Conquering two Scandi cities in one weekend – including an afternoon in an anarchist commune and swerving ‘the world’s most disgusting food’

Extreme day trips, also known as EDTs, have surged in recent years as travellers have taken advantage of low fares from budget airlines to explore destinations – usually in Europe – in just one day.

The Scandi cities of Copenhagen and Malmö have both been on my list for a while so I decide adapt the EDT blueprint slightly and make it an ‘extreme weekend’ instead. 

How much can you fit in in 72 hours? It turns out an awful lot – including two countries and three hotels. 

And… deep breath, I also explore museums, try dry-slope skiing, embrace the Nordic sauna scene, admire pastel-hued architecture, stroll along a beach and discover hemp-infused beer produced at a distillery in a whimsical anarchist commune. 

I even brave a whiff of one of the world’s most pungent foods – and end up belting out karaoke in unexpectedly lively spots too.

DAY ONE: COPENHAGEN

My bumper trip begins at Copenhagen Airport, where I activate a 72-hour Copenhagen Card before hopping on the metro. 

Though pricey, it offers unlimited transport and entry to more than 80 attractions – ideal for a short stay.

With no time to waste, I head to Designmuseum Danmark, which is ideal as I can leave my suitcase in a free locker while I wander around various exhibitions, including Japan Modern Poster and Danish Modern – home to a seriously impressive collection of uniquely designed chairs.

The walk from the museum to the metro also gives me ample opportunity to take in iconic sites along the way, including the famous colourful strip of Nyhavn and the magnificent Frederik’s Church. 

After a quick 15-minute journey, I arrive in Nordhavn, a regenerated harbour district now filled with sleek hotels, bars and cafés.

I check into Hotel Frihavnen, a chic, compact space, converted from an indoor shooting range. 

My tiered double room is cosy yet cleverly designed, with bold tomato-red, navy and green colours, an elevated bed, and a lounge area that feels almost spa-like. 

Despite its size, it’s well-equipped, with smart storage and modern amenities, like a Dyson Airwrap and pull-out wardrobe.

After dropping my bags, I head to Sauna Hos, a peaceful members-only sauna that welcomes day visitors for a £34 fee. 

Rotating between three hot rooms and cold plunges – including an outdoor dip in near-freezing water – I quickly shake off the morning’s travel fatigue. 

Back at the hotel, I freshen up before heading to ESSE, an intimate restaurant led by chef Matt Orlando, for a warm-up snack before dinner at SILO. 

With its cool decor and open kitchen, it delivers both atmosphere and flavour -standouts include fermented potato bread with whipped butter (my favourite) and a tart sloe berry ice-cream sandwich.

Dinner continues at SILO, set high above the city on the 17th floor with 360-degree views and classic French-Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

The dim, elegant space provides the perfect setting for a relaxed Friday evening, where I enjoy a glass of Riesling alongside my sensational main; glazed beef fillet, celeriac confit, chervil & sauce bordelaise. 

DAY TWO: COPENHAGEN TO MALMO 

The following morning, after a quick coffee and cardamom cake at Atelier September, I hop back on the metro towards Copenhagen Central Station, where an exciting journey awaits: a 40-minute train ride over the Øresund Bridge to Malmö.

Buying tickets is quick and easy, around 299 kroner (£23) for two one-way fares. The journey is calm and comfortable, with spacious seating and surprisingly few passengers for a Saturday. 

Crossing the bridge is the ultimate highlight: late-morning mist shields much of the view, but occasional glimpses of the sea make the moment feel special, knowing I’m gliding between two countries.

As the train approaches Malmö Central Station, the scenery shifts to flat parkland, lakes and trees. The station itself is sleek and modern, filled with shops and amenities – even a fish tank embedded into the toilet wall. 

Just a three-minute walk away is Clarion Hotel Malmö Live, a striking high-rise that dominates the skyline.

Inside, my 13th-floor corner room is spacious and effortlessly Scandi – clean lines, muted greys with hints of turquoise, and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping city views. 

Upstairs, the Sky Bar on the 16th floor offers panoramic views, drawing both guests and locals for relaxed drinks in a luxe setting.

Malmö itself is wonderfully walkable. Within an hour, I cover much of the city centre and harbour, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular day trip from Copenhagen. 

Despite its size, the city packs in beaches, museums, lively shopping streets and quirky stops like liquorice boutiques.

