Laying directly across the Öresund strait from Copenhagen and slightly Northwest of Malmö in Sweden you’ll find the quaint seaside village of Lomma.
Let’s take a quick tour around Lomma today and we’ll give a short history and show you how Lomma became one of the top spot to live in Southern Sweden. Beside lots of images of Lomma, we’ll end with a good look at our favorite restaurant on the strand. We hope you read on and learn about this little jewel of fun in Southern Sweden.
Lomma Tegelfabrik (brick factory) circa 1900. Image is Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Rich in history, Lomma beginnings dates back to 1085 when it was known as Lumaby. It soon grew into a natural hub for trade and shipping. Industrialization of Lomma began in the mid 1850’s, when Frans Henrik Kockum brickworks began operation of a clay mill and brickworks. In 1877, with an abundance of limestone and cheap agriculture labor, a cement plant was also built. But by the early 1900’s, competition forced the cement plant to cease operations. But it was soon converted to the production of asbestos cements. Well, everyone knows how that had to end. In 1977, after it was learned that asbestos was creating lung diseases to workers, the plant shutdown permanently. During the period after WWII, Lomma became “more or Less” a fishing village. Beginning in the 1980, the Swedish government began the promotion and the construction of family housing units in the area. From 1990 through 1999 population grew the fastest of any community in Skåne. Then, beginning in the 21st century, modernization of the harbor began and what a transition this has been and continues to be.
When I first began my travels to Sweden in the late 1990’s, Lomma (pronounced Loumah) was a somewhat worn out industrial and fishing village, but not any longer. Today it is a very popular day trip for dining, shopping, boating, fishing, surfing or just lying on the beach. And, if you picked the winning lottery numbers, a great place to live.
The Beach and Harbor
The beach begins just away from the harbor and stretches up the West coast of Sweden for about 1.15 kilometers (3/4 of a mile). The first section known as Lomma Beach extends from the harbor up about a third of the total beach area. This is the busiest section, with plentiful access and decent parking. Busy in the summer, too busy for this guy. I’m not into worshiping the sun gods or negotiating busy loads of beach goers.
For me, the best time to visit beach is in the fall or early spring when the air is crisp, and I love the colors and solitude. But, my absolute favorite is to walk the beach after a winter snow and feel that cold winter blast in my face. Nothing smells fresher. And, then there’s the crunch of the snow and ice on the sandy beach. But, most of all, the solitude.
Above we see how the Lomma harbor looked during the post WWII years (1940-50’s). A fishing and industrial area.
Beginning early in the early 2000’s the harbor began an amazing transformation into a bustling marine harbor for private, fishing and tour vessels.
The Strand
A very few steps from the harbor and you arrive at the strand and Kajgatan (quay or dock road). Glancing towards the beaches and to the right, one sees the newer condos built in recent years. Below the condos, at street level, there’s restaurants and shops.
You might remember that in the beginning of this post that I inferred with Lomma’s popularity, that the cost of housing in Lomma had risen in recent years. As an example, the image above is an avert from a real estate office along the strand. This condo, not on the water side was listed for 3,995,000kr (US$470,000) for a 79 kvm (818 sq. ft.). Now here in Sweden, when you sell real estate you list a starting price and it usually goes up from there. So, this one finally sold for 4,650,000kr (US$547,000) or 58,860kr/kvm (US$6924/sq.ft.). All is relative, so as a comparison a similar condo in Eslöv (where we live) would sell for about 50% less than the Lomma property. As much as this old boy would like to live in Lomma, it’s as they say, “above my pay scale”. Thus, the lottery ticket comment.
Let’s go back across Kajgatan to the harbor side of the road. This is what I call the fun side of the strand or restaurant row. Right next to the docks is a lovely boardwalk leading to several small walk-up dining spots.
At this point my editor (Eva) and I haven’t made it to a meal at these, but it’s rumored that they are all decent eating places. Back across Kajgatan you’ll find a couple of fine dining opportunities as well as an excellent ice cream shop as well.
