A charming historical city
Helsingborg, Sweden’s ninth-largest city (and second-largest city in Scania after Malmö), is also the Swedish city closest to Denmark, where we live.
It’s the perfect place to visit on a day trip or to spend a weekend.
The city is located just on the other side of Øresund from Helsingør, and it’s easy to get there both by car and by public transport if you come from Denmark or any nearby Swedish city.
Beautiful half-timbered houses, the medieval tower Kärnan, cosy shopping streets and scenic waterfront walks are some of the highlights and best places to visit in Helsingborg.
We have previously driven through the city when taking the ferry between Denmark and Sweden, and finally, we got the opportunity to experience a little more than the port when we decided to spend two nights in Helsingborg over New Year’s 2022-2023.
Despite winter weather and limited opening hours, we got to see a lot of what to do in Helsingborg beyond the city centre.
We can’t wait to go back again during summer to (re)visit the sights, parks and streets on a sunny day.
We hope that you can use our Helsingborg guide with all the best things to do in Helsingborg, great places to eat, how to get around, when to visit and where to stay in Helsingborg. Enjoy!
Where to stay in Helsingborg?
- Budget: Dream – Luxury Hostel – A budget pick just 300 metres from the train station, with clean private rooms, shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and breakfast included.
- Value for money: Elite Hotel Mollberg – One of Sweden’s oldest hotels, right on Stortorget, with marble bathrooms, free breakfast and a British pub on site.
- Luxury: Clarion Hotel Sea U – Helsingborg’s most impressive hotel, with a rooftop pool, sky bar and panoramic views across the Øresund to Denmark.
Search for the best hotels in Helsingborg here.
Table of contents
Where is Helsingborg?
Helsingborg is located in southern Sweden, around 65 kilometres north of Malmö, and can be reached in roughly 45 minutes by car or train.
The city lies directly opposite Helsingør in Denmark across the Øresund Strait, with only around 4 kilometres separating Sweden and Denmark at this point.
The best things to do in Helsingborg
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together this list of things to do in Helsingborg – from medieval castle towers and royal flower gardens to cosy fika spots and cold-water bathing houses.
Here’s what to see in Helsingborg, whether you’ve got a single afternoon or a full weekend.
- The old town – Shopping and fika on Sweden’s oldest pedestrian street
- Kärnan – A medieval castle tower
- The Terrace Stairs – Best views in the city
- Rådhuset – The red City Hall on Stortorget
- Fredriksdal Museum & Gardens – Sweden’s largest open-air museum
- Mariakyrkan – Helsingborg’s oldest church
- Landborgspromenaden – 14 km coastal walking trail
- Sofiero Castle and flower park – A Royal summer palace
- Dunkers Culture House and the North Harbour – Waterfront walks and cultural happenings
- Helsingborg’s beaches – From tropical vibes to Viking Beach
- Kallbadhus – Sea swimming and sauna, Scandinavian style
- Day trips from Helsingborg – Coastal towns, nature and nearby cities
- Bonus: Christmas in Helsingborg
1. The old town – Shopping and fika on Sweden’s oldest pedestrian street
One of the best things to do in Helsingborg is to wander around the old town, browse the shops and stop for coffee and something sweet at one of the many cafés.
The Swedes call this ritual fika, and it’s practically a way of life. We love it.
Sweden’s oldest pedestrian street, Kullagatan, is definitely worth a visit in our opinion.
Between the squares Stortorget and Sankt Jörgens Plats, you will find a mix of small independent shops, chain stores and plenty of cafés where you can take a break along the way.
Later in our Helsingborg travel guide, we share some of the cafés and restaurants we personally enjoyed during our stay.
Bruksgatan, just south of Kullagatan, also has several speciality shops and smaller cafés. We really liked Bruket Kaffebar.
The old town is also known for its old half-timbered houses, including the red-washed Jacob Hansen House on Norra Storgatan, which dates back to 1641.
For more shopping, you can also head to Väla Centrum, which is the largest shopping centre in southern Sweden with more than 200 stores.
It’s located northeast of Helsingborg and takes around 10 minutes to reach by car.
