Cobbled streets, centuries-old architecture and a lively waterfront district make Helsingborg one of the most captivating cities in Sweden. Perched on the Lund Peninsula and overlooking the Øresund Strait, the city combines natural beauty with a flourishing arts, culture and theatre scene.
Things to do in Helsingborg
Helsingborg is built around a beautiful Old Town filled with medieval architecture. Get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets and climb the stone staircase to Kärnan Tower, the last remaining relic of the medieval castle that once towered over the city. The Church of St. Mary welcomes you with a magnificent Gothic façade.
Stroll down to the picturesque waterfront district to watch boats cruising into the harbour and dine on modern Scandinavian cuisine at atmospheric restaurants. You’ll also find excellent cafes and restaurants clustered around the city’s sun-drenched squares.
Fredriksdal Museer Och Trädgårdar is set on the grounds of an 18th-century estate and is one of the top open-air museums in Sweden. The museum is dotted with traditional brick buildings that once lined the streets of Helsingborg. Some house arts and crafts workshops where you can pick up unique gifts and souvenirs. The flower-filled gardens moonlight as a venue for outdoor theatre performances in the summer.
It’s worth venturing out of the city to visit Sofiero, a former royal estate set in beautiful formal gardens. Wander along tree-lined paths, admire enormous rhododendrons and enjoy lunch at the garden café. Bob Dylan, Norah Jones and James Brown are just some of the international stars who have played outdoor concerts in the gardens.
Getting around Helsingborg
Helsingborg is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while local buses are a fast and affordable way to get around the city. Ferries run across the Øresund Strait and connect Helsingborg with Helsingor Denmark in just 20 minutes. Trains run between Helsingborg and Malmo in one hour and Copenhagen Airport is a one-hour drive away.