Helsingborg

Helsingborg is the eighth-largest city in Sweden, located in the northern part of west Skåne. Its fascinating past, spectacular nature and coastal beauty makes it a dream destination offering something for everyone.

On Ferryhopper, you can find the best vacation tips for the seaside city of Helsingborg, what to do and see and how to get there by ferry! Find the crossing that suits you best and learn how to plan your ferry trip in Sweden!

Helsingborgs impressive neo-Gothic city hall along the waterfront

Vacation in Helsingborg

Located on the shores of the Öresund Strait, a mere 4 km from Denmark, Helsingborg is small enough to feel cozy yet large enough to feel vibrant. Surrounded by lush gardens, castles and a beautiful harbor area, it’s easy to fall in love with this compact seaside city.

In addition, Helsingborg is a proud patron of theater and the arts, boasts a rich history and has been recognized as one of Europe’s most innovative cities - so much so that it took home the 2nd prize in the 2020 European Capital of Innovation Awards.

It is the perfect destination for a short getaway, regardless of the season, and offers a wide range of activities for travelers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for some cultural exploration, outdoor adventure or simply a relaxing break, Helsingborg has something for everyone.

How to get to Helsingborg

Helsingborg is easily reached by train, car, plane, and ferry. Helsingborg has excellent rail connections and a regular bus service with Copenhagen Airport, Malmö and Gothenburg. You can also reach the city by car by taking the E4 from Stockholm or E6 from Malmö. Another option is to fly to Ängelholm–Helsingborg Airport, which is located about 34 km from Helsingborg. Aside from Ängelholm, other nearby airports are Malmö and Copenhagen.

Helsingborg is also accessible by ferry from Denmark’s Helsingör. If you’re planning to travel by ferry you can find more information about ferry routes and schedules to Helsingborg below.

What to do in Helsingborg

This walkable scenic city is always bustling with culture, food and beautiful waterfront views. Take a stroll along the harbor and soak up the views of the ferries and cruise ships coming and going. Wander the picturesque streets of Helsingborgs old town and visit the medieval Kärnan tower. The views from here are breathtaking and it is a great spot to take some photos. Definitely worth the uphill trek! 

Another architectural gem, Mariakyrkan (St. Mary's Church), is located close to Kärnan. Then head to the Fredriksdal Open-Air Museum to experience a piece of Swedish history with its old buildings, farmhouses and gardens. There is also a café and restaurant on the grounds. If you’d like to get a feel of Helsingborgs distinctive cultural identity, make sure to visit Dunkers Kulturhus (Dunker’s culture center).

For outdoor lovers, there are also plenty of activities to choose from. Set off on a hike along the many trails of the nearby magnificent nature reserves such as Kullaberg (40 km north of Helsingborg) or take in the natural beauty from a kayak along the waterside. If you fancy going for a swim, try the 150-year-old local tradition of kallbad, or cold bathing, at one of the three outdoor baths at Plsjöbaden, Kallis or Rbaden. 

After a full day of sightseeing and outdoor activities, take some time to explore the city’s nightlife, with its bars and clubs, or enjoy a meal at one of Helsingborgs many excellent restaurants.

View of the medieval Kärnan tower in Helsingborg

Sightseeing in Helsingborg

Helsingborg is a great destination for a sightseeing adventure! The city is known for its historical landmarks and modern attractions, making it an ideal place to explore. Take a stroll through its cobblestone streets and visit the city’s medieval castle, churches and mansions. 

Some of the top things to see in Helsingborg are:

• The Fredriksdal Museum & Gardens, one of Sweden’s best open-air museums with historic buildings and guided tours
• The Dunker Culture House, the largest arts center in Southern Sweden
• The Kärnan, the symbol of Helsingborg and all that remains of the original Helsingborg Castle 
• Helsingborgs town hall, dating back to 1897
• The Sofiero Palace, an impressive former royal summer residence and park
• St. Mary's Church (or Mariakyrkan), the city’s oldest church dating from the 12th century
• The Museum of Failure, featuring a selection of failed products and services
• The Järnvägens Museum (The Railway Museum) in Ängelholm, 30 minutes by train or car from Helsingborg, an adventure-packed museum for the whole family

Close-up view of the impressive St. Mary’s Church in Helsingborg

Nightlife in Helsingborg

Helsingborg is a great destination for night owls looking for the perfect night out. A must-see for anyone looking to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife scene is the area of Gustav Adolfs torg. This lively square is home to a variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Another great area to check out includes Järnvägsgatan, where you’ll find a selection of trendy bar/restaurant fusions and pubs for a more relaxed evening. 

