Jaunted

So now that you're in Malmö:

The Turning Torso is the city’s highest spot and visible from almost every place in town, including the train as you pull into the station. It’s definitely worth checking out, but since it’s a private apartment building do be warned that you won’t be able to go inside unless you happen to know a tenant. The surrounding neighborhood is residential, but luckily there’s a solid new café right next door that’s absolutely worth a visit.

The Green Café just opened in January, but they’re doing a good job catering to the mix of tourists and local workers (Malmö’s World Trade Center office area is just up the street). Each day they feature three lunch options, at least one of which is vegetarian, and all the ingredients are locally sourced and organic. I had the best potato salad of my life there. And I don’t even like potato salad. True story. And even if you miss the lunch rush, don’t worry—an onsite chef prepares each dish individually, meaning you’re never stuck with yesterday’s leftovers or this morning’s now-cold nosh.

Now that you’re warmed up and renewed, you’ll want to head back toward the city center. There’s a semi-regular local bus that picks up across the street, but it’s a pleasant walk as well. Walk south on Villa Varvsgatan until you hit Mariedalsvagen, then follow the traffic circle to Malmohusvagen. The street’s namesake, Malmöhus, is a castle and fort combo that's now become a museum. For 60 SEK you can get a ticket and an audioguide, but keep in mind that the audioguide only works for the castle section, which is where most of the action is. Here you'll be able to brush up on your Nordic history and all the rivalries, mysterious deaths, and other fun stuff that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Game of Thrones episode.

Once you’re finished up at Malmohus, take a wander through the park behind it, which is called Slottstragarden. In addition to the green space, there’s a windmill, some sculptures, a fountain, gardens growing everything from flowers to herbs to vegetables, and a very sweet outdoor café.

The main road is also named Slottstragarden, and from here head east on almost any of the side streets and you’ll soon find yourself at Lilla Torg, a charming historic square. There are several restaurants and cafes here, as well as the Form and Design Center, which focuses on Swedish and Scandinavian artists and designers. If you’re in the market for handmade crafts and housewares, this is totally your spot. Just a block over is the larger and more modern Stortorget Square, which features some public art, a fountain, and sunny places to sit and rest. Or, you know, drink a beer in public. Cheers.

Malmöhus

Tomorrow: Christianshavn!!!!

[Photos: Ben Christian Photos & arkland_swe]