Malmo and Skane, Sweden: Sleuthing beyond the bridge
Fans of Scandi-drama will know the city of Malmö from the acclaimed TV detective-series, The Bridge. Sweden’s third’s-largest city may not be exactly as it is portrayed on screen, but it certainly makes for an excellent location for wannabe sleuths, to uncover the stories and solve the mysteries of this quaint, yet vibrant, cosmopolitan city.
You can start the trail in Copenhagen – odd it seems, but the Danish capital is just across the majestic Oresund Bridge. From Copenhagen airport, Malmö is a very short train ride away and you’ll be on Swedish soil before you know it – ready for your first clue. The friendly locals will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction, most speaking fluent English so you can get all the facts straight. But there’s more to Malmö’s inhabitants that meet the eye, a city of only 300 000 people, but the diversity is perhaps greater than any other Swedish city. 175 different nationalities live here, and also the largest concentration of students – Malmö has the youngest average population in Sweden and with that comes a truly bohemian vibe. Hopefully, this doesn’t throw you off the trail.
Your fact-finding will mean trolling through the centre of Malmö, with its cobbled streets and Hansa era buildings – you may notice there’s alot that’s different about the city to what you first thought, as it is a far cry from the gritty atmosphere depicted in Nordic noir thrillers. Also, most of the greatest sights in Malmö – its renaissance castle Malmöhus slott, the city centre, the old electricity plant beautifully converted into the Modern Art museum, the outdoor meeting place that is the People’s park – are easily within walking distance. But venture just a little further and you’ll find even more great clues.
We suggest you rent a bike to make the most of your sleuthing, make sure you check out the Western Harbor, a completely eco-friendly neighbourhood by the sea. This is where you’ll find the symbol of Malmö, Santiago Calatrava’s twisted skyscraper the Turning Torso, and also the city beach Ribersborg which the locals lovingly refer to as their ‘riviera’. It’s hard to gather facts here as you’ll be distracted by free beach festivals, concerts and tango events – not to mention its colourful sunsets and late evenings. The bath-house there is traditionally Swedish, with an amazing view back out to the bridge for a different perspective – but you’ll have to get naked here to make sure you blend in and stay undercover, or not.
Your investigation may also take you out to the picturesque Skåne region, home to some of Scandinavia’s best beaches, stately homes and vineyards. Skåne is known as Sweden’s larder, its southernmost region, a landscape of jaw-droopingly beautiful, billowing fields rolling into long, sandy beaches. It has a rich cultural heritage and is home to some of the best preserved historical castles in Scandinavia, perfect hideouts for your prime suspect.
But whilst you’re out there, don’t forget to play foodie-detective as Skåne is also where you’ll find some of the strongest culinary traditions in Sweden. Just ask the locals about spettekaka or gåsamiddag! Sample the local delicacies in one of the many idyllic farm shops or head back to Malmö itself for a smorgasbord of fine dining, where you get the highlights of the region’s best cooking. The Michelin guide had only just turned its attention to Scandinavia this February, and Malmö was one of only two cities added to the prestigious list, with three star studded restaurants. These foodie-super-sleuths really know what they’re talking about when it comes to gastronomy and to have 3 suspects highlighted is a job well done – new Nordic delicacies at Vollmers, molecular cooking at Bloom in the Park or French-Swedish country charm at Ambiance à Vindåkra on the outskirts of the city.
It’s easy to combine a visit to Malmö with the country charms of Skåne in a long weekend of exploring and sleuthing. The mysteries of Southern Sweden awaits you. For more clues, visit malmotown.com and visitskane.com.
Norwegian, SAS, British Airways and a selection of low-cost carriers fly direct from UK airports into Copenhagen to set you on your way.
There are a selection of great hotels in the city, but our favourite is Master Johan, your perfectly located detective HQ.
