Summary
Connected to Copenhagen by the Öresund Bridge, Malmö was under Danish rule until the 16th century. Its significance as a Hanseatic trading port during the medieval period contributes to its architecture, which features Dutch influences evident in its curved and crow-stepped gables. The historic town squares, Lilla Torg and Stortorget, are pedestrian-friendly, picturesque, and vibrant in summer.
The castle, which once served as the residence for Danish royalty, now accommodates a variety of museums, and its grounds have evolved into lush parks adjacent to moats and canals. Malmö is exceptionally green, and you will always be within a short distance from the next spacious park.
Let us delve into the noteworthy attractions in Malmö:
1. Malmö Castle
A visit to the castle, once a key Danish fortification, warrants a full day of exploration.
The significance lies not only in the architecture of this Renaissance structure but also in the diverse activities it offers inside, featuring numerous museums.
Among its attractions are an aquarium/zoo, Malmö’s art museum, the City Museum, and the Museum of Natural History.
The range of special exhibitions caters to a wide array of interests, whether your passion lies in Finnish fashion, beer brewing, or Roman history.
Historians will find the history of this building particularly captivating, as it has served various roles, including that of royal palace, mint, and prison.
2. Teknikens och Sjöfartens Hus
Adjacent to the castle, slightly detached from the primary assembly, lies Malmö’s technology and maritime museum.
A significant aspect of this attraction focuses on transportation and aviation, with opportunities for aspiring engineers to examine cross-sections of various machines, such as the nose and cockpit of a Vickers Viscount.
Above this, an entire floor is dedicated to interactive experiments.
For those who do not suffer from claustrophobia, a complete Swedish-built U3 submarine from World War II is available for exploration.
Inside this confined space, you will observe sleeping quarters, torpedo loading areas, kitchen facilities, and even the toilet arrangements.
3. Lilla Torg
If you are dining in Malmö, it is highly likely that you will find yourself in this charming cobblestone square at the center of the city.
During the summer, Lilla Torg comes alive with rows of dining establishments and café terraces, all set against the backdrop of the square’s historic architecture.
Lilla Torg serves as the smaller counterpart to Stortorget, the principal square, and was constructed somewhat later.
Historically, in the 17th century, this was a marketplace for locals to purchase groceries, featuring temporary structures for butchers and bakers.
On the western side, two half-timbered buildings represent the initial phase of significant construction in the 18th century.
Additionally, the wooden-framed Hedmanska Gården located on the south side originates from the 1590s and now houses the Form/Design Center.
4. Stortorget
Next to Lilla Torg, Stortorget is Malmö’s largest and oldest square, which was initiated in the 1540s.
Many prominent administrative buildings are located here, with the City Hall being a highlight.
Characterized by pediments, pilasters, and curved gables, this magnificent Dutch Renaissance building dates back to the early years of the square.
Another notable government structure is the Skåne County governor’s residence from the 1600s, featuring attractive dormer windows and an exquisite central gable on its facade.
In the center of Stortorget stands an equestrian statue of King Karl X Gustav from the 17th century, who reclaimed this province from Denmark.
5. Slottsträdgården
One notable aspect of Malmö is the substantial amount of green space located in the heart of the city.
This park, situated to the west and south of the castle, borders the moat.
Slottsträdgården is a relatively recent initiative based on organic cultivation methods and cyclical perspectives.
It features a mosaic of themed flower and herb gardens, along with a kitchen garden supplying vegetables sold on-site.
The park hosts seasonal events, such as a harvest festival, an onion festival, and the renowned Malmö Flower Show, which occurs in June.
An old windmill and a café managed by volunteer staff are also highlights, open all summer long from early April.
6. Kungsparken
Separated from Slottsträdgården by a canal, Kungsparken is Malmö’s oldest park, established in 1869-70. This area was previously part of the fortifications until the castle was no longer needed as a defense, making way for a Romantic English-style garden.
The park is both tranquil and sophisticated, featuring 120 species of trees from three continents, an elegant central fountain, and wide paved pathways tracing the canal.
Adjacent to the fountain, you will find a 19th-century grotto (Grottan) designed in the 1980s with Norse mythological themes.
7. Sankt Petri Church
As Malmö’s oldest structure, Sankt Petri Church dates back to the 14th century and showcases the Gothic architectural style characteristic of most Hanseatic churches.
The central nave features high rib vaults supported by slender columns, with whitewashed walls creating an airy ambiance.
If you view only one piece of art, it must be the high altar, which is the largest wooden altar in Northern Europe, completed in 1611. Additionally, the baptismal font and pulpit were sculpted in the early 17th century.
Allocate time to explore the Krämarekapellet (Merchants’ Chapel) located to the north of the tower. This chapel from the 15th century features limestone sculptures on its exterior and original frescoes on its ceiling.
