Castles, Canals and Kings: A Self-Guided Malmö Walking Tour

Malmö was Danish for centuries, then Swedish from 1658, and its Old Town still wears both flags. This self-guided walking tour follows the traders, kings and industrialists who turned a Baltic fishing settlement into one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive cities. Begin at Stortorget, a grand square cleared of a medieval monastery. Pass Sankt Petri Kyrka, a Brick Gothic church whose tower once guided sailors home, then follow canals that began as military fortifications. Hear how Hanseatic merchants and the entrepreneur Frans Suell gave Malmö its first proper harbour. The walk ends at Malmöhus Castle, where the Earl of Bothwell was once imprisoned and Skåne changed hands. Perfect for history lovers and curious day-trippers who want to see what lies beneath the design-city image. Install the VoiceMap app, then enter the ticket code from your confirmation email to download the tour and start walking.

1. 1

   Stortorget

   Pass by

   You'll begin at the fountain in Malmö's grand main square, hearing how a monastery and church were cleared to create it. Your guide points out the City Hall, the Kockska House and the statue of King Karl X Gustav. Entry to the square is free.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   You'll pass by Malmö's oldest preserved building, a Brick Gothic church begun in the early 1300s, as your guide describes its Hanseatic trading links. Going inside is not part of this tour.

3. 3

   Malmo Central Station

   Pass by

   You'll catch a glimpse of the station across the canal as your guide tells of its 1856 opening and its role in linking Sweden with Copenhagen. Entry is not required.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   You'll walk through this park, built on the surviving earth ramparts of Malmö's old fortifications. You'll pause at the canal-side viewpoint. Entry to the park is free.

5. 5

   Drottningtorget

   Pass by

   You'll pass the yellow 1819 building that was once a riding hall for the city's hussars and now holds restaurants and game courts. You'll also see the square that was laid out where the city's eastern gate once stood. Entry to the square is free.

6. 6

   Moderna Museet - Malmo

   Pass by

   You'll pass by the former 1901 power station, now a modern art museum, and see its orange-red extension. Entry to the museum is not included in this tour.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   You'll stop in front of this 1882 central-plan church and hear about its tower ringed by 12 smaller towers. Going inside is not part of this tour.

8. 8

   Disgusting Food Museum

   Pass by

   You'll pass the front of this unusual museum, which showcases around 80 food items from around the world. Entry to the museum requires a separate ticket and is not included in this tour.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   You'll walk beside the city's old cemetery, opened in 1822 on the site of the old fortifications. Your guide describes its original social divisions. Entry is not required.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    Pass by

    You'll pass this windmill, built in 1851 on a former bastion, with the old miller's house nearby. From here you may also spot the Turning Torso in the distance. Entry is not required.

11. 11

    Malmohus castle

    Pass by

    You'll end your walk beside one of Scandinavia's oldest Renaissance castles, hearing the story of its prisoner, the Earl of Bothwell. Entry to the museums inside the castle is not included in this tour.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.