A Local Guide to Malmö, Sweden

I've lived in Sweden's third largest city of Malmö for over fourteen years. And the truth is, not only do I love it, but I'm also super proud of this town too. It's laid-back, buzzing with creativity and you can cycle everywhere in under 30 minutes (beach, parks, cafés, bars, musuems, art galleries, you name it!). So many fabulous places have popped up since my last guide to hip places to eat, drink and shop in Malmö that I thought it was about time for a new guide. So I put on my thinking cap, sourced a wonderful sponsor (thank you Malmö Turism) and chatted to all my Malmö friends to bring you a true, bang up to date local's guide to 24 hours in Malmö!

Where to stay
Oh Boy Hotel - located in Västra hamnen (Western harbour), Oh Boy is a short hop to the swimming bridges,10 minutes walk to the central station and comes with two bicycles (and a bicycle taxi service)!

It also comes with a skateboard (handy when you live opposite the skateboard park! 

Other places to stay:
Duxiana
Mäster Johans
Story Hotel Studio

(also see 20 instagrammable places to stay in Sweden) 

Great places for an aperitif
Gustavino Wine Bar - on the corner of Stortorget ('the large square')in a beautiful old building - these guys do the best Aperol Spritz in town (and of course, many decent wines!)! 

Lilla Torg (outdoor heated area lined with bars in the 'little square')
Möllevångstorget ( drinks on me if you're able to pronounce this outdoor heated area in the area of Möllevång)

Malmö Opera House
Västra Hamnen, Sundspromenaden - grab a bottle from Systembolaget (the off license) and enjoy a cool one looking out over the Öresund at sunset. In the summer you might even be treated to salsa, live music and other events as part of Malmö Sommarscene (check out what's happening this summer here).

Where to eat

Mineral 
A relaxed local hang-out near St Knuts torg packed with vintage finds. Enjoy organic wine, great beer and yummy food - inside or out.

Riket - a relaxed neighbourhood hangout with great food just off beautiful Davidhallstorg.

Bastard - this place always has a great atmosphere - start with a cocktail! Need to book in advance.
Lyran
MJ's
Saltimporten (where the media folk hang out on weekdays lunchtime)

First thing to do when you wake-up

Morning Dip
Nothing nurses a hang-over and gets you ready for the day better than a 'morgondopp'! Do as the locals do, don a dressing gown, walk / cycle down to the nearest swimming place and brace yourself!

Followed by breakfast or a long old brunch....

Breakfast / brunch hangouts

The Raw Food House 

The Raw Food House is on a street that's also great for antiques and vintage finds and right next door is Malört tattoo, which my friend (and fellow local) Sofie says uses "only vegan inks, William Morris wallpaper, and a small selection of naughty books for sale." She does actually have a tattoo from this place and it's beautiful (and I'm not even really into tattoos) - if you're tempted, you'll need to book well in advance! 

Other Brunch places:
Lotta Love Superfoodbar
Jord Malmö 

Activities:
Although it's tempting to sit around eating and drinking all day, soaking up the atmosphere - there are some activities that should definitely not be missed:

Kalbadhus - my friends visiting from England insist on calling this place the 'naked sauna' which amuses my Swedish husband no end. Located on the end of a pier off Ribbersborg, this place is well worth a visit, if only just for the relaxed cafe / restaurant. I'd totally recommend going for a sauna and cold bath too!

Matkaravan food tour - foodies will love this guided food tour of Malmö (book in advance!).

Boating around the canal - pack a picnic and hire your own motorboat to putter around Malmö's canals - it's a great way to see the city centre!

Folketspark - take a stroll around the boho 'People's Park' (especially if you're with children as it's a bit of a kids paradise). Don't miss Far i Hatten for wood-fired pizzas in the little old cottage and beer garden! 

Museums: I love Moderna Museet & Konsthallen for modern art (they both have great gift shops  too!) and Malmöhus for a spot of history. My kids love Tekniska & Sjöfartens hus  (Science and maritime museum) it's totally interactive and you can leap in and out of a submarine, cars etc and do other science-y stuff.

Fika! 
If you really want to enjoy Malmö like a local it's essential to enjoy a 'fika' (coffee break with something sweet) every half hour or so. In the summer I like cycling through the many parks and stopping at Slottsträdgårdens Cafe or enjoying a take-away coffee on a blanket in the park.

Other great places to fika
Söderberg & Sara on St knuts Torg is a wonderfully hipster café selling stone baked bread and the most divine cinnamon buns.

If you'd like combine your fika with shopping (err, hello!) you're in for a treat...

