Helsingborg

Central Helsingborg, from the castle Helsingborg [1] is in the Scania province of South Sweden. Understand Helsingborg is situated on the east side of the Oresund on Sweden's south-west coast. It's Sweden's 8th largest municipality with a population of about 128,000 (2009). Major businesses are service, trade, industry and tourism. In 2000 a branch of the University of Lund opened in the former Tretorn rubber factories a stone's throw from the Denmark ferries. On the opposite side of the sound in Denmark is Elsinore (Helsingør). Before the Malmö-Copenhagen Øresund bridge was finished, most of the trans-scandinavian traffic (transit and tourist) used the ferries between Helsingborg and Elsinore. There is still heavy traffic across the Sound here because of the high population density on either side of the border. In addition, the ferries are usually somewhat cheaper than the fees for the bridge and they often provide a shorter route compared to the bridge. Get in By train Helsingborg is easily reached by rail from the Copenhagen airport (Kastrup). Helsingborg has good rail connections to Malmö, Lund, and Gothenburg. Stockholm-bound travellers need to change trains in Hässleholm or Lund. By bus There are regular bus services between Helsingborg and Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Gothenburg and other cities along the way towards these cities. The major bus companies are Bus4You, GoByBus and Swebus. By car By E4 from Stockholm in the north, and E6 from Malmö in the south and from Gothenburg/Oslo in the north. By boat From Elsinore, Denmark, it's a short 20 minute ferry ride across the sound, with ferries departing every 15 minutes most of the day. At night, there is at least one ferry every hour. Ferries are operated by Sundsbusserne [2] and Scandlines [3]. By air The Ängelholm-Helsingborg Airport is situated approximately 40KM from Helsingborg and has daily flights to Stockholm-Arlanda (SAS) and Stockholm-Bromma (Kullaflyg [4]), weekly flights to Visby and seasonal flights to Mora and Alicante. Copenhagen Airport is about one hour away by train. Get around Practically all public transport goes through the train/ferry terminal Knutpunkten (Helsingborg C), including regional and long-distance trains and buses as well as local buses. Skånetrafiken [5] runs the local and regional bus and train system, and if you intend on spending some time in the Skåne-region it is highly recommended that you get the so called Jojo-card which is a prepay card that gives you 20% off any ticket. Additionally a duo/family ticket will give you another 10% off (for up to 2 adults and 3 children). By Bus Bus is the main means of transport in town. Buses run from early a.m. 'till around midnight and a little later on Fridays and Saturdays. The bus system connects most of the city and all but one (#2) stay within one fare zone. Single trip costs 19 SEK, but it's not possible to pay with cash on the buses. By Train Regional trains stop at Helsingborg C and has two more stops within Helsingborg, including Maria to the north and Ramlösa to the south. Generally this isn't the best option for getting around the city as these stations are mainly for daily commuters to farther destinations in Skåne and Denmark. By Taxi Taxi rides are rather expensive in Helsingborg and there is little competition. They can be found right outside Helsingborg C main entrance, next to the Marina Plaza hotel. See Raus Kyrka, (Bus #1 southbound to Mickelsgården, then 500m walk). One of Sweden's oldest churches built in mid-12th century.  edit Ramlösa Brunnspark (Ramlösa Hälsobrunn), (Bus #2 or #5 southbound). The famous mineral water spring in south Helsingborg, with a beautiful park founded in the 18th century.  edit Helsingborg Castle (or what's left of it) overlooks the harbour, with archways over the steps leading down to the city center. Kärnan, the rectangular-plan tower from the 14th century at the top of the bluff, can be climbed. Sofiero Castle [6] is a 19th century ocean-side royal castle and gardens located 5 km from the city center. The gardens display local and foreign plants. It's famous for its plantations of Rhododendron, blossoming in early summer. The castle has a restaurant and a modern art gallery. The garden was named Sweden's most beautiful in 2009 [7] and Europe's Best Park in 2010. Take bus 219 towards Höganäs. Fredriksdal [8] is an ambitious open-air museum with gardens, farm animals, old houses, museums and a theater. The printing museum and several inside exhibits are open year round. To get there, you take bus 1 or 7, both northbound. Sankta Maria kyrka - the city's church, built in the 14th century Rådhuset (Town Hall) - in the New Gothic style Norra Hamnen (H99) - the old industrial dock remade as esplanade with plenty of restaurants, coffee bars and marina Do Dunkers Kulturhus (Dunker's Culture House) [9] is much more than a museum. Here you can listen to various concerts and experience art, history and crafts. You can also have lunch at the restaurant on site. It's relaxing to take a stroll around the harbour. Tropikariet [10] (Hävertgatan 21, close to Fredriksdal) is a small but interesting zoo. Some of the animals are not enclosed in cages but live among the visitors, creating an intimate feeling. The little bird that walks slowly but intently, step by step, in the same lane where the customers are supposed to walk is a little scary, though. The Tivoli [11] by the sea offers good concerts with internationally and nationally known bands. "Tura" is a Swedish expression for the local tradition of having dinner on the ferries (Scandlines). During summer and the weeks leading up to Christmas you should make reservations in advance. Quite possibly the most classic of Helsingborgian experiences. Buy The main shopping areas are the pedestrian streets Kullagatan, Bruksgatan and Södra Storgatan, as well as the main streets surrounding them in downtown Helsingborg. Just outside the city there is Väla, one of Scandinavia's largest shopping centers. The great Danish chocolaterie Peter Beier Chokolade (Södra Storgatan 5) [12] has a store in Helsingborg. Getting Online Sidewalk Express, Knutpunkten (Railway Station). 