WAVEJourney Explores Helsingborg, Sweden – Fun and Flavorful!
WAVEJourney Explores Helsingborg, Sweden – Fun and Flavorful!
WAVEJourney Explores Helsingborg, Sweden
Our first impressions of Helsingborg, with a population of close to 100,000 ranking it the second largest city in Skåne, were good ones. After arriving by train from Gothenburg, and as we made our way to our hotel, we were captivated by the small-town feel. Not only did we love the coastal location situated across the Öresund Sound from Denmark, but we found an abundance of ambiance in the old town with its multitude of boutiques, stores, cafes, restaurants and charming architecture.
We were also enthused by the many sites and attractions that this compact and walkable town offered. And, situated within a two-hour train ride to Gothenburg and one-hour train journey to Copenhagen, it is certainly easily accessible to travellers.
Our visit to Helsingborg was regrettably not long enough, giving us an excuse to return again soon; but we did come away with a number of experiences that we have added to our “favorite things” list. So if you are planning a visit to Helsingborg, follow our recommendations for some fun and flavorful things to experience on a summer’s day in and around the city:
Sightseeing:
Kärnan
Kärnan– For the most incredible city views, Öresund Sound, and all the way over to Denmark, climb the ancient steps to the Kärnan tower. Built over 600 years ago, the tower is the only part remaining of the fortress in Helsingborg.
St. Mary’s Church in Helsingborg
St. Mary’s Church – Known in Swedish as Mariakyrkan, the red brick structure is built in the architectural Danish Gothic style dating back to the 1300s. From the outside it isn’t terribly striking, but step inside to view the many treasures it holds – including a trove of silver in the Vestry and Silver Chamber.
Museums:
Dunker Culture House
Visit Dunker Culture House – If you only have time for one museum, this is a great place to spend a couple of hours, view some unique art, and get to know the history of Helsingborg.
Get Physical:
Taking a Stroll in Helsingborg
Take a scenic walk or rent a bike and discover the many miles of waterfront pathways. If you’re brave enough to take a dip in the ocean, that is also a fun option. And the city has some of the best urban beaches in all of Scandinavia.
Shopping:
Go Shopping on Kullagatan
Take a stroll along Kullagatan, and shop till you drop on Sweden’s oldest pedestrian-only street. With everything from independent boutique stores to large department stores, there is ample variety to ensure that your luggage will be heavier and your wallet lighter than when you arrived.
Dining:
Sillen och Makrillen
As evening falls it’s time to enjoy a delicious meal with views overlooking the ocean. Sillen och Makrillen is an ideal restaurant to do just that and WAVEJourney savored two of our favorite starters here – carpaccio and herring. Not only are the food and service exceptional, the sea views are outstanding. Our two starters were enough excuse to warrant a repeat visit, but everything we dined on was delicious, including the fish & shellfish soup, and the roasted chicken. Note: Reservations highly recommended.
Drink Locally:
Helsingborgs Bryggeri
The Helsingborg region’s first brewery was founded in 1850 by banker SH Hafström. Throughout the years since, the beer industry had many ups and downs, but in 2010 Northwest Skåne’s first microbrewery, the new Helsingborgs Bryggeri (Helsingborg’s Brewery) was started. Although they don’t have a facility where you can visit and taste the beer, Helsingborgs Bryggeri beers are readily available in pubs and restaurants – we especially enjoyed their Helsingborgs Summer Ale. Tip: If you have a group of 10+ they can arrange a special tour of the brewery for your group.
Ferry to Helsingor, Denmark:
Ferry Between Helsingborg and Helsingor
We cruised back and forth for 3 hours on Scandlines Ferry from Helsingborg, Sweden to Helsingor, Denmark. During our journey(s) we enjoyed a lovely meal and drinks in the main dining room. As the crossing takes just 20 minutes each way, we went to Denmark 3 times in one evening without touching terra firma! It was a great way to spend an evening and watch the sunset. If you have time, you can also get off and explore Helsingor, but make sure you have a return ticket in that situation. Note: If you are going to take the last ferry of the night, be sure it is the Swedish boat that stops in Helsingborg – not the Danish boat that ends in Helsingor.
Visit Helsingborg, Sweden
If you have extra time in your schedule, take an excursion out into the countryside of Skåne. Consider our recommendations for things to do, see and experience. (will link to our next article)
If You Go:
- Helsingborg Tourism Website.
- Dunker Culture House.
- Sillen och Makrillen – Norra Kallbadhuset, 254 33 Helsingborg. Tel: 042-281553
Getting There and Around:
– Tip: You can’t purchase tickets on trains and buses in Skåne.
– Trains: SJ; Skane Trains.
Where to Stay:
– Hotell Viking– family-owned-and-operated hotel in the old town.
Hotell Viking in Helsingborg
Read More of WAVEJourney’s June 2012 Visit to West Sweden:
Gothenburg to Marstrand | Discover Gothenburg | Discover Styrso in West Sweden’s Archipelago | Discover Skane | WAVEJourney Travel Tips: Discover West Sweden and Skane |
