St. Peter's Church (Sankt Petri kyrka), Malmö

Malmö’s oldest building and a Brick Gothic masterpiece, St. Peter’s Church blends medieval architecture, Reformation history and serene light-filled interiors in the city center.

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St. Peter's Church

St. Peter’s Church is Malmö’s oldest surviving building and a striking example of Baltic Brick Gothic architecture, rising just off Stortorget in the historic city center. Built between the early 14th century and around 1380, its soaring red-brick tower, lofty whitewashed nave and restored medieval murals tell the story of Malmö’s transformation from a Danish medieval trading hub to a modern Swedish city. Inside, intricate stonework, a monumental 17th-century oak altarpiece and a richly carved Renaissance pulpit create a serene, light-filled space that is as much a cultural treasure as a living Lutheran parish church.

A brief summary to St. Peter's Church

Göran Olsgatan 4, Malmö, 211 22, SE
+4640279056
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-6 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

Plan your visit for mid-morning on a weekday when the church is usually quieter, allowing you to linger by the murals, altarpiece and pulpit without feeling rushed.
Bring a light sweater even in summer; the thick brick walls and high vaults keep the interior noticeably cooler than the streets outside.
Check onsite notices for organ rehearsals or concerts; hearing the large organ in this acoustic transforms the experience of the architecture.
Walk slowly around the side chapels and look up to spot sections of restored medieval frescoes that can be easy to miss at first glance.
Be aware of ongoing services; photography and movement near the altar area should be kept unobtrusive when worship is taking place.

Getting There

On foot from Malmö Central Station

From Malmö Central Station, allow around 10–15 minutes on foot to reach St. Peter’s Church. The route is flat and follows paved sidewalks through the compact city center, crossing canals and passing shops and cafés. This is the most convenient option for most visitors arriving by regional or intercity train, and it is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers in normal weather.
City bus within Malmö

Several city bus lines stop within a 5–10 minute walk of St. Peter’s Church, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes from residential districts or outer neighborhoods. Single urban tickets usually cost in the range of 30–40 SEK and can be bought via mobile apps or ticket machines. Services run frequently during the day, though evening and Sunday schedules can be less frequent, so checking the latest timetable before travel is recommended.
Bicycle in the city

Malmö is very bike‑friendly, and reaching St. Peter’s Church by bicycle from most central districts takes roughly 5–15 minutes along dedicated cycle lanes or calm streets. Public bike‑sharing schemes and rental shops typically charge from about 80–150 SEK for a day’s use, with helmets often available. Be prepared to dismount and walk your bike in the immediate surroundings of the church where pedestrian traffic is heavier.
Taxi from central Malmö areas

A licensed taxi ride from central hotels or neighborhoods to St. Peter’s Church usually takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares within the inner city commonly range from about 120–220 SEK, with higher prices in peak hours or at night. Taxis can drop passengers close to the church, which is helpful for those with limited mobility, but brief congestion can occur during major events or around rush hour.

St. Peter's Church location weather suitability

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Rain / Wet Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about St. Peter's Church

Medieval landmark at the heart of old Malmö

St. Peter’s Church, or Sankt Petri kyrka, anchors the historic core of Malmö just behind the main square. Completed in the 14th century and built entirely in red brick, it is widely regarded as the city’s oldest preserved building and a textbook Baltic Brick Gothic church. The massive western tower, rebuilt after a collapse in the 1400s and later heightened, dominates the low city skyline and once served as both a spiritual beacon and a statement of mercantile pride in what was then an important Danish port. Step back from the façade and you see layers of construction history. The tall nave and slightly lower side aisles create a powerful stepped silhouette, while buttresses, pointed windows and decorative friezes reveal the technical ambition of medieval masons. Along the sides, low chapels project from the main body of the church, hinting at a time when local guilds and wealthy families endowed their own altars in exchange for prayers and prestige.

A luminous interior shaped by faith and reform

Passing through the relatively plain portal, you enter a surprisingly bright and open interior. The nave soars to around 25 meters, carried on slender clustered pillars and ribbed vaults that draw the eye upward. In the Middle Ages the walls were crowded with images and sculptures; during the 16th-century Reformation the space was dramatically simplified and later whitewashed, giving the church its characteristic Nordic light. Even with this austerity, the fittings are rich in symbolism. The enormous oak altarpiece from the early 1600s rises like a carved forest of figures behind the main altar, stacked in tiers that depict scenes from the life of Christ, framed by columns, scrollwork and coats of arms. Nearby, the Renaissance pulpit, created at the turn of the 17th century in contrasting black limestone and pale sandstone with gilded details, presents narrative panels from the Gospels, turning sermons into visual storytelling long before microphones and screens.

