Fall in love with autumn

Harvest time in autumn

During the late summer and autumn, you are welcome to come to Halmstad to enjoy taste sensations that will remain long in memory. Meet farmers, food creators and food lovers who are passionate about growing, picking, preparing and serving you nature’s treasures from Halland’s soil. Also take the opportunity to visit some of all our fantastic farm shops.

On the hunt for pumpkins

One thing that is definitely associated with autumn is bright orange pumpkins. Set off on a mission to gather a bunch of lovely pumpkins, perfect for decoration and creating Halloween jack o'lanterns, or why not make an autumnal soup? Local farm shops that stock pumpkins include Susegård Gårdsförsäljning, External link, opens in new window. Vilshärads Gårdsbutiklänk External link, opens in new window. and Slättåkra Närproducerat. External link, opens in new window.

Experience late summer in Halmstad – extend the summer

Don’t for a moment think that August marks the end of summer. On the contrary, think of it as the start of a delightful period of cosy picnics, refreshing dips, pleasant evenings and long-awaited after-work gatherings. Late summer in Halmstad is all about peace and quiet, with the soft rays of the sun warming deep into the autumn.

As well as the magnificent natural surroundings waiting to be discovered, many of the area’s summer restaurants and al fresco dining experiences remain open into the autumn. On a separate page, we have collected tips on how to best extend your summer in Halmstad.

Hiking in nature – Colourful leaves and autumn warmth

Autumn is a great time to be out in nature – watch the leaves of the trees become a collage of different colours, look for mushrooms and berries, or enjoy the last warming rays of the late summer sun between the branches. Pack some refreshments and take off on a day hike in one of Halmstad's finest hiking areas, such as Simlångsdalen, Biskopstorp or Skedala Forest. Or perhaps you would rather follow the markings on the Hallandsleden Trail or Prins Bertil’s Trail and discover some of Halland's most popular trails? We promise you an amazing experience, no matter what you choose to do!

Put everyday life on hold in the wilderness

Give yourself time to relax, to just be. Halmstad teeming with places to find peace and quiet, always close at hand, no matter where you are. The sea is just around the corner, as are the forests and inland areas. Pull on your boots and fill your basket with berries or mushrooms, wander together along beautiful natural trails or along a lush green path.

On our page Put everyday life on hold in the wilderness, we have gathered several places in Halmstad where you can find peace - in the forest, along a hiking trail, by the fishing lake ... We also suggest places for mushroom picking.

Picnic spots

If you would prefer to fill your basket with plenty of delicious fika, there are many pleasant picnic spots to aim for. Turn your excursion into a family adventure by heading to the mighty Danish Falls, an experience for old and young alike. Or climb to the top of Virsehatt to take in the panoramic views of Halmstad but, don’t forget: watch out for trolls! Another magical location in autumn that is close to the city is Galgberget, where the beech forest glows a beautiful orange. Walk, take in the views from the observation tower, explore Hallandsgården Open-air Museum or exercise energetic children at the playground Sagoängen.

More nature experiences in Halmstad

You will find more nature tips on our pages – 57 nature reserves to discover, Superb day trips on foot, Picnic spots and Hiking in Halmstad.

Relaxing spa experiences, sauna and cold baths

A spa is a particularly appealing destination when it is dark out and the weather is foul. Book a relaxing massage, lower yourself into the hot springs or open your pores in the sauna. Halmstad has a long history as a health and wellness resort, with a number of spas to choose from with both large and small genuine relaxation areas. Take the opportunity to challenge yourself to try cold bathing.

Spa experiences

In the centre of the city, three storeys above the hustle and bustle, you will find the cosy Spa Halmstad [link to external website, opens in new window]. Step straight into a warm, relaxing atmosphere in which well-chosen materials are blended with sweet scents and the sounds of hushed music and running water. Relax in the warm baths, enjoy a treatment and round off your visit in the sauna on the leafy roof terrace overlooking the rooftops.

The award-winning and popular The Spa is in Hotel Tylösand. The sea on the doorstep and panoramic vistas across the sand dunes erase the boundaries between indoors and out. The experience surprises, inspires and releases a great deal of creative energy. In 2021, The Spa became the first spa in Sweden to introduce biohacking, the phenomenon where technology meets wellness and proven physiology. The results is deep wellness processes using various laser and infrared treatments. If classic treatments are more your style, why not try a Halland specialty, a kale facemask.

Cold bathing in the sea, lake and pool

Looking to give your body a real boost? Here in Halmstad, we love to bathe, and the cold seasons don’t hold us back. Cold bathing has many health benefits, as it speeds up the metabolism, makes us more alert and improves our mood. If you are curious about the benefits, there are several bathing-friendly jetties in the area that are perfect for a quick dip in the bracing water, including Tjuvahålan, Grötvik and the stone pier in Steninge.

