Visit Malmöhus Castle
Sweden’s oldest renaissance castle, Malmöhus Castle, is one of the city’s most famous attractions. Originally built as a minor citadel in 1436, it was destroyed in the Skåne uprising a century later. The castle was rebuilt in the design we see today after the rebellion finished. The castle’s lively history is tied to wars between Danes and Swedes, and it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. After a fire in 1870, only the main building and two gun towers remained, and were restored in 1930. Nowadays, the castle hosts the Museum of Art, Natural History Museum and the famous Tropicarium aquarium.
Malmöhus Castle, Malmöhusvägen 6, Malmö, Sweden
Dine at the City Hall
Located in the main square, Malmö’s city hall was built in 1546. The façade we see today was added in the 19th century, when the building was renovated. The Renaissance design of the façade is the work of architect Helgo Zettervall. Along the front stand are the sculptures of Malmö’s historical figures, such as Jörgen Kock, mayor of Malmö in 16th century, and Frans Suell, Swedish businessman from 18th century. Visit the classy Rådhuskällaren restaurant, located in the basement of the City Hall.
Malmö Town Hall, Gamla staden, Malmö, Sweden
Enjoy the rides at Folkets Park
Malmö’s Folkets Park is an amusement park, similar to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. It is also the oldest public park in the world, with a large green area and ponds, where you can sit and relax. Enjoy the entertaining rides, walk around the flea market and see the animals in the park. In the winter, the large wading pool is converted into an ice skating rink. The amusement park is open from April to September and it’s free to enter.
Folkets park, Amiralsgatan 35, Malmö, Sweden, +46 40 34 10 00
Øresund Bridge
Øresundsbron is a magnificent bridge that connects Sweden and Denmark, opened in 1999. The bridge measures around 8 kilometers in length from Malmö to the artificial island of Peberholm, from where it connects to a four kilometers long tunnel continuing to Copenhagen. The tunnel was constructed so that the road and rail traffic coming across the bridge wouldn’t impact the airplanes landing at the Copenhagen’s airport. The longest combined bridge for road and rail traffic in Europe connects the Scandinavian Peninsula to Central Europe. Its epic length and bi-country position inspired the popular crime drama the Bridge.
The Stortorget
Stortorget is the largest square in Malmö, constructed around 1530. It is fringed by the City Hall, Kramer Hotel and Kockska huset, house of Jörgen Kock, the city’s mayor during the 16th century. In the corner of the square you can see Apoteket Lejonet, another significant Neo-Renaissance building. In the middle of the square you can see the equestrian statue of King Karl Gustav X. After you’ve snapped some pics, stop by one of the many cafes spilling onto the square for a coffee break or some lunch.
See the Turning Torso Tower
The Turning Torso is a striking skyscraper, holding the title of tallest in Sweden. Over 190 meters in height, it was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. The building was opened in 2005 and twists 90 degrees from the bottom to the top. It is located in the western harbor, where you can enjoy the interesting Swedish architecture. Stop by the biggest skateboarding and climbing park in Europe Stapelbäddsparken and try to climb on top of one of the three artificial rocks, standing four meters tall.
Turning Torso, Lilla Varvsgatan 14, Malmö, Sweden
Visit Malmö’s Art Gallery
Malmö Konsthall has one of the largest exhibition halls in Europe, which presents a mix of classic art and temporary exhibitions. The museum was constructed as an open space area, made of wood, glass and concrete. It was opened in 1975, and is currently hosting its 40 year anniversary exhibition. The ceiling varies in height and uses natural and artificial light to create an exhibition space of endless possibilities. The museum was designed by architect Klas Anshelm. The admission is free, with guided tours available.
Malmö Konsthall, St Johannesgatan 7, Malmö, Sweden, +46 40 34 12 86
St Peter’s Church
St Peter’s Church is the oldest building in Malmö, built in the early 14th century. The red-brick church was built in the Gothic design and has a 105 meter high tower. The medieval frescoes on the church were destroyed during the religious wars in the 16th century. See the impressive wooden altarpiece from 1611 and restored medieval wall paintings in the Merchant’s Chapel. A votive ship in a south aisle is a memorial, dedicated to fallen soldiers at sea during the Second World War.
Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Göran Olsgatan 4, Malmö, Sweden, +46 40 27 90 43
Relax in the green Kungsparken
Located in the green area around the Malmöhus Castle, the Kungsparken is an area where you can stroll around the various paths. Pay attention to the statues and sculptures located in the park and explore different gardens, which are especially luscious during the summer. The park also has two lakes and an organic community garden. Stop for fika – a Swedish term for a coffee or tea break with pastries – with a friend at the little café in the middle of the park.
Kungsparken, Gamla staden, Malmö, Sweden
Walk around the Lilla Torg
Lilla Torg is a popular cobblestone square, filled with restaurants, bars and cafés. Walk around and enjoy the city life, as it flows by you. In summer months, the area is full of open air eateries. Visit the Saluhallen, indoor market, where you can taste food from around the world. Head west of Lilla Torg to find Gamla Väster, the picturesque spot of Malmö with low houses and colorful brick buildings.