One of the coolest things about having a Schengen visa for non-citizens, (especially travelers) is the fact that you can visit all the twenty six countries that have agreed to allow free movement of its citizens and valid visa holders within that area as a single country.
Weeks ago,I traveled to Denmark and only had a few days to sight see.That meant I had to explore as much as I could in the shortest time possible.
Unusually longer days
I am so used to the sun going down at around 6:30 in the evening in Kenya. In Denmark during summer, the days were so long and it only got dark after 11pm! I wasn’t complaining though… the longer days gave me more time to see and tour some more.
I had read a lot about things to do in Denmark.They all sounded good but what tickled my curiosity most was a blog post on how you can leave Denmark(Copenhagen) to Malmo(Sweden) in approximately forty five minutes!
The way I am wired,I was more inclined to check out Sweden first then explore the nearer places in Denmark much later.
The Plan
My plan was to get to Copenhagen Central Station from Ringsted, then catch a train to Malmo, explore that side of Sweden for a few hours,then head back to Denmark.
Copenhagen Central Station
Is the largest railway station in Denmark. There are many buses, taxis,bikes, local trains, and regional trains like the one I took to Sweden.
Suitcases,coffee,long kisses,sincere hugs,lost travelers, missed trains, forex bureaus and rushing passengers was yet another day at Central Station. It felt like a shopping mall.
Øresund Bridge
The train trip from CPH to Malmo roughly took 45 minutes via the Øresund bridge.
A train to Malmo leaves every 20 minutes from the Central Station which is also known as Kobenhavn H.
Denmark is connected to Sweden via the 16 km Øresund bridge.
The entire link from Denmark to Sweden has three sections; a bridge,an artificial island and a tunnel. The bridge is half the length of the link. On the bridge,the motorways and railways run on separate levels; the railway on the lower deck while the motorways run on the upper deck.
Linking the bridge and the tunnel is a man made island called Peberholm,where the motorway and the railway run parallel to each other.
The bridge was commissioned in July 2000.
Getting to Malmo (Malmo Central Station)
Malmö Central Station in Sweden was built in 1856. Since then, it has undergone many transformations and remodelling. The addition of the City Tunnel was its last major reconstruction.It was during this last upgrade that Glass Hall was built. It connects the exits of the City Tunnel and the original brick built station. The previous waiting area known as the Central Hall, was turned into a culinary center.
Getting around Malmo
Malmo is a nice touristy town for sightseeing. It has many bikes, pedestrians and tourists in city tour buses.
Food trucks, coffee shops, open cafes, parks, shops, and hotels in their numbers make up this attractive city.
Each street had a special unique appeal and felt so different from the other.
The Stortorget
The Stortorget is the largest square in the town. It is surrounded by New-Renaissance buildings like the Kramer Hotel and the Kockska Huset just to mention a few. Right in the middle of the square, is the legendary statue of King Karl Gustav X. As you enjoy the scenic beauty and the rich historic architecture, you can stop by some of the many cafes spilling onto the cafes to enjoy a meal.
Streets,statues,canals,cafes,shops and parks
After a few hours of a self tour, I headed back to Malmo Central Station to head back to Denmark.
If you happen to visit either Sweden or Denmark, don’t miss a fun chance to check one country off your bucketlist!
NB:Always carry your passport for the random border checks.
Please Pin the image below on Pinterest.
Katie Diederichs
23 August
What a helpful resource! I always find it so crazy that in Europe you can get between countries in such a short period of time. I’m used to driving hours and HOURS in the US just to get to a different state haha!
Ricarda Christina Hollweg
23 August
I did exactly this trip from Copenhagen to Malmo in 2011. It was under special circumstances because almost all my money had been stolen in Oslo before. But I went nevertheless with very little money…so much I wanted to see Sweden. 🙂
Ketki
23 August
Thanks to European being so small you can get to one country to another. When i lived in Netherlands, i love how Belgium so only an hour away so you can just to another country for a meal! I find this really cool. Very helpful article for first time Europe travelers.
Bidisha
23 August
It is incredible that you made the best of your limited time in hand to check two countries off the list. The view of the Oresund bridge is astounding and so are all the pictures in this post. I personally love the part where you describe how railway stations are an epicentre of so many human emotions. Kudos and keep up the good work.
Teja
23 August
The rail connectivity in Europe is really something else. I mean, I had to go to Rouen once, from the Netherlands, and my colleagues were just like, all right we’ll go after work, and check in. The day after we’ll check out, go to the site, finish the visit, and just you know, take the train back and be done. It’s ridiculous! In my region, that would have been a trip of three full days, for the same distance!
sam
23 August
That bridge looks pretty impressive! And i agree with longer days- more time to explore!
Mijia e
23 August
I was in Malmo in winter and it did not look so nice. I’m you pictures inspire me to go there again.
weekendhaven
23 August
I haven’t seen a sunset at 11pm yet. That would totally be awesome, maximizing the day traveling as well as photo opportunities to some tourists spots.
pujarini mitra
23 August
This is such an informative post. Love all the pictures. Saving this for our upcoming Euro trip and I am sure it will help us plan our travel better.
Laagan Kaayo
23 August
i loooove all the photos in the last part!! it felt like i’m navigating the area myself.. and that bridge! damn! it’s gorgeous!
Dawn
24 August
I would love to visit Sweden and had no idea there was this huge bridge linking it to Denmark. Your photos are gorgeous!!
Tania
24 August
Wow I had no clue that this bride connected them both! Thanks for the info and all the pictures were so fun to see!