Malmö’s Top 5 Outdoor Gems: A Local’s Guide

Malmö, that totally awesome city in southern Sweden, has lots to offer, you know? And while many, in fact, tend to think of it in terms of its cool architecture and yummy food scene, it’s got some seriously great outdoor spots, too, just FYI. From, like, lush parks perfect for picnics to beaches where, as a matter of fact, you actually can build sandcastles, the city gives a lot of chances to get out and enjoy nature. This is, like, my personal guide to five of the very top outdoor things that you, I think, should definitely check out when you’re here.

1. Relaxing at Kungsparken

Kungsparken, like, it’s one of the oldest parks in Malmö and offers a calm escape from the city’s hustle, in my opinion. So, it’s literally right in the city center, too, it’s just really easy to reach. Apparently, back in the day, it was inspired by English garden design, so it has these, as a matter of fact, super scenic winding paths, grand trees, and also this canal that goes right through it, so cool, right? I always swing by here when I just feel like chilling a little with a book or simply watch people go by, and stuff.

You will very much find families having picnics, that is if you stroll around. Very possibly you may see friends laughing together and, actually, couples having a romantic walk. One thing you should definitely check out is the park’s beautiful fountain and its different sculptures that are just dotted all over the landscape. It’s almost as though you are constantly stumbling on little artistic gems as you are wandering around, so true! And, you know, in summer they often have concerts and open-air theater events there, I’ve heard.

Getting hungry is no problem! You can grab, at the end of the day, a coffee and a pastry from one of the close cafes, that is if you don’t have a picnic. You know, Kungsparken is totally my, you know, favorite spots because it totally blends natural beauty with, honestly, a touch of cultural charm, is that not awesome?

Read our full review: Kungsparken Full Review and Details

2. Ribersborg Beach (Ribban): Sun, Sand, and Sea

Ribersborg Beach, or “Ribban” like many locals call it, that, to be honest, stretches along the coast close to the city center, it offers really the chance to soak up some sun and have a dip in the Baltic, I guess. It tends to be very popular during the summer months when the locals go to it to, you know, escape the heat.

The water isn’t super deep and generally the waves aren’t intense. Therefore, families really like it because that allows children, I would say, to paddle a bit safer in the water, you see? And If swimming is really not, as a matter of fact, your thing, then you always could go and fly a kite or play some beach volleyball. The walking paths that run beside Ribban actually give pretty nice views of the Öresund Bridge and the Danish coastline, just FYI.

As I was saying, close to the beach sits Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, like, it’s a really a historic open-air bathhouse that’s, really, a must-see attraction. People can go there for a sauna, and, of course, you can also get a refreshing swim in the sea whatever the season, apparently. The wooden building kind of adds to the coastal charm, and the, you know, experience offers the chance to really relax and see some of the local culture.

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3. Cycling Through Western Harbor (Västra Hamnen)

Västra Hamnen, also known as Western Harbor, used to be a shipyard area, that, honestly, has really been transformed into this, very much, cool sustainable district with, I guess, a bunch of modern architecture and waterfront views, maybe even futuristic ones, just maybe. It’s kind of the best spot for a scenic bike ride, FYI. It seems there’s some very well-maintained cycling paths which take you around the area, right beside the water. You will very much be able to soak in the views of the Turning Torso, also that incredibly, honestly, twisty skyscraper and this, definitely, popular Malmö landmark.

While pedaling, arguably, you can, actually, stop at any of the little cafes or restaurants. Grab, you know, an ice cream or perhaps even a bite to eat while you look out over the sea. And as a matter of fact, you might find a nice quiet place to just chill. Or if you are actually a history kind of fan, you can spend a few moments learning about the neighborhood, where, like, old industrial buildings stand next to new and innovative housing options. You might find it really interesting to compare.

I’ve been told that Västra Hamnen displays Malmö’s dedication, actually, to innovation and green living while giving really some stunning outdoor spaces for everyone, which is rather cool.

Read our full review: Vastra Hamnen Full Review and Details

4. Discovering Nature at Pildammsparken

Pildammsparken, which, in a way, is Malmö’s biggest park, used to be this old water reservoir, if I remember correctly, but they then, like, turned it into this super diverse spot with gardens, ponds, and loads of green areas, believe it or not. Whether it’s, you know, for a, maybe, long walk, a jog, or really even simply chilling with a book, you may well see it as the spot for a little outdoor fun. I always like it for the very big lawns ideal for a relaxed picnic with the family.

Birdwatchers, they often tend to visit the park, too. You’re almost certainly to see heaps of diverse bird species close to the ponds. And also for those wanting something fun, why not rent a boat and go gently on the lake! Plus there’s some, apparently, cool playgrounds for, as a matter of fact, the kids, making it really perfect for the entire family!

Pildammsparken also has this open-air theater that they call Amfiteatern. Apparently they host music concerts and different performances during the summer months. Be sure you will, at the end of the day, have a look to see if anything is happening while you’re in town.

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5. A Walk in the Scania region’s Beach

Let’s face it, if, in a way, you want to check out the area nearby Malmö, that really stretches to, I would say, both the north and south and offers all kinds of stunning coastal hiking. As I was saying, don’t simply visit only Ribersborg, that is if you prefer to hike further afield. Like you could take, for instance, the coastal paths to discover places to enjoy panoramic views of the sea. The landscapes are gorgeous; therefore, these hikes are very nice and enjoyable and, in fact, the tracks tend to be well-marked. They vary a little, they do, of course, in difficulty, so perhaps choose depending on, in a way, your fitness.

Plus, there really are so many great spots for taking some cool pics, it’s almost guaranteed. One nice village not super far away from Malmö that many recommend is called Ystad, you might try that place, actually. Be sure that if you do hike close to Ystad that you visit Ales Stenar which tends to be a old stone monument with, if I remember correctly, views across the water.

Don’t go hiking unless you take a bottle of water, especially, of course, that is if it’s really hot weather. So there you have it – lots of hiking close to Malmö and its Scania region, definitely recommended.

Read our full review: Scania region beach Full Review and Details