Malmo and Lund

Day Trip to Malmö and Lund – Between Dreams and Reality

18th August – Malmö & Lund, Sweden

We woke up at 6 a.m. in our Copenhagen hostel, sharing the room with a sweet Italian family. Since we had packed our bags the night before, getting ready was quick—we kept only the essentials handy in our day bag. By 7:35 a.m., we were out the door, munching protein bars for breakfast, and heading toward the FlixBus stop for our 8:35 a.m. bus to Malmö.

The morning wasn’t without hiccups. We took the wrong metro twice and reached the bus stop at 8:12 a.m., just in time. That’s when we realized we had forgotten our original passports. With only photocopies and digital versions, we boarded the bus, trusting the Universe to forgive our forgetfulness. At the border, customs officers asked us to step aside. We explained it was just a day trip, showed our return tickets, and after a stern warning, they let us through. Relief washed over us as we rejoined the bus—grateful for the kindness that allowed our adventure to continue.

The ride itself was spectacular. Crossing the Øresund Bridge, an engineering marvel stretching over the Baltic Sea, we admired the windmills rising from the water—silent giants harnessing the sea breeze. In about an hour, we arrived in Malmö.

Exploring Malmö

Our first stop was a cozy bakery near the central station, where we tried cardamom buns with coffee. Fueled and ready, we set out on foot to explore the city. We wandered through Lilla Torg, a lively square lined with cafés and restaurants, admired quirky sculptures scattered around the streets, and marveled at the Turning Torso—a twisting residential tower that spirals 90 degrees from base to top, another feat of modern design.

Near the tower, the Baltic shore was alive with locals enjoying the sun, even on a Monday morning. We paused by Malmö University, reflecting on how lakes, canals, and beaches seem to make every city more beautiful.

Afternoon in Lund

By midday, we hopped on a short train ride to Lund, just 20 minutes away. Lunch was simple—pizza and a non-alcoholic drink—before heading to the highlight: Lund University, often called the Oxford of Sweden. The campus was breathtaking, with its grand library open to the public. Inside, surrounded by books and history, I felt a rush of emotions.

Years ago in Delhi, a woman at a fair had encouraged me to study in Lund. Back then, I dreamed of being part of this university. Standing here now, I realized my story had taken a different turn—I wasn’t a student, but a traveler. That realization was bittersweet. Travel has given me the chance to experience places I once only imagined through movies or books. It reminded me that not all dreams come true in the way we expect, but new chapters can be just as fulfilling.

We also visited Lund Cathedral, drawn by its free entry and stunning architecture, before strolling through the old town. A bakery stop and gelato added sweetness to the afternoon.

Back to Malmö

By 4 p.m., we returned to Malmö with hours to spare before our bus back to Copenhagen. We spent time at the Malmö Library, a modern public space buzzing with readers of all ages. Libraries always inspire me—they remind me how vast the world of knowledge is, and how little we’ve read compared to what’s out there.

Later, we browsed markets for souvenirs, grabbed a Mexican burrito for dinner, and returned to Lilla Torg. This time, the square was alive with chatter, clinking glasses, and laughter. We sat quietly, observing life in Sweden, comparing it with India, and reflecting on the beauty and challenges of both worlds.

At 9:05 p.m., we boarded our bus back to Copenhagen. The sunset over the Øresund Bridge painted the sky in gold and crimson—a perfect farewell to Sweden. Thankfully, there were no customs checks this time. Back at the hostel, the Italian family had checked out, replaced by a new group of travelers. We packed for our final day in Copenhagen and drifted into sleep, hearts full from a day of discovery.

Must-Visit Spots in Malmö & Lund

  • Øresund Bridge – Iconic link between Denmark and Sweden, with breathtaking sea views.
  • Lilla Torg (Malmö) – Vibrant square with cafés, nightlife, and local charm.
  • Turning Torso (Malmö) – Architectural marvel twisting 90 degrees skyward.
  • Malmö Library – Inspiring public space with a vast collection.
  • Lund University – Prestigious campus with a historic library open to visitors.
  • Lund Cathedral – Free entry, stunning medieval architecture.
  • Old Town Lund – Quaint streets, bakeries, and gelato shops.