We ended up in Malmö, Sweden, for two hours while on the way to Stockholm. Malmö is a popular stop when you are in Copenhagen as it is only thirty minutes away by train. It is a coastal city at the eastern end of the striking Öresund Bridge – a long road and railway bridge/tunnel connecting two counties. What can you do and see when you are two hours in Malmö? Read to learn what we managed to do and see. 

Malmö, Sweden

Things to know about Malmö

  • Malmö was first mentioned as a city in 1275 and received its coat of arms in 1437.It is the third largest city.
  • It is a multicultural portal to Europe; the city’s inhabitants come from around 180 countries and speak some 150 different languages. 
  • Malmö is a young city, almost half the population is under the age of 35.
  • A settlement has existed where Malmö lies since the 13th century. 
  • Malmö has a mix of architectural styles.
  • Malmö has the tallest building in Scandinavia – the Turning Torso.
  • Malmö aspires to be a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable city.
  • In 1992 and in 2013 Malmö was the host of the Eurovision Song Contest.


Things to see when in Malmö

Öresund Bridge is the first thing we recommended. Although it is about a 15-minute drive from Malmö city center, it is worth seeing. It has been famous throughout the world since its opening in 1999. 

The bridge is multi-faceted — a road, a railway, and a tunnel.

Although we didn’t drive to it, as we stayed in Copenhagen before, we admired it from Amager Strandpark and later when going to Malmö we took the train through the bridge. 

Initially, it wasn’t on our schedule, but since we took the trip, we recommend doing so for everyone. If you go by train from Copenhagen to Malmö, the bridge will take you underneath the water through the tunnel, and within a few minutes, you are in Sweden.


Lilla Torg

Little Square in Malmö

Lilla Torg translates into “Little Square,” and it is one of Malmö’s busiest spots, no matter the season. You can trace the history back to the 1500s when a medieval market was established here.

Today it’s the best spot in Malmö to enjoy a coffee, relax, and people-watch. Numerous terraced cafés overlook the town square.

The square is also famous for its picturesque merchants or burghers’ houses dating from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.


Statue of King Charles X 

Statue of King Charles X

In the center of Malmö’s Little Square stands an equestrian statue of King Charles X, who conquered Skåne in 1658 and united it with Sweden. 

When you waddle around the Little Square, you can’t miss it. 

It is a popular spot to meet, and many tours start there.  


Malmö Castle

Malmö Castle

A must-see when in Malmö is the castle. It houses several of the city’s major museums, among which is the Malmö Museum of Art, the City Museum, the Natural History Museum, a small aquarium, and the Science and Maritime House. 

The castle itself was originally a minor citadel dating from 1434.  interestingly, Denmark’s currency was coined here in the Middle Ages, and during the 19th century, the castle served as a prison. Nice to see it was always actively used. 

Note – Mondays; it’s closed! We learned it the hard way – coming on Monday .


Kungsparken

Kungsparken

There isn’t a city that hasn’t got a beautiful park to waddle around. Malmö is no exception, and the Kungsparken is highly recommended. 

It was built in 1872, next to Malmöhuss Castle.  It is the oldest city park.

The park used to be part of the fortifications until the castle became obsolete as a defense, and the space was turned into a Romantic English-style garden.

Now it has 120 tree species from 3 different continents. 

Read also: Things to know about Sweden before you visit


Malmö City Library

Malmö City Library

When you are already in Kungsparken, do not miss out on seeing the City Library. Malmö is filled with beautiful brick buildings, and the library is one of those.

The library has a rich history. For example, its older wing dates back to the 1940s. 

It’s perfect, though, if you have more than a few hours to sit, chill, and enjoy the quiet. 


St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church

The St. Peter’s Church is Malmö’s oldest building dating to the 14th century. Inside, you can see the largest wooden altar in Northern Europe.

It was built in the 14th century. The tower collapsed overtime twice and was rebuilt. 

The church has an active congregation and is the site of community gatherings, concerts, and, of course, regular worship services.

Even if you don’t enter and waddle around it, it is a stunning piece of architecture to see.


Turning Torso

Turning Torso

Turning Torso is a twisted building – a landmark not far away from the city center of Malmö – about 2.7 kilometers (1.68 miles).  Easily reached by bus, or you can waddle. 

It is the world’s first “twisted skyscraper” and the tallest building in Scandinavia. It took four years to complete and opened in 2005. It is supplied with locally produced renewable energy.

At the top is an observation deck on the 49th floor. The top floors 53 and 54 are only open to the public on certain days. 


These are the basic things worth seeing when you have limited time in Malmö, as we did. The city is beautiful and lively, and one needs more than a few hours to discover what else it offers. The train station is gorgeous as well. We hope to return soon to find more of the city.

TripAdvisor

More about Sweden and Stockholm: 

Share now