For lunch, I head to Malmö Saluhall, a bustling food hall split between regional Skåne produce and global street food – from spicy ramen to freshly made falafel. 

It’s lively and packed on a Saturday, so sharing tables is part of the experience – just mind where your noodles splash! 

In the afternoon, I wander through the Design Center, home to contemporary architecture and crafts, before visiting the Disgusting Food Museum, where curiosity is pushed to its limits – and tickets cleverly double-up as sick bags. 

Fermented and unfamiliar delicacies – from stinky tofu and birds nest soup, to century eggs and Hákarl (dried shark) – make it both fascinating and stomach-turning. 

Visitors can even spin a ‘Wheel of Disgust’ and win prizes for tasting crickets, milk soda and questionable cheese at the tasting bar.

The standout moment comes when the entire museum is ushered outside, where tins of surströmming, deeply pongy fermented Baltic Sea herring, are cautiously opened by staff – the pungent smell alone tears my eyes, sending the majority of us in front reeling. 

Later, I walk 25 minutes to Ribersborgsstranden, the city’s main beach. Despite the cold wind, the fresh sea air and choppy water make for a refreshing afternoon stroll. 

By evening, the city centre transforms: outdoor bars glow with lanterns and music, creating a cosy, social buzz. 

For dinner, I enter Ruth’s and dine at a bar-stool table that provides a perfect view of the bustling open kitchen, where chefs prepare me a beautiful plate of cod fillet with samphire and lemon. 

I finish the night with a quick drink at a lively Alpine pop-up bar, complete with warm blankets draped over chairs, before heading to Kappa Bar Malmö, where karaoke and Swedish hits provide an unexpectedly fun glimpse into the city’s bustling nightlife.

DAY THREE: BACK TO COPENHAGEN 

Beginning my third and final day bright and early, I check out and whiz back across the Øresund Bridge to Copenhagen, where I head straight to Kanalhuset – easily my favourite stay of the trip. 

Set along the historic Christianshavn Canal, the striking lemon-hued property houses just 12 boutique rooms and 14 apartments – and I’m lucky enough to be upgraded.

My apartment is spacious and beautifully designed, with a full kitchen, laundry room, double bedroom, lounge, dining area, and a bathroom with underfloor heating.

Retro Danish interiors give a relaxing feel as if you’re lounging at home, with worn wooden floors, green furnishings and quirky modern decor. 

After dropping my bags, I explore Christianshavn, a picturesque, maritime neighbourhoods lined with boats docked along its shimmering canal, and buildings in soft peach, cream and terracotta tones. 

Wandering a little further, I find myself at one of the most spectacular places on the trip: Freetown Christiania. 

This former army base turned anarchist commune, established in 1971, feels almost otherworldly, with a maze of cobbled paths, colourful murals, political street art, vibrant green spaces, and even a skatepark built into the side of a building. 

Bars serve hemp-infused beers brewed in the area’s own microbrewery, Christiania Bryghus, while friendly faces sell handmade brass jewellery, second-hand clothes, and other eclectic goods from wooden stalls. 

Later, I head to CopenHill for an hour-long ski session on a dry slope built on top of a waste-to-energy plant. 

With an instructor guiding me through the basics, it’s a fun but humbling experience – a clear indicator I’ll need more practice before tackling the Alps. 

In the afternoon, I visit the Museum of Optical Illusions, where interactive exhibits offer plenty of quirky photo opportunities, before making a quick stop at the city’s Botanical Garden, home to a variety of plants and even a Butterfly House. 

As evening falls, I stop by Mojo’s Blues Bar and enjoy a stellar performance from Ray Veawer and a female singer who croon their rendition of Lady Gaga’s ‘Shallow’, before returning to Kanalhuset for a communal dinner.

Delicious roast beef with all the trimmings is shared in a warm, sociable setting with fellow guests, providing the perfect ending to a memorable trip. 

While my time in Copenhagen was peaceful, I regret my relaxed pace kept me from ticking off a number of things on my list, such as visiting the enchanting Tivoli Gardens amusement park, and climbing the 17th-century Rundetaarn (Round Tower). 

To maximise your stay in Malmö, take a 20-minute train ride to Lund for history, hike the Kullaberg Peninsula, or head to coastal cities like Helsingborg for sweeping seaside views.

If you have 72 hours to spare, I’d recommend a slow-paced, two-country trip to Denmark and Sweden in a heartbeat.