2. Kärnan – A medieval castle tower
Helsingborg is one of the oldest cities in the Nordics, and during the 14th century, it was one of Denmark’s most important cities.
Much of that history is connected to Kärnan, the old fortress tower whose name means “The Core”.
Today, only the 35-metre tower remains, but it’s easily one of the best things to see in Helsingborg and a landmark you will probably spot several times during your trip.
The area around Kärnan is nice to walk around, and it’s basically connected to the old town (via Stortorget), so it’s very easy to include in your plans for the day.
The tower originally stood in the middle of a large fortified castle area with a moat and thick defensive walls.
It’s free to see Kärnan from the outside and explore the surrounding park, but there is a small entrance fee if you want to climb the tower.
Inside, you can learn more about the fortress and its history, and from the top, there are views across the city and Øresund.
Kärnan is usually open from March to December. At the beginning and end of the season, it’s generally only open on weekends, though.
See Kärnan’s opening hours and prices here (it’s in Swedish, but you can translate the page at the top right).
3. The Terrace Stairs – Best views in the city
Coming from the old town and Stortorget, you will quickly notice the broad stone staircase leading uphill towards Kärnan.
The stairs are known as The Terrace Stairs, and they lead past a small fountain and through two towers forming a gate before reaching the park surrounding Kärnan.
You can freely climb the two round towers, and we think this is one of the best free things to do in Helsingborg.
From the top, you get panoramic views over Helsingborg and the Øresund. On a clear day, you can even spot Helsingør on the Danish side of the water.
If you are wondering what to see in Helsingborg besides the main attractions, this is a really good stop for the views alone.
4. Rådhuset – The red City Hall on Stortorget
Helsingborg City Hall (Rådhuset) is one of the first buildings you will notice when arriving in Helsingborg, whether you come by train or ferry.
The red-brick building and particularly its 65-metre-high bell tower stand out from the surrounding city centre buildings.
Right in front of the City Hall stands a statue of the Swedish field marshal Magnus Stenbock, commemorating Sweden’s victory over Denmark in the Battle of Helsingborg in 1710 – the last major battle fought in Scania between the two countries.
If you are looking for what to see in Helsingborg beyond cafés and shopping streets, the City Hall is one of the most recognisable landmarks.
On selected days, it is also possible to join a guided tour inside the building.
Read more about the guided tours here (it’s in Swedish, but you can translate the page at the top right).
5. Fredriksdal Museum & Gardens – Sweden’s largest open-air museum
Sweden’s largest open-air museum, Fredriksdal Museums and Gardens, is one of the most interesting places to visit in Helsingborg if you enjoy history, gardens and walking around outdoors.
The open-air museum recreates life in southern Sweden from hundreds of years ago with old houses, cobbled streets, farm buildings and nice walking paths around the large area.
When we visited during winter, the entrance was free, and we really enjoyed wandering between the 50 historic buildings, including an old mill, a manor house and several small craft workshops.
In summer, you can enjoy the thousands of roses in the rose garden (more than 500 species), herb gardens, orchards and vegetable gardens showing what was traditionally grown in the 1800s.
We would love to come back on a warm sunny day to experience it all again.
Across the museum’s 36 hectares, you will also find a museum shop, an open-air theatre, a flower shop, a playground, a garden café and picnic areas where you can enjoy your own food.
Additionally, you can visit the largest print museum in the Nordics, “Det Grafiska Museum”.
If you are looking for things to do in Helsingborg with kids, or just want a slower day away from the city centre, Fredriksdal is a really nice option.
During December, Fredriksdal hosts one of the city’s well-known Christmas markets, which looks cosy with the historic buildings and winter lights.
Read more about Fredriksdal’s events and prices on their website here (it’s in Swedish, but you can translate the page at the top right).
What to do in summer and winter, the best time to visit, where to stay and our top tips
Read more6. Mariakyrkan – Helsingborg’s oldest church
St. Mary’s Church (Mariakyrkan in Swedish) is the oldest church in Helsingborg, and it originally dates back to the 12th century.
