Charley1965

Has anyone here done this journey by rail? Can you see the views while you are aboard the train?

Secondly, Malmo on a Sunday in December? Anyone got an opinion on what it would be like? I'm thinking of popping to Malmo over the bridge and staying for a few hours or so, just to see what it's like.

Thanks in advance.

crefloors

You don't see very much from the train, it goes under water. The easiest way to Malmo is to take the 99 bus from the main square in Copenghagen, by the Opera. The buses are very frequent and will take you right to the city center in Malmo. The last bus leaves about 7:30 in the evening from Malmo back to Copenhagen.

It will be very festive in the city center in December. All the Christmast stuff will be up so have a fun time.

PalenqueBob

The train does not nearly go under water the whole way, in fact it goes in a in tunnel just a short part and indeed goes mainly high on a bridge affording sweeping views over the Oresund - one of the most thrillingly scenic train rides i've been - there are fantastic views most of the way.

I went to Lund, a few minutes beyond Malmo by train - Lund is one of Sweden's msot beautiful cities - and has a very famous cathedral and is a lively university town, even on Sunday i think.

Malmo has never impressed me the several times i've tried to find something neat there.

Trains leave Copenhagen's main train station frequently for Malmo - fare is not cheap - about $20 or so each way as i remember.

PalenqueBob

In fact i believe the 99 bus referenced must take the exact same trek as the train - both road and train go under the main shipping part of the sound in a tunnel to an artificial island, then both road and rails go over the same bridge - an identical route i think.

Charley1965

Brilliant, thank you both for your replies.

Crefloors, how long does the 99 take to get to Malmo?

Bob, so how do you get to Lund, do you change at Malmo or is it the same train?

Thanks!

hsv

I have only driven by car across the bridge, but I second PalenqueBoB's assertion that there is only a short tunnel to an artificial island just off the Danish coast and from there both, the cars and the trains will use the bridge to the Swedish mainland. While the views are nice, I expected them to be a bit more spectacular.

PalenqueBob

The views are sweeping if not spectacular as you see for miles around - if driving you of course, the driver at least, see little. Even from the train i remember bridge barriers obstructing the views.
Yes, change at Malmo for very frequent trains to Lund - one of the nicest cities in Scandinavia i've been to. Many Scandinavian cities i find too modern, but Lund is a delightful exception. The tourist office, opposite the famous church, has maps and a walking tour brochure.

Charley1965

HSV, have you been to Malmo, if so what did you think?

Bob, I will certainly look into visiting Lund.

Thanks to you both.

PalenqueBob

If doing a day trip you got lots of time to look at them both.

hsv

Charley,

unfortunately not - I would have mentioned it. I just proceeded in the direction of Ystad.

crefloors

The 99 bus takes an hour. It was just really convenient for us. We were in Nyhavn so the square was like about a four block walk. The train station was NOT as convenient to us, and also the bus takes you right into the center of Malmo. So, it just happened to work very well. I THINK the fare was about 10 euros each way...NOT positive. I know it was very reasonable. I can't tell you much about Malmo. We just went over to see a bit of the countryside out of Copenhagen and to shop. So we spent our time on the walking street, drinking coffee, having lunch, shopping, enjoying all the Christmas decorations, the snow, and just having a relaxing day.

It was really cold. They had more snow than normal..we landed in Copenhagen in the middle of a white out, just before they closed the airport. I was quite comfortable though..I dressed in layers and a scarf and gloves are essential for your comfort level. Of course this is another year, so we can't say how cold it will be when you are there.

PalenqueBob

the bus is significantly cheaper than the train it seems. You could do the 'Round the Sound' excursion - train Cope-Malmo-Lund-Helsingorborg (sp?), Sweden, take constant ferries to Helsingor (elsinore in english), and its famous Hamlet's castle right by the dock and train back to Copenhagen thru Denmark - takes about 4-5 hours travel time to do this loop.

Phil

Charley:

There are direct trains from Copenhagen to Lund, also on sundays. you may want to check the Swedish rail site at:

http://www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=10&l=en

or the Danish rail site at:

http://www.dsb.dk/cs/Satellite?pagename=DSBUK/Forside

The Swedish site is easier to navigate, but it doesn't quote fares.

The Danish site does quote but is clunkier to navigate and it isn't very obvious where to find fares. A single journey to Malmö costs DKK 72 (€ 9.60), a single journey to Lund DKK 94 (€ 12.60).

Hope this helps, enjoy your trip.

Phil.

PS crefloors: did you pay in Euro? It seems strange as neither Denmark nor Sweden have introduced the Euro so far....

DAX

Charley,
Just a thought, Malmo on a cold Sunday means everything is closed, no crowd, no restaurant outdoor seating . IMHO Malmo is nothing to write home about, the big town square is, at most, just OK. The highlight for me was crowd watching while eating outdoor. Lund sounds more interesting, I wished I knew about it then.

Charley1965

Thanks everyone.

Don't want to do a day trip, so am just looking at a few hours trip, just to have a look round. Just trying to ascertain whether it's worth it. We won't make a decision until we are actually there. I want to be armed with the info. incase we do decide to go.

Sweden does have the Euro!

Thanks Phil, will check those links out. I'd already had a quick look at the Danish site for times, but was unaware of the Swedish site.

DAX, I thought that Malmo was open for business on Sundays, especially in the lead up to Christmas.

The cold won't bother us, we live in London and have been to various European cities in the winter!

Thanks again for your input.

JulieVikmanis

PalenqueBob, you really know the best places to go for day trips. I just returned from a trip to Paris where I day tripped to Conflans (intend to do Joinville next time) and now I must put Lund on the list. Thanks.

Charley1965

Whoops - Correction. I have just checked and Sweden doesn't have the Euro. Sorry!

crefloors

If you go to Malmo you can just hit an ATM and get some Kroner. I didn't try to use Danish Kroner in Sweden.

We were in Copenhagen visiting my neice who was on her school break..she was in school in Copenhagen for the year. She liked going over to Malmo, it was an easy day trip and it was fun. Nothing special about the town particularly, but like I said above, it just made for a fun relaxing day and the people watching was great!!!!! Those Swedes and Danes are gorgous..tall and blond.

DAX

Charley,

I forgot about the christmas market at Södertull in Malmö starts at the end of November. I've never been there in the winter. Hopefuly they have warm drinks & wandering musicians to bring the xmas cheers.

Charley1965

DAX, thanks, I shall look up that Christmas market!