Halmstad Mini Guide
Tell me About Halmstad
Halmstad is a port city in the province of Halland, on the west coast of Sweden. It is a popular destination in summer and known for the beaches and nightlife. The city has a large sports scene with everything from tall ship racing to bowling and ice hockey.
How Would I get There?
You can fly into Halmstead City Airport, there are a few flights a day from
Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. The city is only 3 km away, so you can drive there using Karlrovagen or take a taxi. The airports of
Malmo and
Gothenburg are both under a 2 hour drive away. From cities in Sweden, you can travel there by bus or coach with Swebus Express or take an SJ train. Train services are also available from
Norway and
Denmark. Once you are in Halmstad, you can use the local Hallandstrafiken bus service to get around.
What is There to see in the City?
A good starting point is the Halmstad Slott, a castle built in the 17th century by the Danish King Christian IV and then visit the HMS Najaden next to it, it is a museum ship on the river Nissan. Go to Lilla Torg and see the poorhouse or Fattighuset, which has been converted into handicraft shops and cafes. There is a Sports Museum there too that reflects the popularity of so many sports in the area. Look out for some interesting sculptures around the city, ‘The salmons go upstream’ by Walter Bengtsson sits on the banks of the River Nissan and in the city centre you’ll see the Picasso style statue of ‘a woman’s head’.
I’m not into History and Culture…
Hope you like to play golf! There are 12 courses in the area to choose from, so you are spoilt for choice. If its summer time, head for the beaches at Ostrastrandes or Tylosand, one of the best beaches in Sweden - there you can take lessons in windsurfing and kite-boarding.
After Dark
There are plenty of outdoor cafes and gourmet restaurants to keep you busy at night time. You can get all kinds of food there, whether you like Italian or Asian food or want to try Swedish cuisine. After your meal you can head for an English pub to chat or visit one of the many nightclubs and dance the night away. After dark, Tylosand and Little Square are the best places to go and spend your evening.
Where can I Stay in the City?
The First Hotel Martensson is a 4 star hotel that dates back to 1858. The rooms are modern and individually decorated and have free Wi-Fi access. Guests have free access to the sauna too. The Fox and Anchor is an English style public house within the hotel, it offers traditional cuisine and a wide range of beers and spirits. Live music events and karaoke are often held there or you can visit the hotel’s nightclub.
Built at the mouth of the Nissan River, Halmstad is a convenient place to start your trip on the west coast of Sweden. Car hire in Halmstad allows you to travel at your own pace and on your own budget. You can explore the Halmstad municipality and its port.
Indeed many of our customers are business travellers as the city has a strong industrial sector. More than 55,000 people live in Halmstad and there is also a contingent of young people because of the presence of the university. In terms of culture there are many impressive buildings.