The church was later rebuilt in its current Gothic style during the 15th century, where some of the bricks from the original church were used.
If you are fascinated by historic buildings (like we are), it’s definitely worth taking a look inside to see the interior and the impressive altarpiece.
The square surrounding the church also has a really nice atmosphere with several restaurants, bars and outdoor seating nearby.
For us, Mariakyrkan was one of those places in Helsingborg that felt easy to stumble upon while exploring the old town.
7. Landborgspromenaden – 14 km coastal walking trail
The Landborgspromenaden stretches for 14 kilometres (~ 8.7 miles) from Raus Church in the south to Sofiero Palace in the north.
It’s one of the most popular walking trails in Helsingborg and a great way to experience both the coastline and greener parts of the city.
We also think it’s a really good choice if you are looking for active things to do in Helsingborg, or if you are staying longer than a day trip and have the time for a walk.
You definitely do not need to walk the full route to enjoy it, though.
We walked the section from Kärnan north towards Öresundsparken and Vikingsberg, which is only around one kilometre or so.
The next day, Alex continued running along the Landborgspromenaden all the way to Sofiero, and he would absolutely recommend heading further north if you want a break from the city and more nature around you.
Along the route, you pass beaches, wooded areas, viewpoints and quieter residential neighbourhoods.
8. Sofiero Castle and Flower Park – A royal summer palace
Just 5 kilometres north of Helsingborg lies Sofiero Palace, the former royal summer residence surrounded by large gardens and a flower park.
One of the main reasons to visit Sofiero is the rhododendron season from late May to mid-June, when around 10,000 rhododendrons bloom in the gardens.
It must be such a special time to experience the park, and we definitely want to come back for it one day!
During summer, there are also exhibitions, concerts, garden events and other activities around the castle grounds.
Sofiero Palace and the gardens are open all year round, although the palace itself is closed from October to April. During that period, the gardens are usually open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
From April to September, both the gardens and the palace are generally open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
If you are making a list of places to visit in Helsingborg, Sofiero is one of the most popular day trip spots just outside the city centre.
Read much more about what you can experience at Sofiero’s official website.
Transport to Sofiero Castle and Flower Park:
- 10 to 15 minutes by car.
- 20 minutes by bus 8 from the centre or…
- Approximately an hour on foot.
Parking is free (except during large events).
9. Dunkers Culture House and the North Harbour – Waterfront walks and cultural happenings
By the north harbour in Helsingborg, you will find Dunkers Culture House, the city’s cultural centre with exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, an art museum and the tourist office.
There are usually both free and paid exhibitions, depending on when you visit.
Dunkers was designed by the Danish architect Kim Utzon, son of Jørn Utzon, who designed the famous Sydney Opera House.
The building definitely stands out from the surrounding harbour architecture.
The surrounding Norra Hamnen (meaning the North Harbour) area is also one of the nicest places in Helsingborg for a walk by the water.
You can walk across Kvickbron towards Tropical Beach or continue north along the waterfront promenade to Gröningen.
If you are wondering what to do in Helsingborg on a slower afternoon, we think this area is perfect for walking around without any fixed plans.
10. Helsingborg’s beaches – From tropical vibes to Viking Beach
One of the more unexpected things to do in Helsingborg is to spend time at the beach.
Who would have thought there is even a “tropical” beach this close to a Swedish city?
Of course, Tropical Beach is not tropical all year round (unfortunately), but during summer, the palm trees appear and, on warm sunny days, you can pretend you’re on holiday in southern Europe.
A bit further north, only a few hundred metres from the city centre, you will find Örestrandsbadet, which is a larger beach with more space.
If you continue even further north, you can also visit Viking Beach.
During summer, Helsingborg’s beaches become popular with both locals and day-trippers from Denmark.
11. Kallbadhus – Sea swimming and sauna, Scandinavian style
If you prefer having changing rooms, saunas and extra facilities when swimming in the sea, it might be worth visiting one of Helsingborg’s traditional kallbadhus (meaning cold bath house).
