Bastad

Bastad sits on the south side of the Bjare peninsula facing Laholm bay, and it became a resort in the early twentieth century when Ludvig Nobel and others built summer villas here. Tennis followed: the Swedish Open has been played on the clay courts since 1948 and the week in July when it runs turns a quiet town into the centre of Swedish summer society, with everything booked out. The rest of the year it is beaches, the Bjare coastal path over the headlands, and Norrviken gardens a little west - a set of gardens in different historical styles laid out from 1906 on a slope above the sea.

Background

Around 7,000 people live in Båstad year-round, but between April and September the number is thought to more than double, and in July the wider municipality grows from some 15,000 residents to more than 30,000. Town privileges go back to the 14th or 15th century, with 1513 the first certain date, and in 1858 Båstad became a merchant town, or köping. The centre court in the middle of town is the largest in Sweden, seating more than 5,000, and the Swedish Open draws some 20,000 visitors. Troentorp Clogs have been made by hand here since 1907. Norrviken Gardens were founded by Rudolf Abelin, and in 2006 they were voted Sweden's most beautiful park.

Source: Wikipedia, "Båstad"

What to look for

• Clay courts and the Swedish Open - the July week that fills the town.
• Beaches on Laholm bay - long and shallow.
• Norrviken gardens - historical garden styles above the sea.
• The Bjare coastal path - over the headlands north.

When to go

June to August; the Open week is the busiest. A full day.

Practical notes

Tennis week means full hotels and high prices. Outside summer the town is close to shut. The sea is cold. Norrviken has had periods of closure and uncertain management.

Nearby

Hovs Hallar is on the north coast; Torekov is west.

Key facts