Simrishamn
Welcome to Simrishamn municipality, which is located in the south-eastern corner of Skåne, in the heart of Österlen.
Facts about the municipality
Population numbers
19429
Size by area
1254 km²
In our municipality, which is full of contrasts, there are many small and medium-sized population centres. In the south, we have plains with intensive agriculture, and in the north there are forests with more hilly land. The coastal area has its own special character, with broad sandy beaches interspersed with cliffs and small, genuine fishing villages. The closeness to the sea gives us a mild climate, which attracts many tourists to us. There are more than 3,000 companies in the municipality, every third entrepreneur is a woman, and we are best in the country at entrepreneurship.
Housing
The largest manager of properties in the municipality is the municipal Simrishamnsbostäder, but there is also a large range of housing companies and estate agents in our municipality.
Language groups in the locality
There are several language groups represented in the municipality: Arabic, Dari, Albanian, French and English.
Associations and organisations
There is a broad range of associations in the municipality, with more than 400 registered association, offering a range of activities. Faith associations, such as the Church of Sweden, Pentecostal Church, Mission Church and others are also represented. All registered associations can be found in our association register.
What is available in the immediate area
Simrishamn offers all kinds of services, with a broad range of shops and societal services, such as library, employment service, social services office, social insurance office, police station and tax office. The larger villages in the countryside have well-stocked shops for everyday needs, and there are many opportunities to buy second-hand goods, either from permanent shops or specially arranged flea markets.
Childcare
Nursery schools, after-school clubs and pre-school classes are available in most population centres. Independent nursery schools in the form of parent cooperatives and Waldorf schools are available throughout the municipality.
Compulsory schools and upper secondary schools
Schools through year 3 are available in most locations and years 7–9 are taught in the town of Simrishamn. Simrishamn also has two upper secondary schools: Österlengymnasiet which offers practical programmes and Nova Academy with theoretical programmes. Alternatives to the municipal comprehensive schools are available.
Education opportunities
If you need education and skills development, we offer adult education (including Swedish for Immigrants) in collaboration with Ystad municipality and Forum Ystad. Forum Ystad is located in the regimental area in Ystad, where the majority of the teaching takes place. There is a folk high school in our neighbouring municipality of Tomelilla, and there are universities and colleges within commuting distance in Lund, Kristianstad, Malmö and Copenhagen.
Health and medical care
There is a medical centre in Simrishamn town (no emergency room) and in most of the larger population centres in the countryside. Public dental clinics are available in Simrishamn, and there are plenty of private alternatives around the municipality.
Interpreter assistance
If you need an interpreter, telephone Teletolktjänst on 042-13 96 44.
Public transport
The buses of Skånetrafiken operate throughout the municipality and Skåneexpressen takes you to Kristianstad or to Lund quickly. Skånetrafiken's comfortable local trains, Pågatågen, go to Malmö via Ystad. There are three airports close by: Malmö Airport, Kristianstad-Österlen Airport and Copenhagen Airport.
Work and entrepreneurship
The business sector in the municipality is dominated by small and medium-sized companies within all sectors. The largest companies are: Plastal, Praktikertjänst, Kiviks musteri, Nordic Sea Winery, Gärsnäs och Skillinge Fisk-Impex.
