Malmö – Another Part of Sweden

Multicultural Malmö, Absolut Vodka Factory, Vineyards, and White beaches

Being the port town to the European Continent and with Copenhagen only 20 minutes away by train, some say Malmö is not Sweden, not really... but it is. A different Sweden, multicultural and creative- which is why many artists chose to live here. Like the progressive filmmaker, Lukas Moodysson, and the singer, Nina Persson ,from the Cardigans, who described Malmö as if it were a person, '...it would be somebody who has been around for a while and survived a lot of hardships... somebody you don´t mess with, somebody really intelligent, stubborn, with a lot of beauty on the inside.”

Malmö is a working class town, which since the completion of the Oresund bridge to Copenhagen in 2000 is in constant transformation. Denmark´s blossoming economy has made many habitants in Malmö to commute to Copenhagen for work, and many Danes have chosen to live on the Swedish side because of the beneficial real estate market, making in some sense, parts of Malmö seem like suburbs to the greater Copenhagen. Malmö used to belong to Denmark for many hundreds of years in the middleages, so perhaps it´s only a natural development. The bridge between Sweden and Denmark was finally realized this millenium and had been a discussion between the countries for over 150 years. So it was about time!

Things to do in Malmö: Malmö is a place where you chill and do nothing. That´s the beauty of it! So why not start with visiting the nice neighborhood, Lugnet, which means 'Tranquility' in Swedish. Here you´ll find some nice vintage stores, clothing boutiques, and quiet cafés.

Mollevången is the most colorful district in Malmö. Mollevången square was the heart of the labour movement since Malmö was an important industrial city starting from the late 19th century. Now there are many immigrants living here which gives this area a special vibe. Go to the market, and enjoy restaurants with roots from all over the world.

Walk to the beach. Yes, the city beach Ribersborg is within walking distance from the city center. Also for winter swimmers, there is a wood fired sauna here all year round. Malmö is the capital of Sweden´s Chateau country Skåne, where not only castles can be found but also some vineyards. Renting a car and driving to small fishing villages like Torekov and Båstad that attract the chic and rich people from Stockholm every summer, or the region, Osterlen, whose agrarian landscape is often compared to Tuscany, is highly recommended. In Osterlen you can also find some of Sweden´s best beaches.

Last but not least why not drive north from Osterlen to the cute fishing village, Åhus, where most of its habitants work in the Absolut Vodka Factory. Yes, this is the place where the famous liquor is being manufactured and sold worldwide. Visit the Vodka factory and the Tobacco museum, since Åhus is famous for 3 things: eel, vodka and tobacco. Can you ask for more?!

Book your accomodation in Malmö with Hostelsclub.com.

Book the Green and Tranquil hostel, STF vandrarhem Eriksfält, or the Classic Backpacker hostel, Rut & Ragnars hostel.