Located on Sweden’s coast, directly across the Øresund from Helsingør in Denmark, Helsingborg offers sea views, medieval history, gardens, culture, shopping and a relaxed atmosphere.
Visit Helsingborg from Copenhagen Airport
If you are planning a trip to Copenhagen and want to add Sweden to your itinerary, Helsingborg is a strong option. The city is close enough for a day trip, but different enough to feel like a real change of scenery. With a rental car booked through Terminal3.dk, you can explore Copenhagen, North Zealand and southern Sweden at your own pace.
Before driving into Sweden, always check your rental agreement. Cross-border travel may require permission, extra insurance or additional fees. You should also plan for ferry tickets or Øresund Bridge tolls depending on the route you choose.
How to get from Copenhagen to Helsingborg
There are two main ways to reach Helsingborg from Copenhagen by car: via Helsingør and the ferry, or via the Øresund Bridge and Malmö.
Option 1: Drive to Helsingør and take the ferry
One of the most enjoyable routes is to drive north from Copenhagen toward Helsingør, then take the ferry across the Øresund to Helsingborg. The ferry crossing takes around 20 minutes and gives you a short sea journey between Denmark and Sweden.
This route is ideal if you want to combine Helsingborg with Danish attractions such as Kronborg Castle, the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art or the North Zealand coast.
Option 2: Drive across the Øresund Bridge
You can also drive from Copenhagen toward Malmö across the Øresund Bridge, then continue north to Helsingborg. This route is useful if you want to combine Helsingborg with Malmö, Lund or other parts of Skåne.
The Øresund Bridge is a toll bridge, so check current prices and payment options before travelling. If you are driving a rental car, confirm that the vehicle is allowed to cross into Sweden and that you understand any border, toll or insurance conditions.
Why Helsingborg is worth visiting
Helsingborg combines old and new in a compact coastal setting. You can climb a medieval tower, walk along the waterfront, visit a cultural centre, explore palace gardens, enjoy Swedish cafés and look back across the Øresund toward Denmark.
The city works well for travellers who want a manageable Swedish day trip rather than a long drive. It is easy to park, walk and explore several attractions in one day.
Visit Kärnan, Helsingborg’s medieval tower
Kärnan is Helsingborg’s most famous historic landmark. This medieval tower is the remaining part of a former fortress that once guarded the Øresund. Its hilltop location gives visitors excellent views over the city, harbour, Denmark and the water between the two countries.
Climbing Kärnan is one of the best ways to understand Helsingborg’s strategic position. For centuries, this narrow stretch of water was central to trade, defence and the relationship between Denmark and Sweden.
Explore Sofiero Palace and Gardens
Sofiero Palace and Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Helsingborg. Located north of the city centre, this former royal summer residence is known for its gardens, sea views, seasonal flowers and especially its rhododendrons.
Sofiero is a good reason to have a rental car, as it is easier to combine with Helsingborg city centre, coastal stops and the drive back toward Denmark. Check seasonal opening hours before visiting, especially outside spring and summer.
Visit Dunkers Kulturhus
Dunkers Kulturhus is Helsingborg’s modern cultural centre, located close to the waterfront. It hosts exhibitions, concerts, talks, creative activities and cultural events throughout the year.
The building itself is part of the experience, and the location makes it easy to combine with the harbour, the city centre and a walk along the water. Check the current programme before your trip if you want to see a particular exhibition or event.
Walk the Helsingborg waterfront
Helsingborg’s waterfront is one of the city’s biggest pleasures. You can walk by the harbour, watch ferries crossing the Øresund, enjoy views toward Denmark and stop for coffee, lunch or a relaxed break by the water.
If you arrive by ferry from Helsingør, the waterfront is your first impression of the city. From there, it is easy to continue toward the centre, Dunkers Kulturhus and the steps leading up to Kärnan.
See St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church, or Sankta Maria kyrka, is one of Helsingborg’s important historic churches. Located in the city centre, it adds a medieval and cultural stop to your walking route.
It is easy to combine the church with Kärnan, the old streets, cafés and shops in central Helsingborg.
Go further to Kullaberg Nature Reserve
If you have more time and want nature, Kullaberg Nature Reserve is a beautiful coastal area north of Helsingborg. It offers cliffs, sea views, walking routes and dramatic landscapes that feel very different from the city.
Kullaberg is best visited by car and works well as a longer day trip if you start early. Allow extra time for driving, walking and returning to Denmark.
Should you drive to Helsingborg?
Yes, Helsingborg is a good destination for travellers who have rented a car at Copenhagen Airport, especially if they want to combine Denmark and Sweden in one itinerary. A car gives you flexibility to choose between the ferry route and the Øresund Bridge route, stop at attractions along the way and continue to Sofiero, Kullaberg or Malmö.
Once you arrive in Helsingborg, park in an official parking area and explore the city centre on foot. Many of the main sights are close together, so there is no need to move your car between every attraction.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
Renting a car at Copenhagen Airport is useful if your trip includes more than central Copenhagen. While the city centre is often best explored on foot, by bike or by public transport, cross-border day trips and coastal routes are much easier with a car.
With car rental from CPH Airport, you can visit Helsingborg, Helsingør, Kronborg Castle, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Malmö, Lund and other regional highlights at your own pace.
Easy places to combine with Helsingborg
With a rental car, Helsingborg can be part of several excellent day-trip routes:
- Helsingør for Kronborg Castle, the harbour and the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for art, architecture and sea views on the Danish coast
- Malmö for city life, food, shopping and modern architecture
- Lund for historic streets, university atmosphere and Lund Cathedral
- Sofiero Palace and Gardens for royal history and seasonal flowers near Helsingborg
- Kullaberg Nature Reserve for coastal walks and dramatic Swedish scenery
Suggested Helsingborg itinerary from Copenhagen Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive toward Helsingør or the Øresund Bridge, depending on your chosen route.
Late morning: Arrive in Helsingborg, park near the centre and walk to Kärnan for views over the city and Øresund.
Lunch: Eat in central Helsingborg, by the waterfront or near the harbour.
Afternoon: Visit Dunkers Kulturhus, walk along the waterfront or drive to Sofiero Palace and Gardens.
Late afternoon: Return by ferry via Helsingør or continue south toward Malmö and the Øresund Bridge.
Evening: Drive back to Copenhagen, your hotel or Copenhagen Airport depending on your travel plans.
Practical tips for visiting Helsingborg by rental car
- Check your rental agreement before driving from Denmark into Sweden.
- Bring a passport or valid travel ID when crossing the border.
- Plan for ferry tickets or Øresund Bridge tolls.
- Use official parking areas in Helsingborg and check local parking rules.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking up to Kärnan and around the waterfront.
- Check seasonal opening hours for Sofiero Palace and Gardens.
- Allow a full day if combining Helsingborg with Helsingør, Sofiero or Kullaberg.
Book car rental at Copenhagen Airport and explore Helsingborg
Helsingborg is one of the most enjoyable Swedish day trips from Copenhagen. With medieval history, waterfront views, cultural attractions, palace gardens and easy links across the Øresund, it is a great choice for travellers who want to experience both Denmark and Sweden in one trip.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk and enjoy the freedom to explore Helsingborg, Helsingør, the Øresund region and the best cross-border day trips at your own pace.
