Helsingborg, strategically situated at the narrowest part of the Oresund strait and opposite the Danish town of Helsingor (Elsinore), was for centuries hotly disputed between Denmark andSweden. The town first appears in the records in 1085 and it received its municipal charter in 1649. It's now a busy port, commercial and industrial town, a favored center for conferences and trade fairs, and Sweden's main channel of communication by sea with Denmark and mainlandEurope. The port has been somewhat eclipsed since the building of Oresund Bridge, which links Sweden and Denmark, but is still well worth exploring. The historic town has many attractions including old houses, stone churches, narrow alleyways to wander through, and theKärnan fortress, which has guarded the town for more than six centuries.
1 Kärnan (The Kernel)
Immediately apparent to tourists arriving by sea is the town's emblem and landmark, Kärnan (the "Kernel"), a conspicuous brick tower 35 meters high, which stands at the upper end of the long market square (Stortorget). At the end of the square, two towers frame a broad flight of steps that lead up to Konung Oscar II's Terrass where the old defensive tower stands. In 1400, it was the central feature of a stronghold built on the site of an earlier timber fortress, probably dating from the 10th century. The castle was destroyed in 1680, leaving only the tower standing. From the top (190 steps) there are superb views of the town and over the Oresund to Denmark. Beyond Kärnan is Slottshagen, a beautiful park, with a sculpture by Christian Eriksson, "The Hunt", as well as the remains of the old fortress.
Hours: Open daily spring & summer, closed winter
Admission: Adults SEK 40, under 18's free, students SEK 20
Address: Slottshagsgatan, 250 07 Helsingborg
Accomodation: Where to Stay in Helsingborg - TripAdvisor.com
2 The Town Hall (Stadshuset)
At the lower end of Stortorget, opposite the well-known statue of the Swedish General Count Magnus Stenbock (1664-1717) stands the neo-Gothic Town Hall (1870). The building features a 70-meter-high tower and stained glass windows depicting events in the history of the town. In front of the Town Hall are Norwegian and Danish memorial stones, commemorating the assistance given by Sweden when these countries were occupied by the Germans during the Second World War. From the foot of Stortorget, Järnvägsgatan runs southeast, passing the railroad station, boat terminal, and the municipal library (1965).
Address: Drottninggatan 7, Helsingborg
3 The Harbor Square (Hamntorget)
Southwest of Helsingborg's Stortorget, flanking the ferry port, is Hamntorget (Harbor Square), with the Seafarers Monument (by Carl Milles), a column topped by a figure of Mercury. Nearby, lies a plaque commemorating the arrival of the French marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte in 1810. (Bernadotte was chosen by the Swedish Parliament as heir to the throne and was adopted by the childless King Charles XIII; Bernadotte became king as Carl XIV Johan in 1818).
4 Jakob Hansen's Hus
At the upper end of Stortorget in the heart of Helsingborg, Norra Storgatan veers to the left. At number 21, you'll find Jakob Hansens Hus (1641; restored 1931), a handsome, old half-timbered building, which now caters for weddings, celebrations of all sorts, and conferences. Architecturally, it's a taste of medieval Sweden. To the front of the building stands a fountain topped by a celestial globe (1927) commemorating the astronomer Tycho Brahe. The location is easily reached by bus, car, or on foot.
Address: Norra Storgatan 21, 25220 Helsingborg
Official site: www.jacobhansenshus.se
5 St. Mary's Church (Maria Kyrkan)
In Södra Storgatan, which runs southeast from the foot of Stortorget in Helsingborg, stands the pretty Gothic church of St. Mary (13th century, renovated in the 15th century). Swedish places of worship are noted for their simplicity both internally and externally, however notable features of the interior are the reredos (c. 1450), the pulpit (1615, with intarsia decoration), a historical chart (from A.D. 900 to modern times), and the modern stained glass.
Hours: Open weekdays 8am- 6pm, weekends 9am-6pm
Address: Södra Storgatan, Helsingborg
6 Helsingborg Concert Hall
Between Drottninggatan and Kungsgatan, you'll find the Concert Hall (Konserthuset; designed by Sven Markelius, 1932). The building is one of the finest examples of Swedish functionalism and has been declared a historic structure. The hall is known for its particularly fine acoustics and is home to the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra (HSO). Lovers of classical music should check out the varied program on offer.
Address: Drottninggatan 19, S-25067 Helsingborg, Sweden
Official site: www.helsingborgssymfoniorkester.se
7 Dunkers Culture Center (Dunkers Kulturhus)
Filled with art galleries and special exhibitions, the Kulturhuset hosts international music, theater, dance, and cultural activities for young people. Inside, there's a restaurant, bistro, and theHelsingborg Tourist Information Center, so this is a good place to stock up on information about the town and area. In The Reading Room you can browse through journals and books on diverse topics, including theater, music, history, art, archaeology, architecture, and film. From the restaurant, there are great views out over Oresund.
Hours: Open daily - times vary
Admission: Free entrance, 3rd floor exhibitions (history/art) - adults SEK 70, under 18's Free
Address: Kungsgatan 11, Helsingborg
Official site: www.dunkerskulturhus.se
8 Frederiksdal Open-air Museum (Friluftsmuseum)
This is a must-see attraction for all the family and a journey back through the centuries. Visitors can stroll around and experience a real working Skåne farm, old countryside houses and outbuildings, an outdoor theater, the old 18th century Fredriksdal Mansion, a Music Museum, aBotanic Garden, Grafiska Print Museum, and an open-air theater. There's an old town quarter where you can buy quaint sweets or roses in the flower shop. In essence, Frederiksdal is the rural Skåne of old, spread across 360,000 square meters of an utterly unique setting.
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Adults SEK 80, Students (19+) SEK 40, Under 18's Free, Guided Tours available
Address: Gisela Trapps Väg 1, 254 37 Helsingborg
Official site: www.fredriksdal.se
9 Helsingborg Print Museum (Grafiska Museet)
Located in the old town quarter of Frederiksdal Open-Air Museum, Grafiska, the largest working print museum in Scandinavia, is a sure-fire stop on a tour of Helsingborg for lovers of the printed word. Inaugurated in 1995, the museum's mission is to preserve the proud craft and history of printing in the Skåne area. More than 50 volunteers demonstrate the workings of printing presses dating back hundreds of years.
Hours: Open daily May to September 11am-4pm, October to April (Monday to Friday)
11am-4pm
Address: Gisela Trapps Väg 1, 254 37 Helsingborg
Official site: www.grafiskamuseet.se
10 Editor's PickSofiero Castle
About five kilometers north of Helsingborg, Sofiero Castle was once a summer getaway for Swedish royalty. The flower and kitchen gardens are simply magnificent. Sofiero is a unique experience, one of Europe's most beautiful parks, boasting a truly regal history. Informative exhibitions and a variety of exciting events and activities are some of the things visitors can enjoy. The castle holds particular appeal for children as they can take part in activities such as gardening and storytelling. There are imaginative and safe play areas for all ages.
Hours: Open March-September, surrounding park open all year.
Admission: Adults SEK 100, under 18's Free
Address: Sofierovägen 131, 251 89 Helsingborg
Official site: http://www.sofiero.se/
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