Great places in Malmö to Shop for Clothes and Interior


AB Småland - a café and eco butique rolled into one. Bonus: you can even buy the furniture you sit on to eat.

Grandpa Store - conveniently (or should I say dangerously?!) placed next door to AB Småland on the main walking street- this is a great little shop for clothes, interior items and some of Sweden's coolest bags, shoes etc.

Miloii - great for things for the home and clothes! I once featured the owner's home here (as an indication of her great taste!).

Geijersgatan 53 - fairly new on the scene, this wonderful café and shop is 15 minutes cycle from the town centre (just along the beach) and well worth a visit.

Meloa - always worth nipping into this little shop for clothes, jewellery, bags etc!

 Hathyllan - and just next door is this fab hat shop!



8 Great Shops in Malmö for Design:
One of my fortes as you can imagine! I'm so grateful for all of these wonderful interior design shops - do not miss a single one of them if you'd like to pick something up for your home!

Olsson & Gerthel

Malmö Modern
Form Design Centre
Design Torget
Granit
Lagerhaus
Formargruppen
En Familj  
Svenssons

And while in shopping mode, here are:

5 fab things made by local designers to pick up on your spree:

1.  Torso Chair by Lisa Hilland

2. Big darling and Little Darling lamps by Swedish Ninja

 3. Dressed in Clay candlestick by Kajsa Willner and Straight Ceramic pots by Pernilla Norrman

4. Modern art by Maria Leinonen

5. Beyond Local Collection by Anna Gudmundsdottir

And last but no means least, I never leave town without stopping to say hi to Sophie and her Cocker Spaniel Farfar on my way home to pick up some fresh flowers...

Florista

I think that might be it. I've no doubt left out a ton of amazing places - feel free to add your favourite Malmö haunts in the comment section below or on instagram using the hash tag #makeitmalmo.

VÄLKOMMEN!

PS You can also visit Malmö Town for more tips!

All photography ©Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home unless specified.


This post was made possible thanks to Malmö Turism, who kindly supported my endeavour with a hotel and expenses. All words and opinions are absolutely my own (and that of other locals!).

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This magnificent Malmö flat could be yours (or mine?!)

Oj oj oj (as they say in Sweden) are we in for a treat today. This fabulous turn-of-the-century home here in the centre of Malmö has just come on the market - and it's massively swoon-worthy! I'm not going to say another word - suffice to say, I'm seriously considering a move across town (I only need to convince the man now....hmmmm). Enjoy the tour...

Photos courtesy of Bolaget. 

Could you imagine living here?! If you're tempted there's more info and pics here (oh and a Malmö city guide here - I love Jeska's one here too .... just saying!).

Just in case a move isn't imminent (shame) - here's a quick guide to where a few of the items are from: this leather deck chair is similar, Flos 265 light, Diamond lounge chair, I like this dusty rose linen cushion, grey gotland sheepskins.

Fancy looking at a few more Malmö homes today? I love the relaxed, family home of Malin Persson (who I was lucky enough to meet recently at a blogger event - and feel so inspired by her Norway surf trip! - would you consider it?),  a beautiful home in dark hues and the lovely Helen Sturesson's striking, family home.

I'm proud of living in a city with so much talent!

Have a lovely day

PS - an update on the Domino Design Blog Awards - they've just announced that the winner from each category will receive a feature profiles in Domino magazine and the winners will be flown to New York for an awards event in December! Oh, and they will also receive a trip for two to a Tribute property in the US or Canada. Holy guacamole!!! For this reason they've extended the voting period, and you can now vote daily for your favourite blog until Sunday 12th November (eeeeeee, the suspense continues!). Just in case you feel like stopping by and casting a vote the My Scandinavian Home way, it's happening here (category: 'Best International Design Blog')- Sorry to be so annoying in asking you again, if I win, I promise to bring you on the trip by way of Instagram stories!

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Four Day Travel Guide: Helsingborg, Helsingør and Kullaberg

In paid collaboration with Visit Helsingborg. Thank you to Visit Helsingborg for making this trip possible. All words and pictures are my own and I genuinely love this part of the world so it was a pleasure to produce this guide! 

Helsingborg, what a great Swedish city! I received so much positive feedback from my Helsingborg city guide last summer, I thought I'd create a follow-up to include some of the beautiful surroundings. 

I am a big fan of the area as my husband is from Helsingborg. I've also had the opportunity to spend plenty of time in the surrounding area since Per's father and stepmother live in a charming fishing village in Kullaberg - a peninsula and nature reserve jutting out into the Kattegat Sea, north of the city. I have to say, the region is a firm favourite of mine. If you love art, farm shops, vineyards, spectacular coastlines and great food, you're bound to fall in love too! 

