Österlen
Österlen is a region in the southeast of the Swedish province of Scania.
The area is a tourist destination known for its natural environment, historic buildings, fishing hamlets, small towns and farmland.History
The name derives from its location 'east of the route' ; Öster om len.
The descriptive term Österlen is associated with the writings of Nils Lovén who was a clergyman and university professor as well as an author.
Use of the term Österlen was popularized during the 1920s by author Fritiof Nilsson Piraten, poet Pehr Theodor Tufvesson and newspaper journalist John Oskar Osterman. Many songs and poems have been written about Österlen. One of the most popular songs is Om himlen och Österlen, composed by Scanian singer-songwriter Michael Saxell.
Österlen was defined in 1929 as including Albo härad, Ingelstad härad and Järrestad härad in the southeastern part of the Scania. Today the term is associated with Tomelilla Municipality, Ystad Municipality and Simrishamn Municipality. Österlen encompasses the cities of Simrishamn and Tomelilla as well as including Stenshuvud National Park.Historical buildings and places
Historical buildings in Österlen include the medieval castle Glimmingehus, St. Nicholas Church in Simrishamn, known since the 12th century, and the medieval St. Olof Church. Ale's Stones near Kåseberga on the south coast and The King's Grave in Kivik are ancient historical monuments.Cultural events and festivals
Cultural events and festivals such as the arts exhibition Konstrundan and the apple market in Kivik are arranged every year.Gallery
