Malmö from Copenhagen: See two countries in half a day

We begin at Copenhagen Central Station, a historic and bustling hub that connects the city. Let’s dive into its story and set the tone for our exploration.

The journey to Malmö takes only 40 minutes and includes crossing the spectacular Øresund Bridge – one of Scandinavia’s most iconic landmarks connecting Denmark and Sweden.

Your round-trip ticket is included, and with trains running every 15 minutes, you have complete flexibility: travel back together with your guide, or stay longer in Malmö and return to Copenhagen at your own pace.

After a smooth 40-minute ride on the Øresund train, we arrive at Malmö Central Station, located right in the heart of the city. From here, your Danish guide leads the group out into Malmö’s historic center, just a short walk away.

The station itself is a landmark, a blend of classic architecture and modern design, and it places us perfectly to begin our two-hour walking tour through Malmö’s highlights, from the cobblestone streets of Gamla Väster to the leafy King’s Garden and the old Danish stronghold, Malmöhus Castle.

During our Malmö walking tour, we stop by the world-famous “Non-Violence” sculpture, better known as The Knotted Gun. Created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, this powerful artwork has become a global symbol of peace and non-violence.

Your Danish guide will share the story behind the sculpture, how it was inspired by the tragic death of John Lennon, why it was gifted to the United Nations, and how Malmö’s version reflects the city’s role as a hub for culture and international dialogue. It’s one of Malmö’s most photographed spots, and a perfect place to reflect on the contrasts and common ground between Denmark and Sweden.

Malmöhus Castle was first built in 1434 by King Erik of Pomerania, who at the time ruled Denmark, Norway, and Sweden as the head of the Kalmar Union. Though born in Pomerania, he reigned as King of Denmark, making Malmöhus a true Danish royal fortress from the very beginning.

A century later, Danish King Christian III rebuilt the site into the Renaissance-style castle we still see today, the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in Scandinavia.

Originally part of Denmark’s defenses against Sweden, Malmöhus played a central role in centuries of rivalry between the two nations. When Malmö became Swedish in the 1600s, the castle changed ownership and purpose. Today it houses museums and exhibitions, while standing as a reminder of the city’s layered history and its shift from Danish to Swedish rule.

Next to Malmöhus Castle stands Slottsmöllan, the city’s iconic Dutch-style windmill built in 1851. It replaced an earlier mill from the 1600s and was once used to grind grain for the local community.

Today, the mill is no longer in operation, but it remains a picturesque landmark in the castle gardens. With its traditional wooden sails and scenic setting, Slottsmöllan is one of Malmö’s most photographed spots and offers a glimpse into the city’s everyday life in the 19th century.

Surrounding Malmöhus Castle lies Slottsparken, a lush city park created in the late 1800s. With wide lawns, winding canals, and more than 100 species of trees, it’s one of Malmö’s most beloved green spaces.

Locals come here to picnic, stroll, or rent pedal boats on the water, and the park offers a peaceful contrast to the historic castle walls. Walking through Slottsparken, you’ll get a sense of Malmö’s relaxed lifestyle and its balance between nature and city life.

One of Malmö’s most charming districts is Gamla Väster, the city’s old town. Here, cobblestone lanes are lined with brightly painted houses, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Once a modest working-class neighborhood, it has transformed into a vibrant area full of local character.

Walking through Gamla Väster is like stepping into a living postcard, colorful façades, hidden courtyards, and a relaxed, creative atmosphere that captures the soul of Malmö today. It’s a perfect place to slow down, explore, and enjoy the city’s unique blend of history and modern life.

At the heart of the old town lies Stortorget, Malmö’s oldest and largest square, laid out in the late 1530s when the city was under Danish rule. Surrounded by colorful historic buildings and lively cafés, it has long been the center of political and social life in the city.

On one side stands the impressive Town Hall, built in Dutch Renaissance style, while in the middle of the square you’ll find the equestrian statue of King Karl X Gustav of Sweden, the monarch who took Malmö and Skåne from Denmark in the 1600s.

A stop at Stortorget offers not only beautiful views but also a chance to reflect on the Danish-Swedish rivalry that shaped the region for centuries. Today, it’s a bustling meeting place where history and modern city life blend together.

Just a short walk from Stortorget you’ll find Lilla Torg, Malmö’s most picturesque square. Surrounded by half-timbered houses from the 1500s and 1600s, this cobblestoned plaza feels like stepping back in time.

Today, Lilla Torg is one of the city’s liveliest meeting points, filled with restaurants, cafés, and outdoor terraces where locals and visitors gather year-round. It’s the perfect place to pause, soak up the atmosphere, and experience Malmö’s blend of history and vibrant social life.