City Guide: 20 Things to Enjoy In Malmö In Wintertime

 In paid partnership with @malmötown. All words, pictures and recommendations are my own. 

I moved to Malmö, southern Sweden in 2004 and I'm so proud to call this city my home. Many choose to visit in spring and summer when the days are long and the weather is mild - but actually, Malmö makes a great weekend getaway in wintertime too! Think cosy cafes and restaurants, 'mysig' (cosy) Christmas markets, blowing out the cobwebs with a blustery walk along the city beach and warming the cockles in a sauna. Here are 20 of my favourite things to do in Malmö in wintertime:

1. Enjoy a steaming glögg (spiced mulled wine) or hot chocolate surrounded by sheepskins and blankets on picturesque square Lilla torg.

2. Visit one of the Christmas markets for arts and crafts, local Swedish delicacies and winter warmers (mid November - December)! 

3. Take in the pretty Christmas lights on Lilla torg and Gustav Adolfs torg (November - January)! 

4. Celebrate Lucia on 13th December - Experience one of the many candlelit Lucia processions in Malmö - it's one of the most important events in the Swedish calendar and centred around 'Lucia' the bearer of light in the winter darkness. 

5. Stroll around some of the city's residential areas by night - including Gamla Staden and Västra Hamnen and feel inspired by the 'Adventsljustake' (advent candles) and paper star lanterns that light up the windows (November - January). 

6. Blow away the cobwebs with a walk along Ribersborgsstranden (the city beach) for amazing views of the Öresund Bridge (famous from the TV series 'The bridge'). Some years the sea freezes over come January and February, it's a sight to behold! 

7. Enjoy a sauna and a dip in the sea at Ribbersborg Kallbadhus (peeping into the left of the picture above)  - no bathers required! Sea frozen over? No problem, they'll cut a hole in the ice for you!

8. Ice-skate on the lakes at Ribbersborg. 

Note: always consult the local authority website to check the ice is safe to enter and always carry the necessary safety equipment. 

9. Or glide around one of the free ice rinks at Vinterdröm (winter dream) in Folkets Park (ice-skates available to hire), before tucking into a warm drink and pizza at local boho favourite Far I Hatten. 

10. Visit one of the many city museums and art galleries including Malmö museer, Moderna Museet, Form Design Center and Malmö Konsthall. 

11. Sample 'surströmming' (fermented herring) - a pungent Swedish delicacy, and other 'delights' at the Disgusting Food Museum. 

12. Shop for practical yet stylish winter clothing such as thermals and fur-lined boots as well as sports and outdoor gear at Naturkompaniet, Peak Performance, Stadium and XXL - or pick-up traditional knits (above) on Lilla torg. 

13. Shop for beautiful design and Scandinavian Christmas decorations at Granit, Designtorget, Svenssons, Grandpa, Lagerhaus, and Åhlens. 

14. Pick up vintage and sustainable pieces - and enjoy lunch at AB Småland.

15. Join locals at Malmö Saluhall - a fantastic indoor food market, filled with stalls serving delicacies from all over the world. 

16. Take some time out with a coffee and good book at Atrium, or if you're feeling active book a round of boules and brunch at Boule Bar.

17. Recharge your batteries over an afternoon 'fika' (coffee and cake) at Konditori Katarina or Noir Vin & Kaffekultur. 

18. Book a traditional Julbord (traditional Swedish Christmas buffet) at Årstiderna or Rådhuskällaren.   (November / December). 

19. Dine at Aster - featured above (one of Malmö's new best kept secrets - excellent food, very cosy - hard to find, difficult to book - but, oh so worth it!!), Ruths (great for brunch or supper) or Quan (wonderful atmosphere, excellent food). Book well in advance! 

20. Enjoy a night cap on the sofa at MJs or a cocktail at the top of Malmö Live with incredible views over the city.

Need somewhere to stay? Book a room at Story Hotel (above) or Clarion Malmö Live for views over the city. Or MJs and Duxiana for fab design. 

