Malmöhus Castle (Malmöhus slott) in the southern Swedish city of Malmö is the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic countries. It grew out of a fortress begun by King Eric of Pomerania in 1434 and was completed in its Renaissance form under the Danish king Christian III in the 1530s–1540s, with a moat and four brick corner towers; from 1828 to 1909 it even served as a prison. Since 1937 it has housed Malmö Museum together with the Malmö Art Museum, and in 2026 it is still open as a museum complex combining the castle, an aquarium, the art museum and the nearby technology and maritime hall. Set beside the leafy Slottsparken in the city centre, it makes an easy half-day visit combined with a stroll.
The castle itself — the Nordics' oldest surviving Renaissance castle, with its old facades seen from the inner courtyard, brick corner towers and remnants of the moat
The permanent 'Royal Apartments' (Slottets kungsvåning) recreating the king's quarters, and the 'Myntergården' exhibition tied to the castle's early role as a mint
Its history as a prison castle, where James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell — third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots — was held from 1567 to 1573
The Malmö Art Museum inside the castle (Nordic painting collection) alongside the natural-history and aquarium displays
The real submarine and other exhibits at the neighbouring Museum of Technology and Maritime History included in the combined ticket, plus the surrounding Slottsparken and the old windmill (Slottsmöllan)
Good to know
SeasonOpening days change by season. In the summer high season (roughly 1 June–6 September) it opens daily, but for the rest of the year it is usually closed on Mondays — check the day you plan to visit in advance.
SeasonIt closes on certain days such as Midsummer (around 19–20 June 2026), Sweden's biggest holiday, so make sure it does not clash with your itinerary.
RulesThe combined ticket covers the castle (exhibitions, aquarium and art museum) and the Technology and Maritime hall for one full day. Prices run around 100 kr for adults and 50 kr for students/seniors (bring a valid student ID), with under-19s free — but always confirm current prices and hours on the official site.
SafetyAs an old castle, movement inside is largely by stairs, so wheelchair and stroller access is limited and steps can be slippery; wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
CautionWatch for pickpockets around Malmö Central Station, on trains and trams and in crowded tourist spots — carry your bag in front, and buy tickets only from the official website or the on-site counter.
MannersSweden is an almost cashless, card- and mobile-payment society, so carry a credit card; inside the exhibition rooms, keep quiet and respect photography and flash rules.
Practical info
It is about a 10–15 minute walk west from Malmö Central Station (Malmö C) through Kungsparken and Slottsparken (address 205 80 Malmö). It typically opens daily in summer and Tuesday–Sunday off-season (with a late Thursday), closed Mondays; always check current prices, hours and closure dates on the official site before you go.
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