Turning Torso
Malmö's iconic twisting skyscraper, a 190m architectural marvel inspired by the human form. A symbol of modern design.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Turning Torso
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Malmö's iconic twisting skyscraper, a 190m architectural marvel inspired by the human form. A symbol of modern design.
"A true architectural wonder that instantly catches your eye from anywhere in Malmö."
📸 Best Photo Spots
Wander Västra Hamnen for diverse angles of the twisting torso building. The waterfront offers great perspectives!
🎟️ Summer Tour Booking
Book summer tours to the 54th floor in advance; they sell out quickly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Twisting Skyscraper
Witness the world's first twisting skyscraper, a 190m tall architectural marvel inspired by a human torso.
Västra Hamnen Waterfront
Base of the Turning Torso
Stroll along the modern waterfront for stunning views of the Øresund Bridge and the iconic building.
54th Floor Panoramic Views
Turning Torso, 54th floor (via tour)
Experience breathtaking city and sea vistas from the top floors during guided summer tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Admire from Afar
Summer Tours for a Glimpse Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spots
Wander Västra Hamnen for diverse angles of the twisting torso building. The waterfront offers great perspectives!
🎟️ Summer Tour Booking
Book summer tours to the 54th floor in advance; they sell out quickly!
🚶♀️ Explore Västra Hamnen
Enjoy the modern waterfront area around the building for a pleasant walk and sea views.
💡 Architectural Marvel
Appreciate the unique design inspired by a human torso in motion. A true engineering feat.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spots
Wander Västra Hamnen for diverse angles of the twisting torso building. The waterfront offers great perspectives!
🎟️ Summer Tour Booking
Book summer tours to the 54th floor in advance; they sell out quickly!
🚶♀️ Explore Västra Hamnen
Enjoy the modern waterfront area around the building for a pleasant walk and sea views.
💡 Architectural Marvel
Appreciate the unique design inspired by a human torso in motion. A true engineering feat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Turning Torso's unique, twisting architecture, hailing it as an iconic symbol of Malmö and a marvel of modern engineering. While public access is limited, the opportunity to take a summer tour to the 54th floor is highly praised for its informative nature and spectacular views.
"The Turning Torso is one of the most iconic and unique buildings I’ve ever seen — a true architectural wonder that instantly catches your eye from anywhere in Malmö. Designed by the legendary architect Santiago Calatrava, it's not just a skyscraper, it's a piece of art twisting 90 degrees from base to top!
At 190 meters (623 feet), it's the tallest building in Scandinavia, and the first twisting skyscraper in the world. Inspired by a human torso in motion, the building consists of nine cubes stacked on top of each other, each slightly rotated to create that incredible spiraling effect. It’s as if the building itself is alive and stretching into the sky.
While it’s a residential and office building and not generally open for public tours, just seeing it up close is a powerful experience. The way it reflects sunlight, stands against the sea breeze, and dominates the horizon is genuinely unforgettable.
If you’re in Malmö, make sure to walk around the Västra Hamnen area where it stands — it’s a modern, beautifully developed waterfront with great views of the Øresund and the Øresund Bridge. Perfect for photos and architectural appreciation.
A must-see for architecture lovers and anyone fascinated by bold, futuristic design!"
Dmitry Zinger
"Open to visit the 54th floor with a tour group in the summer. Tour is given in both Swedish and English. Great view over the city and informative (albeit understandably one-sided) talk on the tower and its symbolism. Part of the talk is given by a host, who then introduces a short video that covers most of the towers (hi)story. Tour cost 195 SEK per person and water is complimentary. Group consisted of about 50 people. Toilets available upstairs. Were given a complimentary bottle of water which was nice."
Romy Coers
"Beautiful Calatrava building. 190m high. From everywhere in the city of Malmö you can see this building"
dries de ruijter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Turning Torso is located in the Västra Hamnen district of Malmö. You can reach it by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Walking or cycling from the city center is also a pleasant option, taking about 20-30 minutes.
The Turning Torso address is Lilla Varvsgatan 14, 211 15 Malmö, Sweden.
There are parking facilities available in the Västra Hamnen area, though they can be busy. Consider public transport or walking if possible.
Yes, the Turning Torso is visible from many parts of Malmö due to its height and distinctive shape. It's a prominent landmark on the city's skyline.