Staying a little longer and want to explore the surrounding area? We love downhill and cross country skiing at Vallåsen (around 1-2 hours away), taking a hike and enjoying a barbecue in Bokskogen beech forest or going to see the wild seals in the Måkläppan nature reserve on the Falsterbo peninsular.

However you choose to spend your time, I'm sure you'll leave Malmö with rosy cheeks and lots of new Scandinavian experiences under your belt! 

I really hope to see you in my wonderful, adopted hometown soon! 

Niki

PS Are you a local or visited Malmö in the past? Feel free to share your own experiences and any tips on activities to enjoy in winter below! 

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City Guide: 30 Things to do in Malmö For Design-Lovers

In paid partnership with @malmötown. All words, pictures and recommendations are my own. 

Having lived in Malmö, Sweden for over eighteen Years, I'm so proud of Sweden's third largest city. Last December I wrote a winter guide, and today I thought I'd share 30 great things to do the city for design-lovers all year round! Here's the complete lowdown on all my favourite design shops, galleries, studios, architecture, cafes, restaurants and more! I hope it will inspire you to visit this great city some day soon. 

1. Stroll or cycle through the old cobbled streets of Gamla Väster  - the 19th century old town between Lilla Torg and Kungsparken, and discover small independent galleries, ateliers and handicraft stores. 

2. Discover the cities modern architecture which juxtaposes with historic buildings to create a fascinating skyline! Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects' Malmö Live Towers and the jagged glass and aluminium extension to the World Maritime University by architect firms Terrior and Kim Utzon (both seen above) are a couple of my favourites.

3. Stroll around the little lanes in Västra Hamnen (Western harbour) for more fascinating architecture including the famous skyscraper Turning Torso - the symbol of Malmö, and enjoy a dip in the sea while looking out over the famous Öresund bridge. 

4. Pull up a seat by the window at Atrium for brunch in beautiful surroundings. I can vouch for the eggs bennie! 

5. Or combine brunch and design shopping at Geijersgatan 53, owned by my friend Josephine - who has impeccable taste for design and flowers! 

6. Visit the Malmö public library: the award-winning modern extension by Henning Larsen is a wonderful place to sit in 'lugn och ro' (peace and quiet) while leafing through a book and taking in the view over Kungsparken ('The Kings Park').

7. Shop for contemporary Scandinavian design at Miloii, Norrgavel, Olsson & Gerthel, Svenssons, Grandpa, Design Torget and Bolia.  For Scandinavian-style inspiration on how to organise your home and pick up storage pieces, head to Elfa Studio in Hansa. 

6. Shop for items by highly acclaimed local designers and see one of the exhibitions at Form Design Centre - a meeting place for architecture, design and crafts. 

7. Pop into Beyond Us: an urban market for clothes and homeware, cafe & bar and workspace. 

8. Shop for antiques and second hand homeware at AB Småland (it's a great place for a swedish fika - coffee and cake / lunch - too!). You'll also find a row of antique shops on Kärleksgatan ('love street')

9. Pick up locally made ceramics at Artibus (open the first weekend of every month) and Formagruppen. 

10. Buy jewellery from a local silversmith at Atom 47 in Limhamn. 

11. Source Scandi retro furniture at Yesterday Retro Form and Möbeldepan. 

12. Shop for local handicrafts including butterknives, wool socks and clogs in one of the little boutiques on historical Lilla Torg. 

13. And then enjoy a drink and light lunch on the square, or head round the corner to local favourite Noir vin & Kaffe.

14. Or tuck into the best pizza in town by the water at Mastio in Limhamn. You'll love the constantly changing menu, interior and local vibe!

15. If you prefer vegan, I can recommend Jord or Farm2Table (both with great food and beautiful design) or the new plant-based cafe Sansa. 

16. Visit independent art galleries including Cowgirl Gallery in Möllan (where you can also enjoy a coffee and attend events) and the Nordic Art Agency, owned by my friend Juliet, a fellow Brit. 

