Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
constant reminder that central Europe is just beyond the horizon. Dominating the scene is
metropolitan Malmö, defined by its cosmopolitan culture and striking, twisting tower. Fur-
ther out, velvety fields, sandy coastlines and stoic castles create one of Sweden's most bu-
colic landscapes. Add to this the fact that Skåne is often dubbed Sweden's larder and you
have yourself one scrumptious Scandi treat.
Malmö
040 / Pop 300,000
Sweden's third-largest city has a progressive contemporary feel. Home to Scandinavia's
tallest building, beautiful parks, edgy contemporary museums and some seriously good
cuisine, the opening of the Öresund bridge in 2000 has also been undeniably positive, con-
necting the city to bigger, cooler Copenhagen and creating a dynamic new urban conglom-
eration.
Such a cosmopolitan outcome seems only natural for what is Sweden's most multicul-
tural metropolis - 150 nationalities make up Malmö's head count. Here, exotic Middle
Eastern street stalls, urbane Italian coffee culture and hipster skateboard parks counter the
town's intrinsic Nordic reserve.
Even the city's lively historic core echoes its multicultural past. The showpiece square
of Stortorget evokes Hamburg more than it does Stockholm, while nearby Lilla Torg is a
chattering mass of alfresco supping and half-timbered houses that give away the Danish
connection.
Gamla Staden (Old Town) is Malmö's heart, encircled by a canal. There are three prin-
cipal squares here: Stortorget, Lilla Torg and Gustav Adolfs Torg. The castle, Malmöhus
Slott, in its leafy park setting, guards the western end of Gamla Staden. Across the canal
on the northern side is the snazzy redeveloped harbour precinct, home to some excellent
cafes and restaurants.
History
Malmö really took off in the 14th century with the arrival of the Hanseatic traders, when
grand merchants' houses were erected, followed by churches and a castle. The greatest
medieval expansion occurred under Jörgen Kock, who became the city's mayor in 1524.
The town square, Stortorget, was laid out then, and many of the finest 16th-century build-
