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<\/p>\nOften overlooked for Stockholm or Gothenburg, the southern Swedish city of Malm\u00f6 is a lively mix of historic architecture, modern cafe culture and Scandi cool design. Sweden\u2019s third largest city is just a quick 40 minute train journey from Copenhagen over the \u00d8resund Bridge. These are 10 things to do in Malm\u00f6 when you’re visiting this underrated gem.<\/p>\n
Stortorget Square is a wide open square near the centre of Gamla Staden, the historic old town neighbourhood. On the square you\u2019ll find the grand but reserved city hall, as well as a statue of King Carl Gustav, who brought the city back under Swedish rule from Denmark. Get lost in the surrounding pedestrian streets wandering through the old town and\u00a0 Malm\u00f6\u2019s busy shopping streets.<\/p>\n
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Stortorget may set the scene but you\u2019ll need to stroll through the neighbouring square of Lilla Torget to truly feel Malm\u00f6\u2019s charming past. On multiple sides of this little square you\u2019ll find half-timbered houses that speak to the city\u2019s long history. Their patchwork of bricks and timber beams stand out a mile from the modern architecture elsewhere in Malm\u00f6.<\/p>\n
As a convenient port, Malm\u00f6 was historically a vital trade city for both Sweden and Denmark, which prospered during the era of the Hanseatic League. These half-timbered buildings hark back to those days, although they now house restaurants, souvenir shops and the Form\/Design Center, an art hall for Scandinavian design.<\/p>\n
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If there\u2019s one major historic landmark of Malm\u00f6 then it has to be the city\u2019s castle, Malm\u00f6hus. Protected by a great moat, this 16th century fortress cuts quite a stout figure and is actually the oldest Renaissance castle in all of Scandinavia. Now it houses the city museum with some eclectic exhibits that include local medieval history, a WWII submarine, a section on dinosaurs and an aquarium.<\/p>\n
Extending out from the castle\u2019s moat and sprawling south are the combined castle gardens and Kungsparken park. Taking up a huge chunk of the city, the gardens and park offer a slice of serenity with their canals, lakes, fields and even a windmill. The strikingly beautiful Castle Windmill with its dark fa\u00e7ade dates from the 19th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n One of the city\u2019s modern architectural pieces is the Turning Torso tower by the waterfront. Just as its name suggests, this tall tower looks as if a giant has wrung it out like a towel. Built in 2005, the tower rotates a full 90 degrees from bottom to top.<\/p>\n One of the best vantage points for the tower is actually in the waterfront area of V\u00e4stra Hamnen (Western Harbour) at the foot of the tower. you\u2019ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants as well as a view of the\u00a0\u00d8resund Bridge.<\/p>\n If you’re craving some time by the beach or a spot to view the Turning Torso, the beach at Ribersborg is only a few kilometres from the city centre. Broken up by several piers and backed by a large park, the sands of the Ribersborg beach is very busy during summer.<\/p>\n Malm\u00f6\u2019s City Library is part historic building, part modern marvel. Inside, you\u2019ll find a huge wall of glass windows that look out towards the Kungsparken. Whether you\u2019re there with your head in a book or looking up at the room around you, you’ll be inspired.<\/p>\n Try the classic Swedish dish of Pyttipanna, a fried hash of potato, onion, minced meat, beetroot and\u00a0 fried egg. Whether its freezing, you\u2019re hungover or looking for something not pickled, always say yes to Pyttipanna. In Malm\u00f6, Moosehead Bar is a solid bet.<\/p>\n Located by the waterfront just across from the train station, this art installation of a gun with a knotted barrel is a compelling statement.<\/p>\n If you have the time, the nearby university city of Lund is definitely worth a visit. Lund is mostly known for two things: it’s stunning Gothic cathedral and it’s university. Only a 10 minute train trip from Malm\u00f6, it’s full of cobblestone streets, low brick houses and has a buzzing student atmopshere.<\/p>\n5. Explore the waterfront for inspired views<\/h2>\n
6. Head to the Ribersborg Beach<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n7. Gawk at the Malm\u00f6 City Library<\/h2>\n
8. Devour pyttipanna at Moosehead Bar<\/h2>\n
9. Find the knotted gun<\/h2>\n
10. Take a trip to the university city of Lund<\/h2>\n
Author Bio<\/h2>\n