Halmstad-a picturesque coastal city.

Halmstad is a city and seaport in Sweden. It is located on the country's west coast in the Halland region at the mouth of the Nissan River into Laholmsbukten Bay. It is inhabited by approximately 70,000 people.

Halmstad is located at the crossroads of medieval trade routes, which contributed significantly to the development of an urban center in the area several hundred years ago. The earliest known municipal privileges for Halmstad date back to 1307, although as late as 1255 Danish King Christopher I began building a castle there on the Nissan River. For centuries the city belonged to Denmark; it was not annexed to Sweden until 1645.

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Halmstad - attractions in and around the city

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What to see in and around this Swedish city is hinted at in the text below.

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Market and old town

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On the market square is a fountain from 1926 depicting mythological Europe and a bull by Carl Milles. Note the oldest building in Halmstad, a house dating back to the 15th century called the "Three Hearts," so called because of the three hearts present on it from the city's coat of arms image.

Halmstad Castle

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This castle dates back to the early 17th century, when the area was still part of Denmark. It has the form of a quadrangle, in the middle of which is a courtyard 30 meters long and 36 meters wide. Today the castle is home to local government officials, including the governor of the Halland region. To the south of it is located a park with the remains of the castle's fortifications. In front of the castle, the Naiad ship is moored and open to tourists.

St. Nicholas Church

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This church dates back to the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. It was built in the Gothic style and dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. Inside you can admire the beautiful 17th century chapels, stained glass windows or the oldest preserved object in the church - a bell of over 500 kilograms.

Mjellby Museum

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The Mjellby Art Museum was founded in 1980, primarily to showcase the work of the Halmstad Group (Halmstadgruppen). This was the name given to a group of six artists with ties to the city and working in currents of modern avant-garde art, such as Surrealism, Cubism and Post-Cubism. The museum presents various exhibitions ranging from modernism to contemporary art, as well as numerous temporary exhibitions.

Halland Art Museum

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This museum, located in the heart of the city, features numerous displays of art by local and national artists.

Skansen Hallandsgården

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The open-air museum is located on Galberget Hill, in the center of the city. It showcases 16th- and 17th-century buildings and the lives of people from around Halmstad and the Halland region. While visiting the open-air museum, you can look inside most of the buildings, and after the historical walk, you can also visit a small café serving waffles or traditional ice cream, among other things. The site is available to visit free of charge during the summer months.

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Norre Katts Park

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The park is located near the city center and is a great place for a walk or picnic. It features numerous flower and shrub plantings, ponds, as well as food and beverage outlets and a large, modern playground.

Galgberget Forest Park

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This is a beautiful oasis of greenery within Halmstad. Its location on a hill guarantees beautiful views of the city, and the multitude of paths encourages walking and outdoor exercise. Witches were once executed here, and today the park features the Hallandsgården open-air museum, a viewing tower, a playground or numerous barbecue areas.