29 SEK for 90 minutes (you can't get a ticket for less than 90 minutes). MAX, Swedish fast food chain offers free WiFi (WLAN) on all its locations. In Helsingborg they can be found downtown on Södergatan 15 and at Väla Centrum. Eat Helsingborg is known as somewhat the gastronomical center of Sweden, having some of the greatest chefs in the country. Brooklyn, Södra Kyrkogatan 12, [13]. Serves great meat in a distinguished atmosphere, all in dark-brown and white. Bar menu 69-129 SEK, a la carte 169-349 SEK. Big Buddha, Ålgränden 1, [14]. Serves Thai and Chinese food. Mains 75-135 SEK. Restaurang Papadam, Bruksgatan 10. Has great Indian food in a modern environment. Mains 79-149 SEK. Restaurang Thai Corner, Bruksgatan 32-34, [15]. Mains 109-199 SEK. Haket Kök & Bar, Kullagatan 55. Serves Greek, Italian and American food in a cozy environment. They have somewhat slow service though with limited Swedish skills. Mains 49-139 SEK. Inom Mat & Bar, Sundstorget 7, ☎ 042-212521, [16]. 12-23. Serves lunch and a la carte. Popular among both business and local guests. White Guide listed. Open Monday-Saturday.  edit Mezo, Storgatan 3. Serves lighter food - meze, pasta, sandwiches etc - in a dark, mysterious environment. Mains 63-99 SEK. Restaurang Teater Katten, Kungsgatan 22, 252 21 Helsingborg (attached to the Stads (City) Theater), ☎ 042-12 38 00, [17]. 5pm-11pm. Relaxed yet Fine Dining. Attached to the City Theater and only a 1-2 block walk down to the harbor. Check out the Fillet Buffet on Thursday Evenings. With a selection of 7 or 8 meats, salad bar, potato dishes, and 5 different gravys. Good value for money, if you are hungry!! 140-350 SEK.  edit Restaurang SS Svea, Hamntorget (on the water next to the ferries), ☎ 042-131516, [18]. This is a boat moored to the wharf. Has many fish dishes among other high quality choices. (click link for map) 180-380.  edit Brock's Subs, Ålgränden 6, [19]. 0900-1800. Great NY style subs, 1/2 foot for ~30 SEK, and 1/1 foot for ~50-60 SEK. Mon-Fri 9.00-18.00, Sat 09.00-15.00. Closed on Sundays. 30-60:-.  edit Österns Pärla, Järnvägsgatan 17 (near Knutpunkten harbor). 11h-22h. Chinese restaurant: buffet lunch and chinese specialties. 76-130 SEK.  edit Like so many other Swedish towns there's a great foreign influence which means there's an abundance of foreign fast food and take out places serving pizza, kebab, falafel, chinese, thai, middle eastern and so on. Drink Alot of bars can be found downtown, inside or near Knutpunkten (Train station/Ferry terminal). During Summer, the district Norra Hamnen (North Harbour) with its marina is highly recommended. Sleep Helsingborgs Vandrarhem, Järnvägsgatan 39, [20]. Youth hostel in the city centre. Offers s/d for ~40/50 Euro, with tv. Shared bathroom, showers, kitchen and free WiFi in lobby. Helsingborg Hostel, Hantverkaregatan 2, offers s/d/t/q ~20/30/40/50 Euro, with shared bathroom, showers and kitchen. 10-15 min. on foot, or two stops with most southbound buses, from Helsingborg C. Hotel Maria, Mariagatan 8A, [21]. Hotell Viking, Fågelsångsgatan 1, [22]. Hotell Helsingborg, Mariagatan 1A, [23]. Elite Hotel Marina Plaza, Kungstorget 6, A high class hotel located right on the water. Great views out over the sound, and of the ferries coming and going from Helsingör. Very convenient if arriving by train or other public transportation [24]. Note that Swedish hostels in general do not include free linen and towels, but they will be supplied at an extra charge. Get out Kullaberg/Mölle is an easy day trip and a must in late Spring/Summer. Kullaberg national reserve offers nature trails with great views over Öresund and the surrounding countryside. Take regional (yellow) bus 220 towards Höganäs (Mölle). Denmark: Elsinore (Helsingör) is easily accessible by ferry (20 minutes). For Humlebæk and Copenhagen take a ferry to Elsinore, then a train. Ticket for the whole trip (one way or return) can be bought at the Ferry ticket window. Lund, the University town (40,000+ students) of south Sweden and one of the oldest and most historic towns in Sweden. Malmö is Sweden's third most populous city (~300,000 people) and the main Swedish city of the region. For Lund and Malmö, take a local train (Öresundståg). It's possible to take a train all the way to Kastrup/Copenhagen via Malmö, which is convenient if you have luggage, but it takes a little longer and costs a little more. Most trains have Malmö as final destination, so make sure yours goes all the way. Routes through Helsingborg () Helsingør ← Changes into ←  W  E  → Skåneleden (Åstorp) → Stockholm Göteborg ← Ängelholm ←  N  S  → Landskrona → Malmö Copenhagen ← Landskrona ←  W  E  → Ängelholm → Göteborg This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!