Hidden images in paint, stone and wood

Look closer and St. Peter’s reveals more intimate treasures. In side chapels, sections of 15th- and early 16th-century wall paintings have been uncovered from beneath layers of lime, showing saints, floral patterns and biblical scenes in soft reds and ochres. These restored frescoes rank among the best-preserved medieval murals in the Nordic region and offer a rare glimpse of how vividly colored the medieval interior once was. The octagonal baptismal font, carved from dark stone around 1600, stands like a small architectural object in its own right. Its reliefs show baptismal and biblical motifs, tying daily parish life to grand theological themes. High on the gallery, a mid-20th-century organ with an older-style façade continues the church’s musical tradition, filling the nave with chorales during services and concerts.

From Danish stronghold to Swedish city church

St. Peter’s mirrors Malmö’s shifting political and religious identity. When construction began, the town belonged to the Danish crown, and the church was Catholic. With the spread of Lutheran ideas in the 16th century, it became a key Reformation stronghold in the region, its altars reduced in number and its imagery curbed in line with new teachings. Centuries later, careful restorations have tried to respect both the simplicity favored after the Reformation and the craftsmanship of the medieval and Renaissance fittings that survived. Today, the church belongs to the Lutheran Church of Sweden but functions on many levels: as a neighborhood parish, a concert venue with generous acoustics and a major stop on any architectural walk through Malmö. Its calm interior contrasts with the lively streets outside, reminding visitors that this was once the spiritual and social center of the medieval town.

Experiencing the space as a modern visitor

For travelers, St. Peter’s offers a peaceful pause within walking distance of shops, cafés and the central station. Entry is typically free, and you are welcome to wander quietly beneath the vaults, studying details like worn gravestones set into the floor or inscriptions on memorials. Light filters through tall windows, changing with the weather and season, and on some days the sound of rehearsal music drifts from the organ loft, underscoring the church’s ongoing liturgical life. Benches and side aisles give plenty of corners to sit, reflect or simply absorb the shifting play of light on brick and plaster. Whether you come with a passion for northern Gothic architecture, an interest in Reformation history or simply a desire for a contemplative space, St. Peter’s allows you to connect Malmö’s medieval past with its present-day rhythm in a single, quietly impressive building.

Copenhagen's iconic waterfront where history, art, and nature converge along the harbor.

Unmissable attractions to see

Stortorget

0.2 km

Malmö’s grand 16th‑century main square, where Renaissance power, shifting borders and everyday city life all play out on a single open stage.

Ebbas hus / Malmö museum

0.2 km

Malmö's tiniest museum preserves a 1910s working-class home frozen in time, offering intimate glimpses into ordinary urban life.

Södergatan

0.3 km

Södergatan — Malmö’s iconic pedestrian avenue, renowned for historic architecture, vibrant shopping, street life, and the dynamic spirit of southwestern Sweden.

Lilla torg

0.3 km

Cobbled, compact and full of life, Lilla torg weaves four centuries of Malmö history into one intimate square of cafés, courtyards and characterful façades.

Form/Design Center

0.4 km

Historic half-timbered granary turned free design hub, blending contemporary exhibitions, curated shopping and a relaxed café around a cobbled Malmö courtyard.

Moderna Museet Malmö

0.4 km

Bold contemporary art in a converted power station, Moderna Museet Malmö blends national collections, changing exhibitions and a relaxed café in the heart of the city.

Malmo Live Concert AB

0.6 km

Waterfront concert and congress hub where Malmö Symphony Orchestra, bold architecture, and a full spectrum of music and culture share one sculptural urban block.

Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge

0.7 km

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.

Malmö old cemetery

0.7 km

Historic green refuge at the edge of Gustav Adolfs torg, where tree‑lined paths, old gravestones and quiet stories of Malmö’s 19th‑century citizens meet city life.

Disgusting Food Museum

0.7 km

A playful Malmö museum where 80 of the world’s most reviled dishes invite you to sniff, squirm, taste and rethink what “disgusting” food really means.

Kungsparken, Malmö

0.8 km

Malmö’s oldest park, Kungsparken, blends English-style landscapes, myth-laced fountains and castle-side canals into a tranquil green escape in the heart of the city.

