Posthusplatsen, the open plaza between Malmö’s historic post office building and the inner harbour, is one my favourite examples of the ‘city meeting the sea’ and a great place to people-watch. For many years, the passenger ferries that shuttled between Malmö and Copenhagen docked here, but that service was discontinued not long after the Oresund Bridge opened in 2000. The ferry terminal was replaced by three terraced staircases that double as informal seating, allowing visitors to be close to the water.
The striking Posthuset building for which the area is named sits at the back of the plaza, and is considered one of the country’s foremost examples of Swedish romantic-era architecture. It was designed by Ferdinand Boberg, a leading Swedish architect around the turn of the century. He considered this building with its two domed towers to be among his best work following its completion in 1906.
Posthusplatsen is also home to the impressive Utblick/Insikt (Outlook/Insight) sculpture by Gothenburg artist Pål Svensson. Sculpted in diabase, Utblick (Outlook) frames the Skeppsbron lighthouse and outer harbour beyond it, while Insikt (Insight) is a gentle fountain that reflects the surrounding city buildings panoramically in the water flowing over its polished black surface.
Having your picture taken while sitting or standing inside Utblick is extremely popular. The elliptical shape of the interior creates some interesting acoustics, so be sure to say a few words or even sing a song when you are ‘in the circle’ to experience the delightful effect.
