Helsingborg delights with its charm and rich history. Known for its strategic location on the Öresund Strait, Helsingborg is a key transport hub connecting Sweden with Denmark. The main monuments include Kärnan Castle, which towers over Helsingborg and provides views of the strait of the nearby coast.
Helsingborg is known for its dynamic cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, theaters and museums, such as Dunkers Kulturhus, which is an arts and culture center hosting exhibitions, concerts and performances. Helsingborg is also a city of modern innovation and business, being home to many international companies and start-ups.
Helsingborg is a port city in Sweden and is the 9th largest in Sweden. Helsingborg is located approximately 65 km from Malmö. Is the central urban area of northwestern Scania and Sweden’s closest point to Denmark: the Danish city Helsingør is clearly visible about 4 km.
Tropical Beach
Beach lovers are attracted by a small, sandy beach with tropical palm trees. Tropical Beach, also known as Parapeten, is a popular beach among locals and tourists in Helsingborg. The sandy beach, approximately 200 meters long, is located close to the city center, right at the entrance to the ferry port.
Kärnan and Terrace Stairs
Built in the early 14th century, the fortress was previously part of a much larger castle that has played a key role in Swedish-Danish relations over the centuries. Thanks to the defense tower, the city’s inhabitants have slept soundly for 700 years. On site, you can learn more about the building, its role for Helsingborg over the years and which famous kings and regents visited and lived in Kärnan. In Kärnan, there is also an entrance shop with an assortment that conveys knowledge and interest in the Middle Ages.
Terrasstrapporna is a historic terrace staircase connecting Stortorget, the oldest city square in Helsingborg, with Kärnan Castle Tower. The stairs were built in 1903 after the renovation of part of the medieval Helsingborg Castle several years earlier. Once you climb these granite steps, go beyond the balustered stone walls and up a ramp flanked by two circular brick towers, you will reach the medieval Kärnan Tower. It provides a breathtaking view of the city and harbor while you catch your breath.
Helsingborg City Hall
Helsingborg’s town hall is the city’s showcase and a wonderful example of civic architecture, a must-see for tourists visiting this Swedish city. Built in the early 20th century, the building is a perfect combination of neo-Renaissance and modernist styles. The striking red brick facade and elegant towers dominate the city skyline, serving as a symbol of the city’s governance and rich history. The ornate carvings on the charming clock tower, which chimes melodiously throughout the day, are a fantastic sight. The town hall is not only a place of administration, but often hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
Sofiero Palace
Sofiero Palace is the summer residence of the Swedish royal family. At the turn of the century, the castle became the property of the future King Gustav VI Adolf, who began establishing a large rhododendron garden, for which Sofiero is famous to this day. Take a walk through the picturesque park, admire the breathtaking views of Öresund, and visit the exhibitions inside the castle.
Fredriksdal Museum and Gardens
The open-air museum Fredriksdal Museer is located on the outskirts of Helsingborg city center and is one of the largest open-air museums in Sweden, covering an area of approximately 360,000 square meters. With its old buildings, varied topography, old crops in historically cultivated areas and historic breeds of farm animals, Fredriksdal presents a successful and vivid picture of the province of Skåne in the 19th century.
Dunker Culture House
Dunkers Kulturhus is a dynamic cultural center located on Helsingborg’s harbor promenade. With a mix of art, music, theatre, dance, and culinary experiences, it’s a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts. The center features a wide range of exhibitions, from local history to contemporary art, making it a hub for creativity and innovation in Sweden.
Pålsjö Castle
Pålsjö Castle was built in the late 1670s. During the Battle of Helsingborg during the Great Northern War (1700-1721), Count Magnus Stenbock had his seat at Pålsjö Castle. The current appearance comes from a renovation by Danish architect Christian Abraham in 1873. Take a walk through the forest to the castle and admire the beautiful gardens that amaze you.
Saint Mary’s Church
Helsingborg’s oldest church it the Church of St. Mary (Mariakyrkan), dates back to the 14th century. Dressed in red Danish brick and built with Gothic style architecture, this church is interesting for many reasons: the vestry cellar, the 15th century altar screen, the stained glass windows and the well preserved 800 year old sculptures.
Tropikariet – Tropicarium
Tropicarium is an exotic indoor zoo. A great attraction for the whole family, with animals divided by continent, some moving freely and others in the glass walls of the terrarium. You can walk through the African savannah, enter a moonlit rainforest, and dive in a coral reef off the coast of the Maldives.
Kullagatan Street
Kullagatan Street is an area with lots of small shops and places to eat and drink. Kullagatan is not only the oldest pedestrian street in Sweden (dating back to 1961), but also an ideal place to relax with numerous cafes and shops. The sweet melancholy of Sweden can be felt during the winter months and during Christmas.