Fiskboden Restaurang
Now, back up the strand is our favorite fresh seafood place. You might remember it from our last post, Stjerneskud and a proper fishmonger…, when we introduced you to our proper fishmonger. Well my friends, all that fresh seafood doesn’t go out the doors uncooked. Nope, just next to the fish market is Fiskboden Restaurang.
Located on the harbor, just next to their fishing fleet, gives one a real sense for the freshness of the meal they’re about to enjoy. Get there early for one of those prized open-air tables. But not to worry, there’s plenty of other seating. But my friends, this place is so popular you might have to wait in line for the experience.
A simple walk-up and order place. Give the server your order and pay. Now, just place your drink of choice (mine’s an ice cold Staropramen beer) on the tray and take your restaurant pager and head to the salad bar. The salad bar always has some nice choices and the bread is wonderful. Or, in a hurry? Just pick up one of their pre-made smörgås or salads. Want to take it away, no problem.
Oh, and the food, it’s always fantastic. We’ve dined her for lunch several times and are always pleased. If you find yourself in Lomma one day (and we hope you do), you’ll really want to give this place a try. I must talk about one dish though. It’s the one in the first image of the post and in the lower right-hand corner above. I believe it was billed as “Seafood bisque with prawn scampi” or something like that. It was so good. The bisque was rich and full of the good taste of the sea. Served with the bisque was a sizable piece of salmon cooked up rare, accompanied by a couple of nice pieces of cod and all topped with some prawn scampi. Well my friends, I’d be posting the recipe today if I had it fully developed. Not quite there. It may indeed require another trip to Fiskboden to absorb all the flavors of this dish in my head. Falling short there, if I must, I’ll bribe the chef for the recipe. Anyone out there want to see the recipe posted???
Don Harris says
Ron, great edition of your blog. It makes me envious and reminds me of our time in the Vancouver area where one had access to the same variety of fresh seafood and a fine selection of great restaurants.
All the best to Eva and yourself
Ron says
Don, I’m glad you enjoyed the edition. Yes, we also have fond memories of Vancouver. A trip to shop at Granville Market and a stop at Longliner Seafoods for some fresh salmon. And, if you were lucky, you could find a piece of fresh wild caught white salmon. Our favorite restaurant in Vancouver was Kibune Sushi in Kitts. We still talk of it often.
You and Nancy take care as well.
John / Kitchen Riffs says
I’ve only been to Sweden once — to Stockholm for a few days. Love it! And would like to see more of Sweden. Lomma is new to me — looks like a great place to hang out and relax. And have some seafood! Love the pictures, and what a fun read. Thanks!
Ron says
Stockholm is a magical city. We were able to spend 5 days in Gamla stan (Old Town) a few weeks ago and we be featuring some of our experiences in coming post. John, thanks so much for the comment and I’m sure you’d enjoy Lomma.
Denise from Urb'n'Spice says
We always love to look on the map and determine where you are when you are writing your posts. Lomma sounds absolutely magical, although I think that I am more like you and would prefer to live in places like Eslov. You are so lucky to be located in such a wonderful area where travel is accessible. As far as your wonderful depiction of Lomma, I would certainly love to visit there one day. What are the food photographs that are shown – is one of them a wiener schnitzel sandwich? And YES, I would love to see the bisque recipe. I have made it once for my son-in-laws birthday. It was wonderful! (although I can understand why it is so expensive to buy a bowlful!). Thanks for entertaining us with your travels and photos. We love them!
Ron says
Lomma is indeed is fun place. Maybe a bit like Kitsilano in Vancouver, but smaller. Dishes in the image, I was hoping someone would ask. Upper right-hand corner is perhaps the most complex. It’s a plaice (flounder) fillet rolled around salmon mousse and poached in seafood stock, with fresh potatoes, roasted beets, toasted cauliflower and a dill cream sauce. No wiener schnitzel but close. It’s a fried (in the manner of schnitzel) plaice sandwich with wonderful Danish tartar sauce. Lower left is the same fried fish (plaice) served with shredded butter fried potatoes, peas and again that lovely Danish tartar sauce.
