The indoor highlight in Malmö is the wonderful museum complex housed in Malmöhus Castle. This is the oldest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, and was actually built by the Danes starting in the mid-fifteenth century. The southern Swedish region known as Skåne was Danish territory until 1658, and castles like this defended the northern border and solidified Danish control over Malmö.
After the Danes left, the Swedish army modernized the castle, but over time it lost military significance, falling into disrepair and being used primarily as a prison. In the 1930’s the castle was restored to its Renaissance glory and began to be used as a museum.
Today, several excellent museums fill its halls, including ones for art, natural history, and an aquarium. On a rainy day you may choose to spend more time in here, but even on a sunny day we recommend a few hours to explore its offerings.