Take the ferry to Malmö, a charming city that combines a rich history, beautiful nature, cultural diversity and an international character, as it hosts residents from more than 170 countries and a network of excellent transport links both domestically and internationally.
The city of Malmö originally belonged to Denmark and very recently, in 1658, it became Swedish, making it an important hub of Scandinavia. Clearly the Old Town is one of Malmö's most intriguing attractions, in fact, an island in the heart of the city divided into two districts - Gamla Väster in the west, filled with historic buildings and the eastern district, which was revitalised in the 1960s. Wonderful squares with unique architecture, historic buildings, picturesque bar and café restaurants, great food and lively nightlife. Some of the most impressive modern structures in Northern Europe is the Öresund Bridge, which stretches from Malmö to Copenhagen across the Öresund Strait.
It is worth noting that the city is surrounded by nature with many green places to visit, such as parks and castles with lovely gardens. In addition, Malmo has a reputation as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with around 515 kilometres of cycle paths which, combined with the city's skilful urban planning to make it easy to access everywhere.
Why travel to Malmö by ferry?
Taking a ferry to Malmö or a nearby port comes with many advantages:
- Relaxed travel: Avoid long security lines and baggage restrictions
- Bring your car: Explore Malmö and southern Sweden at your own pace
- Eco-friendly option: Ferries have a lower carbon footprint compared to flights
- Scenic journey: Enjoy the Baltic Sea views while traveling
- Cost-effective: Ferries often offer better deals than flights, especially when booking in advance
General information about Malmö
Malmö is a lively and diverse city with plenty to offer visitors.
- Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Language: Swedish (English is widely spoken)
- Weather: Mild summers and cool winters
- Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
Ferry connections to Malmö
The ferry connections to Malmö are mainly occuring from Germany and Poland.
The available routes from Malmö are the following:
- Swinoujscie (Poland) - Malmö: A popular route for travellers from Poland. The duration is about 9 hours with a conventional ferry and the routes occur 2-4 times per week with overnight crossings
- Travemünde (Germany) - Malmö: Services are approximately 3 times a day and up to 6 times a week. There are day and night ferries available, with a duration of about 9 hours
An important point to note, regarding the duration of ferry trips from Malmo, is that it can vary depending on the itinerary and season. In general, the travel time varies from 8 hours to 10 hours, but this depends mostly on the ferry operator, vessel and weather conditions. However, we would recommend travellers to check the specific timetable as times may change depending on the season.
Port of Malmö
The port of Malmö is located in southern Sweden and is an important port as it connects to neighbouring countries through efficient maritime transport options.The harbour is located 1 km or 10-15 minutes walk from the city centre and sailing under the famous Øresund Bridge is an awe-inspiring experience.
Getting around Malmö
Getting around Malmo is visitor-friendly, offering various options depending on your preferences, primarily through an integrated network of buses, trains and cycle paths, as it has been declared the 6th best city for cycling in the world.
- Buses: In Malmö, the visitor will find a comprehensive bus network. There are two types of buses: green buses for city travel and yellow buses for regional travel. The bus lines in the city centre are colour-coded for easy navigation
- Trains: The Öresundståg train service connects Malmo with other Swedish cities and Copenhagen via the Öresund Bridge. There are also local trains, known as Pågatågen, connecting Malmo to various parts of the Skåne region and facilitating travel between urban and rural areas. You can get from the main station in the suburb of Triangeln to the south of the city in just 2-3 minutes
- Cycling: Cycling is another popular mode of transport in Malmo, due to the flat terrain and extensive network of cycle paths. There are 490 km of cycle paths in the city and the bike rental system is Malmö by Bike
Interesting things to do in Malmö
There are many interesting things to do in Malmö as it offers a rich mosaic of activities and experiences to suit all tastes!
- Experience street art: Since 2014 Malmö has been transformed into an open-air gallery with numerous murals and sculptures created by local and international artists.
