Slottsträdgården
An organic urban sanctuary where passionate gardeners transformed a fortress island into a thriving ecological oasis.
Slottsträdgården is a 12,000-square-meter ecological garden nestled on the fortress island beside Malmöhus Castle in central Malmö. Opened in 1998 by passionate local gardeners, this organic oasis features themed gardens including a rose garden, Japanese garden, kitchen garden, orchard, and meadow. A seasonal café operates April through October, and the garden remains open year-round, offering a tranquil retreat surrounded by historic parklands and just minutes from the city center.
A brief summary to Slottsträdgården
- Malmöhusvägen 4, Malmö, 211 18, SE
- +4640341000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 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
- Visit in spring (April–May) to experience the perennial garden at its most striking, with cherry and magnolia trees in full bloom, or in early autumn for vibrant flower displays and the Harvest Festival.
- The café operates April through October; arrive early during peak hours to avoid queues, or bring a picnic to enjoy in the meadow surrounded by wildflowers and pollinating insects.
- Explore the Japanese garden for meditation and quiet reflection, or visit Heidi's garden for contemporary sculptural design—each themed section offers distinct atmospheres and photographic opportunities.
- The garden is open year-round; winter visits reveal the perennial garden's ecological design, which provides shelter and food for birds and insects during colder months.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions: Malmöhus Castle, Slottsparken, Kungsparken, and the medieval Lilla Torg square are all within walking distance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Sheltered Areas
Getting There
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Public Transport from Malmö Central Station
Walk approximately 10 minutes from Malmö Central Train Station toward the city center and Malmöhus Castle. The garden entrance is located at Malmöhusvägen 4, adjacent to the castle grounds. Alternatively, take local bus service (bus 1 or 5) toward the castle area; journey time is approximately 5–8 minutes. No additional fare required beyond standard Malmö public transport tickets (approximately 25–35 SEK for a single journey).
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Bicycle from City Center
Malmö is highly bicycle-friendly. From the city center or Lilla Torg medieval square, cycle toward Malmöhus Castle; the journey takes 5–10 minutes depending on your starting point. Dedicated cycle paths connect most central areas to the castle district. Bike rental services are available throughout Malmö (approximately 100–150 SEK per day). Secure parking for bicycles is available near the garden entrance.
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Car Parking
Limited street parking is available on Malmöhusvägen and surrounding roads; parking is typically free but time-restricted (2–4 hours). Paid parking facilities exist nearby at Malmöhus Castle parking area (approximately 20–30 SEK per hour). The garden itself is car-free; park and walk the final 50–100 meters to the entrance.
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Walking from Lilla Torg
From Lilla Torg medieval square, walk approximately 5–7 minutes toward Malmöhus Castle. The route is flat, well-marked, and passes through pleasant urban areas. Follow signs toward the castle; the garden entrance is immediately adjacent to the castle grounds on Malmöhusvägen.
Slottsträdgården location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Slottsträdgården
A Grassroots Vision Rooted in Community Passion
Slottsträdgården emerged from an inspired grassroots initiative in 1994, when a group of Malmö residents with no professional horticultural background but boundless enthusiasm for gardening envisioned creating an ecological garden within their city. Their dream materialized in 1997, and the garden officially opened to the public on May 8, 1998, on the grounds of a former municipal tree nursery. This origin story—born not from institutional planning but from the genuine passion of ordinary citizens—remains central to the garden's identity and character. Today, the garden continues to be managed according to ecological principles, reflecting the founders' original commitment to sustainable, organic cultivation practices that honor both plants and the broader natural ecosystem.Themed Gardens and Botanical Diversity
Spanning approximately 12,000 square meters, Slottsträdgården comprises multiple individually themed garden spaces, each with distinct character and purpose. The rose garden showcases both traditional heirloom varieties and modern hybrids alongside climbing roses, creating layers of color and fragrance. The Japanese garden draws inspiration from traditional Japanese garden art and Zen Buddhist principles, offering a space for quiet contemplation and mindfulness. The kitchen garden and orchard provide practical growing spaces, while the meadow—filled with timothy grass, clover, and wildflowers—buzzes with pollinating insects and invites visitors to picnic amidst nature's activity. The perennial garden presents a wilder, unstructured aesthetic, particularly striking in early spring when cherry and magnolia trees bloom. Heidi's garden, conceived by designer Heidi Palmgren, contrasts sharply with its contemporary styling, white myrtles, bluebells, and sculptural elements set amongst mountain bamboo. A dedicated school garden engages children in ecological practices and hands-on learning about sustainable cultivation.A Historic Setting Between Castle and Parkland
The garden occupies a prime location on the fortress island, positioned between Malmöhus Castle and two of Malmö's significant parks—Slottsparken and Kungsparken, the city's oldest park. This historical context enriches the visitor experience; the garden exists within layers of Malmö's cultural heritage, from the castle's medieval origins to the 19th-century development of the city's public green spaces. The setting creates a seamless transition between urban attractions and natural refuge, allowing visitors to move fluidly between historical landmarks and ecological sanctuary. Less than 10 minutes' walk from Malmö Central Train Station and adjacent to the medieval Lilla Torg square, the garden remains easily accessible yet feels like a hidden enclave for those who know where to find it.The Seasonal Café and Year-Round Access
A charming outdoor café operates within the garden from April through October, positioned centrally so its presence—with its babbling voices, bicycles, and attentive service—can be felt across the garden's various sections. The café's kitchen, despite its modest appearance, produces an impressive variety of dishes, and it frequently draws queues during peak hours. During colder months, an orangery provides shelter where visitors can enjoy refreshments beneath grapevines. The garden itself remains open year-round, offering a beautiful backdrop for observing Malmö's changing seasons and providing year-round access to its ecological haven, whether visitors seek spring blooms, summer picnics, autumn harvests, or winter's quieter contemplation.Events and Educational Programming
Throughout the year, Slottsträdgården hosts seasonal festivals and events that celebrate its horticultural mission. The Harvest Festival and onion festivals draw visitors interested in traditional food cultivation, while the annual Malmö Garden Show showcases contemporary and heritage gardening practices. These events reinforce the garden's role not merely as a passive green space but as an active educational and cultural hub where the community engages with ecological principles, sustainable food production, and the pleasures of cultivating living things.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Malmo Museum
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Fiskehoddorna
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Malmö City Library
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Malmo Live Concert AB
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Stortorget
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Noma
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La Banchina
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Alchemist
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Restaurant Lola
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Restaurant Barr
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Restaurant Kanalen
26.0 km
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Cafe Wilder
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Cap Horn
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No. 2
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Nyhavns Færgekro
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Copenhagenglass
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The Crown souvenir
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Royal Souvenir Shop
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Zane
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Charlie's Bar
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Bohemian Styles
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Scenic
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Sustainable
- Low Impact
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Meditation Spot
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
