Located on Sweden's southwest coast, this coastal city includes the medieval Kärnan tower, Sofiero Castle's 10,000 rhododendrons, and sits just 4 km from Denmark across the Öresund Strait.
Helsingborg sits on Sweden's southwest coast, just 4 km across the Öresund Strait from Denmark. This compact city of around 150,000 people is home to the 14th century Kärnan tower, the colorful rhododendron gardens at Sofiero Castle, and the open-air Fredriksdal Museums. You can climb Kärnan for views over the water, walk through Sofiero's 150 acres of gardens, or take a quick ferry ride to Denmark for the day. Helsingborg's walkable center and coastal location make it easy to explore on foot or by public transport.
Getting to Helsingborg
You have several options for reaching Helsingborg. Trains run frequently from major Swedish cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The closest airport is Ängelholm-Helsingborg, about 34 km away. You can also take a 20-minute ferry ride from Helsingør, Denmark, with departures every 15-20 minutes. If driving, Helsingborg is right off the E6 and E4 highways. Once in the city, most sites are within walking distance or a short bus ride away.
Exploring the City Center
Kärnan Tower
The 35-meter tall Kärnan tower dominates Helsingborg's skyline. This medieval fortification dates back to the early 14th century when Helsingborg was part of Denmark. You can climb the spiral staircase for views over the city and strait. The tower is open daily in summer and on weekends the rest of the year. At the base of the tower, you'll find information panels detailing the structure's history and significance.
Sofiero Castle and Gardens
Located 5 km north of the city center, Sofiero was once a royal summer residence. Today you can tour the 19th century castle and wander through over 150 acres of gardens. The rhododendron collection with over 10,000 plants is especially colorful when in bloom each spring. You can pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds overlooking the sea. The castle also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Fredriksdal Museums and Gardens
This open-air museum presents rural Swedish life through the centuries. Historic buildings from around the region have been relocated here, including farmhouses, workshops and a school. You can stroll through period gardens, visit farm animals, and watch craft demonstrations. The site covers 36 hectares, allowing visitors to spend several hours exploring the various exhibits and landscapes.
Food and Drink
Helsingborg has a variety of dining options from casual to high-end restaurants. You can try traditional Swedish dishes like herring or meatballs at Restaurang Gastro. For modern Nordic cuisine, book a table at Sillen & Makrillen overlooking the harbor. The city also has a growing craft beer scene - Helsingborg Bryggeri and Brygghuset Finn are two breweries in town where you can sample local beers. Many restaurants focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
Day Trip to Denmark
With Denmark so close, many visitors take the ferry for a quick trip across the strait. In just 20 minutes you'll arrive in Helsingør, home to the imposing Kronborg Castle - the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and old town before heading back to Sweden. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, making it easy to plan a flexible itinerary. Remember to bring your passport for the border crossing.
