Denmark’s lively cosmopolitan capital of Copenhagen is just a half hour drive away from Sweden’s third largest city, Malmo, with its cobbled streets, canals and parks. These two contrasting cities are linked by the spectacular Oresund bridge; its 7,845m making it the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe.

The best way to combine the two is by flying to Copenhagen with Scandinavian Airlines and stay a night or two in one of the city’s cool and trendy hotels. Then pick up a car from Europcar and drive across the bridge to Malmo either for the day, or for another night. Golfers should also pack their clubs because in southern Sweden they will find a “smorgasbord” of over 50 magnificent golf courses all within about 90 minutes drive of each other.

This really is a tale of two very different cities. Copenhagen has been dubbed the coolest capital in Scandinavia where historic palaces, museums and the famous Tivoli Gardens blend well with trendy bars, Michelin starred restaurants, bike tours and modern art. The result is a unique buzz unlike any other city in Europe.

For food lovers the city boasts no less than 10 Michelin starred restaurants, as well as numerous new designer restaurants, or cosy cafes along the side streets and waterfronts. Shopping in the city’s main pedestrian street Stroget is a must, but so too is browsing the small neighbourhood shops located in beautiful old buildings and medieval streets.

Yet only 15 kilometres south east, across the Oresund Bridge, Malmo in southern Sweden definitely offers a different city break experience. For a start it has its own two kilometre sandy beach, Ribersborg, right in the city centre where you can swim and sunbathe in summer, dive from the jetties, or take a tea break at the cold-water bathing house.

Malmo’s numerous parks are also a key part of the city. In Kungsparken and Slottsparken, which border the old town centre, visitors can take a stroll through the trees, stop for a picnic, or take a boat ride on the canals.

The city is also steeped in history and St Peter’s Church, the oldest building in Malmo, dates back to the early 14th century. The historic heart of Malmo however is the charming main square Lilla Torg built in 1592 and still a bustling meeting place. The square is renowned for its many outdoor restaurants and cafes, half timbered houses, cobbled streets, covered markets, and enchanting shops.

On the doorstep of Malmo however lies a golfers paradise, the province of Skane. The area boasts more golf courses than any other region in northern Europe. Tee off on the championship Barseback Golf Club just north of Malmo, for example, one of the top ten courses in mainland Europe, or the high class Bastad Golf Club with views over the bay of Laholm. At an average 30 Euros, green fees represent the best value in continental Europe.

For further information visit www.visitoresund.info and www.flysas.com