The city has three different kallbadhus:
- Pålsjöbaden (north of the city centre)
- Kallis (closest to the centre)
- Rååbaden (south of the city)
Visiting a kallbadhus is a very Scandinavian experience and one of the more local things to do in Helsingborg – especially during colder months.
It’s popular to combine cold sea swimming with time in the sauna (which is often separated by gender), and nude bathing is common at many kallbadhus.
12. Day trips from Helsingborg – Coastal towns, nature and nearby cities
We are pretty crazy about southern Sweden and have explored several cities, towns and nature areas near Helsingborg over the years.
There is a lot to see within a relatively short distance!
If you are staying more than a weekend and wondering what to do in Helsingborg beyond the city itself, there are plenty of good day trips nearby.
- Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city, and if you haven’t been there yet, we really recommend visiting Malmö on a day trip or even staying a few nights.
- Lund is not far from Malmö (on the train route to Helsingborg), and the charming little university town has beautiful buildings and a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere.
- A little north of Helsingborg lies the Kullaberg Nature Reserve and the small coastal village Mölle, which we can recommend if you enjoy hiking, dramatic coastline views and being outdoors.
- Söderåsen National Park is another nature area worth visiting, where you can find forests, lakes, hiking trails and viewpoints across the landscape.
- Båstad is also a nice day trip option with beaches, restaurants and spa hotels by the sea – particularly in summer.
- Helsingør in Denmark is only 20 minutes away if you take the ferry across Øresund. It’s an easy way to combine two countries in one trip. While there, you can visit Kronborg Castle, which is known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
- Landskrona is a small coastal town south of Helsingborg known for its old citadel, colourful gardens and ferries to the island of Ven.
- Ängelholm is a seaside town north of Helsingborg with long sandy beaches, cosy cafés and easy access to nature along the coast.
Read everything we have written about Sweden here.
Discover the best hikes, viewpoints, practical tips and where to stay
Read moreBonus: Christmas in Helsingborg
We visited Helsingborg from 30 December to 1 January, and much of the city’s Christmas lighting was still up during our stay.
Helsingborg feels like a really good city for a winter getaway in December, whether you want to do some Christmas shopping, enjoy Swedish Christmas traditions or spend a cosy weekend away during the darker months.
Throughout the city centre, there are thousands of Christmas lights, large Christmas trees, and seasonal decorations that make the streets feel extra festive during winter.
One of the more family-friendly things to do in Helsingborg during Christmas is riding Jultåget, the small Christmas train that usually runs from late November until the end of December free of charge.
Along the pedestrian street Kullagatan, it’s also sometimes possible to meet Santa Claus, and the “Goblins of Kullagatan” hand out sweets from Thursday to Sunday during the Christmas season.
One of the main Christmas events in Helsingborg is “Christmas at Fredriksdal” at Fredriksdal Museums and Gardens, which normally takes place during selected weekends in December.
The historic setting looks atmospheric during Christmas, and the market is supposedly one of the best Christmas markets in Sweden.
All you need to know about Malmö, Sweden, including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay
Read moreWhere to stay in Helsingborg
Wondering where to stay in Helsingborg?
We spent two nights in the city ourselves, and we can easily recommend staying for a couple of nights to have enough time to experience all of the best things to do in Helsingborg (and this part of Scania).
Staying within walking distance to the main train station will be optimal for most people as it also means that you are in the middle of the city, close to both the water, the pedestrian street and everything else that Helsingborg is known for.
Here are our picks for the best hotels in Helsingborg across every budget: from a luxury hostel to a sea-view pool hotel.
The best hotels in Helsingborg:
- Clarion Hotel Sea U – Helsingborg’s most impressive hotel, with a rooftop pool, sky bar and panoramic views across the Øresund to Denmark.
- The Vault Hotel – A converted 19th-century bank on Stortorget with high-ceilinged rooms, free breakfast, a sauna and one of the best bars in Helsingborg.
- Elite Hotel Mollberg – One of Sweden’s oldest hotels, right on Stortorget, with marble bathrooms, free breakfast and a British pub on site.
