Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden, which may not mean a whole lot by American standards, as it very much has the feel of a small town with cobble stone streets in the older parts and lost of squares and parks (sometimes referred…Read More

Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden, which may not mean a whole lot by American standards, as it very much has the feel of a small town with cobble stone streets in the older parts and lost of squares and parks (sometimes referred to as the City of Parks, in Sweden). Malmö may not be worth a visit by its own merit only, but is definitely worth a stop of 1-2 days if you intend to explore the province Scania (the most southern province in Sweden where Malmö is located), and it is a good place to reach other points of interest in the area such as Lund, the little island Ven, castles, the Viking village in Fotevik, and various nature reserves in Scania. Due to its location, and Sweden’s immigration policy, it is also the most diverse of cities in Sweden and has a multitude of restaurants serving food from all around the world.

Malmö was originally established as a fishing village in the early 12th century and you will find remnants of its old past throughout the city. A one day walking tour to further get to know the city could start in the harbor where the hydrofoils used to leave for Copenhagen, before the bridge was built. Take a look at the old Post Building still in use and then from there it is only a short walk up to the largest square in the city – Stortorget ("torg" means square in Swedish). In its southeast corner Stortorget connects to Lilla torg, a very old and charming square surrounded by cafes and outdoor bars in the summer time. In the winter time they sell hot spiced wine from the permanent stands close to the well on this square, as well as knickknacks and Swedish traditional crafts. Continuing further south down Landbygatan ("gata" means street in Swedish) will bring you to the oldest part of the city with tiny pastel colored houses. After having explored this area you can cross the Slottsbron – ("bro" means bridge in Swedish) and get over to see Malmöhus – the old tower where Mary Stuart was imprisoned for some years in the 1570s. Follow one of the paths that will take you around to see the windmill and eventually back towards the old part of the city. Then follow the street Stora Nygatan up to the square Gustav Adolfs torg. You will pass some rocks on the right side of the street close to the square that are ruins of the old city wall. At the square’s east side you can cross Davidhalls bron and reach the shopping street Södra Förstadsgatan.

If you still have any energy left, or a second day, you could continue up to the Triangeln – the former intersection of three roads, which now ends with yet another plaza. Cross over to Rådmansgatan and make a stop at the art museum almost on the corner of St. Johannesgatan and Rådmansgatan. Then walking the opposite direction of Johannesgatan brings you back out to Södra Förstadsgatan. You can walk this street all the way up to Möllevångs torget, where there is a market every day from 8-2. Many immigrants live in this area and there is a great variety of shops, spices and languages to be found around the square. Then walk Södra and Norra Skolgatan, make a right onto Föreningsgatan, pass the concert house and make a left onto Amiralsgatan. Walk this and cross the bridge Amiralsbron, there make a right onto Södra Promenaden. In the intersection of Gasverksgatan is the old gas and electric building that has now been turned into a museum. Then walk Södra Promenaden until you get to Östra Tullgatan and turn left. A littler further up on Östra Tullgatan on a side street is the 13th century St. Petri church. Soon after Östra Tullgatan changes name to Adelsgatan and at the east side of it you can see the old milestone from the 17th century from where all distances were measured as that was considered the very center of the city. From there it is a short walk up to Stortorget again, which is across the harbor from where you started.

Malmö is probably easiest reached by train (20 min) from Copenhagen, Denmark, as the two nations are now connected by the Öresunds bridge. The best time to visit is in the summer months from late May to early September.