BKASC: Malmö

Today's Better Know a Scandinavian City: Malmö

Malmö was originally settled as a Danish city in 1275, and was for many centuries Denmark's second largest city (after Kobenhavn). It remained a Danish city until the 17th century, when Sweden royally raped and pillaged what was left of Denmark, and took 1/2 of Denmark's territory. Because of this intense war history, Malmö served as a key military port throughout the Scandinavian wars.

King Karl X Gustav of Sweden, who took the city from Danish dominion

Wars aside, Malmö is now Sweden's third most populous city, and is located on the southernmost region of Sweden. Its close ties with Denmark have remained, and in 1999, a bridge was built connecting Copenhagen to Malmö. Many residents of Malmö choose to live in Malmö and commute 20 minutes by train to work in Copenhagen (given the opportunity, who wouldn't want to live in Sweden?)

The bridge-tunnel Oresund, the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe.

Upon first arrival, it is not easy to distinguish Sweden from Denmark, but the subtle differences are what make Sweden the best country on Earth (citation needed).

Jon, seconds after entering Sweden: "I wonder how long it will be until we see our first IKEA?"
Ben: "There's one!" (pointing to an IKEA)

After soaking up a lifetime of Swedish identity, I walked into a local church, and high school choir of Swedish girls were singing a hymn of Heaven on earth (I can only assume). Not a bad way to spend my first moments in the homeland.

Blonde haired women grow on trees and Swedish meatballs rain from the sky in this land of milk and sweet lingonberry honey.

Malmö is home to Scandinavia's tallest building, the Turning Torso. Don't be too surprised if I come home with a 6,000 kroner mortgage for a flat in this beauty.

The design gives the building the appearance of a vine twisting its way up a pole toward the sun.

Great Scandinavian city, or greatest Scandinavian city? ...it's too early for me to judge.

One need not sightsee or worry about visiting all the important landmarks while in Malmö, just sit back and take in the beauty.