Sweden: Helsingborg

The historic port city of Helsingborg stands at the narrowest part of Oresund Strait just opposite of the Danish Helsingor, and has been fought over for centuries by Denmark and Sweden. The centerpiece in Helsingborg is the 700-year old Kärnan Fortress, a single elegant tower. In front of it, is an ornate double-tower gate and 190 steps lead down into the lower city and the Stortorget square. Here, there are several more attractions – the neo-Gothic Townhall (Helsingborgs rådhus) from 1870, and the 12th century’s St. Mary’s Church (Mariakyrkan). An absolutely beautiful town and quite compact and easy to explore around the impressive historic core.