Malmö – you are probably hearing this name for the first time. I don’t blame you. Malmö is in no hurry to be discovered. While tourists are busy scouting hidden gems in Paris, road tripping across Iceland and cruising the Baltic waters, Malmö does it effortlessly.

Set against an idyllic backdrop, Malmö is Sweden’s maritime marvel. It is Sweden’s third largest city and has an atmospheric charm. With so much to see and do in this lovely coastal town, Malmö is a must see for any savvy traveler. It has the confidence of a big city and charisma of a small village.

There is a cheerful quiet in Malmö’s air. Butterflies hover over luscious flowers and aroma of a strong coffee dissolves in the air. Malmo makes this paradox possible.  Somewhere in the background, I hear a bubbling fountain. The quiet is punctuated by “tring tring” of a friendly bike!

Welcome to Malmö !  Sweden’s cosmopolitan city with a historic heart! 

If this is your first trip to Europe, I have a feeling, you will not pick Malmo. You’ll explore picturesque villages of Switzerland or drive by Tuscan countryside. But if you are exploring the scenic fjords in Norway or having a cuppa in Copenhagen then I urge you to take a detour, go off the beaten path and discover Malmo in Sweden.

Most of Scandinavia, as Malmo is a great destination in Europe to travel with kids.

Malmo : How do I Get here ? 

Europe is filled with lesser known beauties. Don’t believe me? Slovenia’s sensual slopes and eclectic pockets in Portugal prove that ! Malmo is one such gem and is very easy to reach from Copenhagen. Would you believe it takes just 35 mins from København H (Copenghagen Central station) to reach Malmo center.

We chose another quick option – A direct train from Copenhagen Airport. This fast train cruises past water windmills across the iconic Oresund Bridge and is our preferred way to visit Malmo. At the border it briefly stops for Border Control so remember to carry your passports! 

Must See sights in Malmo : 

1. Kungsparken :

Carved from an ancient Renaissance castle in Sweden, lies Kungsparken –  Malmo’s oldest park. Not that Malmo is chaotic, but a step inside this park is peaceful of another kind. Spread over 8 acres of verdant greenery and aquatic life, Kungsparken is a delightful way to immerse in Sweden’s historic and natural beauty

2. Malmohus castle :

As soon as we saw this beautiful brick castle, memories of Helsinki’s Uspenski Cathedral came flooding back. Malmohus castle is a grand fortress with a rich past. It is Scandinavia’s oldest surviving castle from the Renaissance era.

With a relaxing park, aquarium and an interesting museum this fortress is bound to impress everyone in the family. You can reach this castle from Kungsparken but it’s more impressive facade is in the front so go over to the front entrance to be truly Wowed! There is a moat surrounding the castle. Fishing and boating is very popular with locals here.

3. St.Petri Church

Like most of Europe, Sweden is sprinkled with countless churches. One such impressive chapel is St. Petri. Located very close to the main square Stortorget, this church is hard to miss! 

4.Gamla staden

Gamla Staden is Malmo’s, thriving beating heart. The city’s historic square is filled with effervescent cafes and lively restaurants. This vintage district of Malmo is studded with unique architecture. Old world romance spills from its bubbling fountains and cobble stone streets. The half timbered homes whisper ancient stories. Two main squares make up this historic nucleus – Stortorget and Lilla Torg.

 Stortorget

is Malmo’s largest square. An equestrian bronze statue of king Karl X Gustav marks its centerpiece. With beautiful views of the City Hall on one side and an impressive array of boutique stores on other, this is a must see in Malmo.

 Lilla torg

“The Small Square” : On a bright sunny day Stortorget and Lilla Torg make a delicious combination. Laid back coffee shops, cute artisanal stores and the peaceful aura of Lilla torg make it our personal favorite. Sweden like most of Scandinavia is experiencing a coffee revolution.

Enjoy the Swedish art of ‘Fika’ – a mid morning coffee break, best enjoyed with a cinnamon roll. Hmmm .. just writing about it is making me crave for one!

Malmo’s chilled attitude and relaxed air is hard to eclipse. Don’t let this hidden gem slip through your fingers! We thoroughly enjoyed this pearl in southern Scandinavia and would love for you to explore too !

Next time you find yourself in Stockholm or Copenhagen, you know where to go!

See you in another part of the globe!