Malmö City Library

0.9 km

Light‑filled landmark library on the edge of Slottsparken, blending bold glass architecture, rich multilingual collections and lively cultural programmes.

Questrooms Escape rooms

0.9 km

Story‑driven escape rooms in central Malmö where prison breaks, mafia plots and clever puzzles turn 60 minutes into a cinematic, team‑based challenge.

Malmö Castle

1.0 km

A red-brick Renaissance fortress turned museum hub, Malmö Castle weaves royal power, prison stories and Nordic culture into one moat-ringed city landmark.

Slottsträdgården

1.0 km

An organic urban sanctuary where passionate gardeners transformed a fortress island into a thriving ecological oasis.

Essential places to dine

Malmö Saluhall

0.8 km

A vibrant industrial‑chic food hall where Malmö’s local flavors, global street food and artisan producers come together under one historic brick roof.

Noma

26.1 km

Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.

La Banchina

26.3 km

Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.

Alchemist

26.3 km

Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.

Restaurant Lola

26.5 km

Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.

Restaurant Barr

26.7 km

Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.

Restaurant Kanalen

26.8 km

Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.

Cafe Wilder

26.9 km

A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.

Kadeau

27.0 km

Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.

Khun Juk

27.0 km

Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.

Skipperkroen

27.2 km

Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.

Cap Horn

27.2 km

Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.

No. 2

27.3 km

Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.

à terre

27.3 km

à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.

Nyhavns Færgekro

27.3 km

Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.

ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Whammy Bar

25.3 km

Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.

Lassie Bar

26.2 km

A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.

Eiffel bar

26.9 km

Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.

TATA Cocktail Bar

27.3 km

A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.

Brønnum

27.4 km

An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.

Black Swan

27.6 km

Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.

Aloha Beach Bar

27.6 km

Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.

Bar Deco

27.6 km

Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.

Balthazar

27.6 km

A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.

1105

27.7 km

Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.

Ved Stranden

27.7 km

Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.

K-Bar

27.7 km

Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.

The Moose

27.8 km

Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.

Charlie's Bar

27.8 km

Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.

The Dubliner

27.8 km

Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Lusso

27.6 km

A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.

Mini Bar

27.7 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.

Culture Box

27.8 km

Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.

The Zoo

27.8 km

Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.

Chateau Motel

28.1 km

Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.

Club Mambo

28.1 km

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Hive

28.2 km

Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.

Mirror

28.2 km

Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.

Rumors

28.2 km

Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.

Miami Bar

28.2 km

Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.

Dorsia

28.3 km

Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.

La Terraza

28.3 km

Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.

Arch

28.4 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Mirage

28.4 km

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.

Cosy Bar

28.4 km

Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.

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St. Peter's Church (Sankt Petri kyrka), Malmö

A brief summary to St. Peter's Church

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

On foot from Malmö Central Station

City bus within Malmö

Bicycle in the city

Taxi from central Malmö areas

St. Peter's Church location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of St. Peter's Church

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about St. Peter's Church

Medieval landmark at the heart of old Malmö

A luminous interior shaped by faith and reform

Hidden images in paint, stone and wood

From Danish stronghold to Swedish city church

Experiencing the space as a modern visitor

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Stortorget 8

Peberholm

Krudhuset

The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950

Nyholm Central Guardhouse

Sankt Annæ Gade

Inderhavnsbroen

Christianshavns Kanal

Ofelia Plads

I am Queen Mary

ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael

Larsens Pl.

The Kissing Stairs

Arne Jacobsens Allé 12

Langelinie Park

Unmissable attractions to see

Stortorget

Ebbas hus / Malmö museum

Södergatan

Lilla torg

Form/Design Center

Moderna Museet Malmö

Malmo Live Concert AB

Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge

Malmö old cemetery

Disgusting Food Museum

Kungsparken, Malmö

Malmö City Library

Questrooms Escape rooms

Malmö Castle

Slottsträdgården

Essential places to dine

Malmö Saluhall

Noma

La Banchina

Alchemist

Restaurant Lola

Restaurant Barr

Restaurant Kanalen

Cafe Wilder

Kadeau

Khun Juk

Skipperkroen

Cap Horn

No. 2

à terre

Nyhavns Færgekro

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Field's

Copenhagenglass

Maritime Antiques &

The Crown souvenir

Royal Souvenir Shop

Zane

Magasin du Nord

The Wilde Shop

Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs

Viking Souvenirs

Danish Souvenirs & luggages