Magical darkness

There is something special about the dark part of the year in Halmstad. It starts there, sometime when late summer turns to fall. When dusk comes, the sky suddenly becomes a big screen with constant spectacles of light and celestial bodies.

The darkness introduces a new look as candles and lamps light up the evenings and flames of fire hypnotically sway in the breeze. Here are some tips on what happens in Halmstad when darkness descends on our beautiful surroundings.

Northern lights over Särdal's mill in Halmstad

Särdals kvarn. Photo: Patrik Leonardsson

Northern Lights

Is there anything more magical than the Northern Lights? Yes, you can actually see the Northern Lights even in southern Sweden. Some of our favorite places to watch the light phenomenon are Tyludden Cape in Tylösand or from Ivars Kulle Hill. Usually, the phenomenon is too faint to be seen with the naked eye, so don't forget to use your cell phone camera with a dark setting. One tip is to join the Facebook group Norrsken (Swedish for Northern Lights) (swe) External link, opens in new window. to get a forecast of when the chance is.

Together with nature photographer Patrik Leonardsson, we have produced a Northern Lights guide to help you get the most out of your Northern Lights experience in Halmstad.

Pumpkins and candles on a table outside in the dark

Photo: Volodymyr Melinyk, Mostphotos

Trick or treat

What is darkness without its own holiday – Halloween! Check out our events calendar (swe) to see what's happening in Halmstad during the fall school break. There's everything from a ghost hunt at Haverdals Camping, pumpkin hunting at Söderpiren to ghost walks at Hallandsgården.

Performance in the Great Salon at Halmstad Theater

Halmstad Theater

Experience culture in the dark

The dark time of year is the perfect time to experience culture in the dark. Join the rhythms of music, laugh with comedians and admire dance performances. Halmstad has several cultural venues to visit. These include Halmstad Theater, External link, opens in new window. Kulturhuset Najaden (swe), External link, opens in new window. the City Library (Stadsbiblioteket) (swe) External link, opens in new window. and Halmstad Arena (swe). External link, opens in new window.


 Birds in a tree at dusk

Photo: Anki Höglund, Mostphotos

Cultural heritage in Kvibille

Did you know that there is a cultural walk in Kvibille that includes ten different stops? The walk is about four kilometers long and takes you to a runestone from the 12th century, Gästgiveriet Inn with the story of a 200-year-old skeleton and the dungeon at Kungshög. You'll also see a mythical burial mound over four meters in diameter and the execution site where, among others, Jacob Olsson Qwick was executed in 1847, the very to be executed in Kvibille. A visit to Kvibille is perfect for those who love history and horror when darkness sets in...

A big rock and the Milky Way

Photo: Patrik Leonardsson

Celestial bodies

Go out and look for shooting stars, constellations and comets in the sky and feel closer to space than ever before. Check out lightpollutionmap.info External link, opens in new window. to find a good place to look for celestial bodies, shooting stars or the whole Milky Way, without being disturbed by light pollution.

Hallands Astronomiska Förening, HASTRO (swe) External link, opens in new window. is located at the Plönninge Observatory and organizes activities such as stargazing evenings and telescope evenings. At hastro.se (swe) External link, opens in new window. you will also find a fantastic calendar of celestial events during the year.

Person watches games in a shop in Halmstad

Shopping for cozy indoor days

Wonderful days out in the fresh air are all well and good, but spending time indoors with loved ones is especially cozy. Before that, go on a shopping spree in the city and get everything you need for lazy days indoors. Light candles, play board games and have a nice snack together.

From barbecue areas to gourmet

Take your family or friends out in the wild and cook your meal over an open fire. The crackling of the fire creates a lovely atmosphere while you prepare your meal at dusk. Halmstad has several barbecue areas with magical views. If you don't want to cook the food yourself, there are several cozy restaurants to try. Treat yourself and your company to a taste experience while you sit back and let the restaurant do the work.

Hotell Mårtenson in Halmstad

Hotell Mårtenson

Accommodation

Take a detour in the dark and check into a welcoming hotel. You don't have to go far for a break in your routine. A weekend or overnight stay often re-energizes you for autumn. Enjoy a breakfast served with love, stroll around town and then curl up in a comfortable hotel bed.

The Spa at Hotel Tylösand in Halmtad

The Spa at Hotel Tylösand. Photo: Pamela Hanne

Spa

Halland people have the longest life expectancy in Sweden. Perhaps it’s the ability to enjoy the good things in life that makes the difference? Treat yourself to a visit to one of Halmstad's relaxing spas and gather new energy.

Coffee is brewed at the Cortado coffee shop in Halmstad

Cortado coffee shop

A warming fall cup

Autumn is something very special. A pleasant calm settles over the city. Nature takes on a different character, dressed in warmer colors and more beautiful than ever. What could be better than enjoying a hot drink with someone you love? From Slöinge in the north to Linjegatan and the Halmstad city center, you will find organic craft coffee of the best quality. On the page Drinks – pour a little bit of Halmstad into your glass, we’ve collected locally grown drinks. Are you in the mood for something good? Then stop by one of the city's cafés. They serve everything from coffee to more substantial choices. And naturally, with a warming cup to go with it.

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