Turning Torso, Malmö
Scandinavia’s original twisted skyscraper, Turning Torso spirals above Malmö’s Western Harbour as a bold fusion of sculpture, engineering and waterfront city life.
Rising 190 meters above Malmö’s Western Harbour, Turning Torso is a neo‑futurist skyscraper and Scandinavia’s most famous twisted tower. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2005, its nine stacked cubes rotate a full 90 degrees from base to top, creating a striking spiral form that has become the city’s defining landmark. While the building is primarily residential and not generally open to casual visitors, its dramatic silhouette, waterfront setting and surrounding promenades make it a must‑see for architecture lovers and urban explorers.
A brief summary to Turning Torso
- Lilla Varvsgatan 14, Malmö, 211 15, SE
- +4640174500
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit for clear weather if possible; the twist and façade details are most striking against blue skies, and you will enjoy wider views along the Öresund coast as you explore the waterfront paths.
- Remember that Turning Torso is primarily a residential building, so interior access is limited. Focus on walking around the base and along the harbour to photograph the tower from multiple angles.
- Combine your stop at the tower with extra time in Västra Hamnen to enjoy nearby cafés, the marina, and the seaside boardwalks that connect to other modern architecture and bathing spots.
- Wind from the Öresund can be strong even in warmer months, so bring an extra layer; the exposed harbour setting around the tower often feels cooler than central Malmö.
- Photographers should experiment with low vantage points near the base of the tower and framing the spiral through nearby residential blocks or reflections in puddles and harbour water.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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City bus from central Malmö
From Malmö Central Station, take a local city bus toward Västra Hamnen; several lines typically serve the Western Harbour area with stops within a short walk of Turning Torso. The ride usually takes around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic, and services run frequently throughout the day. A single adult ticket on local Malmö buses generally costs about 25–40 SEK when bought via regional transport apps or ticket machines. Buses are low‑floor and usually suitable for wheelchair users, though they can be crowded at peak commuter times.
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Walking from Malmö Central Station
If you enjoy exploring on foot, allow roughly 25–35 minutes to walk from Malmö Central Station to Turning Torso through the harbourfront districts. The route is mostly flat and paved, passing canals and modern residential areas before reaching the open waterfront. It is suitable for most fitness levels, though strong winds and rain can make the exposed sections feel more demanding. In winter, be prepared for cold temperatures and potentially slippery surfaces in icy conditions.
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Bicycle within Malmö
Malmö is very bike‑friendly, and cycling to Turning Torso from inner‑city neighbourhoods usually takes 10–20 minutes. Dedicated cycle paths lead toward Västra Hamnen, offering a largely flat and safe ride that is suitable for a wide range of ages. Visitors without their own bicycle can use local bike‑share schemes or rental shops, with typical costs starting around 50–120 SEK for a few hours. Keep in mind that coastal winds can be strong, and carry lights during the darker months, as daylight hours are short in winter.
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Taxi from central Malmö
Taxis from areas around Malmö Central Station or the historic centre generally reach Turning Torso in about 10 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Fares vary by company and time of day, but a typical daytime journey within the city core often falls in the range of 120–220 SEK. Taxis provide a comfortable option in bad weather or for travellers with limited mobility, though availability can be tighter during major events or rush hours.
Turning Torso location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Turning Torso
A spiralling icon on Malmö’s waterfront
Turning Torso dominates the skyline of Västra Hamnen, Malmö’s Western Harbour, where former shipyards have been reborn as a showcase of contemporary Scandinavian urban design. Here, on a windswept peninsula facing the Öresund Strait, the 190‑metre tower rises like a white helix above low‑rise housing, parks and promenades. The structure is composed of nine stacked cubes, each five storeys high, which together twist a dramatic 90 degrees from ground to roof. Clad in white aluminium and glass, the façade catches changing Nordic light and reflections from the sea, ensuring the building looks different with every shift in weather. From ground level, the tower’s scale is immediately apparent: the base feels broad and muscular, while higher segments seem to pivot away, giving the impression of a body caught mid‑turn. The effect is both sculptural and technical, signalling that this is as much a piece of public art as a functional building.Calatrava’s human form translated into a tower
Turning Torso is the work of Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, who drew direct inspiration from his earlier marble sculpture “Twisting Torso.” That piece abstracted a human body in motion; here, the same gesture has been translated into steel, concrete and glass. A central reinforced concrete core acts as the spine, while an external steel frame suggests ribs running up the corners of each cube. Each five‑storey cube is slightly rotated relative to the one below, creating the continuous spiral. This unusual geometry means no two apartments share identical layouts, and windows are oriented to capture different aspects of sea, city and bridge. The top floors house exclusive meeting and event spaces, reinforcing the building’s dual role as both residence and emblem.Symbol of Malmö’s post‑industrial transformation
Before Turning Torso, Västra Hamnen was better known for shipbuilding cranes than designer apartments. As heavy industry declined, the city launched an ambitious regeneration of the waterfront, with this tower as the bold centrepiece. Completed in 2005, it quickly became shorthand for Malmö’s pivot toward sustainable urban development, clean technology and knowledge‑based industries. Around the base, landscaped paths, small lawns and reflecting water features soften the transition from tower to neighbourhood. Low‑energy housing, canals, and car‑lite streets underline the district’s green ambitions. Seen from across the water, the white spiral echoes both the masts in the nearby marina and the distant sweep of the Öresund Bridge, tying newer architecture to the region’s maritime past.Experiencing the tower from street level
For most visitors, the experience of Turning Torso happens outside rather than inside. The building is primarily residential, and access to upper floors is generally restricted to pre‑arranged group visits or private events. Instead, the attraction lies in circling the base along pedestrian paths, watching the twist change with every few steps. From certain angles, the tower appears slender and almost planar; from others, its rotation is pronounced, revealing the full torque of the design. Benches and informal seating spots along the waterfront invite you to sit and watch light move across the façade, or to contrast the engineering precision of the tower with the open horizon over the strait. Photographers will find countless compositions using nearby housing, marinas and boardwalks as framing elements.Neighbourhood life in the Western Harbour