17. Make an appointment with a local artist to visit their showroom. Malmö Open Studios is a helpful resource. 

18. Pay a visit to Malmö Konsthallen or Moderna Museet for modern art. 

19. Hang out with locals in St Knuts Torg: pull up a seat at one of the cafes on the square, visit the antique bookstore, treat yourself to fresh cut blooms in the flower shop, and stock up on groceries from the independent package-free, zero waste store Gram. 

20. Stroll through an ocean of flowers at ecological Slottsträdgården - the public flower garden behind Malmö Hus, and then pull up a seat by the canal at Slottsträdgården cafe. 

21. Pick up blooms, plants, cards and vases from truly inspiring flower shops Blomster Pigan and Wallflower. 

22. Visit Malmö during the Southern Sweden Design Days - an annual international design festival showcasing a range of design disciplines, seminars, workshops and exhibitions all over town. Don't miss the main hub at Lokstallerna - an incredible converted train workshop.  

23. While you're in Kirseberg, treat yourself to a relaxed lunch inside at the industrial street food restaurant Matverskstad.  

24. Travelling with children? Check-in to a circus wagon at the nearby Grand Circus Hotel!  

25. Enjoy a pre-supper aperitif of champagne and oysters - or tuck into a relaxed lunch or evening meal - at Malmö Saluhallen - a former train depot converted into an incredible food hall, with a modern extension by architect firm Wingårdhs. 

26. L'Enoteca's outdoor space is also a cool place for pre-dinner drinks. I love their cosy bar over the road on colder days too. 

27. Book a table in advance and dine out in style at one of my favourite restaurants: Ruths (above), Aster, Atmosfär or Mutantur. 

28. Head up to Malmö skybar for a post-dinner drink with a view over Malmö (you can also eat supper from the heady heights of Kitchen & Table). 

29. Finish the night with a cocktail to two at tiny local favourite Care Of by the canal. If you're looking for somewhere lively, the eclectic hangout MJs is always fun on a saturday night. For clubs - Plan B is the place to go. 

30. Rest your weary head at the newly renovated boutique Hotel Duxiana with impeccably designed rooms and lovely views over central Malmö and the canal (above and below). Other great hotels include Clarion Malmö Live and MJs. 

I hope this guide has given you lots of design ideas for your next trip to Malmö! 

Välkommen! 

Niki

PS feel free to add your own tips below! 

Photography: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

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Malmö city guide: hip places to eat, drink and shop (design)

Have you ever visited Malmö, Sweden? It's been my home for the past 12 years and I'm so incredibly proud of Sweden's third largest city! For those of you wondering about geography (let's face it, I wasn't entirely sure where it was before I moved here) - it's the hub of Southern Sweden (listed 9th place on the New York Times top 52 places to visit in 2016 - if that's not reason enough!), and just over the Öresund bridge (yes, that's The Bridge - apparently there's a special tour these days!), from Copenhagen.  With an abundance of cool new boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and bars popping up all over town, I invited my friend and photographer Valentina Fussell over for the day to capture some of my absolute places to eat, drink and shop in Malmö.....

 - Cafés, restaurants & bars: 

Noir: this is the perfect little café to start your tour (with a freshly brewed coffee of course!), on sunny days you can sit outside and watch the locals cycle by.

Johan P - a fabulous fish restaurant (and fish market) in a former factory just off Lilla Torg - and the perfect place to enjoy oysters, seafood platters and the local catch of the day. It's also great for an early evening apéritif (if only to marvel at the high ceilings, decor and Flos lights).

Bastard - In my mind you can't beat this restaurant for an evening out in Malmö. Not only is the food and service excellent, it's buzzing every night of the week and turns into a popular spot for late night cocktails too. You'll need to book in advance.

Lilla Torg - drinks (or light lunch) at an outdoor table in this old square is also a must (try Moosehead or mello yello). You might also end up at Koi nightclub later on in the evening too...(just as I have done on eh hem a few occasions). 

Boulebar - Another unique place (and a new favourite) - is this establishment on Drottningstorget which combines good food and drink with a game of Boule. Go for brunch on a saturday and sunday with family and friends - or in the evening (brilliant if you're travelling in a group).  Look out for local farmers / fleas markets (and Christmas markets) on the square outside too!

