When visiting Malmö it is worth also going out to explore the local area, and the city's strategic location means there is no shortage of exciting destinations within an hour from the city. Visit smaller and larger towns on both sides of the Öresund strait, chill out on one of the area's many sandy beaches, feel the pulse of history, check out a zoo or simply take a breath of fresh air and enjoy all that the charming Öresund region has to offer.

You'll find plenty of great things to do whether you're traveling as a family, a group of friends or a couple.

  • 1

    Lund

    Discover a vibrant university town with a long history

    Lund
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • History

    Lund is a versatile city that combines both the old and the new, relaxation and adventure, and a whole host of treats for the palate. Located just six miles from Malmö, you'll be able to enjoy leisurely strolls among the half-timbered houses of the old center before enjoying a bite to eat on the foodie street of Klostergatan. Take your pick of exclusive restaurants and cozy cafés, with plenty in town for all the family.

    The city boasts many interesting museums and experience centres where you can take part in an interactive experiment. With its fantastic botanical gardens, one of the first open-air museums in the world and one of the oldest national parks in Sweden, Lund is sure to deliver on fresh air and recreation.

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  • 2

    Lomma Beach

    Dip your toes at one of southern Sweden's best beaches

    Lomma Beach
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families

    Lomma Beach is a wide and shallow beach located at Lomma Bay, not far from the hustle and bustle of Malmö. Besides its inviting waters and relaxing vibe, there are also places to rent SUP boards or try your hand at wind and kite surfing. Or if you'd rather wind down a bit, join a Yoga class and recharge your chakras at sunset.

    And don't worry if the weather turns out to be a bit gray or drizzly as the area around Lomma Beach offers plenty to see and do. Visit some local fish stalls or restaurants and dander around the charming marina for a relaxed experience no matter the weather.

    Location: Lomma strand, 234 39 Lomma, Sweden

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  • 3

    Höllviken

    Combine history and fresh countryside air

    Höllviken
    • Couples
    • Families
    • History

    Höllviken is a splendid destination for nature-lovers and history buffs alike. The entire area, which teeters on Scania's most southerly tip, is an exciting cultural landscape full of ruins and remnants from the Stone Age and Viking times. Visit the archeological open-air museum Foteviken Museum where you can wander around a reconstructed Viking town and visit a burial ground from the Iron Age.

    Besides history, Höllviken also offers a wide range of natural beauty spots. You'll find not one but five different nature reserves in the area, all located between the Baltic Sea and the Öresund strait, so beautiful beaches and gorgeous sea views are never far away.

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  • 4

    Trelleborg

    Stroll among palm trees in Sweden's southernmost town

    Trelleborg
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • History

    Trelleborg is the oldest town in the southern region of Scania and home not only to the Viking ring fortress Trelleborgen (the town's namesake) but also to some beautiful medieval streets and charming historic buildings. Despite its location by the Baltic coast, the town is also known for its Mediterranean vibes and atmosphere, especially along the palm tree-flanked street of Strandgatan.

    Pick up some locally produced artifacts, wander through one of the green spaces or visit some of the interesting museums that the town has to offer. For a bird's eye perspective, take yourself up to the top of the old water tower, the town's most distinguishing landmarks.

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  • 5

    Smygehuk

    Wade out into the sea from Sweden's southern tip

    Smygehuk
    • Couples
    • Families
    • History

    Sweden's southernmost headland is a hive of activity in the summer months when visitors flock to its charming café and handicraft shop. If you happen to be visiting outside of the summer, you'll find that the sunset over the Baltic Sea is just as gorgeous outside of high season, plus you'll have the lovely coastline all to yourself.

    Smygehuk is also home to a 17-metre-tall lighthouse which dates back to 1893 and is currently open to the public, offering incredible views of the surrounding area. The old lighthouse keeper's residence has been reconverted into a youth hostel while the old foghorn building is now often used to host art exhibitions.

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  • 6

    Ystad

    Explore Sweden's most quintessential small town

    Ystad
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • History

    Short distances between sights, beautiful half-timbered houses and cozy, cobblestone streets make Ystad a great town to explore on foot. Besides the many opportunities to wander and stroll around this picturesque little town on Sweden's south coast, you'll also find plenty of charming cafés and silver screen sights.

    Ystad is often referred to as Sweden's Hollywood and is home to the oldest movie theater in the country, the Cineteket Movie Museum, where you can try your hand behind the camera. Be sure to also visit Ystad Studios which is known worldwide for its movies on Swedish police inspector Kurt Wallander. Or if that sounds too much like hard work, then set your sights on one of Ystad's many beautiful beaches or rent a bike and cycle through the gorgeous local countryside.

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  • 7

    Zoo of Scania (Skånes Djurpark)

    Have a blast with Nordic wildlife

    Zoo of Scania (Skånes Djurpark)
    • Adventure
    • Couples

    The Zoo of Scania (Skånes Djurpark), just outside Höör, is brimming with fun activities for all the family. Meet some Nordic animals in their natural environments, where they are free to roam in their pleasant enclosures. See wolves, lynx, bears and moose, or visit the Children's Farm (Barnens Bondgård) where you can pet animals such as goats and rabbits or try your hand at feeding the hens.

    Older kids can challenge their parents at the Nordic Predators Arena, an obstacle course with 8 challenges in the middle of the forest. Younger visitors can explore Shaun the Sheep Land where they will have the opportunity to travel in style in a Massey Fergusson tractor and even get their tractor license! When the time comes to take a break, there's a nice little kiosk serving food and drink.

    Location: Skånes Djurpark Resort AB, Jularp 150, 243 93 Höör, Sweden

    Phone: +46 413 553 060

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    photo by Bengt Fredriksson (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 8

    Helsingborg

    Stroll around small streets and stately castles

    Helsingborg
    • Couples
    • Families
    • History
    • Shoppers

    Helsingborg is a pleasant city in a beautiful location by the coast and with no shortage of historical and natural sights. Invigorate both body and mind with a visit to one of the city's open-air bath houses where you can relax in the steam room before heading out onto the jetty and plunging into the cold.

    Admire the gorgeous gardens around Sofiero Palace (Sofiero slott) or climb to the top of Kärnan Tower for some magnificent views. Then cap off the day with a nosey around the shops on Sweden's oldest pedestrian street.

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  • 9

    Landskrona

    Explore leafy neighbourhoods and verdant views

    Landskrona
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • History

    Landskrona is a beautiful old coastal city with a historic center known for its stone buildings, charming cafés and shopping, while the city's location by the coast means plenty of options to swim and connect with nature. For a cycling experience like no other, take the 30 minute ferry ride to the island of Ven and enjoy unbeatable views.

    Landskrona is the allotment capital of Sweden, so much so that it even has an allotment museum, the Rothoffska. Another nice idea is to visit some of the beautiful parks around Landskrona. Castle Park (Slottsparken) next to the Citadel boasts artworks formed by the park's 120-year-old elms while Karlslundsparken is home to a mini-zoo featuring goats, pigs, rabbits and birds.

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  • 10

    Copenhagen in Denmark

    Cross the bridge for a day trip to the Danish capital

    Copenhagen in Denmark
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food

    Copenhagen is brimming with things to see and do, though it is probably the food, the friendly atmosphere and the ubiquity of the sea that make most people fall head over heels. The city's enormous food scene offers everything from cozy cafés serving open sandwiches and fantastic street food through to world-famous Michelin restaurants. Follow up your meal with one of the city's many excellent beers and you'll soon be wishing you could stay for another few days.

    For a truly unique way to discover the city, hop on one of the boats that take you along the canals and under bridges to check out some of the city's many gems.

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