Åhus in Skåne - a holiday resort with vodka and ice cream

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Åhus in Skåne is a lovely holiday resort, known for its Absolut Vodka and its own ice cream. We hung out here on a sunny day in May, and had time to check out the beautiful church and enjoy an ice cream at Glassbåten.

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Åhus in Skåne

Åhus is a charming little town by the sea, in Kristianstad municipality. We came here on a sunny day in May, together with a bunch of other travel bloggers, on a day organised by Visit Kristianstad.

In the car from Kristianstad we were asked what we knew about Åhus. "Ice cream", I replied, because that's what I associate the town with. It turned out that I had little right, but it would have been even more right if I answered eel, alcohol or tobacco.

Eels on the Åland coast

The Ålakusten is the stretch of coastline that begins at Stenshuvud in the south and ends at Åhus in the north. Eel fishing has been of great importance here, and the area is known for both 'eel boats' and 'eel gills'.

But aren't eels protected, you might think? Yes, it is, but here on the Åland coast we have a special licence. During a certain period of the year it is allowed to catch eels here.

Tobacco

Once upon a time, most households in the neighbourhood had their own small tobacco farm to supplement their income. Today, one of the memories of that time is a little red tobacco barn in the centre of town.

Spirits at Absolut Home

The production of spirits has a long history in the area around Åhus, and the town is famous for the production of Absolut Vodka. Today you can visit "Absolute Home" and take part in the Absolut Home Experience - a guided tour that ends with a workshop to make your own cocktail or mocktail.

Charming neighbourhood

Some of the neighbourhoods in the centre of Åhus are really charming. The town has a long history, and many of the traditional houses in the centre are reminders of life in the past. We bet we're not the first to take photos in these cosy alleys!

Church of St Mary in Åhus

St Mary's Church rises magnificently above the town, right in the centre of Åhus. The oldest parts of the church were built in the 12th century, and you can tell that this beautiful church is really old. But even though the church is old, it seems to be a church that is unusually active today, with both events and well-attended services.

Most impressive in the church is the altar, which is filled with carved images and ornaments. First completed in 1636, the altar was conserved in 1996 to bring out its original beauty.

Art in Åhus and Sankta Maria church

One of the things that is special about St Mary's Church is that it works with local artists and designers, using and displaying artefacts and art in various ways in the church.

The objects and art come, for example, from Blå Station, ateljé Lyktan and Studio Glashyttan, which are all local businesses. The glass art in the picture is made by Vivianne E Rosqvist.

Walk along the quayside

After visiting the centre and the church, we walked down to the quay. We were lucky to be here on a sunny day, when people were fixing their boats or enjoying an ice cream in the sun.

Eating ice cream in Åhus

I had not completely wrong when I associated Åhus with ice cream. Once upon a time there was an ice cream brand called Åhusglass, but it was eventually bought out. The local brand is now called Ottoglass, and people in the surrounding areas flock here to eat this particular ice cream, and to feast on the homemade waffle cones.

Ottoglass is sold almost everywhere in Åhus, except at Glassbåten. Although it would have been interesting to taste Otto ice cream, the lovely environment at Glassbåten attracted us, so it won this time. At Glassbåten, Engelholmsglass is sold, and we can attest that it is also really good. Next time we visit Åhus, we will try the Otto ice cream.

What else can you do in Åhus?

Åhus is beautifully situated by the sea, and in the summer many people come here to sunbathe and swim. Of course, you can also learn more about the town by visiting the museum (the red house in the second top picture).

More to see and do near Åhus

Kristianstad is a nice city that has a lot to offer. There are many really good restaurants that serve well-prepared food made from local ingredients. Sweden's smallest restaurant and high class in Pia's kitchen can be found here. If you want to experience both good food and cosy accommodation, you can try Cocoon Meetings. Other destinations include Ivön or Bäckaskog Castle. It is also interesting to check out the grandiose Yangtorp Qigong Temple.

Video from Åhus and Kristianstad

Have you been to Åhus? Tell us about your experiences and your relationship with the place! Do you have even more tips for things to see and do in Åhus?

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