The Turning Torso is a roughly 190 m, 54-storey neo-futurist residential skyscraper designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2005. Its signature form is nine five-storey cubes that rotate a full 90 degrees from base to top, and until 2022 (when Gothenburg's Karlatornet overtook it) it was the tallest building in the Nordics. It anchors Malmö's Western Harbour (Västra Hamnen), a regenerated waterfront district, and remains one of Skåne's most photographed landmarks. Note that it is primarily a residential building with no permanent public observation deck, so most visitors admire it from the seaside promenade below — a rewarding summer 2026 subject thanks to long Nordic daylight and golden-hour light.
The 90-degree twist itself — the silhouette changes completely depending on your viewing angle
The green, contemporary architecture of the Western Harbour, built on the former Kockums shipyard
Open sea views toward the Øresund Bridge and Copenhagen across the strait
Ribersborg beach (locally 'Malmö's Copacabana') and the waterfront promenade and marina right beside it
The illuminated tower at dusk and its reflection in the water — a favourite photo spot
Good to know
SeasonIn July, Nordic summer means very long days with light past 10 pm; winter, by contrast, is short, dark and windy on the exposed waterfront, so plan your clothing and shooting times around the season.
RulesThis is a residential building with no standing observation deck. The lobby and residential floors are off-limits, and upper-floor openings (e.g. floors 53–54) happen only on select dates by advance booking — check current opening days and availability before you go.
MannersPeople live here, so keep noise down around the entrance and gardens, don't enter private areas, and avoid photographing into windows; flying a drone needs separate permission.
SafetyThe Western Harbour is generally safe, but watch for cyclists on the shared paths, avoid deserted stretches after dark, and take care on slippery quaysides near the water.
CautionSweden is effectively cashless — bring a card or mobile pay. Be wary of anyone touting 'official observation tickets'; book only through official channels.
SafetyAs in any city, keep an eye on your valuables against pickpockets in central Malmö and on public transport.
Practical info
The Western Harbour is about 2–3 km from Malmö Central station — roughly a 25–30 minute walk or a short city-bus ride — and is easily reached by train from Copenhagen across the Øresund Bridge. The exterior and promenade are freely accessible, but interior/upper-floor visits are limited to select dates by pre-booking, so confirm the latest opening days, prices and booking method through official channels.
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