Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge
A modest Malmö canal bridge transformed into a poetic trail of bronze footsteps, celebrating the city’s creative souls above the waters of Södra Förstadskanalen.
Suspended over the calm waters of Södra Förstadskanalen, Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge is one of Malmö’s quirkiest public artworks. Dozens of bronze shoes, cast from real pairs owned by local creatives, are fixed along the railings and lampposts of Davidshallsbron, turning an everyday pedestrian bridge into an open‑air sculpture gallery. Set between canal, trees and classic city blocks, it is a playful, thought‑provoking stop on any stroll through central Malmö.
A brief summary to Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge
- Södra Förstadskanalen, Malmö, SE
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Come in the late afternoon or early evening when the light is soft and reflections on Södra Förstadskanalen make the bronze shoes especially photogenic.
- Walk the full length of the bridge slowly and look up: many shoes are mounted high on lampposts or railings and are easy to miss at first glance.
- Combine a stop at the bridge with a leisurely stroll along the canal paths, which offer benches and pleasant viewpoints in both directions.
- If you are visiting in colder months, dress warmly and wear shoes with good grip, as the bridge surface and nearby paths can become slick.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Walking from Gustav Adolfs torg (central square)
From Gustav Adolfs torg in central Malmö, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot to reach Davidshallsbron via the pedestrian streets leading south toward Södra Förstadskanalen. The route is flat and paved, suitable for most visitors and strollers, though it can feel busy at peak shopping hours. No cost is involved, and the walk naturally links several central squares along the way.
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City bus within central Malmö
Several local bus lines run along routes parallel to Södra Förstadsgatan and stop within a short walk of Davidshallsbron. Typical travel time from other central districts is 5–15 minutes, depending on distance and traffic. Single tickets usually cost in the range of 30–40 SEK when bought with a contactless card or travel app, and buses generally run every 10–20 minutes during the day.
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Cycling through central Malmö
Malmö’s cycle paths make it easy to reach Södra Förstadskanalen and Davidshallsbron by bike from most inner‑city neighbourhoods in about 5–20 minutes. The terrain is flat and there are dedicated cycle lanes on major streets. Public bike‑share and rental shops offer short‑term hires, typically starting from around 80–150 SEK per day, with helmets recommended but not always included.
Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge
A canal bridge turned open-air gallery
Davidshallsbron spans Södra Förstadskanalen just south of Malmö’s historic core, a modest city bridge that would be easy to overlook were it not for the bronze footwear lining its railings. Over the gently moving canal, rows of shoes appear to have been abandoned mid‑stride: high heels, trainers, boots and children’s shoes climbing the balustrades and perching on lampposts. At first glance it looks like a spontaneous prank, but linger a little and the installation resolves into a carefully choreographed artwork. Water, stone and metal combine here in a compact urban scene. On one side lie elegant turn‑of‑the‑century facades; on the other, leafy walks along the canal. Trams no longer rattle by and traffic is light, so the bridge feels surprisingly intimate for such a central spot. It is the kind of place where you naturally pause, lean on the railing and watch reflections fold and unfold on the canal below.The story behind the scattered shoes
The artwork, titled "Way to Go", was created by Malmö artist Asa Maria Bengtsson as a tribute to the city’s creative community. Each bronze shoe was cast from an original pair belonging to a local figure in culture, fashion, media or the arts. Instead of heroic statues on plinths, this is a celebration of everyday traces: the footwear that quietly carries people through rehearsals, openings and late‑night writing sessions. By lifting the shoes above eye level and scattering them along the bridge, the artist invites you to look up and notice details you might otherwise miss. The work plays with the idea of movement and memory: whose steps have passed through this city, and what kind of paths do creative lives follow? Younger visitors tend to enjoy spotting tiny children’s shoes, while others are drawn to the more theatrical heels and boots that hint at bold personalities.A moment of canal-side calm in central Malmö
Despite its central address, the atmosphere around Davidshallsbron can feel almost contemplative. Joggers trace the canal paths, cyclists glide across, and now and then a sightseeing boat slips beneath the arches. In spring and summer the trees along Södra Förstadskanalen soften the edges of the city, their leaves reflected in the water beneath the metal silhouettes of the shoes. Benches and low walls nearby make it easy to sit for a while, perhaps with a takeaway coffee from the streets just behind. The artwork rewards slow looking: walk from one end of the bridge to the other and you will notice how the shoes change in style and size, how some cluster in pairs while others seem to stride off alone. Early evening light, when the canal deepens to a darker green and the lampposts begin to glow, is particularly atmospheric.Spotting details and framing the perfect shot
The scale of the installation makes it especially photogenic. You can frame close‑ups of single shoes against the soft blur of canal and sky, or step back to capture the entire bridge crowned with bronze silhouettes. Reflections in the water add another layer, and in winter a dusting of snow can transform the shoes into tiny, sculptural still lifes. Because the bridge is pedestrian‑friendly and flat, it is easy for most visitors to explore every angle. Children often enjoy turning it into a kind of treasure hunt, counting how many shoes they can find or searching for a favourite style. For those interested in public art, it is also a chance to see how Malmö integrates contemporary works into the everyday cityscape rather than reserving them for galleries alone.Part of Malmö’s waterside walking landscape
Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge sits within a broader network of canalside promenades that once grew from defensive moats into green, recreational spaces. Following the water in either direction quickly connects you to other parks, squares and bridges, each with its own character. Yet this small crossing has a personality all its own, quietly playful and gently reflective. Whether you arrive purposefully to see the artwork or simply encounter it while wandering between neighbourhoods, it offers a compact but memorable pause. A few minutes spent here, watching the city flow past beneath rows of frozen footsteps, is often enough to give a fresh perspective on Malmö’s blend of heritage, creativity and everyday life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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