Central - shopping

Miloii is my go to shop for clothes (selling brands such as A.P.C, GANNI and Rodebjer) and lovely things for the home. If you need more convincing - this is the the owner's home.

Blomsterpigen - this is one beautiful flower shop, and even if blooms aren't the most practical item to take home with you, I can still recommend visiting if only to see their magical window display and the little upstairs oasis!

Granit - A firm fixture in my Malmö 'interior shop tour', this is the perfect place to pick up practical items for the home (especially if you love simple, clean style and monochrome). Other favourites (particularly for Scandinavian designer items) include Malmö Modern, Olsson & Gerthel, Norrgavel, DesignTorget, Form Design Centre (it's worth going in here for the building alone!) and Svenssons.

Formgruppen - a staple for locally made ceramics (and something unique to take home with you).

Mini Rodini - the cutest Swedish children's brand has opened up a shop just off Lilla Torg - because it would be mean to not pick up something for the little ones too!

St Knut Torg - restaurants & cafés 

This area of Malmö has a local village-feel and is well worth a visit for it's small, privately run cafes and bars. Hop on a bike (bike hire stations are located all over town) and enjoy.....

Söderberg & Sara - sit and read the paper alongside locals in this ecological bakery / cafe.

Spoonery - I often go here at lunchtime for the pared-back interior and chilli beef stew - mmmm!

No.6 Nip around the corner for a post-lunch coffee at this itsy, bitsy local cafe created by the previous owner of this home. He's since sold it but the decor and local vibe remains the same.

And if you like wine and cheese don't miss the neighbourhood hang-out- Kiez. There's a great write-up and a few of pictures of it here. For dancing the night away to live music - you can also head over the road to Cuba Café in Folkets park for a salsa (summer time only).

St. Knuts Torg - shopping

Flora Linea - Owned by Maja Ljungdahl, this little shop is a complete find! Well worth a visit if you love the idea of a hanging Kokedama (aka a Japanese bonsai where the root grows in a special soil wrapped in a moss ball) and seriously cute ceramics.

Kalbadhus / Ribbersborg - No visit to Malmö is complete without a visit to the sauna (this one's located out on a pier). When my family visit from London they call it 'the naked sauna', much to the bafflement of my Swedish husband - I mean, is there any other kind of sauna?! The traditional style saunas are divided up into female, male and a mixed section (note - don't make the mistake of thinking the teeny square cloth they hand to you when you go in is a towel - it's just for sitting on) after which a cold plunge into the Öresund strait is de rigueur! In the winter they'll cut a circle in the ice - so there's no excuse! Treat yourself to a hot chocolate (or something stronger) in the cafe / restaurant afterwards or enjoy the Sunday brunch (bentwood chairs alert!) with views over the sea and Ribbersborg beach.

I have to say this guide only scratches the surface of all the great places to eat, drink and shop in Malmö and we haven't even touched on Möllevången (with it's many, many fab restaurants and bars). Malmö guide II to follow imminently (once I've enticed Valentina back from Atlanta!).

In the meantime, here's a quick guide:

Möllevången (or 'Möllan')- Söder om Småland (ecological beers and great food), Malmö Brewing co. (Malmö brews for beer lovers), Tempo and Belle Epoche (for good food and cocktails).

Davidshallstorg: B.A.R (go for the taster menu!) and Escama (tapas on a balmy evening al fresco).

Places to stay:  a quick search on Air BnB has come up with some lovely little places including: a studio in Möllan, an apartment in Triangeln (great location, in walking distance of everything and near the tube). Or this beautiful home in Västra Hamnen, an area by the sea renowned for it's architecture and swimming (as well as a handful of cafés and restaurants) and 10 minutes by bike into the city centre.

Best time to visit - April to October (when the days are longer and the weather a little milder) or December (for the Christmas markets).

If you've visited Malmö and have some tips you'd like to share (or if you have any questions) you're so welcome to add them in the comments below.

I hope you make your way here soon. As they say in Sweden - Välkommen!

Credit: All photography by Valentina Fussell.

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