The city of Halmstad is one of the most desirable in Scandinavia to move to. Widely known as the golfing capital of Sweden, the city has something for everyone, whether your tastes are sporting, cultural or gastronomic. 

The Moving Partnership specialise in domestic and commercial removals to Sweden. With our international network of contacts in the moving industry we can offer competitive rates for all parts of the country, including Halmstad. Here is our guide to the city. 

Halmstad’s Heritage

The port of Halmstad, which lies on the west coast of Sweden on the banks of the Nissan River, is more than 700 years old and was originally part of Denmark. Following a series of wars between the two countries, the city was finally declared Swedish in 1645. 

These days it is a thriving industrial and university city. The port, and particularly its timber export trade, is the bedrock of the city’s economy while service industries, including tourism, are growing in importance. Halmstad University was founded in 1983 and now has more than 10,000 students; it specialises in science, IT and health and welfare courses. 

Getting There and Getting Around

Halmstad’s airport is around 3km from the city centre. It handles domestic flights, so you may need to catch a connection from Stockholm. You could use Malmo’s Sturup Airport, or Gothenburg’s Landvetter Airport, both of which are within two hours’ drive.

The city’s central railway station also has good connections to Malmo and the Danish capital Copenhagen to the south, and with Gothenburg, Stockholm and the Norwegian capital Oslo to the north. 

A new regional bus terminal was completed in 2011; it is linked to the nearby train station by a walking bridge. Swebus Express runs regular services to the major Swedish cities.  Hallandstrafiken operates the local routes, and you will have to pay by card – cash is no longer accepted. 

Main Attractions

Halmstad Castle, or ‘slott’, is a major focal point of the city. It was built on the banks of the Nissan River in the early 17th century as a residence for the Danish King Christian IV. At the time Halmstad was part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It was originally built as a country house rather than a defensive fortification. These days it is used as an administrative hub, but you can still step into the courtyard to take photographs. 

If you want to sample the region’s culture, the 91:an Museet on Galgberget is a military museum which contains uniforms and medals from local regiments, and a wedding dress which was made out of parachute silk because of Second World War rationing.  The Mjellby Art Museum, close to the airport, celebrates the cubist and surrealist tradition of the region, and there are plenty of modern and international artworks on display as well.  

A City for Active People

Keen golfers should be right at home as there are 12 courses in and around Halmstad, which means the city is known as ‘the golf capital of Sweden’. In 2007 the Halmstad Gofklubb hosted the Solheim Cup, a major team competition which pitted the best European players against their American counterparts.

The club is close to the beach at Tylosand, around five miles to the west of the city. It is one of the most popular resorts in Sweden, with plenty of room for sunbathers as well as water sports fans. Windsurfers and kiteboarders are much in evidence, and courses are available. If the weather is poor, then try Halmstad’s Arena Bad, one of the country’s largest waterparks. There are slides and whirlpools for children, and a training pool and gym for adults. 

Shopping and Eating Out 

The city’s main shopping street is Storgaten, which is pedestrianised at its northern end, and is home to a wide selection of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes. To the south, the street links up with Stora Torg, the central square which hosts a regular market. There is a branch of the Swedish department store Åhléns on the square’s northwest corner. The Stenalyck area to the east of the city centre has a shopping mall with more than 30 stores.

Halmstad is well known for its seafood dishes, with salmon a local speciality. The city also has its own brewery, Kronleins, which produces its own range of beers, ciders and spirits, many with unusual flavours. 

If you are interested in domestic or commercial removals to Sweden, contact The Moving Partnership. We can help you with house removals to all parts of the country, including the cities of Halmstad, Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmo. Follow the link above to learn more about our services.