Today our guides from Number Three Malmo Travel are taking us north of Malmo to the historical city of Helsingborg. Helsingborg, located at the narrowest point of the Öresund strait (only 4 kilometers from Denmark), served as a vital transit and defense point since Viking times. As such it has been the site of numerous battles and conflicts. Our tour today took in two primary locales, the Gardens of Sofiero, and the Center City & Historical District.
Sofiero
Built in the 19th century by the Swedish Royal Family to serve as a summer residence, its gardens were started by the English wife of the king at the turn of the 19th/20th century. More than just initiating the gardens, she launched an entire movement of horticultural activity implemented by women.
However, this is Sweden/Scandinavia so it is only appropriate that we have a..
Brooding Manor House
Mad King Gustav ordered the plants he was unhappy with to be thrown into prisons
(Actually that's not true at all)
Scenes from the Garden
Brooding Wife and Guide 3A cross Brooding Bridge
Into Helsingborg Center
All this is very 19th Century
Although this looks like he is about to commit suicide, if seen from the other side, he is merely putting his sword in its scabbard. Commemorates a successful defeat of the Danes in 1710
There is an election going on and the parties are out trying to get votes
Cool lampposts
We climb up to the Brooding Tower from the Middle Ages
A brooding look back down at the city
It has been FIVE DAYS since the Eldership Crew has posted A SINGLE ADDITIONAL PICTURE OF A CHURCH. And we have been get a ton of negative comments...things like "Thank the Lord! A break from Churches" and "You go You! No Churches". So naturally we were all over Helsingborg's
Gothic Church!
Praise the Great Maker...no Baroque! Just classic Gothic.
Though it was started in the 13th century, it's basic Danish Gothic design dates from the 15th century. There is a lot of modern and (in my opinion) quite attractive art including some well done stained glass windows
A relatively modern organ
But also some fine true medieval artwork as well
We then moved to the port
The number of apartment building facing the water had me dreaming of another place we might hangout in.
Sadly, none of these are short-term vacation rentals.
Saw this interesting statue which turned out to be done in the 1920's representing a goddess protecting the seafarers
Looks like it was done in Nouveau Barbie style...naked but with no genitalia present
SIGNS OF THE WORLD
Welcome unless you have a dog in a pram with a snack
Modern Viking Raiders eschew the long boat for the more convenient attack bus
Sweden is cutting edge with whole cafes devoted to those doing virtual meetings