The tower’s immediate surroundings are very much lived‑in Malmö rather than a fenced‑off monument. Cafés, restaurants and small shops dot the nearby streets, particularly around the Dockan marina area, where pleasure boats replace the heavy vessels of the past. Boardwalks loop around the coastline, linking the tower with bathing spots, green spaces and views toward Copenhagen. On warm days, Western Harbour fills with people walking dogs, jogging, or simply pausing with an ice cream to admire the interplay of sky, sea and steel. In colder months the district feels quieter but no less atmospheric, with the tower’s white surfaces standing out against low winter light and brisk winds off the water.A contemporary landmark for the Nordic skyline
Since its completion, Turning Torso has become one of the most recognisable silhouettes in Northern Europe and is frequently cited as the world’s first truly twisting skyscraper. Its influence can be traced in later spiral towers across the globe, but here in Malmö it retains a singular presence. At night, carefully placed lighting emphasises the rotational geometry, while by day the tower serves as a constant point of orientation visible from beaches, parks and city streets. Whether you approach as an architecture enthusiast, photographer, or casual stroller along the waterfront, the tower encapsulates a particular Nordic blend of daring design, engineering discipline and everyday livability. It is both a residential building with ordinary routines inside and an extraordinary object that anchors the city’s identity on the edge of the sea.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stortorget 8
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Peberholm
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Krudhuset
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The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
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Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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Sankt Annæ Gade
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Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Inderhavnsbroen
25.0 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Christianshavns Kanal
25.1 km
Baroque grandeur and natural beauty meet at Denmark's Ledreborg Park, home to stately gardens, forested trails, cultural events, and peaceful countryside escapes.
Ofelia Plads
25.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
I am Queen Mary
25.1 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Larsens Pl.
25.1 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
The Kissing Stairs
25.1 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Langelinie Park
25.2 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront where history, art, and nature converge along the harbor.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
25.2 km
A soaring tribute to Danish heroism, the Iver Huitfeldt Memorial stands sentinel over Copenhagen’s harbor, blending history, artistry, and breathtaking waterfront views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fiskehoddorna
1.0 km
Heritage-listed wooden fish huts on Banérskajen where Malmö’s coastal traditions, fresh seafood and smoky harbor aromas come together in a colorful quay-side market.
Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus / Malmö museum
1.0 km
Explore Malmö’s story of machines, ships and science in a vast 1960s brick hall, from a real Swedish submarine to immersive 360° dome journeys into space.
Ribersborgs open-air bath
1.2 km
Historic seaside bathhouse on a wooden pier where Malmö’s skyline, Nordic sauna rituals and bracing Öresund dips come together in an inclusive year‑round oasis.
Malmo Museum
1.2 km
A Renaissance castle turned all-in-one museum complex, where Malmö’s history, nature, art, technology and an aquarium come together beside a tranquil city moat.
Malmö Castle
1.2 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.
Malmo Live Concert AB
1.2 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.
Slottsträdgården
1.3 km
An organic urban sanctuary where passionate gardeners transformed a fortress island into a thriving ecological oasis.
Kungsparken, Malmö
1.5 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.
Stortorget
1.7 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.
Lilla torg
1.7 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
1.7 km
Historic half-timbered granary turned free design hub, blending contemporary exhibitions, curated shopping and a relaxed café around a cobbled Malmö courtyard.
Ribersborgsstranden
1.8 km
Malmö’s beloved “Ribban”: a long, shallow city beach where lawns, piers and parkland meet the Öresund, with skyline views, cold baths and space to unwind.
Malmö City Library
1.8 km
Light‑filled landmark library on the edge of Slottsparken, blending bold glass architecture, rich multilingual collections and lively cultural programmes.
Malmö old cemetery
1.8 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.
St. Peter's Church
1.8 km
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.
Essential places to dine
Malmö Saluhall
1.1 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
24.2 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
24.4 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Alchemist
24.4 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
Restaurant Lola
24.7 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
24.9 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
25.0 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
25.1 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
25.2 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
25.2 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
25.4 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
25.4 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
25.5 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
25.5 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
25.5 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Field's
25.1 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination blending retail excellence, dining diversity, and family entertainment in Copenhagen's vibrant Ørestad.
Copenhagenglass
25.2 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
25.3 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Crown souvenir
25.3 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
25.5 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Zane
25.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Magasin du Nord
25.6 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
The Wilde Shop
25.7 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
25.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
25.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
25.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
25.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Urban Outfitters
25.8 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Danish Souvenirs
25.9 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
ILLUM
25.9 km
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
23.5 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
24.4 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
25.1 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
25.4 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
25.5 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
25.7 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
25.7 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
25.8 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
25.8 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
25.8 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
25.8 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
25.8 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Moose
26.0 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
26.0 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
26.0 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Futuristic Looks
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
