Malmo is Sweden’s third major city after Stockholm and Gothenburg, and it happens to be somewhat of a hidden gem. Whether you’re travelling by air, a train from other Scandinavian countries, or to the port via a ferry booked with Ferryscanner, plenty is waiting for you upon arrival. With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide detailing everything you need to know about visiting Malmo.
Pay a visit to Malmo Castle
Malmo Castle has quite the history, spending stints as a royal palace and prison. It was founded in 1434 by Eric of Pomerania before being demolished and rebuilt in 1530. Today, it serves as a tourist attraction, giving visitors a chance to see its harsh 16th-century Renaissance architecture. Once inside, the castle is packed with things to do, including an aquarium and zoo, an art museum, and a natural history museum. There are also special exhibitions taking place throughout the year.
Spend some time in Stortorget
Like Malmo Castle, Stortorget dates back to 1530 and is the largest square in the city. It’s filled with restaurants serving tasty Swedish cuisine and is home to Apoteket Lejonet, one of the most important neo-Renaissance buildings in the city. Stortorget is where tourists spend most of their time admiring the buildings and landmarks, such as the statue of King Karl Gustav X on his horse.
Relax at Ribersborg Kallbadhus
Head to Ribersborg Kallbadhus after a day of wandering around the city. It’s a 19th-century sauna and spa located at the end of a pier in the Ribersborg neighbourhood. Here, you’ll find five saunas, a steam room, a sun deck and direct access to the ocean, which people enjoy taking a dip in no matter the weather. Massages, facials and reflexology are also offered at Ribersborg Kallbadhus, along with a restaurant serving beer and fjord shrimp. And if you’re not spending time relaxing, visit Ribersborg beach with its 2.5-kilometre stretch, where you can catch some rays during the warmer months or enjoy a brisk stroll when the temperature drops.
Admire Oresund Bridge
Malmo is home to Europe’s longest road and rail bridge, which is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Oresund Bridge is a spectacular sight and took decades to plan before opening in 1999 and offering direct access between Denmark and Sweden. The bridge is multi-faceted, with a road, railway and tunnel. On the other side, you will find Copenhagen, which is just over a 30-minute train ride.
See The Turning Torso
The Turning Torso is a unique building located in Vastra Hamnen (or Western Harbour in English). It’s a twisting, 190-metre tall skyscraper that also happens to be the tallest building in Scandinavia. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, The Turning Torso was modelled after a statue of a human torso twisting. Take some snaps of the structure before spending time wandering Vastra Hamnen, which showcases modern Scandinavian architecture and features a waterfront that’s seen significant regeneration.
Visiting Malmo
Malmo is a fascinating city well worth a few days of your time. But even if you’re just visiting for the day from Copenhagen, embrace all that’s on offer, from stylish Scandinavian architecture to historic landmarks and more.