I've also extended my guide to include a day trip to the picturesque Danish town of Helsingør - a short 20-minute ferry ride over the Öresund strait. Helsingør is home to the UNESCO heritage site Kronborg castle - the home of Hamlet and a perfect place to wander the cobble streets in search Danish antiques, second hand clothes and experience a buzzing restaurant and cafe scene. Ready to feel inspired? Here's my four-day guide to the area. 

Getting there: the southern Sweden city of Helsingborg is easily accessible by train from Copenhagen airport, Malmö and Stockholm. You can also arrive by ferry from Helsingør Denmark. 

Day one - Helsingborg

Check-in at Elite Hotel Mollberg

Occupying a historic 14th century building on Stortorget a short walk from the train station, Elite Hotel Mollberg's couldn't be better located. Plus the impeccably decorated restaurant / breakfast area and the beautiful high ceilings and period features will send your design heart into a flutter! 

I also love small boutique V Hotel - and Clarion Hotel Sea U is a popular choice with its rooftop pool. 

Explore Helsingborg 

There is so much to do in this wonderful city. See my guide to 48 hours in Helsingborg last summer for all my favourite sites, design shops, cafes and restaurants! 

You might like to pay a visit during the forthcoming H22 City Expo (30th May - 3rd July 2022) which promises a full schedule of exciting cultural events, guided tours, music and entertainment and gastronomical experiences for all ages!

Kärnen

Something I missed in my previous guide but well worth a visit is Kärnen. Located in the centre of town by Stortorget, the medieval tower is the last remaining section of a larger fortress built by the Danes. It controlled the entranceway between the Kattegat and Øresundsbron sea along with Kronborg castle in Helsingør. Standing 35 metres high, a spiral staircase will lead you to the top, from where you can enjoy spectacular views - and get your breath back!

Sofiero

A cycle or bus ride from Helsinborg will take you to the magnificent Sofiero castle and grounds which bursts into life in springtime. My family and I often visit for a stroll around the gardens, to nip into the nursery shop, see the latest exhibition and enjoy lunch at the Orangeriet. I've even been to a few open-air concerts here - keep an eye on the events calendar for details! 

Recover from your day by treating yourself to a culinary experience at Chateau Foret (listed in the White Guide), or head to the water's edge and tuck into seafood at one of my favourite restaurants: Sillen & Makrillen. 

Day Two - Helsingør, Denmark

Hop on a ForSea battery-operated ferry to Helsingør - the picturesque Danish town on the opposite side of the strait. There are about four boats and hour and the 20-minute, 4-kilometre crossing will take you straight to the town centre. 

Per explained that some Swedes never get off the boat - choosing to go back and forward across the sound while enjoying the lively ferry bar (I saw it in full swing later on in the day - he wasn't kidding)!

Kronborg Castle, Helsingør

You can't visit Helsingør and not go to Kronborg castle! Known as Elsinore in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Kronborg is a 15th century renaissance castle and a designated UNESCO world heritage site. Keep an eye on the official website for guided tours, treasure hunts and open-air plays. 

Stroll the streets 

An easy day trip from Copenhagen (and an even easier one from Helsingborg!), Helsingør is incredibly picturesque. Take good walking shoes as you'll want to take your time to wander the pretty cobblestone streets and small courtyards while popping in and out of boutique stores! 

Antique and second-hand stores

The bustling town is full of small antique, vintage and second-hand stores selling unique Danish treasures. I particularly loved Bror & Søster, situated down a small side lane off the main shopping drag. 

Another favourite is the tiny Louies Brocante which spills out onto the cobbled backstreet.

Keep a look out for the Saturday flea markets on Svingelport (0.00 - 15.00). Arrive early for the best bargains and enjoy live music, a great coffee and a Danish pastry at Lagoni. 

A word of warning, many shops close as early as 14.00 - 15.00 on Saturdays so go early to make the most of your trip! 

There are many great places for lunch - including seafood restaurant Jellyfish. As a Helsinborg guy, Per insisted we paid a nostalgic visit to the main square - along with throngs of other Swedes - to tuck into a traditional Danish smørrebød (open sandwich) accompanied by a Carlsberg (of course) and a customary shot of snaps! The square had such a wonderful, lively atmosphere (it could have had something to do with the snaps!) - we could have stayed all day! 

But our ferry was waiting, and it was time to head back to Helsinborg to continue with the tour! 

Day Three - Höganäs and Mölle

A 40-minute ride on the 220 bus will take you from Helsingborg to the small coastal town of Höganäs, in Kullaberg. 