During the warmer months, the large area of grass and wooden boardwalk called Gröningen is a must-visit! This lively recreation area is perfect for hang-outs. You’ll find many nice restaurants and bars along the boardwalk.

Food in Helsingborg

In Helsingborg, the food culture is strong. In fact, it is one of Sweden’s most restaurant-dense cities. With influences from all over the world, the city’s restaurants offer a variety of food and atmosphere, but all of them focus on local, seasonal produce. 

Some local dishes and delicacies that you should try during your trip to Helsingborg are:

• kavring (a classic Swedish bread)
• brunkål (white cabbage braised with soy sauce, vinegar and syrup)
• lerpottasill (herring filets with potatoes and hard-boiled eggs)
• äggakaka (savory pancakes topped with bacon and chives)
• skånsk äppelkaka (apple cake)
• bulle med bulle (bread roll stuffed with an oat-based chocolate ball)

Tip: in case you have sugar cravings, don't miss the Chocolate factory's award-winning pralines in the heart of Helsingborg.

Tips

Here are 4 tips for your stay in Helsingborg:

1. For a perfect cycling trip, experiencing Sweden’s 1st national cycle route Kattegattleden - a 390 km-long cycle path along the coast from Helsingborg - is a must!
2. The Helsingborg region is known as Sweden’s ceramics district and is home to a talented community of clay-using potters, sculptors and craftspeople. Visit Mölle Krukmakeri and Keramiskt Center Höganäs for the opportunity to buy a few unique ceramics pieces.
3. If you're a coffee fanatic, you’ll be happy to know that Helsingborg locals are keen coffee-drinkers. In fact, one of Sweden's largest coffee firms, Zoégas, has had its headquarters here since the 19th century, so make sure to visit their historic café. 
4. For some shopping head to Kullagatan in central Helsingborg, which is also Sweden’s oldest pedestrian street. It will definitely satisfy any impulse purchase.

Useful information about Helsingborg

Helsingborg is a great destination for a weekend getaway and a beautiful town to relax. In regards to accommodation, there are various options in and around Helsingborg, from luxurious hotels to rental apartments where you can get a small glimpse of how locals live. Try to book accommodation in the city's center to have easy access to all the cafes, bars, buses, tourist attractions, and the train station.

As for healthcare, there is a hospital and several medical centers around the city.

Palm trees and white sand at a beach next to the port of Helsingborg

Important phone numbers for your stay in Helsingborg

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Helsingborg: 

• Helsingborgs Port Authority: +4642106300
• Helsingborgs Hospital: +46424061000
• Helsingborgs Police Station: +46771141400
• Tourist Information Center: +4642105000
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Helsingborg

Getting around Helsingborg is easy. Since the distances between the outskirts of the city and its center are relatively manageable, many residents do their daily commute by foot or by bike. 

Even though there is no metro or tram in Helsingborg, the local and regional bus network is well established. There are 9 main bus routes that pass through Helsingborg and there are also several other bus lines that link the suburbs and other cities to the city center. Most parts of Helsingborg are easily accessible from the bus line hubs at Helsingborg C, Kopparmölleplatsen, Sundstorget, and Gustav Adolfs torg. The Pågatågen train line serving Skåne also has several stations in the city.

Tip: from Helsingborg you can take a ferry to Helsingør in Denmark without disembarking, but instead focusing on eating, drinking and taking in the scenery! This is called tura and is something you should definitely try during your stay in Helsingborg.

Ports in Helsingborg

The port of Helsingborg is one of Sweden’s largest ferry ports and a leading port in Northern Europe. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the city center.

Helsingborg port is divided into 3 areas: the South, the West and North Harbor with several terminals. The North Harbor is the most accessible since it’s located close to Helsingborgs Central train, bus and ferry terminal. This is also where ferries to Helsingør (Elsinore) depart from.

The port of the coastal city of Helsingborg, on the Baltic Sea

Helsingborg ferry: schedules and tickets

The port of Helsingborg can be reached by ferry from Elsinore in Denmark. The companies that operate these ferry connections are ForSea and Sundbusserne.

Here you can find more information on the ferry connections to Helsingborg:

• Elsinore-Helsingborg ferry: there are up to 35 daily ferry connections between Elsinore and Helsingborg and the journey lasts around 20 minutes.

Useful info: ForSea ferries leave for Elsinore from the docks right next to the central station while Sundbusserne ferries depart from the Knutpunkten area. However, keep in mind that Sundbusserne ferry company operates passenger-only ferry crossings.

Where to book ferry tickets to Helsingborg online

At the moment, it’s not possible to book ferry tickets to Helsingborg on Ferryhopper. As we focus on including more routes, check out our interactive Map of ferries, browse all available ferry schedules in Sweden and book ferry tickets for your next trip!