HalmstadSweden · Ferry Destinations

All About Halmstad

Halmstad’s origin as a prominent settlement dates back to the 11th century. However, it achieved city status for the first time in 1307. Due to the region’s strategic location in the southwest of Sweden and at the mouth of Nissan River, for the longest time, Halmstad was a military post where rulers often met or fought. Among the more notable confrontations in the area include the naval Battle of Nissan between Danish and Norwegian Vikings in 1062 and the Scanian War in 1679.

Initially a part of Denmark, Halmstad became a Swedish territory in 1645. The city saw steady development after that and still has several houses and churches from the 14th and 15th centuries amidst newer constructions. As the capital of Halland province, Halmstad is today an industrious port city with 70,000 permanent residents. Tourism is an integral part of the town’s overall development. As such, people visit Halmstad annually for its cultural events, golf courses, beaches, breweries, nightlife, and overall stress-free atmosphere.
 

Routes and Ferries to Halmstad

Ferry tickets to Halmstad from Grenaa in Denmark are available for boats operated by Stena Line. The sailing time between the two cities is roughly four and a half hours, with tickets costing €16 on average. There are typically two departures daily on this route. However, travelers without vehicles can only take the ferry from 26 June to 13 August. To book ferry tickets at the best possible rate and get the latest schedules for the Grenaa – Halmstad journey, use the Ferryscanner website.

Whether reaching Halmstad by ferry, train, car, bicycle, or bus, it seems all roads lead to the city’s main travel building, the Halmstad Resecentrum. It is here that most trains and buses arrive. Moreover, the famous Kattegat Cycle Trail also passes by the Travel Center, which has a travel information desk, restaurant, newsagent, a café, and a hotel next door.

Trains from across Europe have excellent connections with Halmstad through Gothenburg, Malmö, and Copenhagen. At the same time, buses frequently run between various towns in Halland, and there are possibilities to get direct buses to Halmstad from Oslo and Berlin.

Halmstad City Airport is a 20-minute drive from the center. Flights from Stockholm-Bromma land here all year round. Additionally, you can fly in from Mallorca in the summer. Copenhagen and Gothenburg are the other two airports, roughly two hours away from Halmstad.
 

Port of Halmstad

The sheltered Port of Halmstad, on the eastern coast of Kattegat, is an economically essential harbor of Sweden. Also known as Port of Halland and spread over 45 hectares, it caters to over 1000 dry cargo, container, and RoRo vessels every year. Facilities at the port range from three quays and four RoRo ramps to a guest harbor for leisure yachts. Amenities such as toilets, free WiFi, car parking, and bus or taxi make arriving at the port convenient.

A five-minute shuttle service runs from Halmstad Resecentrum to the port for passengers without vehicles traveling by boat. Similarly, if you are traveling with ferry tickets to Halmstad, upon disembarking, take the Stena Line bus to the Travel Center and then take the bus or train elsewhere.
 

Best Beaches of Halmstad

The beautiful beaches in Halmstad dotting its 45km long coastline draw in sun-seeking tourists by the thousands every summer. It is also why ferry tickets to Halmstad are available for passengers without a vehicle from mid-June to mid-August.

Västra stranden

Located next to the port, Västra stranden is the first beach that comes into sight as you arrive with ferry tickets to Halmstad. A lengthy horse-shoe-shaped strip, it’s the closest beach to the city center with a garden, barbeque facilities, and parking. Although the water here is safe for swimming, most locals visit Västra to walk their dogs or windsurf.

Östra stranden

Östra stranden is a 6km long sandy strip that lies 6km from downtown Halmstad. A clean beach with low-lying dunes, it’s kept clean regularly by the authorities. Moreover, the shallow sea by the shore makes it an attractive spot for families. At the same time, the far south of Östra stranden, known as Heden or Hagön Beach, is reserved for naturist sunbathers. 

Tylösand

About 10km southwest of the city center, Tylösand is arguably among the best beaches in Halmstad. The 7km long sandy stretch has an alluring natural appeal thanks to its endless dunes and location opposite the Tylöng island with its striking red lighthouse. Facilities and highlights of the kid-friendly Tylösand include lifeguards in summer, shallow entry into the sea, a playground, ample parking, volleyball, tennis, beach bars, kiosks, ad food trucks.

Frösakull havsbad

Situated on the west coast, 20 minutes from the center, Frösakull offers good access to the Kattegat. Usually frequented by locals, the sandy beach remains crowd-free even during summer. There aren’t any toilets here, not any proper parking, but the water is very much swimmable. Except on days when the waves are high, in which case, the beach attracts windsurfers.

Sandhamn

A short drive from the port, Sandhamn is a sandy shoreline that does not see many people. The beach is more popular with surfers, and parking can be an issue as it borders a private residential area. Still, the beach has a kiosk and is a lovely place to walk. Moreover, it’s close to Tjuvahålan badplats, another commercial-free, rocky but cozy seaside.
 

Neighborhoods of Halmstad

Even though Halmstad is a relatively small town, its neighborhoods showcase distinct qualities, often hiding exciting sights amidst an otherwise structured setting.

