Malmö – The City of Parks

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Malmö – The City of Parks

Malmö is also known as the "City of Parks", due to the many beautiful parks in Malmö and when the spring arrives - Mälmo is transformed into a beautiful green oasis. As a tourist in Malmö, you can stroll around and enjoy the parks such as, Kungsparken, Slottsparken, Pildammsparken or Slottsträdgården - where you can relax and listen to the birds sing. You will find a wonderful atmosphere in Malmö, Sweden's southern metropolis, with sandy beaches, shopping in a continental environment, rich in culture, green forests and estates. In other words, everything one could wish for, not only as a tourist, but a resident as well. In Malmö, there is something for everyone. If you would like to see a little more of the world, the Öresundsbron (Öresunds Bridge) can take you to Copenhagen in just a half hour.

History

Stadens historia - framgångar och bakslag

When the city came to be... Malmhauger (Malmö) is mentioned for the first the time in the middle by the 13th century. Then in 1437, Malmö received it's city arms from the regent Erik of Pommern, and at that time there were only 5,000 inhabitants. And be Swedish... Malmö stayed Swedish in peace with Roskilde until 1658 - but not without a lot of complications. There was a rebellion against the Swedish regime, which originated both inside and on the Danish side of the sound. City Expansion... Despite all the troubles, Malmö maintained it's position as a commercial city mainly due to Frans Suell, whom built the harbor in 1775. The industry was concentrated on textile, pelts, tobacco, and sugar. From the 19th Century, Malmö was South Sweden's economical center and dominated the grain trade up until the turn of the century. Afterwards, foreign trade took over. An excellent infrastructure, railways (created because of the infrastructure), and the expanded and modernized harbor, was the key to success. During the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, Malmö experienced rapid growth, also in relation to size. Then, in 1840 began Kockums Mekaniska Verkstad (Shipyard) which would become possibly Malmö's most important economical engine. By 1870, Malmö became Sweden's third largest city, and still is today. There were 25,000 households, and by 1915, there were 100,000 households. By 1952, there were 200,000!

See and Do

Swimming

Handikappbadet Hylliekroken (Handicapped Bathing Facilities)

Hylliekroken is very unique and offers handicapped friendly facilities. There is a wide ramp which leads from the sandy beach down to the sea and also an elevator direct down to Öresunds sea surge. Of course, there is also a shower and sauna. Here you can borrow a grill, table with chairs or even a sun chair. Naturally, friends and family members are also welcome.
Information +46 40-16 02 34

Ribersborg och Kallbadhuset (Swimming)

Riberesborg or more commonly known by the locals as "Ribban", is a wonderful sandy beach within walking distance from the center. The area is surrounded by grassy areas and the water is shallow which makes it a perfect place for playing, games and water sports. The park and beach were constructed during the middle of the 1920s. The sand comes from Öresund and transported from Malmö harbor, by train to Ribersborg. The beautiful Kallbadhuset (bathing house) is from 1898 and is very popular for both bathers and café guests. Enjoy a salt bath and sauna all year round.
www.ribban.com

Family Activities

Folkets park (The People's Park)

Sweden's first Folkets Park (People's Park) was inaugurated in 1893 and has always been a popular enjoyment park for the resident's of Malmö. In the beginning, it had a strong political connection to the Social Democratic Party and was used a model for other parks around Sweden. The first buildings in the park were constructed similar to the architecture at Tivoli in Copenhagen. The architecture used for the pavilion and entrance were Japanese inspired and are still standing today. The Amiralen was built during the late 1930's and was Scandinavia's largest dance hall. Today, the park features many different family activities during the summertime. The park offers a wonderful carousel, a large play area, children's theater, terrarium, a "little farm" with pony rides, entertainment, and flea markets.
www.malmo.se/folketspark

Fotevikens Vikingacenter (Viking Center)

Fotevikens Viking Center is an experience for both young and old. Meet real Vikings and even see a real Viking's house. Experience how they lived and worked during the Viking Ages. Don't miss the chance to see history in a very unique and exciting way.
Museivägen 24, Höllviken, 3 miles south of Malmö.
+46 40-33 08 00

Funhouse

Play in the large jungle inspired playhouse with a diving platform, playground, and even a ball pool. Suitable for children of all ages.
Fosievägen 4, Malmö
+46 40-834 00
www.funhousesweden.se

Malmö Reptilcenter (Reptile Center)

The Folkets Park Terrarium - Malmö Reptile Center has many strange creatures from spiders, lizards, snakes, small kangaroos, Marmoset monkeys, parrots and much more.
Amiralsgatan 35, Malmö
+46 40-30 52 37