- Fleninge Classic Motel – A charming 1950s motel about 10 minutes from the city centre, with free parking right outside your room and retro character.
- Dream – Luxury Hostel – A budget pick just 300 metres from the train station, with clean private rooms, shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and breakfast included.
Search for the best hotels in Helsingborg here (adlink).
Clarion Hotel Sea U
If you want to stay close to both the waterfront, the beach and the city centre in Helsingborg, Clarion Hotel Sea U is a really tempting option.
The hotel is located right by the sea with views across Øresund towards Denmark, and it’s one of the few hotels in Helsingborg with an outdoor rooftop pool.
The rooftop terrace looks really nice, and the rest of the hotel also feels modern and relaxed with large bright rooms, a stylish restaurant, bar and a well-equipped fitness centre.
If you are looking for some of the best hotels in Helsingborg and do not mind spending a little extra for the location and facilities, this is definitely one to consider.
Check prices and availability at Clarion Hotel Sea U here (adlink).
The Vault Hotel
The Vault Hotel is located right in the centre of Helsingborg, only a short walk from the train station, harbour and many of the city’s cafés and restaurants.
The hotel is part of WorldHotels Crafted (a collection of independent hotels with a focus on design and character), and the interiors feel a little more boutique-style than your average city hotel, with dark colours and velvet details.
Besides the stylish rooms and central location, guests also have access to a sauna, steam bath, terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre.
There is also a beautiful bar downstairs, which seems quite popular in the evenings.
Breakfast is usually included, and there are several room categories depending on whether you want something simpler or a slightly more luxurious stay.
For us, The Vault feels like one of the best places to stay in Helsingborg if you want to be right in the middle of the city without staying at a large chain hotel.
Check prices and availability at The Vault Hotel here (adlink).
Elite Hotel Mollberg
Located right next to The Vault Hotel, Elite Hotel Mollberg has pretty much the same central location close to the station, old town and waterfront.
The difference is more about the atmosphere. Mollberg feels more classic and traditional with historic interiors and an older-style hotel feel.
There are several restaurants, a bar, sauna facilities and other amenities you would expect from a 4-star hotel.
The rooms range from standard doubles to larger rooms and suites, and breakfast is generally included in the stay.
Prices are also often a little lower than at The Vault, which makes it a very solid option if you are wondering where to stay in Helsingborg without stretching the budget too much (but still staying at a nice hotel).
Check prices and availability at Elite Hotel Mollberg here (adlink).
Fleninge Classic Motel
If you are travelling around southern Sweden by car, Fleninge Classic Motel could be a practical and budget-friendly place to stay near Helsingborg.
The motel is located around 10 kilometres north of the city centre, which takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Rooms are simple but comfortable, parking is free, and prices are usually much lower than in central Helsingborg. Some rooms are also suitable for families or longer stays.
It’s definitely more about convenience and affordability than luxury, but for a road trip stop, it seems like a really good option.
Check prices and availability at Fleninge Classic Motel here (adlink).
Dream – Luxury Hostel
If you are looking for a cheaper place to stay in Helsingborg without giving up a central location, we think Dream – Luxury Hostel is worth checking out.
The hostel offers both private rooms and dormitory-style accommodation, and the rooms look more modern than what you might expect from a typical hostel.
Bathrooms are shared, which is worth keeping in mind, but there is also a shared kitchen that can help save money on food during your trip.
It’s a good option for solo travellers, couples or anyone trying to visit Helsingborg on a smaller budget while still staying close to the city centre and train station.
Check prices and availability at Dream here (adlink).
Our personal pick of the best hotels in Malmö across four lovely neighbourhoods – from budget bunks to luxury.
Read moreBest restaurants and cafés in Helsingborg
Helsingborg has plenty of good cafés and restaurants, and compared to Denmark, eating out in Sweden can actually feel fairly affordable.
During our two days in the city, we managed to try quite a few different places for coffee, brunch and dinner. Here are some of our favourites.
Chay Vegan
On our first evening in Helsingborg, we had a delightful Vietnamese dinner at Chay Vegan.
