Discover Halmstad: Coast, nature and history

If you’re looking for a hotel in Halmstad, the coast, nature and culture may all influence your choice of destination. The municipality offers a variety of things to explore, from sandy beaches and hiking trails to historic buildings and art collections. You can tailor your trip to focus on time by the water, outdoor activities or cultural history.

Beaches, coast and nature

Östra Stranden, east of the harbour area, is a gently sloping bathing beach. The beach at Tylösand is patrolled by lifeguards and forms part of a four-kilometre stretch of beach. Several bays along the coast offer good starting points for windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing. A 200-metre underwater trail is marked with ten information signs; buoys on the surface and a line underwater indicate its route.

The natural areas also showcase a variety of landscapes. The Hagön Nature Reserve includes sand dunes, heathland and wet meadows. Galgberget is a natural area covering just over 66 hectares. At its highest point, Klyftehög, stands a 13-metre-high observation tower with views over Halmstad and the Kattegat. The two places offer different highlights: Hagön is known for its varied landscapes, while the tower at Galgberget opens up wide-ranging views.

There are various options for walks and hikes. The Möllegård Nature Reserve has many easy-to-walk trails. Marked routes and paths for shorter and longer hikes run through Halmstad Municipality. The Prins Bertils Trail leads from Halmstad Castle to Möllegård. The options range from trails in a specific nature reserve to longer hiking routes across the municipality.

In Simlångsdalen’s long lake system, you can fish, paddle and swim. If you plan to fish, remember to arrange a fishing licence: one is required at all 14 fishing spots in the municipality. The coast, trails and lakes appeal to different interests, with activities spread across different parts of the municipality.

Architecture and art

Halmstad Castle was completed in 1619 as a pleasure palace for recreation and entertainment. Self-guided audio tours are available today. Part of the east wing is open year-round, and guided tours are also offered in summer. Norre Port, completed in 1601, is the only surviving one of Halmstad’s four historic city gates. Together, the castle and the city gate offer insights into different chapters of the city’s history.

Snöstorp Church is another striking building: Swedish architect Emil Viktor Langlet designed the hexagonal church, which was completed in 1883. Picasso’s 15-metre-high work “Kvinnohuvud” stands in Picassoparken by the Nissan River. The church and the sculpture offer two very different ways to experience architecture and public art.

For art collections, it’s worth exploring the museums’ different focuses. Hallands Konstmuseum displays an extensive collection of Halland paintings, as well as works by the Söndrum Colony and the Halmstad Group. Mjellby Art Museum focuses on surrealist art and also holds an extensive collection of works by the Halmstad Group. The Halmstad Group links the collections; Mjellby also has a focus on surrealist art. Vargaslätten, in turn, consists of a woodland garden, a museum and a tree nursery.

Gardens and other experiences

Rhododendronparken is home to five different varieties of park rhododendron, as well as cherry trees, around 40 katsura trees and birches. The path from the car park to the park is adapted for accessibility and suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and pushchairs. This specific information about the path may be useful when planning if you need this level of accessibility.

Halmstad Arena Bad features waterslides, water cannons, a white-water ride, a current channel and bubbling zones. There is also a children’s area, a lap pool and a diving pool. The facilities include both playful water attractions and areas for lap swimming and diving.

Discover more destinations: Eldsberga, Getinge, Halmstad, Haverdal, Kvibille, Laxvik, Oskarström, Simlångsdalen, Steninge, Harplinge, Villshärad, Skedala, Gullbrandstorp, Holm, Öppinge.

For the regional travel overview: Halland.