Rundan-Sightseeing med båt (Sightseeing by boat)

Take a guided boat tour, in a classic sightseeing boat, through the city and parks of Malmö. The canal tour operates during the summer and is takes approximately 45 minutes. The boat is docked at Hotel Savoy, near the central station.
+46 40-611 74 88
www.rundan.se

Skattkammarön (Play House)

Skattkammarön is an inside playhouse full of activities and adventures for children between the ages 1-12. Skattkammarön takes you and your children on a journey to Captain Kids fantastic pirate island in the south sea - where the sun always shines.
Jägersrovägen 211, Malmö
+46 40-22 22 70
www.skattkammaron.se

Trampbåtar (Boat Hire)

Trampbåt takes you on your own personal tour through Malmös canal system. The boat accommodates up to four people and safety vests are available free of charge. Boat Rental is located near Sädertull, next to Gustav Adolfs Torg (Square) in central Malmö.
Information +46 704-71 00 67

Guest Harbour

Andelshamnen Lagunen

Vaktgatan 9, Limhamn
+46 40-16 04 30
www.lagunen.nu

Småbåtshamnen i Limhamn AB

Vågbrytarvägen, Limhamn
+46 40-15 20 24
www.smabatshamnen.nu

Museum

Ebbas Hus (Ebbas House)

Ebbas House is a well preserved house from the beginning of the 1900's. Step into a 100 year old home and experience the special atmosphere and surroundings.
Snapperupsgatan 10, Malmö
+46 40-34 44 95

Malmö Konstmuseum (Art Museum)

Malmö's Art Museum is located in Malmö Castle. Enjoy, learn and experience art which one usually would not experience. Primarily, the museum offers art collections and exhibitions focused on modern Scandinavian art. According to The Green Guide published by Michelins, the Art Museum is well worth your time and has been awarded 2 stars!
Malmöhusvägen 6, Malmö
+46 40-34 10 00
www.konstmuseum.se.

Malmö Museer (Museum)

Malmö Museum is mainly in Malmö Castle, but also consists of several neighboring buildings. In the popular Aquarium, you can see everything from Piranha's to small goldfish and the nocturnal animal section has bats, apes and green lizards. The Nature History section consists of mainly birds and typical Nordic animals. In the old section of the castle, you can see what it was like to life one hundred years ago. If you would like to go even further back in time, visit the exhibition covering the Stone Age and up until the Middle Ages. Here you can also see the skeletal remains which were found and excavated just outside of Malmö.
Malmöhusvägen, Malmö
+46 40-34 10 00
www.malmo.se/museer

Teknikens och sjöfartens hus (The Technology and Maritime House)

The Technology and Maritime House offers something for everyone interested in technology. One of the many exciting activities is to crawl into a real U-boat and feel how it must be like being under the sea! Here you can also see old and new cars, airplanes, simulators, trams and much more. The old steamship and playroom with rafts and a pirate ship are other favorites. You can even conduct your own experiment in physics and/or chemistry - play and learn at the same time. Holograms, car and boat models and much more for children of all ages.
Malmöhusvägen 7, Malmö
+46 40-34 44 38

Upplevelsemuseet Leksaksland (Toy Museum)

The Upplevelsemuseet Leksaksland is more than just a museum - en entire toy world. 10,000 toys from the 1950's, up until today. The museum is 475 square meters of nostalgia and actual toy history for all ages.
Fredriksbergsgatan 16 E, Malmö
+46 40-611 07 00
www.leksaksland.se

Nature

Bokskogen - Torups Friluftsgård (Outdoor Recreation Area)

One of Skåne's largest beech wood forests situated 15 km east of Malmö. Have a picnic and enjoy the nature, or shop something good at the café. Many walking and hiking trails of different character.
Torup, Bara
+46 40-44 73 42

Parks

Kungsparken (The King's Park) och Slottsparken (The Castle Park)

Kungsparken, Malmö's oldest public park, dedicated in 1872 by King Oscar II. It was constructed similar to a British park and has a number of exotic trees. The restaurant pavilion is from 1912 and has been rebuilt to a casino. Slottsparken opened in the late 1800's and is located next to Kungsparken. Since Kungsparken was constructed mainly as a promenade park, Slottsparken offers large open grass areas perfect for picnics and activities. The Pegasus statue in Slottsparken is a creation by Carl Milles.