8. Öresund Bridge
Anyone interested in significant engineering feats should consider crossing the Öresund Bridge, which serves as a vital connection between Sweden and Denmark across the Sound.
This is the longest combined railway and road bridge in Europe, measuring nearly eight kilometers to the artificial island of Peberholm.
Here it transitions into a tunnel that completes the route to Copenhagen.
The link took five years and €2.6 billion to construct, opening in 2000 with a substantial toll of €54 for a one-way crossing.
If you enjoy Scandinavian crime dramas, you might want to visit simply to see the iconic structure featured in “The Bridge.”
9. Södergatan
Running north to south from Stortorget to Gustav Adolfs Torg is the main shopping thoroughfare and one of Malmö’s two oldest streets.
It predates all the city squares and was pedestrianized in 1978, becoming Malmö’s first such street.
This area is ideal for upscale shopping, featuring international brands and classic Swedish department stores like Åhléns City.
The street’s oldest structure is the Flensburgska Huset, a 16th-century building easily recognizable by its blend of white stone and red brick.
Be cautious of encountering the Optimistorkestern (Optimist Orchestra), an abstract sculpture depicting a parade of musicians led by a drum major, installed in 1985.
10. Malmö City Library
The library is best approached from Kungsparken, where you will encounter the stunning Calendar of Light at Kung Oscars Väg.
This remarkable glass wing, completed in 1997, was designed by the renowned Danish architect Henning Larsen.
Consider taking a detour to see it illuminated at night.
The original wing of the library dates back to the 1940s and features a crow-stepped gable and conical spire inspired by the Renaissance castles of southern Sweden and Denmark.
If you seek a quiet spot for a few hours during winter, the library offers a vast selection of English-language materials and newspapers.
You can later gather with friends for fika at the library’s excellent café.
11. Form/Design Center
Set around a cobblestone courtyard at the southern edge of Lilla Torg, this center hosts exhibitions, lectures, and workshops focused on architecture and design.
Funded by state, city, and county entities, it was inaugurated by King Gustav VI Adolf in 1964 and relocated to Hedmanska Gården ten years thereafter.
Over recent decades, it has hosted more than 1,200 exhibitions aimed at promoting sustainability, healthy living environments, and creativity.
Exhibitions cover a vast range of topics, from fashion to pottery, and typically last for no more than a couple of months.
A café and a shop featuring cutting-edge Swedish design are also available at the center.
12. Turning Torso
To the west of the harbor, Västra Hamnen was redeveloped in the early 2000s, transforming it into a modern and upscale district characterized by unconventional architecture and a waterfront promenade.
Included in this development was a striking feature intended to provide the city’s skyline with a memorable landmark, and the Turning Torso fulfills that purpose.
This distinctive tower, designed by Spanish Neo-Futurist Santiago Calatrava, boasts a twisting structure.
At 190 meters, the Turning Torso is Scandinavia’s tallest skyscraper, but due to its function as residential and office space, it can only be viewed from ground level since public access is not permitted.
13. Pildammsparken
Located to the south of central Malmö, this park covers 45 hectares and was designed for the 1914 Baltic Exhibition, showcasing the art, culture, and industry of the Baltic Sea nations.
Historically, it served as the site for the city’s water reservoirs, established in the 1600s and planted with pines for shelter.
That water feature remains, along with the Neoclassical Margareta Pavilion, which includes a porch supported by Doric columns, remnants from the exhibition.
The park also has a charming water tower that is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.
One notable space is the Tallriken, a circular area designated for concerts and festivals, encompassed by trees pruned into distinctive right angles.
Radiating from this circle are pathways bordered by carefully manicured foliage, forming high canyons.
14. Ribersborgsstranden
Frequently referred to as “Ribban,” Malmö’s primary beach is located just south of the Turning Torso and is supervised by lifeguards throughout the summer months.
The beach boasts fine, pale sand that is replenished every few years.
The shore is decorated with a walking and cycling path, and is merely minutes away from Hylliekrokens Golfcenter, featuring a nine-hole course and driving range.
However, the beach’s standout feature is the Ribersborgs open-air bath located at the end of a pier.
This historic structure dates back to the early 20th century and remains open during winter for invigorating ice swimming followed by sauna sessions.
15. Folkets Park
Located in the vibrant and culturally diverse Möllevången neighborhood south of the city center, Folkets Park has been a popular attraction since its opening in 1906.
This park is particularly appealing for families traveling with children.
During the summer, various activities take place, including outdoor movie screenings, fairground rides, amusement arcades, and adventure playgrounds, while a skating rink opens during the winter months.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to a calendar filled with festivals and concerts.
You will also notice the Moorish-style pavilion domes (Moriskan), renowned as one of Malmö’s top venues for live music and nightlife.
