Lund Tourist Attractions
|
|
Lund, 20km/12.5mi northeast of Malmö in the province of Skåne, is thought to have been founded in 990 by the Danish king Swein Forkbeard as the secular and spiritual center of the eastern part of his kingdom. It has the largest university in Sweden, founded in 1666, including the college of technology and is the seat of a bishop. From the 12th to the 15th century it was the seat of a Danish archbishop and the largest town in Scandinavia, known as the "Metropolis Daniae".Lund has an active nightlife, although much is geared to the abundance of students. There is a city theatre, and the Lund Carnival held every fourth year since 1849.
Lund Cathedral
Lund's Cathedral, founded about 1080 by the Danish king Knut IV (St Knut or Canute), is the oldest and finest Romanesque church in Sweden. The present building dates from the 12th century. The twin towers, popularly known as the "Lads of Lund" (Lunna Påga), were formerly a prominent landmark. The Cathedral now stands in the heart of the town - a reminder of the fact that Lund was the oldest archiepiscopal see in Scandinavia, with authority over 27 churches and eight religious houses.
Cathedral Interior
Over the altar in Lund Cathedral is a magnificent 14th century carved reredos, the work of a North German master. The 15th century carved choir stalls were originally made for a monastery attached to the Cathedral. In the apse is a mosaic of Christ by Joakim Skovgaard (1925).
Cathedral Crypt
In the crypt - the oldest part of Lund Cathedral - are the tombs of Archbishop Birger (d. 1519) and Archbishop Herman. The well, with inscriptions in Low German, was the work of a Westphalian master named van Düren who lived in Lund from 1512 to 1527. The roof of the crypt is borne on stone piers. The figures on the piers are traditionally believed to represent a giant named Finn, who is said to have built the cathedral for St Lawrence, and his wife.
Astronomical Clock
In the aisle of Lund Cathedral can be seen the famous 14th century astronomical clock ("horologium mirabile lundense"), with figures of the Three Kings which emerge twice daily (at noon and 3 p.m. on weekdays, 1 and 3 p.m. on Sundays).
Lundagård
North of the Lund Cathedral lies the Lundagård, a park which features prominently in the life of the University. In the park is the Kungshus (King's House) or Lundagårdshus, built in the 16th century as a residence for the Danish king Frederick II. King Charles XII of Sweden is said to have ridden up the spiral staircase in the palace when he took up his quarters in Lund after his campaigns in Europe. The Kungshus was occupied by the University until 1882, when the present University buildings nearby were built.
University Library
At the north end of Sandgatan in Lund are the Bishop's Palace and beyond it the University Library, which possesses old 12th century manuscripts and some 2.5 million volumes in all fields of knowledge. Near the Library are various other University buildings and the campus of the College of Technology. In this area too is the Zoological Museum.
Archive of Decorative Art
Southeast of the University Library in Lund, along Sölvegatan, is the Archive of Decorative Art, where visitors can follow the creation of a work of art from its first conception to its completion.
Botanic Garden
Southeast from the University Library in Lund is the Botanic Garden, with 7,000 plants from all over the world.
Tegnérsplats
In Tegnérsplats, at the southeast corner of Lundagården, is a monument to the Swedish poet Esaias Tegnér (1782-1846), author of "Frithiof's Saga", a romantic cycle on an Old Norse theme. His house in Gråbrödergatan is now a museum.
Museum of Cultural History
In Lund's Tegnérsplats is the Museum of Cultural History (Kulturhistoriska Museet; popularly known simply as Kulturen), an open-air museum with farmhouses, pastors' houses and town houses from all over southern Sweden; particularly notable is an old church from Bosebo in Småland. There are also collections of pottery, porcelain, textiles and folk art. To the south, in Kraftstorget, are the Historical Museum and the Cathedral Museum.
Mårtenstorget
In the south of Lund is Mårtenstorget (fruit, vegetable and flower market). In the square are the Market Hall and the medieval Krognos House. To the rear stands the Art Gallery (1957), with a collection of modern Swedish art and periodic special exhibitions of work by leading international artists.
Drotten Church
On Lund's Kattensund, southwest of Stortorget (tourist information office), are the remains of the Drotten church, excavated in 1984 and 1985. The site is open to the public.
Christmas Bazaar in Kulturen
Lund Christmas Bazaar in Kulturen is in December.
Surroundings
Lund has natural and historical surroundings.
Dalby
Southeast of Lund on Road 12 is Dalby, with one of the oldest stone-built churches in Scandinavia (12th C. crypt). Nearby is Dalby Söderskog National Park, established in 1918, with a mixed deciduous forest. Farther east is the farm of Östarp, an outstation of the Museum of Cultural History in Lund.
Bosjökloster
30km/19mi north of Lund on Road 23 are the Castle and recreation area of Bosjökloster, picturesquely situated on the shores of the Ringsjö. At Höör is the Skåne Wildlife Park (Skånes Djurpark), with some 400 animals from the Nordic countries.
Map of Lund Attractions
Map - Lund