Pildammsparken (The Willow lake Park)

Pildammsparken (the Willow Lake Park) is Malmö's largest park and built for the 1914 Baltic exhibition. Margaretapaviljongen (Crown Princess Margareta's pavilion) still remains, along with Ekotemplet (The Echo Temple). In the 1920's, Pildammsparken was completed by city engineer Erik Bülow-Hube. Today, the park offers rich bird life, beautiful flowers and healthy joggers. During the summer, the park offers free outdoor theater performances and concerts.

Slottsträdgården (The Castle Garden)

Slottsträdgården (the Castle Garden) is located just behind Malmöhus Castle, next to Kungsparken and offers a wonderful ecological garden. Shop freshly picked vegetables and/or flowers along with beautiful and exotic plants. You may even get good advice from the gardener. During the summer, the garden offers concerts, film evenings, and much more.
Malmöhusvägen 8, Malmö
www.slottstradgarden.se

Worth Seeing

Apoteket Lejonet (The Pharmacy Lejonet)

The Apoteket Lijonet, at Stortorgets (large square) southern section, is one of Europe's most well preserved pharmacies from the turn of the century, built in the 1890's. The front is richly designed in a German renaissance style and the interior is dominated by Gothic style carved fittings.

Malmöhus slott (Malmöhus Castle)

Malmöhus Castle is a very old castle in the city center and here you can feel the wings of history. Erik of Pommem, whom reined over Denmark, Norway and Sweden, began building the castle in 1434. In the middle 1500's, a larger section was built onto the castle - which is still left today. In the old Knight's Hall, it is easy to imagine the exciting times when the kings lived in the castle and the cannons were still used. For many years the castle was utilized as a prison, but today it is a museum. We dare you to go down into the prison - just imagine how many ghosts there are in the castle!
Malmöhusvägen
+46 40-34 44 37

Rådhuset (City Hall)

The City Hall was built in 1546 and has seen many changes over the centuries. In the 1860's, Helgo Zettervall redesigned the front of the hall in a Dutch Renaissance style, much of which still remains today.
Large Square

S:t Petri kyrka (St. Petri Church)

Behind the City Hall, you can get a glimpse of Malmös oldest building which is from the early 1300's. The church was designed using a Baltic Brick architecture and is very similar to Mariakykan (Maria Church) in Lübeck, Germany. The medieval paintings that covered the church vault were whitewashed during the Reformation in the 16th century, but the original paintings in the Tradesmen's Chapel were successfully uncovered during a restoration in the early 20th century. The pulpit and baptismal font are all Renaissance works.

Slottsmöllan (Windmill) and Mölleplatsen (Park)

Beside Slottsträdgården (The Castles Garden), is Mölleplatsen (A park popular for concerts and family activities) and Slottsmöllan (Dutch Mill) from 1851. A well preserved miller's house and garden is also located in the area. Mölleplatsen has hosted many outside concerts and other summertime evening entertainment.

Turning Torso

Don't miss architect Santiago Calatrava's spectacular apartment building in the Western Harbor. At 190 meters, Turning Torso is the tallest building in Sweden. The building was inspired by a sculpture "Turning Torso" by Calatrava himself. Turning Torso consists of nine cubes with a total of 54 floors, with a 90° twist from base to top. The top two floors boast the exclusive meeting rooms of Turning Torso Meetings.
www.turningtorso.com

Öresundsbron (Öresund Bridge)

After a century of discussions about building a fixed link between Sweden and Denmark, the Öresund Bridge was inaugurated on July 1, 2000. The link is 15.4 km long and consists of the world's longest cable-stayed bridge for both rail and motor vehicle traffic, at nearly 8 km. The main span is suspended from four pylons that measure 204 m above the surface of the sea

Other

Bryggeriet (The Brewery)

The Brewery has Europe's largest Skateboard Hall and is a pilgrimage for youngster from southern Sweden and Denmark.
Ystadvägen 44, Malmö
+46 40-92 65 85
www.bryggeriet.org

Lilla Torg

Malmö's most charming square and one of the most popular meeting places in the city was built in 1592 as a market square. There are several interesting buildings dating from the 16th century and later around Lilla Torg. Hedmanska Gården is an enclosed courtyard where the oldest half-timbered house dates from the 16th century and the youngest building, a warehouse, is from the late 19th century and is now home to Form/Design Centre, which mounts exhibitions related to design and architecture. Outdoor concerts are held at Hedmanska Gården in July. From March to October Lilla Torg is filled with outdoor restaurants and cafés and the atmosphere is enchanting. Don't miss a visit to Saluhallen, the covered market where you will find a large variety of cafés and restaurants with cuisine from every corner of the world.