Absolutely! Several bus lines serve the Västra Hamnen area, making it easily accessible by public transport from Malmö city center and other districts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Public access inside the Turning Torso is very limited. It's primarily a residential and office building. However, guided tours to the 54th floor are offered during the summer months.
Visiting the exterior is free. If you wish to go inside via a guided tour to the 54th floor, the price is approximately 195 SEK per person.
The building itself is not open to the public outside of scheduled tours. The tours typically run during the summer season, with specific daily hours. It's best to check the official website for current tour schedules.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets for the Turning Torso tour in advance, especially during peak summer season, as they are popular and have limited capacity.
The 54th floor, accessible via guided tours during summer, functions as an informal observation area offering panoramic views. There isn't a dedicated public observation deck.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Turning Torso stands at an impressive 190 meters (623 feet), making it the tallest building in Scandinavia.
The Turning Torso is a prime example of contemporary architecture, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its unique twisting structure is its defining characteristic.
From the 54th floor, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Malmö, the Øresund Strait, and the impressive Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark.
The Turning Torso is a mixed-use building, containing both residential apartments and office spaces.
The design of the Turning Torso is inspired by a human torso in motion, a concept brought to life by architect Santiago Calatrava.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours – sunrise and sunset – when the light casts a beautiful glow on the building. Midday can also be good for capturing its sharp lines against a blue sky.
The Västra Hamnen waterfront offers numerous excellent vantage points. Experiment with different angles from the promenade and nearby parks for unique shots.
Photography is generally permitted in public areas and during guided tours, but always be mindful of residents' privacy if you are in or around the residential areas.
Focus on the building's signature twist, the way the cubes rotate, and the interplay of light and shadow on its facade. The base and the connection points of the cubes are also interesting details.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the entire structure, while a telephoto lens can help isolate interesting details. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as options can be spread out. The modern design of Västra Hamnen might also appeal to children's sense of wonder. It's a safe and pleasant area for a family outing, combining a unique architectural sight with outdoor exploration.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Beyond the building itself, exploring the Västra Hamnen district provides context for its integration into a modern, sustainable urban environment. The area showcases innovative urban planning and design, offering a broader appreciation for Malmö's architectural landscape. Don't miss the chance to take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the building's concept and construction.
📸 Photographers
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, is particularly magical for photographing the Turning Torso, as the light creates dramatic shadows and highlights. The nearby Øresund Bridge also offers a stunning backdrop. If you can access the 54th floor via a tour, the panoramic views provide excellent opportunities for cityscape and seascape photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Genius of Santiago Calatrava
Calatrava's work is characterized by its sculptural quality, and the Turning Torso is no exception. It's often described as a piece of art as much as a building. The exterior is clad in white aluminum panels, giving it a sleek and modern appearance that contrasts with its dynamic form. The building's energy efficiency was also a key consideration in its design, incorporating sustainable features that were ahead of their time.
For architecture enthusiasts, the Turning Torso represents a significant milestone in skyscraper design, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in terms of form and function. Its unique silhouette has made it an iconic symbol of Malmö and a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary architecture.
Experiencing the Turning Torso: Tours and Views
The journey to the 54th floor is an experience in itself. The elevators are designed for speed and privacy, whisking you to the top in under 30 seconds. Some visitors have noted a slight sensation of ear pressure due to the rapid ascent and descent, a testament to the building's engineering. Once at the top, the panoramic views are spectacular. You can see across Malmö, out to the Øresund Strait, and even catch glimpses of the impressive Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark.
It's important to note that these tours are popular and have limited capacity. Booking your tickets well in advance, especially if you're visiting during peak tourist season, is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The tour cost is reasonable and often includes a complimentary bottle of water, adding a nice touch to the experience.
Västra Hamnen: The Modern District
Walking around Västra Hamnen provides numerous opportunities to admire the Turning Torso from various angles. The well-maintained waterfront is perfect for a leisurely stroll, cycling, or simply relaxing by the water. You'll find public art installations, green spaces, and cafes, making it an enjoyable area to spend an afternoon. The views of the Øresund Bridge from here are also a major draw, especially during sunset.
This district is a great example of successful urban regeneration, showcasing how industrial sites can be revitalized into attractive and livable urban spaces. It’s a perfect complement to visiting the Turning Torso, offering a broader context of Malmö’s contemporary development and a beautiful setting for photography and relaxation.
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