Coastal Helsingborg in the county of Skåne is one of Sweden’s oldest cities. Right on the southern tip of Sweden, Helisingborg is just a short hop across the water to Denmark on the opposite side of the Øresund Strait, an historic trading route.

The city is also a regional hub for trade and industry and a key location for business travel in Sweden.

With its history and culture, Helsingborg is also ideal for a short break and is a great base to explore this beautiful county with its beaches and laid-back vibe.

Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, get ready to begin your south Sweden travel adventure with the perfect Avis hire car to suit your needs.

You’ll find our friendly Avis team at two locations in Helsingborg, in the centre of the city and at Garnisongaten or Garrison Street, an industrial estate handily placed with links to the main regional highways on the northern outskirts of the city.

The centre of Helsingborg is just a 3.8km, 9min drive from the Avis location at Garnisongaten on the northern outskirts via Hälsovägen, an arterial route into the centre of the city.

Dating back to the middle ages, Helsingborg is one of Sweden’s oldest cities with a fascinating past and it’s worth spending time exploring its magical historic centre with its narrow cobbled streets and timber-framed buildings. The old town ‘Gamla Staden’ is a delight with artisan shops and cafes. Climb Kärnan Tower, the medieval fortress high above the city for stunning views over the roof tops and across the strait to Denmark.

Don’t miss the open air museum at the Fredriksdal Museum and Gardens or the 14th century Church of St Mary or Sankta Maria Kyrka. Take a stroll along Helsingborg’s waterfront, a blend of modern and historic building and watch the sunset in one of the areas restaurants enjoying views to Denmark across the Øresund Strait.

Located in the south of Sweden and well connected to the cities of Stockholm, Malmö, Lund, and Gothenburg, Helsingborg is a great base to explore the coastal county of Skåne. The royal Castle of Sofiero is a short (5.2km) drive north of the city along the coastal road Sofierovägen.

Alternatively, take the E6 coast road south to the beautiful university city of Lund. With its distinctive 14th century cathedral, this historic city is just a 42 min (55.1 km) drive.

You can even cross the border into Denmark from Helsingborg via Öresund Bridge, which connects Sweden with the Danish capital Copenhagen and is a 50min, 79km drive to the south.

With its beautiful, wild, white sand beaches, castles, museums and historic monuments as well as outdoor activities, from hiking to biking and canoeing, the Skåne region is a popular summer holiday destination for Swedes and the perfect destination for a road trip. Among the highlights is the Kullaberg Nature Reserve a 35min, 33km drive via the pretty fishing village of Arild with its terracotta roofs and brightly painted houses.

There are hiking trails to the Kullen lighthouse from where you can see porpoises and enjoy Swedish fika - coffee and cake - at the lighthouse café.

While the centre of Helsingborg is walkable, if you are arriving in the city by train from major cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg, or by ferry from Denmark, hiring a car is a great way to explore Skåne and southern Sweden as well as destinations further afield like vibrant Malmö. The highway network in the region is good and you can just take to the open road and drive.

The friendly Avis team in Helsingborg are experts in the local area and ready to advise you on the best places to go and help make your trip a smooth one. If you are feeling inspired check out our guide to great Sweden road trips.

Hiring a car is a straightforward way to explore southern Sweden. Be aware that as in the rest of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you leave the airport.

If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise checking the road rules for driving in Sweden before you set off.

Several Helsingborg hotels have car parks and the city has on-street parking as well as public car parks, many of them free and centrally located close to the waterfront, offering a convenient option when you are visiting the city with your Avis rental car.