Salthallerna, Höganäs

I always start my visit to Höganäs at Salthallerna. The former industrial site is home to a great homeware and clothing boutique as well as a host of art exhibitions. You might want to stay for a while as it also has a great cafe selling divine tasting kanelbulla (cinnamon buns). Keep a look out for a new restaurant and BadAss Ceramics opening soon! 

Saltglaserat ceramics 

Next door, you'll find the famous Höganäs Saltglaserat workshop and store where you can watch the potters in action and pick up beautiful ceramics to take home.

Garage Bar & Höganäs Bryggeri

Around the corner you'll find Garage Bar - famed for it's 'nothing less than junk food royal' slogan - needless to say our kids love it! And Höganäs Bryggeri where you can sample locally produced brews (a favourite of Per's!). 

Keep an eye on the events calendar for Blå Hallen - a short walk away. It hosts some amazing flea markets in the summer! 

Kvikbadet

Feeling like you need to re-energise? Book a slot at the wonderful Kvickbadhuset sauna by the harbour. We often go as an extended family on big holidays such as Christmas and Easter, it's a wonderful way to cleanse the mind, body and soul!

Bike tour from Höganäs to Mölle

If you're feeling energetic, hire a bike in Höganäs harbour and follow the Kategattleden to Mölle. It's hard to say how long it takes as I kept stopping to take pictures and enjoy the view - but it's around 10 km and an easy ride - very flat! 

The bike trail follows a disused, converted railway line which takes you along the coast, passing farmland, forests and small, pretty fishing villages, including Nyhamnsläge and Lerhamn. 

Krapperup Castle

Don't miss signs to Krapperup castle (as a Brit it took me a while to get over the name!) along the way (for those who opted for the 222 bus instead - there's a bus stop right outside!). The grounds of the 16th century castle are beautiful - especially when the rhodendrums are in full bloom. You'll also love the cosy cafe, art gallery and boutique. 

Mölle

Continue your cycle ride through the nature reserve until you come to the picturesque 19th century fishing village of Mölle (bus number 222 will also take you from Höganäs to Mölle) and then rest your weary legs quench your thirst at one of the many Harbourside cafes and restaurants. 

Check in to Grand Hotel Mölle

Follow in the footsteps of smart, early 20th century holiday makers, who flocked to Mölle by train to enjoy a rejuvenating stint at this 'badhotell' (bath hotel), today known as Grand hotel Mölle. Per and I stayed in the turret which had wonderful views over Mölle!

Mölle Krukmakeri

You can't visit this village without popping into Mölle Krukmakeri - a ceramics atelier and popular boho hangout, serving great pizza! I have several of their bowls at home too. 

Hike to Kullens Lighthouse

Depending on how you arrived in Mölle, you might be feeling energetic enough to hike along the coast Northwards to Kullens Lighthouse - climbing over granite rocks dotted with pink thrift, and through incredible ancient beech forests as you go . Take your swimmers - there are plenty of bathing places along the way! If you're short on time but still want to take in the views from the tip of the peninsular, there's also a parking spot 300 metres away. 

Cocktails and supper at Ransvik Havsvaranda 

On the way back from the lighthouse, you'll pass Ransvik Havsvaranda - an absolutely wonderful restaurant nestled in the cliff overlooking the sea. On summer evenings it comes alive with locals enjoying cocktails and dinner out on the terrace. 

Day Four - Arild - and the Kullaberg countryside

I've packed in a LOT activities on day three - so you might want to take your foot of the peddle and save some of the areas around Mölle for the fourth day. In summertime there are lots of extra activities available such as s whale and propose boat safari in the Kullaberg nature reserve. There are also many wonderful trails to explore by foot or mountain bike! 

On your way back to Helsingborg, take a short detour to the pretty fishing village of Arild, stopping off at Flickorna Lundgren for a traditional fika (coffee and cake).

Another favourite stop is the restaurant and farm shop Trädgården På Skäret - I'm told their oyster and champagne lunch in summertime is not to be missed! It looks like I'll need to return to the area soon! 

I hope you'll find this guide useful, and it might inspire you to come and explore this wonderful part of the world! 

If you'd like to visit Helsingborg soon, why not come during the H22 City Expo between 30th may - 3 July 2022. The 30-day event promises captivating, exhilarating and innovative cultural attractions, exhibitions, talks, music and entertainment for all ages and gastronomical experiences. Find out more about the H22 City Expo and plan your visit. 

Please do feel free to add your own tips from the area below - there are so many amazing places to visit that I'd need to write an entire tome to cover them all! 

Wishing you a great weekend!

Niki

Photography: copyright - Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

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