Getting to know Malmö better!
A port city in Skane County in the south coast of Sweden, Malmö had been he second largest city of Denmark for long years before becoming a Swedish city. ‘Malmhaug’, which means ‘dune’, became part of Swedish land along with Skane County after the Treaty of Roskilde signed up in 1658. Malmö acted as a bridge to Denmark in Sweden which had been a part of that country for more than a century.
Till a short while ago, people could reach Malmö only by ferry or limited numbers of planes landing from certain Swedish cities to Malmö Strup Airport depending on the changing weather conditions. But the fate and social dynamics of the city changed thanks to that iconic Öresung Bridge, the construction of which was started in 1995. World’s longest cable-stayed bridge, the Öresung is also the main subject of “National Geographic Megastructures” documentary. The opening ceremony was held just at the middle of the bridge in July 1, 2000. The middle is also the border between Denmark and Sweden. Today as well, when you pass the bridge, there is a sign showing in which country you are now. Also after that day, the fate of these two cities, especially Malmö’s story entirely change.
On the changing story of Malmö
We will witness “the tale of two cities’ people” as a reminiscent of a Charles Dickens novel. As Malmö is a city where things are cheaper and taxes compared to Copenhagen, the ones get rid of the expensive life in Copenhagen or desiring higher salaries work in Copenhagen but live in Malmö. Because people can pass this bridge everyday using monthly Öresund Card. This bridge is both an employment haven for one city and a contribution to the other one’s economy. And in real life it is a means of social bond. But we have heard the name of that bridge mostly because of popular culture.
Thanks to Danish- Swedish crime- drama TV series “Bron/Broen” (or “The Bridge” as its more well- known title) broadcasted between 2011-2018 in more than 100 countries, Malmö was no longer only a city in Scandinavia but a worldwide famous place. In addition to narrating universal issues from the realistic Scandinavian perspective, the series takes you to another world after watching panaromic scenes on the screen. If you want to see what there is behind the deep silence of the North and get full of scenery, I strongly recommend this show.
Where to visit in Malmö
Once you go to Malmo, you find yourself in a secret history page thanks to the squares dating back to the Middle Age. But at the same time the silhouettes of Turning Torso, the Öresund and Copenhagen respectively give you a totally different perspective.
The tallest building of Malmö, the Turning Torso with its still iconic architecture takes you to Daniaparken. There you can both go for a walk by the sea and see the city changing along with Öresund scenery. Only watching sunset in Daniaparken would be a huge inspiration for you in many ways. Also I would like to highlight that many spots are withing walking distance. You will see what I mean while you wander in one of the most beautiful parks of the city, Kungsparken. Another alternative means of transportation is one of the classics of the North, which is bike! Topping the list of ‘the most environmentalist countries’ for years, Sweden considers bike not as a compulsory thing but a lifestyle.
Another important point for you: If you have a train ticket for travelling between Copenhagen- Malmö, you can use it in city transportation as well. It is up to you.
Time travel in Malmö
To go back to earlies times in this time travel, you should definitely go to “Malmöhus” (Malmö Castle), which is considered as the Renaissance stronghold of Scandinavia still surrounded by the sea. You can visit the castle and discover its wonderful museum and exhibitions there. The works about Byzantine are expecially noteworthy. You can also take a walk in surrounding Slottsparken and feast your eyes on the green while enjoying “Fika” rituel. Speaking of “fika”, I would like to give more details. It is not the exact translation but it rougly means “short coffee break.” However, it is much more than a coffee break for the Swedish. It means short but quality time you spend with the people you love or by yourself while enjoying fresh coffee and home-made sweet treats both in workplaces or social life. The most suitable place to experience this is definitely a restored late Middle Age town “Lillatorg.” If you want to feel old Malmö more, stopping by Prottningtorget ve down parts of Adelgatan will be really helpful.
What to eat in Malmö?
I should say that you can see many places to taste Scandinavian and Italian cuisine in addition to Fika style cafes. As the density of the migrant population reflects on the food as well, you can hear Malmö be called as “the city of falafel.” You should taste Scandinavian food in Arstiderna and Italian dishes in Piccolo Mondo with a design looking like an old library. There are many places you can enjoy sefood too. Also in Coffee Factory you can have a good time with your beloved ones in a sincere atmosphere. Good coffee and desserts will also be there for you. As a dessert, try that cinnamon treat which the Danes call “Kanelsnegle” and the Swedes call “Kanelbullar”, then decide yourself which one is better! To be honest I still can’t forget the coffee break and taste of the desert while enjoying the scenery in Coffee Factory. Anyway, you shouldn’t forget such moments easily! Because even after years, you easily remember the tastes you identified with specific places and people. A special gift of human brain…
How to go to Malmö?
Turkish Airlines has 3 scheduled flights to Copenhagen Kastrup Airport everyday and it takes approximately 3 hours to get there. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take the train to Malmö at “CHP Lufthavn” station. The train arrives every 20 minutes at the station. Passing the Öresund Bridge and arriving at Malmö will take nearly 30-35 minutes. There are sometimes passport checks at the bridge. So you should be prepared in case of a late arrival.
On the way to home…
On the way to home you once again pass over the Öresund and reach at the beautiful Copenhagen waiting for you at the end of the bridge. Here comes the lyric of the iconic OST “Hollow Talk” by Choir of Young Believers in “Bron/Broen” series (let’s not forget the wonderful contribution of Denmark Symphony Orchestra): “And everything goes back to the beginning…”
