Malmö Castle (Malmöhus)

Overview

Malmöhus Castle is a Renaissance fortress originally built in 1434 and rebuilt in its current form in the 1530s by King Christian III of Denmark. Today it houses several museums covering art, natural history, and Malmö's city history.

Highlights

• Art collections: Nordic paintings, a furniture gallery, and a notable collection of early-20th-century art.
• Aquarium: Small tropical aquarium within the Natural History section, popular with families.
• Castle grounds: The moat, drawbridge, and fortified walls remain intact and are freely accessible.

History

Built when Malmö was part of Denmark, the castle served as a royal residence, prison, and military barracks. Notable prisoners include the Earl of Bothwell, third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was held here from 1568 to 1573. The castle became a museum in 1937.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: A single ticket covers all museum exhibitions inside the castle complex.
• Tip 2: The surrounding Slottsparken is ideal for a picnic after your visit.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours for the main museums.