We got summer rolls with peanut sauce, spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce, a coconut soup with red curry, a punchier red curry with rice and two shakes; one with mango and coconut and another with pineapple, fresh mint and coconut milk.
Everything tasted excellent, and the atmosphere was super cosy.
We can definitely recommend Chay Vegan (even if you don’t eat plant-based).
Ginger Hälsobar
It’s a colourful sensation to enter the Ginger Hälsobar (Ginger Health Bar), located just behind Helsingborg’s Town Hall.
The chairs are pink, and flowers adorn the entire back wall.
We really like smoothie bowls, so of course, we had to try an açai bowl and a blue spirulina bowl.
Although we have to admit that they didn’t taste quite as freshly blended as we’ve experienced elsewhere in the world (and when we make them ourselves), we’re pretty impressed that Helsingborg is on board with the smoothie bowl trend and even making them with the right thick and icy consistency.
In the café, you can also get salads and many different “healthy” cakes in all colours of the rainbow.
See Ginger Hälsobar’s colourful Instagram here.
Bruket Kaffebar
On the cute Bruksgatan in the middle of town, you will find the lovely Bruket Kaffebar, which, in addition to having really good coffee from speciality roasters, also serves breakfast all day and has a large selection of delicious baked goods.
The menu consists of seasonal, organic vegetarian and vegan dishes and snacks.
We tried a yummy, warming soup with yellow peas, accompanied by sourdough bread with hummus, as well as a hummus bowl with white beans, beetroot, lentils and Brussels sprouts and more.
For dessert, we had a wonderful white chocolate mousse coated with chocolate and a cup of quality coffee. Delicious!
South Indian
We know the South Indian chain from Copenhagen, and we love a good dosa, so we took the chance to get a South Indian dinner while in Helsingborg.
Their freshly made masala dosa (a large thin savoury pancake) with potato curry, sambar and chutney was just what we needed. So good!
Bastard Burgers
We have previously tried Bastard Burgers in Malmö, and they also have two restaurants in Helsingborg.
The quality is better than that of the usual fast-food burger chains, and we love their large vegan selection (and delicious sweet potato fries).
They use Beyond Meat or crispy “no chicken” fillets for their vegan steaks, and all dips are plant-based.
When compared to the burger prices in Copenhagen, Bastard Burgers is a relatively cheap treat.
Everything you need to know about finding the most delicious vegan and vegetarian places in Malmö, Sweden
How to get around Helsingborg
Helsingborg is relatively compact, so you can easily walk between most sights, cafés and attractions in the city centre.
You can also rent a bicycle (or bring your own) if you prefer getting around that way, but for most visitors, it’s not really necessary.
If you want to visit Sofiero Palace, located around 5 kilometres north of the centre, you can either walk there in about an hour along a nice coastal path or take bus 8, which takes roughly 20 minutes.
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Read moreHow to get to Helsingborg
When we visited Helsingborg for our New Year trip, we took the train from Copenhagen so we could stop for food in Malmö along the way and avoid thinking about parking.
We have also driven to Helsingborg several times via the Øresund Bridge and taken the ferry between Helsingør and Helsingborg, and both options work really well too.
If you are flying in, the closest airport is Ängelholm-Helsingborg Airport, located around 30 minutes from the city. The airport has daily connections to Stockholm and several other cities in Sweden and Europe.
For more international flight options, you can also fly to Copenhagen Airport and continue by train or car from there.
Search for the cheapest flights on Momondo (adlink).
Below, we will describe how to get to Helsingborg in different ways.
Our personal accommodation recommendations, from budget to luxury stays
Read moreBy car
If you decide to drive to Helsingborg from Copenhagen, the journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
You can either cross the Øresund Bridge and drive via Malmö, or drive north through Nordsjælland and take the ferry from Helsingør to Helsingborg.
Both routes are easy, and we like both options depending on the mood and traffic.
Check the prices for driving over the Øresund Bridge here, and check the ferry prices here.
