Skåne is the province at the southern
end of Sweden. Its history is mixed
with that of Denmark, and the whole
province is culturally related.
In Skåne you find the half-timbered
houses, thatched rooves, and
peculiarly Danish church design.
It is the breadbasket of Sweden: the
best farmland in the country invites the
cultivation of both grains and
vegetables.
Relatively flat land, large farms, and
peat bogs are identifying aspects of
the province.
Skåne's long history of connection
with other countries has given it
traditions a little different from the rest
of Sweden. Costumes, dances, and
food dishes from Skåne are very
distinct.
Specialty foods include breads,
omelets, and a very regional meringue
cake cooked on a tapered spit over an
open flame.
The signs of wealth are epitomized in the
elaborate traditional costumes of Skåne.
Windmills in Skåne are mostly
of the Dutch design.
The traditional dances of Skåne
include the kadrilj (quadrille), and
there is a living tradition of using
the "träskofiol", actually made from
a wooden shoe.
Castles and elaborate
manor houses are common
sights.
Churches such as these are found only in
Skåne and Denmark.
