Car Hire Halmstad - Mini guide to Halmstad

Situated on Sweden’s picturesque southwest coast, the university town of Halmstad has a vibrant cosmopolitan feel to it, coming to life in the evenings when the clubs and bars get going. Just outside of town, a string of beaches offer fantastic views and water sports.

Halmstad Castle stands as a symbol of the town’s status in the region. Alongside the castle rests the 19th-century training ship ‘Najadan’. Though much of the central area of the town was razed in the great fire of 1619, St. Nikolai Church and the half-timbered house of Tre Hjärtan remain much as they were.

The Danish influence in Halmstad is particularly noticeable in its central pedestrian areas, with al-fresco cafes and shops jostling for position, and its three-hearted city crest (inspired by the Danish monarchy). Storgatan serves as the centre of town, offering many of Halmstad’s best restaurants, while Norre Square is home to the old city gate and leads on to the relaxing Norre Katts Park. Near the park, the city museum houses a varied collection of Southern Swedish art, and the Martin Luther Church lays claim to being Scandinavia’s very first steel church.

Out of town, the coastline between Halmstad and Steninge is particularly scenic and the sand dunes of Vilsharad and Haverdal offer great views of the area. One of the most popular beaches is Steninge Insjöbad, while Nissan and Lagan are famous for salmon fishing.

Halmstad can be easily reached by road heading south from Getinge on the E20, or west from Simlangsdalen on the V25. There are good rail and ferry links to various parts of Scandinavia, while the nearest airport is just west of town near Sondrum.