Location

The coastline features numerous attractive beaches, in many places reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast with white sand and clear water. The school itself is located just a few minutes from one sandy beach that stretches 2km. In fact, there is even a footpath connected to Simrishamn, called Skåneleden, which is actually over 1100 kilometers long. Walking north from Simrishamn, you will pass through beautiful Stenshuvud national park, and to the south, the ancient and mysterious monument of Ales Stenar and the charming city of Ystad.

Österlen is celebrated for its rolling hills, intense yellow rapeseed fields in May, and its incredibly abundant apple orchards. Brösarps backar, about 30 min. from town, is a popular destination for our landscape painters.

Skåne has a pleasant climate with short, mild winters and longer spring and fall seasons. Österlen is frequently called the Provence of Sweden, and feels more mid-European than Scandinavian.

Simrishamn offers SARA and its students many benefits, including a close proximity to continental Europe and a lower cost of living than in larger cities. Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city, is 1.5 hours away by train, and closer still is the beautiful city of Ystad, just 40 minutes by train.

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, with its well connected international airport, is just under 2 hours by train. Copenhagen has a number of great museums perfect for art students. Once each year, SARA charters a bus for a fun day trip to Copenhagen and takes all its students to the city to visit museums, gather inspiration, and keep their artistic standards high.

Finally, students often express that living in Simrishamn has unexpected positive aspects. They find the laid back lifestyle of the community results in less distraction, and therefore they have more time and energy to focus on their studies and personal work. Also, the fact that most live within a short walking distance to the school means there is no commute, saving them time and eliminating stress.