Eha says
After ten miserable days in hospital it is delightful to forget one’s own problems and read about a possible discovery tour to Lomma. Southern Sweden is so rich in such an inviting destinations and it has been a delight to follow n your footsteps! Your seafood bisque sounds and looks more exquisite than most Mediterranean seafood ones I have sampled . . . may I add my name to those who would be delighted with a recipe which just might send us ‘broke’ 🙂 !!
Ron says
So glad to have you back among us, you were greatly missed. Glad we were able to supply you with a bit of a diversion upon your return from the hospital.
Like you, my experience with bisque were with the Mediterranean/French based. So, I really enjoyed this variation. Perhaps bisque is a bit of a misnomer as, for me, it’s a bit more like a thick creamy seafood soup base. Your vote is counted for a post on the Seafood Bisque and we’ll be posting soon. We’re heading to Fiskboden next week and I’m thinking I’ll let Eva do the negotiating when it comes to securing the recipe from the chef. She has a cuter smile…
Sujatha M says
Oh… this post really makes me longing to visit Sweden. I have never been there before, but these pictures and the food literally pushing me to plan my visit sooner. Till then I enjoy reading your posts and the pictures.
Ron says
Sujatha, thanks for stopping by and having a read. I think you and Muralidhar would really enjoy Scandinavia. But, in the meantime I will be glad to continue bringing you guys glimpses of life and food in Sweden.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Thank you for this look! I’ve only been to Finland and Denmark (Copenhagen) and it was lovely to see what Sweden is like.
Ron says
Well if you were in Copenhagen you were very close. If you visited the famous “Little Mermaid” in Copenhagen, you were a mere 20km boat ride or swim from Lomma. We’ll soon be heading up North to Stockholm with some of our upcoming post. Thanks for stopping by.
Jeff the Chef says
Like you, I also like a short walk on the beach in mid-winter – but short! Because it’s so cold! I do love the beach in summer best. Fortunately, I’m able to find stretches of pristine beach that aren’t overrun with people.
If you decide to work out the bisque recipe, I’d love to see it. There’s a smokehouse near me that smokes fresh-caught fish from the Lake Michigan, including salmon. (They used to stock the lakes with salmon every year in the northern part of the lake, and then to everyone’s surprise, they started spawning in the streams that flow into it.) I wonder if smoked fish would work in a bisque like this?
Ron says
I remember standing at in Chicago at Foster Beach ounce in February and it was bloody cold. I kept looking down to see if I had pants on. It actually gets colder on the lake over there than we do on the coast here, unless the Baltic freezes. But, if the Baltic freezes, man does it gets cold.
I think smoked salmon would be a perfect companion in the bisque. I’m going to try it on my upcoming test cook round 3. We actually have several Swedish dishes that incorporate both. And warm smoked salmon is brilliant in a chowder.
Eha says
Sugar, Ron, you have taught me something! Remember I was a toddler when I lived there 🙂 ! I honestly did not realize that the Baltic ever froze over . . . Yoicks, I thought Tallinn was an ice-free port!
Ron says
In a normal year the Baltic doesn’t freeze. The last big freeze was 2010 and again in 2003. In 2003 we lived here for the first time and I’ve got to tell you it was cold. In 2010 there were 50 ships stranded in the ice and I’m told that Tallinn bay did freeze. But, the Baltic countries still operate a fleet of Ice breakers for keeping the shipping lanes open in the Winter. With recent climate changes, some are saying that future freezing of the Baltic is not likely. Me, I think ‘ol Mother Nature will do as she will.
Now here’s some firsthand freezing knowledge. My Mother-in-law remembers during WWII when the Öresund froze between Helsingborg (Sweden) and Helsingør (Denmark) and people were walking across the ice, mostly in the direction of “Neutral” Sweden.
Eha says
Interesting information for all of us! Have a couple of fab stories for you and your MIL when the time is tight 🙂 ! Glad you are bringing up global warming – almost every Nobel Prize winner more than believes . . . and then there are those crazy politicians who do nor!
Ron says
Eha, we love your stories and can’t wait to hear them! Yea, who cares what a bunch of dumb politicians think. Especially ones with big hair. The world is getting warmer, it’s a fact and that’s all I have to say about that.
