Things To Do in Helsingborg
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Helsingborg Attractions
Built in 1897, the turreted, neo-Gothic Town Hall (Rådhuset), Drottninggatan 1 (tel. 042/10-50-00), has beautiful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the town's history. The artist, Gustav Cederström, took great pride in the epic history of his hometown and painted these scenes. But, frankly, the reason to stop here at any of five times a day (9am, noon, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm) is to listen to the songs ringing from the 66m (217-ft.) bell tower. Two memorial stones outside were presented by the Danes and the Norwegians to the Swedes for their assistance during World War II. There is also a sculpture relief representing the arrival of Danish refugees.
In the main town square, the Stortorget is a monument commemorating Swedish general Magnus Stenbock's victory over Denmark at the Battle of Helsingborg in 1710. Today the statue is virtually ignored, as ferry-bound travelers pass it by, but it marked a turning point in Danish/Swedish history. (In 1709, the Danes invaded Skåne once again and wanted to take it back, but they were finally defeated the following year in a battle just outside Helsingborg.)
- Landmark
Kärnan (The Keep)
You might see the ghost of Hamlet delivering a soliloquy in his castle if you climb the 146 steps here to a panoramic terrace that, on a clear day, gives you a grand view of Danish Helsingør across the sound. One of the most important medieval monuments in Sweden, and the symbol of… - Religious Site
Mariakyrkan (Church of St. Mary)
In lieu of a grand cathedral, Helsingborg has this modest church filled with treasures. It's one of the best examples we know of Danish Gothic architecture. It actually dates from the 14th century, but it took a century to finish it. You can take a look at it by strolling east from… - Landmark
Sofiero Slott
Before the Swedish royal family moved their summer slot (palace) to Öland, they used to spend their precious weeks of sunshine right outside Helsingborg. When you first take in the glories of Sofiero, you'll have two immediate reactions: You'll want to move in, and you'll be puzzled…
Helsingborg Shopping
In the center of Helsingborg, you'll find a number of shopping possibilities, including Väla Centrum, which is one of the largest shopping centers in all of Scandinavia. To reach it, follow Hälsovågen and Ångelholmsvägen north about 6km (3 3/4 miles; it's signposted), or take bus no. 202 from Knutpunkten. Seemingly everything is here under one roof, including two large department stores and 42 specialty shops, selling everything from shoes to tropical fish.
The best bookstore in town is Bengt Bökman, Bredgattan 22 (tel. 042/10-71-00), with many English-language editions. The best place to buy glass is Duka Carl Anders, Kullag 17 (tel. 042/24-30-20), which carries the works of such prestigious manufacturers as Kosta Boda and Orrefors.
Pottery
Northwest Scania is known as Sweden's pottery district. The first Scanian pottery factory was founded in 1748 in Bosarp, 15km (9 1/3 miles) east of Helsingborg. The city of Helsingborg got its first factory in 1768 and another began manufacturing in 1832. Since then, the tradition has been redeveloped and revitalized, making the area famous far beyond the borders of Sweden.
At a point 7km (4 1/3 miles) south of Helsingborg, you can visit Raus Stenkarlsfabrik, less than a kilometer (1/2 mile) east of Råå (look for signs along Landskronavagen). It is open May to August Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm; in the off season, you must make an appointment. Call tel. 042/26-01-30 for more information, or visit www.martensson.net.
In Gantofta, 10km (6 1/4 miles) southeast of Helsingborg, lies Jie-Keramik (tel. 042/22-17-00), one of Scandinavia's leading manufacturers of hand-painted decorative ceramics, wall reliefs, wall clocks, figures, and other such items. You can visit a factory shop or patronize a cafe on-site. From Helsingborg, drive south to Råå, then follow the signs to Gantofta. You also can take bus no. 209 from Knutpunkten in the center of Helsingborg. The outlet is open June to August daily noon to 6pm. Off-season hours are daily 10am to 4pm.
If you drive 20km (12 miles) north of Helsingborg to Höganäs, you'll find two famous stoneware factories. Höganäs Saltglaserat (tel. 042/21-65-40; www.saltglaserat.com) has been manufacturing salt-glazed stoneware since 1835. Today the classic, salt-glazed Höganäs jars with their anchor symbol are still in production. Everything is made by hand and fired in coal-burning circular kilns from the turn of the 20th century. The shop here is within the factory, so you can see the throwers in action and go inside the old kilns. It's open year-round during regular shopping hours. Some words on getting here: If you have no car, you can take bus 220 0r 220 to the center of town (buy tickets on the bus to save time) and get off at the Höganäscenter bus parking area. From there it is a 10 minute walk on a bike path; follow the signs to "design center". The factory is in a low lying industrial center with an excellent restaurant (Garage) and gourmet takeaway shop nearby.
Höganäs' other outlet, Höganäs Keramik (tel. 042/35-11-31; www.hoganaskeramik.se), is Scandinavia's largest stoneware manufacturer. Its factory shop, inaugurated in 1994, sells flawed goods from both Höganäs Keramik and Boda Nova at bargain prices. This outlet is open May to August Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Off-season hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Helsingborg Nightlife
Helsingborg has had its own city symphony orchestra since 1912. In 1932, its concert hall, or Konserthuset, opened at Drottninggatan 19 (tel. 042/10-42-70). One of the finest examples of 1930s Swedish functionalism, today the hall is still the venue for performances by the 50-piece orchestra. The season opens in the middle of August with a 10-day Festspel, a festival with a different theme every year. Tickets are available at the Helsingborg Stadsteater City Theater, Karl Johans Gata (tel. 042/10-68-00 or 042/10-68-10; www.helsingborgsstadsteater.se), which dates from 1817 but is one of the most modern in Europe; of course, performances are in Swedish.
With a decor that includes crystal chandeliers and lots of original paintings (which often are rotated with works by various artists), Marina Nightclub, Kungstorget 6 (tel. 042/19-21-00), is set within the Hotel Marina Plaza. It admits only clients 24 or older. It's open Friday and Saturday from 11pm to around 5am.
An English-inspired pub that draws a busy and convivial crowd is Telegrafen, Norra Storgatan 14 (tel. 042/18-14-50; www.restaurangtelegrafen.se), where live music, especially jazz, is presented on either of two levels devoted to maintaining a cozy environment for drinking, chatting, and flirting. Live-music enthusiasts should also consider an evening at one of the largest jazz venues in Sweden, Jazzklubben, Nedre Långvinkelsgatan 22 (tel. 042/18-49-00; www.jazztime.nu). Live Dixieland, blues, Celtic ballads, and progressive jazz are featured on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights beginning around 8:30pm. Most other nights, based on a schedule that varies with the season and the whims of the staff, the place functions as a conventional bar.
