Crossing Oresund: A Copenhagen To Malmo Day Trip

There’s always something special about taking a day trip to a different country. When you’re in Copenhagen, with one of the easiest international day trips on your doorstep, it would seem a shame not to. Especially when the destination is Malmo.

Just twelve miles away across the Oresund strait, Sweden’s third-largest city was once part of Denmark. The Danes didn’t give Malmo up without a fight. After a bloody defeat during the Second Northern War in 1658, Denmark was forced to concede a third of its land to Sweden; Malmo was one of its most significant losses.

In the years which followed, the Oresund became one of the most hotly contested waterways in Europe. For two centuries, Denmark laid claim to it, levying taxes upon anyone- or thing- that crossed it. Known as the Sound Dues, they were abolished in 1857 allowing free passage across the strait.

Today, crossing the strait is part of everyday life for many. When it was completed in 2000, the part-tunnel, part-bridge Oresund Link turned a once arduous ferry crossing into a journey simpler than many of our daily commutes. Better still, it made a Copenhagen to Malmo day trip an essential part of any Danish adventure.

The Best Way to take a Copenhagen to Malmo Day Trip

By Road

If you’ve hired a car, it’s easy to drive from Copenhagen to Malmo. Once you’re out of the city center, it’s a straight forward route along the E20 highway across the Oresund Link. The drive time is around 45 minutes in normal traffic.

A more relaxing alternative is to take the bus. Comfortable intercity coaches leave from central Copenhagen every hour, taking around 75 minutes to make the crossing to Malmo. It’s best to book in advance to guarantee a seat and take advantage of the best fares.

Travel Tip: Whilst taking slightly longer than driving or catching a train, the bus offers the best chance to enjoy the views from the Oresund Bridge.

By Rail

The quickest way to take a Copenhagen to Malmo day trip is by rail. Trains depart Copenhagen Central Station every 15 minutes throughout the day. The 40 minute journey offers views of the Sluselobet Canal and Copenhagen Airport before crossing the Oresund the Sweden.

Tickets are inexpensive and with such frequent services, there’s no need to book in advance. It’s worth checking the latest train times before you go, especially if you’re planning on returning late in the evening.

Join a Tour

If you’re looking for the most hassle free option for taking a Copenhagen to Malmo day trip, there are several group tours on offer. This half-day tour includes a visit to nearby Lund with its imposing 12th century cathedral.

If you’d rather spend your full day in Malmo, this tour by train is a great choice. For a little more comfort, consider booking a private transfer or tour.

The Top Sights on a Copenhagen to Malmo Day Trip

Malmo is Sweden’s city of contrasts. The ultra-modern waterfront, home to the Turning Torso and the even more recent Malmo Eye developments, stands hand-in-hand with an Old Town which dates back over 700-years.

Start your Copenhagen to Malmo day trip by getting a feel for the old and the new. Join a one-hour walking tour of Malmo’s most famous sights.

The highlight is St Peter’s Church, the oldest building in the city. It was consecrated in 1319, although the Gothic tower you see today was built in 1890. The original fell down not once, but twice in the 15th century.

Once you’re done with the tour, spend a while admiring the ruins of Malmo Castle. Built in 1526 to help enforce the Sound Dues, it now houses Malmo Museum.

To get a different perspective on the city, take to the canals aboard an open-top Rundan boat. Your hour-long sightseeing cruise comes with unrivalled views of the Old Town.

Continue your Copenhagen to Malmo day trip with a stroll around Kungsparken, the city’s oldest park built in 1867. Just to the east of the park, you’ll find Malmo’s most curious museum. If you only visit one museum today, make sure it’s the The Disgusting Food Museum.

Expect “delicacies” like harakl, a fermented Icelandic shark dish, and roasted Guinea Pig meat. Best, or possibly worst, of all is Casu Martzu, a rotten maggot-infested cheese from Sardinia. All in all, they have over 80 of the world’s most vile dishes on display.

At first glance, the museum may appear to be designed to disgust you. In reality, it sets out to do something far more important. It’s mission is opening our eyes to eating more sustainably.

Malmo’s Best Restaurants

Assuming the Disgusting Food Museum hasn’t left your stomach doing cartwheels, it’s well worth grabbing dinner before wrapping up your Copenhagen to Malmo day trip. With cheese well and truly off the menu for now, there’s one staple you can’t leave Sweden without trying: meatballs.

Bullen is my go-to whenever I’m in Malmo. They have all the cornerstones of Swedish cuisine. Start off with North Sea herring before tucking into a plate of meatballs, served just as they should be.

For a slightly more casual affair, Moosehead in the Old Town is another great choice for local cuisine. Aside from meatballs, their hearty Elk stew is a firm favorite. In summer, Mello Yello is one of the most popular spots in Malmo. Their outdoor terrace is the perfect place to soak in views of the Old Town whilst tucking into fresh fish.

If you’re looking for a break from Scandinavian fayre, Vegegarden is Malmo’s top vegan destination. Stop by at the weekend to try their all-day buffet. Alternatively, head to Italian spot Benne where they’re all about fresh pasta.

If a Day Trip isn’t Long Enough

Malmo is more than just a great day trip destination from Copenhagen. Once you’ve explored the museums, head out of town to relax on the beaches or try your hand at windsurfing. Add in a visit to Lund or Helsingborg and Malmo has the makings of the ultimate Swedish city break.

This Copenhagen to Malmo day trip doesn’t have to be a day trip, or a trip on its own, at all. If you’re tackling a longer Scandinavian itinerary, Malmo slots in perfectly as an overnight stop as you travel between the Danish and Swedish capitals. Stockholm is just half-a-day’s travel away by train, bus or car.

Where to Stay in Malmo

Malmo is relatively compact, so wherever you stay you won’t be far from the top sights, restaurants and nightlife. For the best experience, we recommend choosing a hotel in the Old Town or by the harbor.

In the Old Town, The Bishops Arms is one of my all time favorites. Part of a small Swedish chain, best known for their over-the-top (in a good way) English-style pubs, the rooms are modern, yet with the warm, homely décor that many Scandinavian properties lack.

If you’re all about Scandi-simplicity though, Moment Hotels will tick the box. It’s right by Central Station and many rooms come with canal views at prices which won’t break the bank. For a spot of luxury, Home Hotel Temperance is right in the heart of the Old Town, and all rooms come with dinner and breakfast.

To experience the modern side of Malmo, pick a hotel near the harbor development. Ohboy Hotell sits in the shadow of the Turning Torso. Every room has a private entrance from their lush gardens. If you prefer a little more space when you travel, The More Hotel Vastra Hamnen is the perfect choice. This modern aparthotel is steps from the harbor.

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