Malmö

Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city and, for many travellers from Germany and Denmark, the first Swedish city they see. It lies in the far south on the Øresund, directly opposite Copenhagen, to which it has been linked by the Øresund Bridge since 2000. Malmö is young, international and green: almost half of its residents have roots abroad, and the city has many parks and its own sandy beach.

Last updated: October 2026

Malmö at a glance

• Population: 367,924 in the municipality of Malmö (end of 2025, according to SCB)
• Location: south-west coast of the province of Skåne, on the Øresund
• Distances: around 35 minutes by train to Copenhagen, about 10 minutes to Lund
• Airports: Copenhagen Kastrup (around 20 minutes by train) and Malmö Airport near Sturup

A brief history

In the Middle Ages, Malmö was one of the most important towns in the Danish kingdom and made its living from the herring trade. Only with the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658 did Skåne, and with it Malmö, become Swedish. In the 20th century the city was shaped by the Kockums shipyard, whose huge crane was long its landmark. After shipbuilding ended, Malmö reinvented itself: the modern Västra hamnen district grew up on the old shipyard site, a university was founded, and the Øresund Bridge made the city part of a shared region with Copenhagen.

The districts

Gamla staden – the Old Town

The historic centre lies between canals. The large Stortorget square with its Renaissance town hall and the small Lilla torg, lined with half-timbered houses and restaurants, are its heart. Right next to them stands the Gothic St Peter’s Church from the 14th century.

Västra hamnen – modern waterfront living

A sustainable district with modern architecture has grown up on the former shipyard site since 2001. Here stands the Turning Torso, a 190-metre residential tower by Santiago Calatrava whose floors twist 90 degrees around its axis. In summer, Malmö residents swim in the sea straight from the wooden piers along the Sundspromenaden waterfront.

Möllevången – market and multicultural life

Around Möllevångstorget, with its daily fruit and vegetable market, lies the city’s most colourful district. It is full of inexpensive restaurants serving food from around the world, bars and a lively cultural scene.

Top sights

• Malmöhus: one of the oldest surviving Renaissance castles in Scandinavia, now home to Malmö Museums, with exhibitions on nature, history and art, plus an aquarium.
• Parks: Kungsparken and Slottsparken next to the castle, and Pildammsparken, are great for walks. Folkets park is one of the oldest people’s parks in Sweden.
• Ribersborgsstranden: a sandy beach several kilometres long just minutes from the centre, with views of the Øresund Bridge.
• Ribersborgs kallbadhus: the cold-bath house on wooden stilts in the sea, with saunas and sea bathing, open all year round. A classic Malmö tradition.
• Moderna Museet Malmö: the Malmö branch of Stockholm’s museum of modern art, in a former power station.
• Øresund Bridge: the link of bridge, artificial island and tunnel, around 16 km long, is best seen from the beach or the waterfront.

Our tips for your visit

• Cold bath and sauna: even if you don’t want to jump into the sea, experience the atmosphere at the kallbadhus. It is especially worthwhile on a clear winter’s day.
• Two countries in one day: the Øresund train takes around 35 minutes to central Copenhagen. Don’t forget your ID, as there may be border checks.
• Food: Malmö is considered one of Sweden’s best food cities. Try the regional cuisine of Skåne, such as eel, smoked goose breast or apple cake. Another Malmö classic is falafel, available at many snack bars.
• Malmöfestivalen: in August, the city centre turns into a free week-long festival with concerts and food stalls.
• By bike: Malmö is flat and has a dense cycle network. Rental bikes are available at many stations.

Getting around Malmö

Buses and regional trains are run by Skånetrafiken. Buy tickets in the app or pay contactlessly; cash is not accepted on buses. The underground City Tunnel links Central Station, Triangeln and Hyllie with the Øresund Bridge.

Getting there

• By car: via Denmark and the Øresund Bridge (toll), or by ferry from Travemünde directly to Malmö, or from Rostock and Travemünde to Trelleborg, around 30 km south.
• By train: via Hamburg and Copenhagen. From Copenhagen, Øresund trains run frequently to Malmö.
• By plane: Copenhagen Airport is often the best choice; the train from there takes about 20 minutes to Malmö.

More on our Getting to Sweden page.

Best time to visit

Malmö has the mildest climate in Sweden. From May to September the beach beckons and life is lived outdoors. Winter is usually wet and more grey than snowy, but it is a good time for museums, restaurants and a sauna at the cold-bath house.

Day trips

• Lund: the historic university and cathedral town, just ten minutes away. More on our Lund page.
• Österlen and Ales stenar: apple orchards, fishing villages and a ship-shaped stone setting high above the Baltic near Ystad.
• Falsterbo: a peninsula with white sandy beaches and a well-known bird migration in autumn.

We introduce the whole region on our Skåne Region page.

Sources and further information

• SCB: Population statistics 2025
• Malmötown – official tourism website
• Skånetrafiken – buses and regional trains
• Malmö Museums