- Visit local attractions: Worth a visit to one of the iconic monuments such as the Turning Torso - Sweden's tallest building - and other architectural wonders that reflect Malmö's modern character
- Discover Folkets Park: Was established in 1891 and is one of Sweden's oldest public parks with many amenities such as green spaces, playgrounds, cafes and entertainment options such as concerts and festivals throughout the year
- Visit Möllevångstorget: Is a lively square with a lively atmosphere known for its street food market, where you can sample international cuisines from falafel to Korean barbecue
- Enjoy Swedish Fika: Malmo's Old Town has lovely cafés with cobbled streets and historic buildings. It is a wonderful experience for the visitor to experience tradition and Swedish culture. Lilla Torg is particularly popular for its outdoor terraces
- Take a boat tour: Through the picturesque canals of Malmo can be navigated with a boat tour. These tours provide information about the history, architecture and notable sights of the city
- Relax at Ribersborg Beach: This beach is ideal for sunbathing and leisurely walks along the sandy shore with stunning views of the Öresund Bridge. There you can also visit Ribersborg Kallbadhus, a saltwater bathhouse that stretches into the strait, offering a great spot for relaxation
- Participate in cultural workshops: During their stay in Malmö the visitor can participate in cultural workshops such as pottery making or cooking traditional Swedish dishes
Sightseeing in Malmö
There are excellent sight-seeing attractions in Malmo that bring visitors into contact with the history and stunning architecture of the city as well as its modern landscape with its impressive buildings.The museums in Malmo also cover everything from Scandinavian heritage to aquatic life.
Let's take a look at some of the top attractions in Malmö:
- Moderna Museet: This museum has one of the best collections of modern and contemporary art in Europe. It includes key works by Pablo Picasso, Lyubov Popova, Salvador Dalí, Meret Oppenheim, Robert Rauschenberg, Donald Judd and Irving Penn, as well as works by practicing contemporary artists. Moderna Museet's collection currently includes some 6,000 paintings and many sculptures
- Malmö Konsthall: One of the largest contemporary art galleries in Europe, housed in a cavernous exhibition space of 2,000 square meters. There are participations of local and international artists and new exhibitions three or four times a year. Also for those with musical convictions, there are many options from live music venues such as Plan B to Malmö Live Concert Hall and Malmö Opera House
- St Peter's Church (or Sankt Petri Kyrka): A gothic brick church, built in the 14th century as the main church in the town and has been described as "the main Gothic Monument of Ecclesiastical Architecture in Skåne"
- Malmö Castle: In 1434, a citadel was built in the town of Malmo, traces of which can still be seen in the walls. After 1658, the Swedes modernised the castle with a Dutch-inspired defence system and in 1675 it withstood a Danish siege. From 1828 to 1909 it served as a prison; from the 1930s the castle was renovated in Renaissance style and is now a museum. Today, it also houses the Malmö Museum of Natural History, the Malmö Art Museum and an aquarium
- The Turning Torso: this neo-futuristic residential skyscraper, with 54 floors, literally towers over the city and is located in the center of the city's trendy Västra Hamnen (Western Harbor) neighborhood. It is another feat of modern engineering and one of the tallest buildings in Scandinavia and is located in a former shipyard and is a tourist attraction, with much to enjoy, such as swimming spots, parks, restaurants and cafes
- The Malmö Rådhus: A historic town hall in Malmö and was built in 1544–1547. The two-story building was the largest town hall built in the 16th century and received its current appearance in the Dutch Renaissance style around 1860. Its vaulted cellars still resemble the Middle Ages, the ceiling of the upper floors is decorated with elaborate 19th-century stucco
- The Malmö Chocolate Factory: Dating back to 1888, Malmö Chokladfabrik produces renowned organic chocolates that have won many international chocolatier awards. Visitors will watch heavenly cocoa concoctions being made, while wandering through the mini museum to taste a chocolate-flavored coffee. Tours last about an hour and include an audiovisual presentation
FAQs about ferry travel to Malmö
How long does it take to get to Malmö by ferry?
- Travemünde to Malmö: 9 hours
- Świnoujście to Malmö: 9 hours
Can I take my car on the ferry to Malmö?
Yes, most ferry operators allow vehicles, making it easy to explore Sweden by car.
When is the best time to visit Malmö?
Summer (June to August) is ideal for outdoor activities, while spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
