Visit Malmo’s oldest public square to explore the city’s historical center and enjoy the free cultural events of the Malmo Festival.
Stortorget is the oldest square in the city and marks the center of the Old Town. Visit some of Malmo’s most important buildings, enjoy cultural events and dine on the outdoor terraces of cafés and restaurants. The square was built in 1536 by former mayor Jorgen Kock. At the time of inauguration, it was one of the largest city squares in Northern Europe.
Historic buildings and half-timbered houses are spread around the square and present good opportunities for taking photos. Look for the Dutch Renaissance facade of the Town Hall, which has busts of notable people from Malmo’s history. These include Jorgen Kock and Mathias Flensburg, one of the founders of Malmo Sparbank. Nearby is the Apotetek Lejonet, a late 19th-century building and the home of the city’s oldest pharmacy. An equestrian monument in the square’s center honors King Karl X Gustav. Legend states that the king was responsible for liberating Sweden’s southernmost Skane region from Denmark.
Sit and admire the square’s architecture from one of its surrounding cafés and restaurants. Many have outdoor seating areas, which fill up on long summer nights. Check the menus to find your favorites: veal burgers, seafood, stuffed cabbage, and international cuisine.
Come to Stortorget in August to take advantage of the free events that are part of the Malmo Festival. These include art displays, trapeze classes and sport exhibitions. Find a full schedule of events on the official Malmo Festival website. During the winter, a public ice skating rink opens in the square. Pay a fee to rent skates and glide across the ice surrounded by fairy lights and holiday decorations.
Walk south from the square along Sodergatan Street. This pedestrianized street runs to Gustav Adolfs Torg and houses numerous shops, bars and cafés.
Situated in Malmo’s city center, Stortorget is a short five-minute walk from Malmo Central Station. Pay-and-display parking is available on the square but walking is a cheaper and more convenient option.
