Malmo’s largest park spreads around a 17th-century lake that once supplied the city with its drinking water. Today, it is a popular park for walks and live music.
Pildammsparken is a public park covering 111 acres (45 hectares). Its woodland, lakes and perennial gardens make it a popular recreation space and events venue.
The park was designed by Swedish architect Ferdinand Boberg. Its original purpose was to house the Baltic Exhibition of 1914, a celebration of industry and culture from countries bordering the Baltic Sea.
Start at the Margaret Pavilion. Named after a former crown princess of Sweden, it’s one of the few remaining buildings created for the Baltic Exhibition. Leading from the pavilion is Kronprinsessan Margaretas Blomstergatan (Flower Street). In spring and summer, landscape architects plant flowers according to a theme, such as Monet’s Water Lilies. Adjacent to this street is a rose garden dedicated to Queen Silvia of Sweden.
Investigate the Pildammstornet, a century-old tower on the east side of the park’s biggest lake. It was a water tower in the early 1900s and today houses the Pildammstornet Galleri. Come here to see changing exhibitions of local and international artists. Younger visitors can enjoy the park’s sound and light displays. During the summer, three fountains light up the lake to the sound of classical music.
Visit the park during the warmer months between June and August for one of its many outdoor events. These take place at the Pildammsteatern amphitheatre and the Tallriken, which is a large circular lawn surrounded by woodlands. Watch cultural dance shows and listen to jazz, rock and reggae bands. A schedule of events is available on the official website of the Sommarscen festival. Look for your favourite events during this two-month outdoor performing arts series.
Pildammsparken is located in the Kronoborg neighbourhood, a 25-minute walk from Malmo’s city centre. There is a small car park, with free parking for up to four hours during the day. Spaces fill up quickly on weekends and public holidays. Public transportation, such as bus and train, stops nearby. The park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It’s free to enter.
