Travellers often overlook Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, because of Stockholm’s cosmopolitanism or Copenhagen’s buzz. Yet, Malmö, nestled in southern Sweden only 30 kilometres from the Danish capital, is a place with cultural richness, a vibrant art scene, and a commitment to sustainability. Whether a culture lover, a nature explorer, or a curious soul, the city offers a mix of modernity and laid-back charm. Here are three reasons why this city should become part of your bucket list.
An exhilarating cultural scene
The city’s cultural landscape has allowed creatives to explore their ideas, offering a mix of galleries, festivals, and events that cater to diverse preferences. At the heart of this scene is the Form/Design Center, a home of contemporary art and design. Located in one of the most charming parts of the city, in a 16th-century building, the space features different exhibitions ranging from Scandinavian furniture to experimental installations. The site features an open-air courtyard and a café, inviting visitors to sip coffee, relax, and soak in the atmosphere. Anyone can enter free of charge, which transforms the Center into an accessible stop for anyone.
Those interested in architecture should definitely visit the Turning Torso. Designed by Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava, this neo-futuristic skyscraper raises 190 metres into the sky, resembling a twisting human body. Finished in 2005, it’s Sweden’s tallest building and a symbol of Malmö’s modernity. There are guided tours, offering a glimpse into its engineering and the opportunity to explore the views of the Öresund Bridge’s architecture.
Additionally, art lovers can explore Malmö Konsthall, another sanctuary for contemporary art. The Konsthall is also one of the largest contemporary art spaces in Europe with a minimalist design. Free of entrance fees, it hosts different installations that change regularly. Currently, visitors of the Konsthall can see a collection of Lars Fredrikson’s body of work including paintings, collages, and kinetic sculptures as well as the 50th anniversary exhibition of the Konsthall offering a retrospective of past exhibitions.
Abundant green spaces
Malmö’s commitment to sustainability is visible not only in its modern building design but also through its lush green parks, which serve as an escape from the urban. One such example is Folkets Park, Sweden’s oldest public park founded in 1891. There is a wide range of activities all year round and the appearance of the park changes based on the seasons.
Another interesting place is Slottsträdgården, beside Malmöhus Castle. This garden is the perfect place to explore different types of plants from various origins. By visiting the garden, those interested can stop by the castle and explore the different exhibitions inside. Moreover, inside there is a café, servicing local treats allowing for a nice place to relax after exploring the garden and the castle.
What’s more, Pildammsparken and Scaniaparken are two other places that nature lovers can visit. While Pildammsparken is considered one of Northern Europe’s most unique parks, Scaniaparken boasts a seaside location with a peaceful jogging and cycling path.
Interestingly, the city has more than 500 kilometres of bike lanes, allowing for a very safe and well-designed infrastructure for bikers. To accommodate potential bike riders, the city offers multiple bike-renting facilities and guided tours to explore its parts.
Proximity to Copenhagen
Malmö’s location makes it great for a two-city adventure. There are multiple 20-minute trains that connect Copenhagen’s Airport to Malmö Central Station. Trains run every 20 minutes via the Öresund Line, with tickets starting at around 10€ This accessibility makes day trips extremely easy, letting visitors explore the two cities together. Furthermore, the proximity to the airport allows for easy and cheap transfers from other countries. While one can fly to Malmö Airport, the Danish airport tends to have more frequent international flights, allowing visitors from different countries to explore Sweden’s hidden gem.