Copenhagen Day Trip to Malmo Old Town & Castle by Train/Car

Copenhagen Day Trip to Malmo Old Town & Castle by Train/Car: A Practical Look

If you’re looking to stretch your legs outside Copenhagen and explore a little Swedish flair, this day trip to Malmo might just be your ticket. It’s a well-organized way to peek into Sweden’s third-largest city without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The tour offers two modes of transport—either a quick train ride across the iconic Oresund Bridge or a private car—so you can pick what suits your style and schedule best.

What we appreciate most about this experience is its flexibility and the focus on local guides who bring Malmo’s history and culture to life. Plus, the chance to visit key spots like Malmo Castle and St. Peter’s Church makes this more than just a quick visit. The only real caveat? It’s a relatively short tour, so if you’re craving a deep dive, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour is ideal if you want a guided, curated experience that covers the highlights without the fuss of organizing your own transport and entries. It’s also suited for travelers who prefer a small, private group and appreciate insightful commentary. If you’re a history buff or simply curious about Swedish-Danish culture, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Flexible transport options: Either a swift train or private car, tailored to your preference.
• Focus on highlights: Malmo Castle, St. Peter’s Church, Old Town, and the Oresund Bridge.
• Knowledgeable guides: Local guides are fluent and passionate about sharing Malmo’s stories.
• Included entries: Tickets to Malmo Castle museums and free entry to St. Peter’s Church.
• Time-efficient: The tour lasts around 5-6 hours, perfect for a day trip from Copenhagen.
• Convenience: Pickup from your Copenhagen accommodation and seamless transfers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Malmo: What the Tour Offers

Getting to Malmo from Copenhagen has never been easier. With this tour, you can choose to take the 5-hour train option or opt for the 6-hour private car journey—each offering different perks, but both designed for maximum convenience.

The Train Journey: Quick and Scenic

If speed is what you’re after, the train option is hard to beat. You’ll hop on a direct train from Copenhagen Central Station and be in Malmo in just about 40 minutes—thanks to the famous Oresund Bridge. This bridge is a marvel in itself, and you’ll get a great photo opportunity from the car or train window.

The tour includes round-trip tickets, so you won’t have to worry about extra logistics. The guide will meet you at Malmo Central Station, ready to kick off your sightseeing. The four stops you’ll hit first are the Old Town, Malmo Castle, St. Peter’s Church, and the lively Stortorget square. The guide’s insights really make a difference—revealing stories behind historic buildings and the city’s architectural evolution.

The Car Ride: Comfort and Flexibility

Choosing the private car option means you’ll be picked up from your Copenhagen accommodation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This option gives you the luxury of a more relaxed pace and some spontaneous stops, like a quick photo on the Oresund Bridge. The drive is slightly longer than the train but offers more flexibility, plus the chance to explore a bit beyond the standard itinerary.

After your guided tour, you also get about an hour of free time—perfect for wandering a favorite shop in Lila Torg, grabbing a coffee, or just soaking in the street scene at your own pace. The driver will drop you back at your hotel, so no fuss with public transport.

What You’ll See and Do in Malmo

The highlights are well-chosen for a half-day adventure. You’ll get a taste of Malmo’s history, culture, and architecture, all with a qualified local guide who knows the city inside and out.

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Inside Malmo Castle

Built by King Christian III of Denmark, Malmo Castle is the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordics. It’s a major draw for history buffs, and the tour includes access to the castle museums, where you’ll see the Knights Hall, Paraphernalia, and collections that trace the city’s Danish and Swedish past.

While the castle is normally a full-blown visit, be aware that on certain days—like Mondays and major holidays—it might be closed. When that happens, you’ll explore Kungsparken instead, which is still a lovely alternative.

The Old Town and Stortorget

Walking through Malmo’s Old Town, you’ll see classic sights like the Town Hall, Kockska huset, and the bustling Lila Torg market square. The guide makes these places come alive with stories, giving context to their significance. The Old Town’s narrow streets and colorful buildings are a pleasure to stroll, even in a quick visit.

The Church of St. Peter

The church is a highlight, especially because you get inside access with your ticket. The stone carvings, ornate fixtures, and partially-restored medieval ceiling murals make it a peaceful yet impressive stop. Travel reviews mention that the guide’s commentary on the church’s art and architecture enriches the experience.

The Oresund Bridge

Whether you’re on the train or in the car, the Oresund Bridge is an unmissable sight. For those in the car, stopping for a photo is easy and feels special. It’s Europe’s longest combined road and rail bridge, connecting Denmark and Sweden—an engineering marvel that you’ll probably find yourself mentioning long after the tour ends.

The Cost and Value

At around $700 per person, this tour isn’t exactly a bargain, but it does bundle a lot into a manageable day. For that price, you get private transport, guided sightseeing, museum entries, and train tickets (if you choose the train option).

This setup works well for travelers who prefer not to worry about logistics and want a guided experience without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transportation. It’s also a good way to ensure you see the key sights without missing out.

If you’re on a tighter budget or a longer stay, you could probably DIY it for less, but you’d lose the convenience and expert commentary. Plus, the included tickets to Malmo Castle add value, as entry costs can add up if you visit independently.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is perfect for history and culture lovers who want a curated, hassle-free day. If you appreciate having a guide to bring stories to life, this is a solid choice. It’s also good for those who prefer private groups for a more personalized feel.

Travelers who like the idea of a flexible schedule—either in train or car—will find the options appealing. The included transport and tickets make it straightforward, especially for first-time visitors to Malmo.

However, if you’re someone craving an in-depth, full-day immersion or want to explore beyond the main sights, this tour might feel a bit limited. It’s a snapshot, not a deep dive, but for most, it offers enough to get a good sense of the city in a manageable timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as family-focused, the tour mainly involves walking and sightseeing, making it adaptable for children. Consider the pace and interests of your kids when choosing the 5-hour vs. 6-hour option.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour seems quite structured, focusing on specific highlights. However, the private nature means you might be able to make small requests, especially in the car option.

What’s included in the price?
You get private transport (train tickets or car transfers), a local guide, entrance tickets to Malmo Castle museums, and free entry to St. Peter’s Church.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included but can be arranged upon request. There are plenty of cafes and eateries in Malmo’s Old Town.

What if Malmo Castle is closed?
On certain days, like Mondays and specific holidays, the castle is closed. Instead, you’ll visit Kungsparken, which is still a pleasant outdoor space.

How long does the train journey take?
About 40 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station across the Oresund Bridge.

How long is the walking tour?
The entire tour lasts around 5-6 hours, with walking included at each stop.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak Danish, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

What’s the best way to get to Copenhagen?
The tour starts with pickup from your accommodation if you choose the car option, or a convenient train from Copenhagen Central Station.

Can I cancel or modify my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now with flexible payment options.

This Copenhagen-to-Malmo trip offers a straightforward, guided way to see a charming Swedish city, with enough flexibility to make it comfortable. It’s a solid choice if you want to skip the planning and focus on enjoying the sights and stories. Whether you’re after a quick cultural escape or a convenient day out, it seems to hit the sweet spot—especially if guided tours and ease are high on your list.

You can check availability for your dates here: