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Things to do in Malmö in summer: Slottsträdgården and castle

Summer in Malmö: Slottsträdgården garden, Malmöhus Castle and a day of contrasting scales.

Summer in Malmö can be as simple as a garden, a castle and some time by the sea. Start with the small planted spaces of Slottsträdgården, step inside Malmöhus for a change of scene, then choose a park walk or a beach afternoon. These four stops give you a mix of history and outdoor time without making the whole day depend on swimming weather.

1. Slottsträdgården

Slottsträdgården is an ecological garden made up of several smaller gardens, with a windmill in the background. It's a good place to slow down and notice how differently each area is planted, rather than just walking through on your way to the castle. The garden's approach is practical too: it aims to reuse the resources already on site.

Good to know

  • The garden welcomes visitors year-round, whenever you want to come.
  • Use the city’s audio guides for a self-guided introduction to the gardens, plants and history.
  • Look beside the windmill for the insect hotel, a useful extra stop if you’re visiting with children.

2. Malmöhus Castle and Malmö museum

The castle gives your garden day a very different scale. Malmöhus is the oldest surviving Renaissance castle in the Nordic region, and its preserved rooms form part of Malmö museum. Go inside for the building and exhibitions, or make this your indoor stop if the weather turns.

Good to know

  • Adults pay admission; children and young people aged 0–19 enter free. Check current prices and holiday hours on the museum’s website.
  • The combination ticket covers the castle site, including the aquarium, and Teknikens och sjöfartens hus for one day.
  • Check the current lift-work notice before visiting: some exhibitions are closed or have restricted access for visitors who cannot use stairs.

3. Kungsparken

Malmö's oldest park occupies land once used for the castle's fortifications. Today, its avenues, unusual trees and central fountain make an easy-going continuation of the castle visit. Look for the grotto near the fountain, a small reminder of the romantic style in which the park was designed.

Good to know

  • Use the fountain and nearby grotto as landmarks for a short walk rather than trying to cover the whole park.
  • For a longer outing, add neighbouring Slottsparken; the canal separates the two parks.

4. Ribersborgsstranden

Ribersborg, usually called Ribban, is where you can swap museum rooms for a long stretch of beach. Come for a swim, a walk or simply some time watching the water. There are playgrounds and sports areas too, so you don't need to spend the whole visit on a towel.

Good to know

  • The beach is within walking distance of the city centre.
  • Check the city’s beach page for water temperature and the linked bathing-water results before swimming.
  • Public toilets are available, and Öresunds Funkis provides an adapted bathing facility.
  • Beach hosts’ hours vary through the bathing season; don’t assume they will be present whenever you visit.

Quick tips

  • Start at Slottsträdgården, visit the castle, then decide between more park time and the beach.
  • Check museum access before setting off, especially if stairs are a problem for anyone in your group.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Malmö on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

A weekend in Malmö Slottsträdgården Malmö museum: hours, admission and access notices Kungsparken Ribersborgsstranden