Söderpiren is a small, open-air bathhouse. Here you will find a sauna, a cold bath (not just the sea!), a relaxation room and, of course, an outdoor hot tub. And you get the magical sea views into the bargain! The exact opposite can be found at Skallinge Gård (Swe) External link, opens in new window., located north of Simlångsdalen. With the forest as your nearest neighbour, you can enjoy the sauna and then go for a cold swim in the adjacent lake. To enhance the experience even further, combine it with forest bathing!

Weekend

Enjoy a weekend in Halmstad. We have compiled a number of suggestions for weekend breaks. Do you want something tailor-made just for you? Contact Halmstad Tourist Centre via e-mail, phone or the chat function bottom right, and we would be delighted to help you find the activities suited to your weekend experience of Halmstad!

Scary Places

As the autumn darkness creeps in and the bare branches of the trees sway in the wind like expressionless creatures, it is almost impossible not to imagine ghost stories, dreadful places or myths and legends. Here, we have gathered a number of stories of Halmstad; which are true and which are legends, we leave it for you to decide.

Autumn break in Halmstad

Enjoy a family holiday in Halmstad during the autumn break. Head deep into the forest, feel the sand between your toes along the coast, challenge each other at bowling, or why not explore your creative streak at one of our art museums. On our autumn holiday page, we have put together tips for an autumn holiday weekend in Halmstad (coming soon in English).

Check out our Events Calendar to find activities for the autumn break. Halmstad Municipality also compiles a wide-ranging list of activities prior to each school holiday at halmstad.se/lov (swe). External link, opens in new window.

More recommended pages for children and families

• Pushchair-friendly Halmstad
• Halmstad for the very young
• Halmstad for slightly older children
• Halmstad for teenagers

Nature's pantry and luxurious brunchy

During autumn there are plenty of mushrooms and berries out in the countryside, and what could be cosier than an afternoon in the forest with a basket on your arm and a thermos of coffee in your pack? If you head out into the forests around Tönnersjö, Oskarström, Slättåkra and Simlångsdalen, chances are good that you will come home with the basket full of chanterelles or other fruits of the forest. If you do head out on your own, make sure you’ve read up properly and are careful when picking mushrooms. Feel free to read more tips and information at svampkonsulent.se (Swe) External link, opens in new window.. Also keep your eyes peeled for the season's last blueberries and lingonberries - because surely there’s nothing better than homemade jam?

If you head further inland to Halmstad's beautiful marshes (such as Långhultamyrenn (Swe) External link, opens in new window. or Mogölsmyren (Swe) External link, opens in new window.), you can actually find both cranberries and cloudberries. Just make sure to wear sturdy waders or boots when exploring the beautiful wilderness of the marshes!

Together with a mushroom consultant

If you’re not comfortable going out on your own, you have the opportunity of going out with a mushroom expert in Halmstad, who can give you advice and expert help. During the autumn, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation sometimes arranges hikes with mushroom consultants. Check with Halmstad Tourist Centre whether any tour is planned.

Farms with pick-your-own

If you’re not having any luck picking but still want to feast on berries, you should swing by some of our farms that offer pick-your-own. Or choose a farm shop where you can buy freshly picked and locally grown berries and vegetables. We have some tips for pick-your-own on a separate page.

Indulgent brunch

Being able to pick berries and mushrooms is a luxury in itself, as is finding time to enjoy brunch. Gathering family and friends for long, indulgent brunch may be one of the cosiest ways to spend time at the weekend, especially after a long lie-in on a cold and rainy autumn morning.

Halmstad offers several restaurants that serve a good brunch. At Hotell Mårtenson [link to external website, opens in new window], you will find the Franz Bistro [link to external website, opens in new window], which offers a substantial à la carte brunch menu, including eggs Benedict and syrup-glazed bacon. How indulgent does that sound? In the imposing, chateau-like setting of Svarta Örnshuset [link to external website, opens in new window], the chefs serve up a magnificent buffet including freshly baked scones, homemade marmalades, eggs, bacon and, of course, waffles. And if you have yet to try Hotel Tylösand’s [link to external website, opens in new window] Sunday brunch, you really should rectify that omission this autumn and indulge yourself in treats such as smoothies, charcuterie and cheeses while enjoying the unrivalled sea views.

Museums

In Halmstad there are a number of interesting museums where you can learn more about everything from art and military history to the country shops and sport of the past.

At Halland Art Museum and Mjellby Art Museum (NOTE The museum is closed for renovation and plans to reopen in the autumn of 2023.) you can discover the Halmstad Group, many other local painters, and internationally renowned artists. If you are more interested in the life by bygone eras, you should visit the Hallandsgården Open Air Museum, with its beautiful cultural landscape and old buildings. Or take a trip to the Garrison- and Aircraft Defence Museum to learn about Halmstad's military history. The Berte Museum and Bröderna Perssons Lanthandel take you back in time to the country life of the past. For those who like cars and engines, we recommend Svedino's Car and Aviation Museum. And for those interested in sports, Halmstad Arena is well worth a visit. Here you can see the Palmska Shield, among other memorabilia.