Malmo Synagoga (Malmo Synagogue), Malmo
The Malmö Synagogue, an Orthodox Jewish congregation located on Föreningsgatan in Malmö, is a rare architectural gem. Designed by John Smedberg and completed in 1903, the building combines Art Nouveau and Moorish Revival styles, making it one of the few remaining synagogues in Europe with such a design. The significance of its architecture is heightened by the fact that many similar structures were destroyed during Kristallnacht in 1938.
The synagogue has a unique historical importance, as it was Malmö's first non-Christian place of worship. It remains a symbol of the city’s Jewish heritage and resilience. At its peak in the 1970s, the community had over 2,000 members—about 1% of Malmö’s population at the time. However, in recent decades, the community has faced a decline in membership due to increasing antisemitic sentiments, with adult membership dropping by around 500 between 1999 and 2019.
Established in 1871, Malmö’s Jewish community was the fifth in Sweden, following Stockholm, Gothenburg, Norrköping, and Karlskrona. Initially composed of German and Polish immigrants, it grew with arrivals from Eastern Europe fleeing persecution and conscription. The first rabbi, Joseph Wohlstein, was appointed in 1900, and Jacob and Clara Lachmann funded the synagogue. During WWII, it became a sanctuary for Danish Jews. In 2011, an egalitarian community was established alongside the Orthodox congregation.
In 2021, the synagogue attracted approximately 5,000 visitors annually. It also hosted an International Holocaust Remembrance Forum in October of the same year, which was attended by delegates from 44 countries, including Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and King Carl Gustaf XVI. The event underscored the synagogue’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism.
In collaboration with the Malmö Municipality, the synagogue was transformed into a knowledge center in January 2022, promoting understanding and cultural awareness. This new role highlights the synagogue’s enduring place in Malmö’s multicultural fabric and its ongoing contributions to dialogue and education.
The synagogue has a unique historical importance, as it was Malmö's first non-Christian place of worship. It remains a symbol of the city’s Jewish heritage and resilience. At its peak in the 1970s, the community had over 2,000 members—about 1% of Malmö’s population at the time. However, in recent decades, the community has faced a decline in membership due to increasing antisemitic sentiments, with adult membership dropping by around 500 between 1999 and 2019.
Established in 1871, Malmö’s Jewish community was the fifth in Sweden, following Stockholm, Gothenburg, Norrköping, and Karlskrona. Initially composed of German and Polish immigrants, it grew with arrivals from Eastern Europe fleeing persecution and conscription. The first rabbi, Joseph Wohlstein, was appointed in 1900, and Jacob and Clara Lachmann funded the synagogue. During WWII, it became a sanctuary for Danish Jews. In 2011, an egalitarian community was established alongside the Orthodox congregation.
In 2021, the synagogue attracted approximately 5,000 visitors annually. It also hosted an International Holocaust Remembrance Forum in October of the same year, which was attended by delegates from 44 countries, including Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and King Carl Gustaf XVI. The event underscored the synagogue’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism.
In collaboration with the Malmö Municipality, the synagogue was transformed into a knowledge center in January 2022, promoting understanding and cultural awareness. This new role highlights the synagogue’s enduring place in Malmö’s multicultural fabric and its ongoing contributions to dialogue and education.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Malmo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Malmo Synagoga (Malmo Synagogue) on Map
Sight Name: Malmo Synagoga (Malmo Synagogue)
Sight Location: Malmo, Sweden (See walking tours in Malmo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Malmo, Sweden (See walking tours in Malmo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Malmo, Sweden
Create Your Own Walk in Malmo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Malmo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shopping in Malmo
When it comes to shopping, Malmo has something for everyone – from local specialty shops to alluring designer boutiques and large shopping centers, not to mention a great number of art galleries where exclusive art works and handicrafts, signed by Swedish artists, can be purchased.
Alongside cozy retail stores in the heart of Malmo there are tons of food outlets and exciting pit-stops where... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Alongside cozy retail stores in the heart of Malmo there are tons of food outlets and exciting pit-stops where... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Malmo Introduction Walking Tour
Malmo is Sweden's third-largest city, after Stockholm and Gothenburg. Malmo's history stretches back to the 13th century when Malmo was part of Denmark. During the 17th century, Sweden gained control of Malmo.
Today, Malmo is an industrial and transportation center. The port city is known for its beautiful architecture, charming squares, parks, and excellent shopping.
Main Square... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Today, Malmo is an industrial and transportation center. The port city is known for its beautiful architecture, charming squares, parks, and excellent shopping.
Main Square... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
At a glance, Malmo can produce the impression of an industrial city, but a closer look reveals a rather colorful combination of architectural styles. Here, medieval, Renaissance and 19th-century edifices coexist harmoniously with post-modernistic and futuristic designs.
The Old Town with its cobblestone squares (home to open-air bars, restaurants and cafés), as well as historical buildings,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The Old Town with its cobblestone squares (home to open-air bars, restaurants and cafés), as well as historical buildings,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Lund Walking Tour
Lund is a verdant city famed primarily for its academic prowess and as the backdrop for the final scenes of Ingmar Bergman’s renowned movie, "Wild Strawberries". Situated just about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) northeast of Malmo, it makes a perfect day-trip destination.
At the heart of the city lies Stortorget, the bustling central square where locals gather and events take place.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
At the heart of the city lies Stortorget, the bustling central square where locals gather and events take place.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles