Båstad is a locality and the seat of Båstad Municipality, Skåne County, Sweden with 4,793 inhabitants in 2005.1
Geography
The town of Båstad is located in a sheltered bay with the Hallandian ridge stretching behind it. The town borders the shore, whereafter the terrain raises until the dense vegetation of the ridge takes over.
The marina; Hallandian ridge in background
Better view of Hallandian ridge from a street in Båstad
History
The first city privileges were granted in the 14th or 15th century, when the area belonged to Denmark. The first certain date is 1513 when it was re-granted. At the time, the name in print was Botstœdœ, which would translate to "Boat (landing) place".
The area was in 1658 conquered by Sweden, and Båstad was given new "special" privileges in 1664, because it was of too insignificant size to receive the full royal charter as one of Sweden's cities. The minor privilege allowed the town to be used for commerce, handicraft and hostelry. The minor privilege was in effect until 1858 when it got proper rights as a merchant town, or köping. It is since 1971 the seat of Båstad Municipality.
Båstad is best known for its tennis tournament Swedish Open on the ATP Tour, held each summer since 1948. It has got the most tennis courts in the country, and has fostered many internationally successful tennis players, such as Magnus Larsson. Every summer, Swedish Open Båstad in tennis is held in the town as part of the ATP Tour. It attracts some 20,000 visitors and puts the town in a festive mood for a few weeks. Starting in 2009, the womens' WTA tournament previously held in Stockholm will also be played in Båstad.
Sights
The Church of Båstad or Saint Mary Church is located in central Båstad. It was constructed in the 15th century. It is a Romanesque church, and contains several wall paintings from various centuries; a madonna image; and a Danish altarpiece, among other things.
Notable natives
References
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