Things to do in Helsingborg, Sweden

Helsingborg is characterized by a blend of historic and modern buildings, a lively restaurant and bar scene, as well as its sandy beaches which get crowded in the summer months. This is a city where you can find stone-built churches and small alleyways right next to newer commercial buildings and wide avenues.

Helsingborg is over 900 years old and one of Sweden’s oldest cities, but it was also one of the fastest to grow in the 19th century due to industrialization, with a population of over 135,000 inhabitants today. Its shopping street Kullagatan was the first fully pedestrian street in Sweden, and its 600-year-old medieval tower Kärnan is one of the last standing pieces of its castle.

While here, don’t miss out on seeing the Romanesque style Sankta Maria Kyrka church, and make sure you go for a scenic walk around the Norra Hamnen harbor. For something a bit different, you can head to the Museum of Failure to learn about technological products that never made it to the market, or visit Tropikariet zoo to see exotic animals from around the world.

If you’re looking for a day trip out of Helsingborg, the Kullaberg and Söderåsen nature reserves are a 30-minute drive away and are perfect for those who want to enjoy a bit of nature. And if you take a peek across the water you will see the Danish city of Helsingør which is a mere 20-minute ferry ride away.