Helsingborg is nicknamed “Pearl of the Sound” and what a gem it is. Sweden’s fourth largest city offers historic landmarks yet modern amenities along the shoreline of the Ørsund Strait. It can be explored in one day or better experienced over several days.
Helsingborg was founded in 1085 and controlled by Demark until 1658 when it was ceded to Sweden. It is now their fourth largest city with a population of about 100,000 people. Located in the country’s southwest corner along the Øresund waterfront, Helsingborg is a delightful blend of historic landmarks and narrow cobblestone streets. The city is also the home of international companies such as IKEA and Nicorette. No wonder Helsingborg is called The Pearl of the Sound.
Atlantgatan 1 252 25 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This massive, colorful eye painting on the side of 99 foot ship is the work of David Walker who lives in Berlin. He painted it in 2015 as part of the HX Festival sponsored by Add More Colors. They specialize in very large scale murals by some talented artists. The boat is moored along the Hamntorget. In the background is The Tivoli nightclub which used to be the ferry station for Helsingborg.
Kungsgatan 3 252 21 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
These three young sisters are walking up the King Oscar II Terrace Stairs from the Konsul Trapps Place square on Stortorget. They were built in 1903 after portions of the medieval Helsingborg Castle were restored a few years earlier. Once you climb these granite steps, go beyond the stone walls with balusters and proceed up a ramp surrounded by two round brick towers you will arrive at the medieval Kärnan tower. It provides a breathtaking view of the city and harbor while you are catching your breath.
Slottshagsgatan, 250 07 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
At the top of the first level of the Terrace Stairs are three magnificent arches that were built into the limestone wall at the turn of the 20th century. They were designed using a baroque style that was popular in Swedish architecture during the late 1800s. Each archway houses a two-tiered water fountain. From this platform the staircase splits into directions.
Slottshagsgatan, 250 07 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Kärnan is all that remains of the original Helsingborg Castle that was built by King Eric VI of Denmark at the start of the 14th century. The fortress held a strategic position to protect the narrow strait of the Øresund sound. The citadel exchanged hands several times between Denmark and Sweden until most of the castle was demolished during the late 17th century. Yet this 115 foot tower has stood proudly for over 700 years.
Kärnan Slottshagsgatan, 250 07 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The 213 foot brick clock tower of the Helsingborg Town Hall can be seen from almost any vantage point in the city. Its delightful bells can also be heard every three hours from 9:00 am through 9:00 pm. The Stadshuset, which was built at the end of the 19th century, still houses municipal offices. Tours are available except in the winter.
Drottninggatan 2, 252 21 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This detail of the Town Hall provides a close up of its ornate neo-gothic architecture by Alfred Hellerström. What it does not convey is that it was a crowning achievement of the Consul’s Era, a period of rapid growth at the end of the 1800s when Helsingborg had finally emerged from numerous wars with Denmark and a devastating plague. This photo of the southern façade was taken along Stortoget and the Great Square, the latter which dates back to the late 17th century.
Drottninggatan 2, 252 21 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This clock on the old wooden Ångfärjestationen building at Harbour Square used to tell passengers how much time they had before the next commuter ship left for Denmark. The Ferry Station was built in 1898 as a temporary facility. Instead, it was expanded several times until a new terminal was built in 1991. Then in 1996 it became The Tivoli which is a restaurant, nightclub and venue for concerts.
Kungsgatan 3 252 21 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Seafarers Monument in Hamntorget or Harbour Square in Helsingborg was created by Carl Milles. He was a prolific 19th century sculptor whose works can be enjoyed throughout Sweden and the United States. Also called the Mariner’s Goddess, this sculpture shows a winged woman holding two ships. It has greeted vessels arriving into the port since 1923.
Sjöfartsgudinnan Hamntorget 2, 252 21 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This passenger and car ferry named the Aurora af Helsingborg is entering the port of Helsingborg, Sweden from its 2.5 mile cruise across the Øresund sound from Helsingør, Denmark. It is a very luxurious ship for only a twenty minute commute. On board is a duty-free shop where Swedish residents load up on inexpensive liquor, cigarettes and specialty items. Ferries to Denmark leave every 15 to 20 minutes. The ship is part of a fleet operated by Scandlines which serves countries bordering the Baltic Sea.
Helsingborg farjeterminal 252 24 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Since 1991, the Knutpunkten Terminal has been the main transportation hub for Helsingborg. This central station serves 45,000 people a day who travel into and out of the city by trains, buses and ferries. Regardless of how you arrive, several of the old town landmarks are just a few steps beyond the front doors.
Kungstorget 8, 252 24 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Helsingborg Lighthouse stands 23 feet on a pilot station at the entrance to the city’s Inner Harbor on a breakwater called Parapeten. This red brick, octagonal tower with its blue lantern and balustrade was built in 1889 based on a design by architect John Höijer. It is still active.
Parapeten 2, 252 67 Helsingborg, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions