from it all by driving along the scenic Italienska vägen (the Italian Road), which leads west from Båstad along the peninsula’s northern coastline. We loved walking around the dramatic nature reserve at Hovs Hallar, just 15 minutes away. It’s also possible to sail out to the wild and uninhabited island of Hallands Väderö.
- Cycle around the Bjäre Peninsula. The area is one of the best cycling destinations in southern Sweden, with quiet coastal roads, pretty hills and sea views almost everywhere.
- Visit Norrviken Gardens. The “most beautiful garden in Sweden” is located just 5 minutes from Båstad.
- Hike the nearby Hallandsåsen ridge. Home to nature reserves with beautiful forests and some surprisingly impressive slopes by southern Swedish standards.
- Play golf. The Bjäre Peninsula has several highly regarded golf courses with scenic coastal and countryside settings.
- Take a boat trip. In summer, boat excursions and harbour tours are popular ways to experience the coastline from the water.
- Watch the sunset from the harbour or beaches. Summer evenings in Båstad are a big part of the experience, especially around the marina and waterfront restaurants.
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Our personal experience of visiting Båstad
We arrived in Båstad in the afternoon on a lovely June day after a hike with around 150 metres of elevation gain up towards the Vallåsen ridge.
Parking right next to the ocean, we immediately felt the riviera atmosphere and went for some delicious vegan sorbet ice cream at Bjäreglass.
We enjoyed our scoops by the sea and were impressed with the surrounding hills.
At one point, one of us blurted out something along the lines of “this almost feels like New Zealand!”
New Zealand or not, Båstad and its surrounding nature are very pretty, and we went for a stroll around town.
While we didn’t jump in the water, we chilled out for a bit on the huge stretch of sand at Skansenbadet.
After visiting Båstad, we drove through the charming countryside to hike around Hovs Hallar, which can easily be recommended for its rough coastline features and nice trails.
Our home for four months in the summer of 2020
Read more
Hiking with great views over Kattegat and Öresund in Southwest Sweden
How to get to Båstad
Båstad is easily reached by car and there are lots of parking spaces by the harbour right next to the tennis court and the beach.
Ängelholm is the closest bigger city with a train station and can be reached with a 20-minute bus ride.
Halmstad is an even larger nearby city and can be reached with a 40-minute bus ride.
Helsingborg is about 40 minutes of driving away by car, and the ~115 kilometres to Malmö can be covered in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Our personal accommodation recommendations, from budget to luxury stays
Read moreMap
Båstad is located in northwestern Skåne (Scania) in Southern Sweden at the southern end of the Laholm Bay, just where the shoreline ends and becomes the Bjäre Peninsula.
It’s the main town of Båstad municipality, extending over the entire peninsula.
A beautiful afternoon with lush forests, high cliffs and flowing streams
Read moreWhen to visit Båstad
Båstad, Sweden, is at its most lively in summer – particularly during July, when the tennis tournaments bring the town to a boil.
If you’d rather have the beaches mostly to yourself, late August is your best bet: the water is still warm, the days are long, and the summer crowds have largely headed home.
Spring and autumn are lovely for hiking the Bjäre Peninsula without breaking a sweat.
For a nice spa getaway, winter is lovely, too.
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Read moreWhere to stay near Båstad
Luxury
Hotel Skansen Båstad
For a luxurious stay in the centre of town, look no further than Hotel Skansen Båstad.
Located directly beside the famous tennis courts and just steps from the beach, the hotel combines classic seaside elegance with one of the best spa experiences in southern Sweden.
The standout feature is the spectacular rooftop spa, complete with a heated infinity pool, jacuzzi and panoramic views over the sea and centre court.
And the location could hardly be better for exploring Båstad on foot.
Rooms are modern and stylish, and many have beautiful sea views.
If your budget allows it, this is where to stay in Båstad for a memorable experience.
Check prices and availability at Hotel Skansen Båstad (adlink).
