Ribersborg Open-Air Bath, Malmo: A Day Trip from Copenhagen

I only went to Malmö to watch a football game for my birthday. The train from Copenhagen to Malmö is only 30 minutes across the water.

Malmö seems like a sleepy town. I loved Copenhagen, but it was nice to visit somewhere quieter for a day. That’s when I discovered Malmö’s open-air bath.

This beautiful lime green pier looked like something from a Wes Anderson movie.

I wasn’t really sure what was inside. I discovered a lovely restaurant with a deck outside. I ordered a local fish dish and sat outside.

I realised I didn’t have any cutlery so I went back inside. Then a man brought my plate inside.

Confused, I asked what he was doing. Apparently a seagull was attacking my plate! I think the people of Malmö must be the nicest people on earth.

Ribersborg isn’t just a restaurant. It’s main function is actually a sauna. They also offer massages, sea baths and wood fired hot tubs! If you’re at Ribersborg during winter, they recommend having an ice cold swim in the sea which has a number of health benefits including endorphins which helps aliviate depression and joint problems.

Along the beach, I was struck by this twisting structure. Turning Torso is actually the tallest building in Sweden and a residential skyscraper.

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History of Ribersborg Open-Air Bath

Ribersborg Open-Air Bath is one of Sweden’s oldest and most beloved cold-water bathing houses, perched on a wooden pier along Malmö’s Ribersborg beach. It was founded in 1898 by C.A. Richter, who salvaged materials from an older bathhouse at Nyhamn port and built a new facility in the Öresund Strait. The bathhouse quickly became a local institution, offering sea bathing, saunas, and social spaces in a striking turn-of-the-century design.

Over the decades, it has weathered storms, wartime damage, and changing bathing customs. Renovations in the 1930s introduced nude bathing and gender-separated areas, while later additions included wood-fired hot tubs and a mixed sauna. In 1995, it was declared a historic building. Today, Ribersborgs Kallbadhus is open year-round and remains a cherished retreat for locals and visitors alike, offering a blend of tradition, wellness, and sea views — all just a short walk from Malmö’s city centre.

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10 Interesting Facts About Ribersborg Open-Air Bath

1. The bathhouse was built in 1898 using recycled timber from a demolished port bath.
2. It was damaged by storms in 1902 and 1988 but rebuilt each time.
3. The pier stretches over 170 metres into the Öresund Strait.
4. It features five saunas, including a mixed-gender option.
5. The site is affectionately nicknamed “Ribban” by locals and “Kallis” by younger generations.
6. Cold-water swimming here is a Nordic tradition believed to boost mood and immunity.
7. The bathhouse hosts Queer Kallis once a month — an inclusive event for LGBTQ+ visitors.
8. The café once had a license to serve wine only when church services weren’t being held nearby.
9. The bathhouse was nearly demolished in 1988 but saved by public outcry.
10. It’s located just 1 km from Turning Torso, Sweden’s tallest building.

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Things to See and Do at Ribersborg Open-Air Bath

• Take a Sea Dip
  Brave the chilly waters of the Öresund Strait from one of the bathhouse’s ladders or platforms. Winter swims are especially popular and invigorating.
• Relax in the Saunas
  Choose from dry, humid, or wood-fired saunas in both men’s and women’s sections. A mixed sauna is also available for shared experiences.
• Enjoy the Hot Tubs
  Warm up in wood-fired hot tubs overlooking the sea. It’s a perfect contrast to the cold water and a favourite among regulars.
• Visit During Queer Kallis
  Experience the bathhouse in a fully inclusive setting, where gender divisions are removed for LGBTQ+ guests and allies.
• Dine at the Café and Restaurant
  Enjoy Swedish dishes, coffee, and wine on the sun deck with views of the sea, Turning Torso, and even Copenhagen on clear days.
• Book a Massage
  Treat yourself to aromatherapy, hot stone, or Ayurvedic massage in the on-site spa.
• Sunbathe on the Decks
  Stretch out on the wooden sun decks between dips and sauna sessions. Blankets and loungers are available.
• Explore the Historic Architecture
  Admire the bathhouse’s pastel green façade, decorative woodwork, and classic pier design — a rare example of 19th-century seaside architecture.
• Join the Kallbadhus Festival
  Visit in July for live music, art exhibitions, and food stalls celebrating Malmö’s bathing culture.
• Walk the Beachfront
  Stroll along Ribersborg beach and enjoy views of the Öresund Bridge and city skyline.

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Practical Informationfor Visiting Ribersborg Open-Air Bath

• Location: Limhamnsvägen, Brygga 1, 217 59 Malmö, Sweden
• Opening times: Daily, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (may vary seasonally)
• Entry: Adults ~70 SEK; discounts for students and seniors; free for children under 7
• Sauna & bath access: Included in entry; massage and food extra
• Parking: Limited nearby; public transport recommended (bus stop: Ribersborg)
• Accessibility: Ground floor accessible; some areas via steps
• Dogs: Assistance dogs only
• Food: Café and à la carte restaurant on site
• Toilets: Available, including accessible facilities
• Nearby: Turning Torso, Malmö Castle, Slottsträdgården, Västra Hamnen
• Official website: Ribersborgs Kallbadhus