Visiting Malmö
Malmö is the third-largest city in Sweden, located in the southern region of Scania. Once a hub driven by the herring trade in the Middle Ages, its roots run deep. Some of the oldest human settlements in Scandinavia were discovered nearby in Segebro, with archaeological evidence dating back to 9000 BC. The city has a complex history marked by territorial conflicts between Sweden and Denmark. By the mid-19th century, it was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, notably becoming one of the first cities to be connected by rail when the Lund-Malmö line opened in 1856.
A Medieval Foundation
While Malmö has deep historical roots, its modern growth is tied to its connection with Copenhagen. The construction of one of Europe's longest bridges created the Öresund region, a massive cross-border conurbation. A major landmark is the Malmöhus fortress, a medieval castle surrounded by a moat. Today, it houses the city museum and an art gallery, all set within a vast park inaugurated in 1872 by King Oscar II.
The city center is defined by its canals and historic squares. Head to Lilla Torg, a compact, charming square lined with bars and restaurants. Nearby stands the Saint Peter's Church, a 14th-century Gothic structure featuring flying buttresses and a ceiling decorated with original medieval frescoes.
Stortorget serves as Malmö's oldest public square, where you can admire 16th-century architecture, including the grand city hall. From there, walk down Södergatan, the city's main pedestrian shopping street. For culture, the Form/Design Center is housed in a beautiful timber-framed building, and the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum is another essential stop.
A Symbol of Future Urbanism
Malmö has become a testing ground for sustainable urban planning. The Västra Hamnen eco-district runs entirely on renewable energy. This is also the location of the Turning Torso, a striking twisting skyscraper that rises 190 meters into the skyline.
Continue your walk along the Ribersborg waterfront, which features a two-kilometer-long beach and a saltwater pool for a refreshing dip. For green space, the Folket's Park offers plenty of attractions, while the more tranquil Pildamm Park is centered around scenic ponds.
When to Go
The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months. If you are there in late August, the city hosts a large music festival.
How to Get There
Malmö has its own airport, Malmö-Sturup Airport, though it generally serves regional traffic rather than long-haul international flights. Most travelers arrive via Copenhagen, crossing the Öresund Bridge by car, train, or bus. Once you arrive, do as the locals do and rent a bike, as the city boasts 490 kilometers of dedicated cycling paths.
Way less famous than the capital Stockholm, Malmo surprised me with its energy, its modern architecture in certain areas, and its diversity. This small city on a human scale, well, it is still the third largest in Sweden, is multicultural and offers you tons of activities and a huge variety of restaurants.
I recommend the modern art museum and visiting the Vastra Hamnen neighborhood, an architectural and urban planning laboratory at the cutting edge of sustainable development.
If you are staying in Copenhagen, you just have to cross the Oresund Bridge to get to Malmo.