If you are arriving from elsewhere in Sweden, Helsingborg is also very easy to reach by car, thanks to several major motorways:
- E20/E6 from Malmö in the south
- E6 from Gothenburg in the north
- E4 from Stockholm and eastern Sweden
By ferry from Denmark
If you are visiting Helsingborg from Denmark, you can take the ForSea ferry across Øresund from Helsingør.
The crossing takes around 20 minutes, and ferries usually depart every 15 to 20 minutes.
It’s one of the easiest and most scenic ways to travel between Denmark and Sweden.
Check the ferry prices here (both with and without a vehicle).
By bus
Long-distance buses (such as FlixBus, Bus4You and Swebus) regularly connect Helsingborg with cities including Stockholm, Malmö, Gothenburg and Copenhagen.
Bus tickets can sometimes be cheaper than train tickets, but the journey is usually a bit longer.
By train
Helsingborg has very good train connections to the rest of southern Sweden.
Approximate travel times:
If you are travelling from Stockholm, you will usually need to change trains in Hässleholm or Lund. The total journey normally takes around 5 to 6 hours.
From Copenhagen, the Øresund trains run directly to Helsingborg Central Station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Along the way, the trains also stop in Malmö and Lund, and many continue onwards towards Gothenburg.
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Read moreWhen to visit Helsingborg
Helsingborg is a year-round destination, but the experience can feel very different depending on the season.
Because of its coastal location, the city usually has milder weather than many other parts of Sweden, although wind and rain can appear at any time of year.
It is Scandinavia after all.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times to visit Helsingborg if you enjoy parks, gardens and fewer tourists.
From April onwards, the city slowly comes back to life with outdoor cafés opening up and greener scenery around the waterfront and parks.
Late May to mid-June is popular because of the famous rhododendron season at Sofiero Palace. Thousands of colourful rhododendrons bloom across the gardens, and this is often considered one of the absolute highlights of Helsingborg.
Spring is also part of the shoulder season, which means hotel prices are often lower than in summer, and many of the best things to do in Helsingborg are less crowded.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit Helsingborg.
The city feels lively with outdoor dining, events, and people enjoying the beaches and waterfront promenades.
The long Scandinavian summer evenings are perfect for making the most out of the day.
July is usually the busiest month, so accommodation prices can be higher and some places may feel more crowded, particularly during weekends and holidays.
Autumn
Early autumn can be surprisingly mild, and it’s a great time for sightseeing with colourful parks, cosy cafés and a relaxed atmosphere.
This is another excellent shoulder-season period if you want lower prices and a quieter city experience while still being able to enjoy many attractions, restaurants and waterfront walks.
From late autumn onwards, the weather becomes greyer and days get shorter.
Winter
Winter in Helsingborg is usually relatively mild compared to inland Sweden, although it can be windy and rainy.
December is atmospheric thanks to Christmas lights and seasonal events around the city, and taking a day trip to Helsingborg from Copenhagen is popular in this period.
One of the highlights is the traditional Christmas market at Fredriksdal Museums and Gardens, which is known for its historic setting, local food and Swedish Christmas traditions.
If you visit during winter, it’s worth checking opening hours in advance, as some sights, cafés and gardens may operate on shorter schedules during the off-season.
Our best tips for visiting Helsingborg
- Drink tap water. The water quality in Helsingborg is excellent. You can safely drink water from the tap.
- Walk around. Helsingborg is a very compact city, and walking from one place to another is often the best and most pleasant way to get around.
- Explore the parks. The parks in Helsingborg are good places to relax and breathe some fresh air.
- Dress for changing weather. Even on sunny days, the weather by Øresund can change quickly. A light windproof jacket is rarely a bad idea.
- Bring swimwear if you want to try one of Helsingborg’s kallbadhus. Sea swimming and cold baths are popular year-round.
- Don’t skip fika. Having a cup of coffee or a warm drink with something sweet is a great (and very Swedish) way to spend the afternoon.
- Credit cards can be used virtually anywhere, so you don’t need to carry cash. Many places actually don’t even accept cash.
- Check opening hours. If you visit outside summer, some attractions, cafés and gardens may have shorter opening hours, especially around Christmas and New Year.
