What do you think of when you hear things like pop group Roxette, sandy beaches and that typical dialect where they omit pronouncing the letter r? Halmstad, the wonderful regional capital of Halland, of course! Halmstad is not only a lovely place to visit during summer, but offers a variety of attractions and exciting sights all year round. Continue to read and find out more about the 6 best things on offer!
1. Spend the day with sand between your toes, at Tylösand
At the top of the list, we simply have to put Tylösand – the beach that has established Halmstad as a real summer paradise. The beach is 4 kilometres long, with soft golden sand and is scattered by groovy after beach bars, fantastic restaurants, beautiful surroundings and many top-class golf courses.
With a large range of activities on and near the beach, one could easily spend all day there, but it is also be a perfect way to finish a day of shopping or exploration of the city. Surely you agree, it sounds brilliant to sit down with a drink in your hand and sand between your toes, listening to music from the bar where a fun evening is just about to start?
2. Adventure, splay and relax at Halmstad Arena Bad
If the weather is not inviting enough for a day on the beach, you and your travel companions can still have a great day in the water at Sweden’s biggest waterpark! Halmstad Arena offers waterslides and an adventure pool with cascading rapids, bubble zone, water piste and stream channels, all to make the experience a whole lot more exciting!
There is also a kids’ pool and waterplay area for the very youngest and a fitness pool for anyone who wants to do a bit of water aerobics. Or why not kick back and relax in the relaxation section?
3. Let your creativity out at Hallands Konstmuseum
If you are into the arts, then you will guaranteed be amazed as you step into Hallands Konstmuseum. The art museum was inaugurated in 1933 at its lovely location next to river Nissan and Norre Katts Park, in the middle of Halmstad. You get an opportunity to admire art collections from Halmstadgruppen (The Halmstad Group), Söndrumskolonin (The Söndrum Colony), GAN, Thea Ekström, Roj Friberg, Olle Bærtling och Lotta Antonsson. A perfect place to spend a morning with your friends!
4. Experience ancient times at open-air museum Hallandsgården
Hallands Konstmuseum is also managing open-air museum Hallandsgården which is open all year around. This open-air museum offers fun activities for young and old alike, and is an ideal activity for anyone who wants first hand historical experiences. Take the opportunity to visit Hörsåsstugan, Eldsberga schoolhouse or the stables and experience life as it was in the olden days, either on your own or in tow of one of Hallandsgården’s knowledgeable guides. There is also a café (open during summer), a small exhibition hall and a popular playground on site.
5. Go shopping at Hallarna Halmstad
Anyone who loves shopping and fashion should definitely visit Hallarna Halmstad! This is a shopping galleria with a wide range of shops, located a short distance outside Halmstad and is a perfect excursion for a rainy day. Large retail chains as well as small shops are mixed in with restaurants, cafés, beauty salons and play areas for the youngest, making Hallarna to a place where you easily can spend an entire day.
6. Step straight into the 17th century at Halmstad Castle
Fascinated by history and ancient kings and queens? If so, you will love Halmstad castle. It is beautifully located next to river Nissan and was completed during the 17th century. At the time, Halmstad and Halland were part of Denmark. The castle was built in order for Danish King Christian IV to have a grand and imposing residence during his visits to Halmstad. The castle fell under Swedish reigning already in 1645 and today it serves as the residence of the governor of Halland County.
Join a guided tour through the grandiose halls and learn about the people who once visited and lived at the castle! The courtyard is often used for music events and outdoor theatre in summer, and there is an old fashion Christmas market here every year in December.
Tips on where to stay in central Halmstad
Does it sound tempting to spend a weekend in Halmstad? Perfect! We have a really great recommendation for a centrally located hotel, close to both attractions, sights and restaurants. Clarion Collection® Hotel Norre Park has comfortable and pleasant rooms for both large and small travel groups. It’s located next to Norre Katts Park and a stay here includes both a full breakfast buffet and Afternoon Sweets and Evening Meal. Welcome!