Value for money
Hotel Riviera Strand
For travellers looking for a little extra space and comfort without stepping fully into luxury-hotel prices, Hotel Riviera Strand is one of the best value hotels in Båstad.
Located directly by the long sandy beach in Båstad and surrounded by forest trails, the hotel feels more like a seaside resort than a traditional hotel.
It has spacious apartment-style suites, many with balconies and kitchenettes, making it especially convenient for longer stays or if you’re visiting Båstad with kids.
Guests also have access to both indoor and outdoor pools, Japanese-style hot tubs and easy access to the beach just outside the hotel.
The Art Deco-inspired architecture gives the property a unique character that stands out from many modern Scandinavian hotels.
Despite the relaxed resort atmosphere, central Båstad is only a short walk or bike ride away.
Check prices and availability at Hotel Riviera Strand (adlink).
Hotell och Restaurang Hovs Hallar
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery, Hotell och Restaurang Hovs Hallar is one of the most unique places to stay on the Bjäre Peninsula.
The hotel is right next to the famous Hovs Hallar nature reserve, making it a perfect base for hiking, kayaking and exploring the rugged coastline.
Despite the peaceful setting, central Båstad is only around 15 minutes away by car, so while it’s not directly in town, it’s a great value for money hotel near Båstad.
Many of the suites come with ocean views and private outdoor bathtubs, making this a particularly great choice for couples looking for a relaxing getaway.
The peaceful atmosphere, dramatic sunsets and proximity to nature make it feel far removed from everyday life.
Check prices and availability at Hotell och Restaurang Hovs Hallar (adlink).
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Read moreBudget
Pensionat Enehall
If you prefer charm and character over luxury facilities, Pensionat Enehall is one of the most affordable places to stay in Båstad.
The historic guesthouse dates back to the 1920s and has a classic Swedish summer-house feel with cosy interiors, wooden details and a peaceful garden.
Unlike many modern hotels, the atmosphere here is personal and relaxed – almost like staying in a traditional Scandinavian seaside home.
Its location is another major advantage. You can find Pensionat Enehall right beside the train station, making it convenient for visitors arriving without a car, while the beach and central Båstad are still within easy walking distance.
The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the guesthouse is especially appreciated for its quiet atmosphere, friendly service and excellent breakfast (which is included).
It’s an ideal choice for travellers who want an authentic and budget-friendly stay in Båstad.
Check prices and availability at Pensionat Enehall (adlink).
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Read moreWhat to bring to Båstad
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen (adlink) if you visit in the summer.
- Hiking shoes and sandals.
- Swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
- Water and snacks.
What camera, drone and accessories we use to capture life on the road
Read moreMinimise your impact
To minimise your impact in Båstad, follow these guidelines:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle (adlink).
- Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
- Dispose of waste properly. While putting your trash in a nearby trash can is convenient, wrappers and other small items are prone to get taken by the wind and end up in the ocean.
- Check your sunscreen. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that are harmful to ocean life. This one is vegan and reef-friendly (adlink).
- Take only photos, leave only footprints.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
- Respect wildlife.
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Read moreThanks for reading
Thanks for reading our travel guide to Båstad in Southern Sweden. We hope it has been useful!
Whether you’re coming for the tennis, the cliffs at Hovs Hallar, or simply a very long lunch by the harbour, Båstad has a habit of exceeding expectations.
Are you still wondering what to do in Båstad, or have we covered it all?
If you’ve been, it would be awesome to hear your best tips and what you think are the best things to do in Båstad.
If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments. We’re glad to help.
Pin for later:
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for hotels and apartments.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- AirHelp for flight delay compensation.
- GetYourGuide for great tours everywhere.
- Airalo for reliable eSIM.
- Discover Cars for transparent car hire.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like True Traveller. Compared here.
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This is great. We will be in Sweden this summer and I will consult this blog when in Bastad.
Awesome, James! Hope you have a wonderful trip.