Frank says
Right next to the harbor and its boats…. a perfect spot to enjoy a fish dinner!
Ron says
Absolutely Frank, not a bad place for lunch either. Thanks for dropping by.
Alida @My Little Italian Kitchen says
I love your blog! I have never been to Sweden and I have always been fascinated by it. Sooner or later I will visit. Very interesting article.
Ron says
Thanks so much! Sweden is a grand place to visit and hopefully you’ll get to see it soon. Glad you liked the post and thanks for stopping by.
2pots2cook says
So in love with Scandinavia; people, food, nature …. every thing ! Thank you so much for your posts !
Ron says
Glad you came by for a look and thank you for reading and commenting on our post.
David @ Spiced says
I’m like you, Ron…I’m not interested in fighting crowds of people at the summer beach. I’ll opt for a light jacket and a quiet walk on the beach in Autumn instead. So we talked about taking a vacation to Sweden last year, but our plans went in a different direction. Lomma sounds like a fascinating place, and I’ll have to keep it in mind if we do make it to Sweden! (Although $547,000 for a small condo sounds like NYC prices!!)
Ron says
David, thanks for stopping by. Sweden is indeed an interesting place to visit. Southern Sweden (except for Stockholm) and the Zealand area of Denmark are my Favorite areas. Copenhagen is such a wonderful city to visit. Cost of living here is likely close to NYC. Stockholm, even higher. Do come visit someday, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. A Scandinavian cruise is a great way to see the area.
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
Lomma sounds so inviting! Just confirmed that my mom’s family was from Sweden, (Never sure about those old family stories!) Would love to visit one day.
Ron says
With those Swedish roots you must come seek your past one day. Sweden is famous for keeping exacting records of past births and deaths. Who knows, you might have been related to a famous Viking.
Deb, thanks for taking time to come by for a read and also your thoughts. Stay tuned for future post on Swedish life and recipes.
Katerina Delidimou says
Thank you for stopping by my blog! This looks like a beautiful serene place!
Ron says
Once out of the cities, Southern Sweden is quite a lovely and serene place and one we’re blessed to live in. Katerina thank you for coming up our way and having a read.
frugal hausfrau says
That dish does look divine and yes, I’d love to see the recipe!! You had me at bisque! Lomma looks so quaint and lovely, it is hard to believe it was ever so industrial
Mollie
Ron says
Thanks for coming by Mollie. Your vote is in for posting the seafood bisque. We’re planning to post it very soon. We’ve just been waiting for the kitchen to cool down. Quaint is the perfect word to describe Lomma. It is a wonderful thing for a government to support the rebirth of a once worn-out town such as Lomma.
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
I’ve only been twice in Sweden, but it’s certainly one of my favorite countries (My childhood was associated with Astrid Lindgren’s books a lot, and I think I was already in love with this country back in those days). I’ve never visited small towns and villages, though, but I hope this happens one day. Love this charming village!
Ron says
Living in Sweden is a delight. Ah, a fellow Astrid Lindgren fan. You you should plan a visit to Astrid Lindgren’s World. It’s in Vimmerby, Sweden only 4 hours from where we live. It’s great fun for kids and us grown-up fans of Pippi, Emil, Ronja, Skorpan Lionheart and Karlsson on the roof. Me, I’m a big fan of Emil. Thanks for stopping by Ben.
All That I'm Eating says
The food in Sweden is always so good, I’ll have to put Lomma on my list of places to visit next time I’m over there!
Ron says
Caroline, thanks for stopping by. Lomma is one of many fine places here in Southern Sweden, so pop in next time you visit over this way.
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
My grandfather’s family is from Sweden but I’ve never been. Your pictures are making me want to travel there sooner rather than later! Lomma looks so picturesque!
Ron says
Hi Kelsie welcome to Lost in a Pot. Lomma is a wonderful seaside village and one worthy of visiting, but the real Swedish maritime beauty starts a couple of hours up the coast. If you’re interested here’s a lovely short video about it. https://youtu.be/TvfyWsgNtII. You should come over and discover your Swedish roots.