Attractions - Sweden

Attractions - Stockholm

Malmo, Sweden

Malmö has the reputation of being Sweden’s most cosmopolitan cities. Its proximity to Denmark is felt even more since the opening of the 16 kilometre Öresund bridge and tunnel link to Denmark. The city with its canals, parks and largely pedestrianised streets is a pleasure to explore.

The Old Town (Gamla Staden) is encircled by canals and is where most of Malmö’s main attractions are located. Start your walk at the Centralstationen. Cross the canal and head to Stortorget, a vast market square that dates back to the 16th century when most of the buildings were constructed under Danish control. The Rådhuset (city hall) and the Komapnihuset (former Danish Trading Company) buildings are particularly impressive. Behind the Rådhuset sits the St Petri Kyrka, a fine Gothic church with an impressively decorative pulpit. Continue south and you will find the Lila Torget, with its beautiful cobbled streets and interesting buildings. The nearby Hedmanska Gården dates from the early 16th century and is home to the Form Design Centre, which has constantly changing exhibitions on design, architecture and the arts. Visit Ebbas Hus on Snapperupsgatan, the smallest house in Malmö.

Sweden's most cosmopolitan city...

Next, continue west to Malmöhus castle. Originally built in 1434, the castle was home to the Danish royal mint before being destroyed by a popular uprising in Skåne between 1534 and 1536. The castle was reconstructed under Christian III of Denmark in a combination of late-Gothic and early-Renaissance styles before being retaken by Sweden in 1648. Fire destroyed all except the main building and two gun towers in the late 19th century, but extensive renovation has been carried out. Walk through the castle and explore the royal apartments. Visit one – or all – of the museums located in and around the castle.

The Stadsmuseum has a permanent collection that concentrates mainly on the local cultural history of Malmö and the greater Skåne region. The Konstmuseum is the site of Sweden’s largest collection of 19th century Nordic art and also features an extensive collection of Russian fin de siècle art. The Tekniska och Sjöfartsmuseet is an excellent technology and maritime museum and even includes the U3 submarine, which was launched in 1943 and later decommissioned in 1967. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes from which to choose in Malmö as well as a host of ethnic food stalls. Good pubs abound, especially jazz and music clubs and the nightlife of the city is vibrant and varied.

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