Höganäs: Ceramics, Industrial History and Coastal Paths

In Höganäs, ceramics and coal mining tell different chapters of the town’s history. Historic squares and buildings also shape the townscape, while paths through Höganäs and the Kullahalvön countryside offer further perspectives. You can tailor your stay to culture, nature or a mix of both.

Ceramic Tradition and Industrial History

The name Höganäs, formerly Höjeness, is documented in sources dating back to the 15th century. Coal mining began here at the end of the 17th century; around 1830, production of lead-glazed ceramic household goods began. These dates mark different stages in the town’s history. The Höganäs Museum collects, preserves and displays objects relating to industry, folk life, crafts, and artistic and other cultural activities on the Kullahalvön. It explores themes that look beyond the town to the peninsula as a whole.

Kulturhus Höganäs also brings together a range of cultural offerings under one roof, including a library, exhibition hall, stage, café and meeting rooms. Those interested in ceramics can also visit Keramiskt center in Höganäs.

Historic Places and Buildings

In the Höganäs nedre area near Sundstorget, historic street layouts, property boundaries and parts of the built environment have been preserved. In Höganäs Övre, Gruvtorget’s open square within a grid plan, along with the former works’ central buildings grouped around it, gives the area its historic character. The two areas show different aspects of the town’s layout: preserved street and property patterns in one, and the square and former works buildings in the other.

Tivolihuset was built on Tivolibunken in 1899. The two-storey building has richly decorated façades and faces Tivolivången. It originally housed a theatre hall, a library, a restaurant, municipal administration offices and a caretaker’s flat. The Tivolibunken slag heap is located by the old Brorsbacke mine shaft. The area around Höganäs’ historic slag heaps has become a popular local recreation area with a rich variety of birdlife.

Biograf Saga also brings together architectural and cinema history: the cinema is housed in the former Hotel Schweiz, built in 1883, and is considered one of Sweden’s oldest cinemas. Films are still shown at the old Biograf Saga. The KKAM Novembersalong adds to the cultural offering as an annual juried exhibition. It features painting, ceramics, textiles, drawings, photography, graphic art and other artistic forms of expression; you can check the dates of each edition when planning your visit.

Experience Ceramics and Explore the Area

KKAM Ateljé offers ceramics courses of various kinds and levels. These include introductory sessions, semester-long and intensive courses, as well as activities for children and schools and workshops. The Ateljé can be booked for workshop activities by companies, groups of friends and hen parties. The offerings range from brief introductions to courses with a variety of focuses.

Routes in the surrounding area vary considerably in length. Trädslingan starts at Höganäs Town Hall and is approximately seven kilometres long. The section of the Kattegattleden between Helsingborg and Höganäs is 22 kilometres long; 96 percent of it is paved and four percent is gravel. On the Kattegattleden towards Höganäs, the route leads to Kvickbadet beach south of the harbour. Kullaleden, meanwhile, is a 70-kilometre hiking trail and part of the Skåneleden section SL 5 around the Kullahalvön. It runs from Helsingborg via Höganäs, Kullaberg and Arild to Utvälinge. The distances and routes can help you choose a suitable trip based on the time you have and your interests.

In the nearby Kullaberg Nature Reserve, marked trails lead from the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula towards Arild or Mölle. Naturum Kullaberg has an exhibition with seawater aquariums, as well as advice from knowledgeable nature guides. Höganäs itself also offers opportunities to experience nature: the town includes natural areas close to residential neighbourhoods, with many rare plants and insects.

Food and Places to Stay

Local activities include production tours and beer tastings at Höganäs Bryggeri in Salthallarna. In the centre of Höganäs, Kakboden is a traditional pastry shop with its own bakery, offering freshly baked rolls, cakes, pastries and open sandwiches. Ciabatta Coffee House is on Höganäs’ main street, overlooking the square in front of the church, and offers lunch, coffee and a quiet place to sit. These stops complement cultural and nature experiences with practical places to take a break.

Discover more destinations: Höganäs, Jonstorp, Nyhamnsläge, Arild, Viken, Mölle, Farhult, Lerberget.

For the overview of the wider region: Skåne.