Malmo’s oldest park is renowned for a summer festival, exotic trees that grow throughout and for having one of only four legal casinos in Sweden.
Kungsparken (King’s Park) is the oldest park in Malmo. It is known for its collection of trees from three continents, for its casino and the free Sommarscen festival. Initially the park was a burial ground and in 1872 the 8 hectares (21 acres) of parkland were opened to the public.
Kings Park has a distinguished collection of trees and plants. See the century-old sweet chestnut tree, a 29-metre (95-foot) Turkish oak tree, and the native Chinese and Taiwanese "Tree of Heaven”. The natural environment makes the park a great place for picnicking, jogging and sunbathing. If you are up early, exercise with the locals or if the weather is warm, picnic on the grassy fields on the weekends.
In the centre of the park is the fountain. This is a great photo opportunity. Take a picture with the trees in the background or in front of the fountain with views of the canal and the bridges that cross to Castle Park.
Visit the casino, one of only four legal casinos in Sweden. Roll the dice or play a game of cards. In addition to playing a game of chance, dine in the casino restaurant or dance the night away in the nightclub.
For two months in summer the Sommarscen Festival takes over the park with a program of free cultural events and performances. See acrobatic shows, circus, music and contemporary theatre performances for young children. A detailed schedule of events can be found on the official Sommarscen website.
The park is situated on the edge of the Old Town. It is a short walk from the major attractions in Malmo and less than a 10-minute walk from both Gustav Adolf’s Square and Stortorget. There is a small parking lot outside the casino, which fills up quickly. Public buses are a more reliable and convenient alternative. The Kungsparken is free to enter and is open 24 hours a day, year-round.
