Beginning a roadtrip around Sweden, the first steps should be taken to Malmö, a city that combines a historic past with a modern vision of the future. The dominant landmark of the city's skyline is undoubtedly the Turning Torso, the most recognizable building in all of southern Sweden. This imposing structure, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, rises to a height of 190 meters and is the tallest residential building in Scandinavia. Completed in 2005, the tower consists of nine segments that twist around their own axis by 90 degrees from base to top, creating the impression of a giant human torso in motion. Turning Torso was built as a symbol of the rebirth of the Västra Hamnen district, a former industrial area that has been transformed into a modern, eco-friendly residential neighborhood. The building is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a pioneer of sustainable construction - it uses renewable energy and advanced green solutions.

From Turning Torso, head toward the Bridge over the Sound (Öresundsbron), which is not only an engineering marvel, but also a symbolic link between Sweden and Denmark. This five-kilometer bridge, opened in 2000, is part of a larger link that also consists of a tunnel and the artificial island of Peberholm. The structure revolutionized transportation in the region, enabling fast travel between Malmö and Copenhagen. The bridge has also become a pop culture icon thanks to the popular crime series 'The Bridge,' which used the structure as a key plot element. It's worth knowing that the bridge also has a fascinating ecological history - the artificial island of Peberholm, created from materials excavated during the tunnel's construction, has become an unplanned nature reserve, where scientists have discovered more than 500 species of plants and animals.

After exploring the modern architectural wonders, take a dip into the historic heart of Malmö with a visit to the charming Lilla Torg Square. Established in 1592, this cobblestone square was originally a place to trade groceries, and today it is a vibrant space surrounded by colorful historic buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. Lilla Torg impresses with its atmosphere - narrow streets, historic facades and charming cafes create the perfect place to relax while visiting. The square is also home to the Form/Design Center, a center promoting Swedish design and handicrafts, housed in a restored 17th-century warehouse. Note the wooden half-timbered structures characteristic of the Skåne region, which can be seen in some of the buildings surrounding the square. Lilla Torg provides an excellent contrast to Malmö's modern architecture and allows you to feel the authentic spirit of the historic city.

When exploring Malmö, it's impossible to miss Kungsparken, the oldest city park in Sweden, established in 1869. Located in the heart of the city, this picturesque green space was created on the site of former fortifications and offers a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The park was designed in the English style, with winding paths, carefully planned groups of trees and picturesque ponds. One of the most striking features of Kungsparken is a historic windmill dating back to 1851, which is an excellent landmark and a favorite spot for photographers. The park is also famous for its impressive collection of trees - more than 130 species grow here, including many exotic specimens brought from all over the world. Among them is the oldest tree in the park - a 200-year-old oak tree, which remembers when the area was still part of the city fortifications. Kungsparken borders directly on the city canal, which creates excellent conditions for relaxing by the water and watching the swans that have taken a liking to the place.

In the immediate vicinity of Kungsparken is the fascinating Museum of Technology and Navigation (Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus), part of the Malmö Museum complex. Housed in a former power plant building from 1908, this unique institution offers a fascinating journey through the history of industry, transportation and technology. The museum is famous for its impressive collection of historic vehicles, including the first airplane to fly over the Sound in 1910. One of the most remarkable exhibits is the 1942 U3 submarine, which can be toured from the inside, learning about the harsh living conditions of the crew. The museum also has a rich collection related to nautical history, showing the development of the port city of Malmö over the centuries. Of particular interest is an exhibition on the history of the Kockums shipbuilding industry, which for decades formed the economic backbone of the city. A real treat for technology lovers will be the collection of historic steam engines, which can be seen in action during special demonstrations.

Nearby, in the city center, is one of Malmö's most unconventional attractions - the Disgusting Food Museum. This globally unique institution showcases some 80 of the most controversial foods from around the world, challenging our notion of what is edible and what is not. Founded in 2018 by psychologist Samuel West, the museum has quickly gained international fame and attracts tourists from around the world. Among the exhibits are such specialties as surfermented hákarl shark from Iceland, Chinese century-old eggs, and Australian vegemite. Interestingly, the museum engages all visitors' senses - exhibits can not only be viewed, but also smelled and even tasted during special tastings. The museum's creators emphasize the educational dimension of the exhibition, which is designed to make us reflect on the cultural determinants of our culinary preferences and encourage openness to alternative sources of protein in the face of global food challenges. The Disgusting Food Museum provides a fascinating break from traditional tourist attractions and guarantees an unforgettable, if not necessarily pleasant, experience.

No visit to Malmö can be considered complete without a visit to Malmöhus Castle, the oldest surviving Renaissance fortress in Scandinavia, dating back to 1434. This imposing structure, surrounded by a moat and defensive walls, has served a variety of functions over the centuries - from a royal residence to a defensive fortress to a prison. The castle was significantly expanded in the 16th century by King Christian III, who transformed it into a Renaissance fortress capable of resisting modern artillery. Malmöhus witnessed many key events in the region's history, including the Danish-Swedish War, which ended in 1658 with the annexation of Skåne to Sweden. A particularly dramatic episode in the castle's history was the imprisonment here of Count Bothwell, the third husband of Scottish Queen Mary Stuart, who spent the last ten years of his life in Malmöhus. Today the castle houses several museums, including the City History Museum, the Art Museum and the Natural History Museum. Among the most valuable exhibits are a collection of artifacts from the Viking Age and a collection of medieval coins. When visiting the castle, note the preserved elements of the 16th-century fortifications and the reconstructed royal chambers, which give an idea of court life during the Renaissance.

After exploring Malmö in depth, it's time to continue on to Stockholm. The route of about 570 kilometers offers countless opportunities for fascinating stops. The first notable destination on the route is the university town of Lund, just 20 kilometers from Malmö. This is one of Sweden's oldest cities, dating back to the 10th century, and its main attractions are the impressive Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 12th century and the University of Lund, founded in 1666, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Northern Europe. Lund impresses with its medieval street layout and charming university town atmosphere.

Continuing north, plan a stop in Jönköping, a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Vättern, Sweden's second largest lake. The city is famous for the production of matches and houses a unique Matchbox Museum, showcasing the history of this unassuming but revolutionary invention. Jönköping also offers stunning views of the lake and access to Tiveden National Park, where you can enjoy Sweden's pristine nature.

The last major stop before Stockholm may be Linköping, a city with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The main attraction here is the impressive cathedral, the second largest in Sweden, and Gamla Linköping, an open-air museum showcasing life in the Swedish city at the turn of the 20th century. Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Swedish Aviation Museum, displaying an impressive collection of historic aircraft.

The road from Malmö to Stockholm is not only a journey through space, but also through time - from medieval castles and cathedrals to Renaissance fortresses and modern architectural wonders. It's also an opportunity to explore Sweden's diverse landscapes - from the agricultural areas of Skåne to the dense forests of Småland to the Stockholm archipelago. Whether you have a few days or two weeks at your disposal, this tour offers countless opportunities to explore Swedish culture, history and nature, providing the perfect introduction to a Scandinavian adventure.