Malmö – Sweden´s great gateway to the Continent
Over the past decade, Malmö has undergone a most dramatic post-industrial transformation. This cosmopolitan city has ”reclaimed” the seafront, where entire new city districts full of interesting modern architecture and bustling street life have been constructed. Of course, another radical change has been the mighty Öresund Bridge, opened in 2000, which connects Malmö with Denmark´s capital Copenhagen, just twenty minutes away. The region now forms a single metropolitan area; one of the most expansive, exciting and energetic in Northern Europe.
Malmö is an ideal centre from to explore this new region and in less than one hour visitors can reach not only two major metropolises, but also a large number of historical and picturesque towns and villages, beautiful beaches and impressive castles and manor houses.
For all its expansion, Malmö remains a small, friendly and pleasant city where almost everything is located within easy walking distance. For example, Malmö has its own beaches at Ribersborg, Sibbarp, Klagshamn and Scaniabadet. So why not take a refreshing dip while visiting. It might also interest you to know that Malmö is a city of 164 nations and 100 languages. This is deliciously reflected in the myriad of restaurants and cafes here.
Never far to a beach
Malmö is the only major city in Northern Europe that boasts its very own downtown beach – and a very fine one at that, having been granted the international ”Blue Flag” award for its fine clear water. It’s the classic Ribbersborg beach, 2.5 kilometres long and frequently referred to as ”Scandinavia`s Copacabana”.
An ongoing gastronomic revolution
Malmö is the centre of Skåne, Sweden’s – and one of Europe´s – richest farming regions, with a boundless supply of first-class ingredients, including of course prime fresh fish and seafood from both the Baltic and the North Atlantic.
A great southern scene for the fine arts
Malmö has earned an impressive international reputation as an art city, with several world class art venues, despite the recent closure of the renowned Rooseum art centre. Malmö Konstmuseum (Malmö Art Museum), one of the largest in Sweden and splendidly located in the Malmöhus Renaissance castle, boasts an impressive permanent collection of art and style history, from the 1500s to present times.
A wide variety within easy reach
In recent years, central Malmö has undergone a particularly positive transformation into a pleasant and friendly setting for strolling and shopping, with most shops – as well as museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafés – located within easy walking distance.