Malmo Mini Guide
What is Malmo Like as a City?
Malmo is a very interesting city with its development closely linked to its geographical location. The city was once one of the most important industrial cities in Sweden but after its industry declined it struggled and the population dropped drastically. Few people know that the city only relatively recently became Swedish and it’s from its former rulers, Denmark, that salvation has come. The building of the breath-taking Oresund Bridge linking Malmo with
Denmark and providing a fast link between the city and
Copenhagen has stirred a renaissance in the city’s fortunes. Now, new and modernistic buildings have grown up to house the modern industries for which the city is now renowned.
What’s the Best way of Getting to the City?
You have the choice of flying into Malmo Airport or
Copenhagen Airport. Both take roughly the same time to get into the city centre but by different methods. Malmo has a bus service which makes several stops on the way from the airport to the centre whilst Copenhagen will allow you again to use buses or take the train across the magnificent Oresund Bridge.
What can I see and do in Malmo?
There is so much to do and see there you’ll have to return again to the city. From just about everywhere in the city you’ll be able to see the ‘Turning Torso’ building. At 190m high, it’s Scandinavia’s tallest. The other fabulous piece of architecture is the Oresund Bridge linking Malmo with Denmark. It doesn’t matter in what form of transport you cross it but you just have to cross it to admire the view.
For those interested in how things work, the Technology Museum will make a great day out. There, you’ll find great machines, part cut away to show you just how they all work. Perhaps surprisingly, the city has a great beach extending for two kilometres along the waterfront where people hang out on warm summer days.
What Makes for a Good Meal in Malmo?
There are plenty of good quality restaurants serving delicious hearty Swedish meals based on fish. There’s a considerable Germanic influence on food there which has come across from Denmark and
Germany. For an interesting snack, try the pepper cookies which are delicious served with the hot alcoholic drink glugg.
What About the City’s Shopping Highlights?
Sweden is the home of great home ware design and many of the shops in Malmo sell very artistic and creative products for the home. Additionally, a more traditional purchase is an example of the world famous Swedish glassware made in the region. Finally head for the chocolate shop, ‘The Three Roses’, where the products are simply divine.
And for an Evening out?
Strangely enough many of the partygoers of Malmo don’t go out in the city but instead head for the cheaper food, drink and entertainment found in Copenhagen. Try to catch the train across the Oresund to help you enjoy the nightlife without the worry of driving back.
The best starting points for touring the city are the three squares. There, you’ll see the statue of the King Karl X Gustav, revered for returning the city to Sweden. From the squares, take your hire car to Malmohus Castle which was built in the 15th century.
The museum there details the history of the city and the several attempts to wrest it from Danish control. You should also try to get a photograph of the Turning Torso building. Unfortunately there are no public areas near the top but it looks stunning and futuristic from many parts of the city.