Slottsmöllan

Situated in the city’s northern section, Slottsmöllan borders the Nissan River and is famous for its adventurous character. The neighborhood boasts mini golf with black light, Sweden’s oldest go-cart hall, a skate park, canoe rentals, and The PhotoGallery, one of Halmstad’s most well-known photo galleries.

Brogård

A neighborhood in the northeast of the city, Brogård, is mostly residential with a few playgrounds. However, for tourists, it houses a true-blue hidden gem in the Luftvärnsmuseet i Skedalahed, an anti-aircraft collection of armored vehicles, searchlights, and other war-related equipment.

Flygstaden

Bordering the airport and in the western part of the city, Flygstaden is more of a commercial and activity-based neighborhood. Locals typically come here to visit large electronics, building materials, home improvement, and grocery stores. Additionally, Flygstaden has a few car dealerships and fast-food outlets. Families often visit this neighborhood for a day full of jumping fun at the Yoump Trampolinepark.

Galgberget

Galgberget is the ‘green neighborhood’ of Halmstad. It is known for its natural open spaces, hiking trails, and playgrounds for kids, such as the Sagoängens lekplats. While there aren’t many places to stay here, you can visit Galgberget to enjoy a picnic and relish the freshness of the region’s beauty. Galgberget is also where you’ll come across Hallandgården, an open-air museum that has on display traditional homes and tree houses from around Halland.

Central Halmstad

The lively central part of Halmstad extends on both sides of the river and is easy to navigate on foot. Offering cultural and culinary opportunities aplenty, you’ll come across cafes, restaurants, retail shops, the Halmstad Theatre, hotels, and parks here. The central area is also where the Old Town houses ancient buildings along with Storgatan, Halmstad’s main pedestrian street.
 

Things To Do Around Halmstad

Halmstad is a vibrant city with abundant attractions to interest tourists of all ages. While the beaches in Halmstad are undoubtedly a highlight of a holiday here, the city’s historical and cultural attractions are equally fascinating and appealing.

Play a Round of Golf

Having eight golf clubs and 12 courses in and around the city, Halmstad is often called the ‘golf capital of Sweden’. Novice and professional golfers can play at some of the best courses in the world, granting phenomenal views of the surroundings. Halmstad Golf Club, with its two courses surrounded by the pine forests of Tylösand, is one of the most coveted places to play golf in Halmstad. The Halmstad Golf Arena, at the same time, provides the best golf training facilities in the region.

Drop by Halmstad Castle

A stroll around the city will take you past several remains from the 14th century onward. Halmstad Castle is one of the most visited. Built by Kristian IV of Denmark in the 17th century, it is presently the residence of Halland’s governor. However, visitors can take guided tours of the castle and walk around its courtyard. While in the city, do keep a lookout for remnants of Halmstad’s fortification, such as the Norre Port (North Gate), completed in 1601.

Visit Halmstad’s Museums

Halmstad has an array of museums covering wide-ranging interests, from art to sports, antiquities, and war history. Halland Art Museum is popular for its extensive collection of regional art. The Halmstad Sports Museum, on the other hand, provides a lesson in local sports history. A slightly more eccentric and seasonal destination is Svedino’s Automobile and Aviation Museum, with its collection of over 100 Swedish cars, motorcycles, engines, and aircraft.

Conquer the Prince Bertil’s Trail

The 18km long Prince Bertil’s Trail is a delightful adventure you can finish in one go or in small parts. Primarily a coastal walk, it starts from Halmstad, goes past Tylösand, and ends in Möllegård. Along the way, besides some of the most stunning panoramas, walkers can see several sites like The Crown Distillery, King Stone, St Olof’s Chapel, and Möllegård’s Mill. A respite by the mill’s pond proves to be the perfect end to a memorable walk.

Spend a Day at Grötvik Village

The old fishing village of Grötvik, with its small marina, is about 5km from Halmstad. A picturesque location, Grötvik exudes a sense of drama owing to its rocky disposition from the stone quarries that functioned in the area during the 19t century. Nowadays, the quarries are an integral part of the village, acting as venues for the marina and the Halmstad Wakepark. During a day trip to Grötvik, you can sit by the water and enjoy a deliciously fresh seafood meal for a relaxing time. On the other hand, tourists wanting more excitement can partake in thrilling activities like wakeboarding, kayaking, surfing, and rock climbing.
 

Transportation Around Halmstad

A bustling city, there are plenty of ways to travel in and around Halmstad. You can wander around the center on foot comfortably or else make use of the numerous bicycle tracks that crisscross the town. Electric bicycles and scooters are also available for rent. They are an excellent option for exploring the suburbs and beaches of Halmstad. Hiring a car or bringing your own works well if you venture out and away from downtown. Moreover, most free car parks are on the outskirts of the center.

There is also a well-oiled bus system that takes you to most sightseeing spots as well as links with other towns in the Halland and beyond. Bus tickets are available only via card or mobile phone app. Using the Hallandstrafiken card can get you discounts, while their smartphone app helps provide up-to-date schedules. Most buses in the city stop at Halmstad Resecentrum, which is also where passengers with ferry tickets to Halmstad and without vehicles can board the shuttle to and from the port.

Furthermore, the city’s primary train station is within walking distance from the Travel Center. Taxis, at the same time, are faster but tend to be an expensive mode of transport.