As one of the most historic and alluring destinations in Sweden, Halmstad is filled with cultural and natural attractions. Complementing its castle and museums are numerous beaches and parks, as well as a scenic river. Bring the whole family to this lively and eclectic town to mix sightseeing with sunbathing.
Enjoy the area’s warm and sunny summers with a trip to popular Tylösand Beach, a little west of the town. Let your kids play in the sand dunes and walk out along the pier for excellent views of the Swedish coastline. On the other side of the town is East Beach (Östra Stranden), which has a children’s playground and connects the sand dunes to a dense forest.
Find the Halland Art Museum next to the Nissan River in the northern part of the city. Learn here about regional artists and study the so-called Peasant Wall Hangings that typically decorated the houses of working-class locals. The gallery is located at the northern border of Norre Katts Park, where you can stroll along the riverside promenade, watch a game of boules and enjoy a meal in the café.
Put together a picnic for lunch on the grass of Picasso Park beside the eponymous artist’s Kvinnohuvud sculpture. Cross the river for Slottsparken Park, which has forest trails and an innovative work-out area. In its northeastern corner stands the 17th-century Halmstad Castle, with an imposing red façade.
On the town’s western outskirts is the Mjellby Art Museum. Visit to appreciate its focus on the French cubism movement of the 1920s and the surrealism works of the following decade.
Find the town in the southern part of Halland Province in southwestern Sweden. Drive north from Malmö for 85 miles (140 kilometers) to reach Halmstad in about 90 minutes. Continue north for roughly the same amount of time to reach Gothenburg.
Halmstad is a green town with museums and parks in the center and beaches lining the outskirts.
