Båstad

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Båstad is a locality and the seat of Båstad Municipality, Skåne County, Sweden, with approximately 5,000 permanent residents. It is however one of Sweden's most typical summer resorts. The population is presumably more than twice as large between April and September, and even larger during July. It's municipality follows a similar pattern. Some 15,000 permanent residents but more than 30,000 during July. Some villages within the municipality almost empty during the winter, but have more than a 2,000 "summer guests" during July. Torekov is a good example of this.Within Sweden is Båstad well-known for Tennis, and the largest Centre Court in Sweden is located in the towns centre, and can take more than 5,000 attenders. All great names in Swedish tennis, like Björn Borg, Mats Wilander and Stefan Edberg have played tennis in Båstad.GeographyThe 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.HistoryThe 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".In 1658 the area was 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 has been the seat of Båstad Municipality since 1971.