- Consider staying at least one night in Helsingborg. You can certainly do a day trip to Helsingborg, but it’s a completely different experience to spend one or two nights in the city.
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Read moreMinimise your impact
To minimise your impact during your visit, follow these guidelines:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
- Dispose of waste properly and never leave anything behind.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
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Read moreFAQ about Helsingborg
Is Helsingborg worth visiting?
We think so! Helsingborg is one of southern Sweden’s most charming and underrated cities, with a compact mix of medieval history, shopping streets and royal gardens.
It’s easy to reach from both Denmark and Malmö, and uncrowded compared to bigger Scandinavian cities.
Don’t expect a metropolis, though. You should go if you like small, cosy cities and a relaxed vibe.
How many days do you need in Helsingborg?
One full day gives you a solid taste of the city centre, but two nights is the sweet spot.
It gives you time to visit Sofiero Castle, walk part of the Landborgspromenaden, and explore Fredriksdal at a relaxed pace.
You can also combine Helsingborg with a day trip to nearby Malmö or Lund.
Can you do Helsingborg as a day trip from Copenhagen?
Yes, Helsingborg makes a great day trip from Copenhagen.
The journey takes just about an hour and a half each way, and a full day gives you plenty of time to see most of the best things to do in Helsingborg.
How do you get from Copenhagen to Helsingborg?
The easiest and most scenic option is to take the train from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør, then hop on the ferry across the Øresund to Helsingborg.
The train takes around 45 minutes, and the ferry crossing is just 20 minutes (ferries normally run every 15-20 minutes during the day).
You can also take the Øresund train directly from Copenhagen via Malmö, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Where is the best place to stay in Helsingborg?
The best area to stay in Helsingborg is right in the city centre, within walking distance of the main train station and harbour.
The Vault Hotel and Elite Hotel Mollberg (adlinks) are some of the best hotels in Helsingborg, and they’re both excellent 4-star options on Stortorget.
For sea views and a rooftop pool, Clarion Hotel Sea U (adlink) is worth looking at.
Budget travellers can try Dream – Luxury Hostel (adlink), which has a surprisingly good central location for the price.
What is the best time of year to visit Helsingborg?
Late May to mid-June is a real highlight – that’s when around 10,000 rhododendrons bloom at Sofiero Castle, and the city comes alive after winter.
Summer (June to August) is the best time for beaches and outdoor activities.
December is magical for Christmas markets, especially the atmospheric one at Fredriksdal open-air museum.
Shoulder seasons (April to May and September) offer fewer crowds and lower hotel prices.
Is Helsingborg expensive?
By Scandinavian standards, Helsingborg is quite affordable, particularly if you’re visiting from Denmark, where the Swedish krona often works in your favour on the exchange rate.
Eating out is noticeably cheaper than in Copenhagen, public transport is straightforward and reasonably priced, and several of the best things to do in Helsingborg are free to enjoy.
Thanks for reading our Helsingborg guide
We hope that our Helsingborg travel guide has been helpful.
Now you know what to do in Helsingborg – the only question left is when to book your trip!
What do you think of the city? Which experiences and attractions are you looking forward to? And do you know where to stay in Helsingborg?
Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments if you haven’t been yet. We are happy to help.
If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your thoughts on the best things to do in Helsingborg.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for hotels and apartments.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- AirHelp for flight delay compensation.
- GetYourGuide for great tours everywhere.
- Airalo for reliable eSIM.
- Discover Cars for transparent car hire.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like True Traveller. Compared here.
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Thanks for sharing this informative guide to Helsingborg! It’s always great to discover new places to explore. The historical charm and various attractions in Helsingborg seem intriguing. I appreciate the recommendations for places to stay and things to do, especially the mention of the beautiful Terrace Stairs and the views from Kärnan Tower. It makes me want to plan a visit to this city soon, I hope this year 🙂
I’ll have to study the history of Denmark and Sweden to learn why they were fighting each other. I have just started studying Swedish. Helsingborg seems like a great place to live, even part time.
It’s a fascinating bit of history. Good luck with your Swedish, and yes, Helsingborg really is a lovely place!