Travel Notes | 100 European Small Towns #12: Helsingborg 🇸🇪

Helsingborg is a town Lonely Planet barely scratches the surface of—just a brief mention of its medieval Karan Fortress (once paired with Denmark’s Kronborg across the strait) and the autumn-rain harbor I glimpsed from Kronborg’s garden last year. That’s why crossing paths with Helsingborg felt like a serendipitous gift 🎁: I spotted its stunning beach from the train ride from Gothenburg to Malmö (en route to Copenhagen). Who would’ve thought this unassuming town—hardly a blip on most travelers’ radars—would become the highlight of my entire Sweden trip? 💖 Beyond the bustling port, there’s a narrow stretch of coastline dotted with beaches. Though swimming season had passed, locals spent afternoons here with kids, dogs, or just a book 📖. At dusk, the Nordic autumn sun painted the colorful cottages with a warm golden glow 🌅. Young dads picnicked on benches beside their homes, waiting for the sunset; neighbors walking their pups waved and greeted us with big smiles 😊—totally shattering my stereotypes of Nordic “coldness.” Sitting on a beach swing 🎠, watching the sun dip lower and lower behind Denmark, I thought, I could live here (and as someone who’s lived in Europe for over 4 years, that’s the highest praise I can give a place!). Helsingborg Travel Tips 🌟 • How to Get to the Beaches: • Örestrandsbadet: A 10-minute walk from Helsingborg Central Station 🚶♀️—perfect for a quick stroll. • Råå Beach: Take Bus 1 from the station 🚌 (10 mins) for a quieter, more local vibe. Both are stunning, but Råå feels more “hidden gem” ✨. • Best Time to Visit: Late autumn (September-November) 🍂 for soft golden light, fewer crowds, and that magical sunset glow. Summer (June-August) ☀️ is lively with beachgoers, but autumn’s chill adds cozy vibes. • Photography Hack: The 35mm lens is perfect here 📸—it captures the wide, windswept beaches and cozy cottages with a storytelling warmth. Shoot during “golden hour” (1-2 hours before sunset) for that magical glow on the houses ✨. So here’s my Helsingborg guide: Wander the coast 🌊, breathe in the salty air 🌬️, and let the slow pace of Nordic life wash over you. It’s not about ticking off “must-sees”—it’s about savoring the moment: a swing by the sea 🎠, a chat with a local 😊, and a sunset that feels like a hug 🤗. P.S. I’m still mastering photography, but I think I’ve finally fallen for the storytelling magic of 35mm film 📷. #SwedenTravel #Helsingborg #TravelWithLovedOnes #MyNicheTravelGuide #UnforgettableMoments #OffTheBeatenPath