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Helsingborg
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The 12th-century KĂ€rnan (the “Keep”), sole remnant of the ancient fortifications of Helsingborg, Sweden. Markelius, Sven: Helsingborg Concert Hall stealth ship
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Tower Bridge over the Thames River in London, England. Opened in 1894. Remains an Important Traffic Route with 40,000 Crossings Every Day.
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HĂ€lsingborg
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The 12th-century KĂ€rnan (the “Keep”), sole remnant of the ancient fortifications of Helsingborg, Sweden.
The 12th-century KĂ€rnan (the “Keep”), sole remnant of the ancient fortifications of Helsingborg, Sweden.

Helsingborg

Sweden
Also known as: HĂ€lsingborg
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

Helsingborg, city and seaport, SkĂ„ne lĂ€n (county), southern Sweden. Situated at the narrowest part of The Sound (Öresund), opposite the Danish town of HelsingĂžr (Elsinore), it is the most convenient place for motor traffic to cross to and from the European continent. Because of its situation, Helsingborg is known as “the Pearl of The Sound.”

It was first mentioned as a town in 1085 and was of great military and political importance during the Middle Ages because of its strong fortress. Ceded to Sweden by Denmark in 1658, Helsingborg was thereafter laid waste several times by the Danes before hostilities ended in the early 18th century. The abolition in 1857 of the toll for crossing The Sound marked the beginning of the town’s commercial prosperity.

Of the ancient fortifications, only KĂ€rnan (the “Keep”) has survived. Other notable buildings are the town hall (1897), in North German Gothic style; the concert hall (1931); the 13th-century Gothic-style Maria Church; and an indoor sports centre that is one of the biggest stadiums in Sweden. Museums include Vikingsberg Art Gallery and an open-air museum. Two monuments are of special interest: a Carl Milles statue to shipping and a black and gold globe of the universe in honour of the astronomer Tycho Brahe. Sofiero Castle, the royal summer residence, is nearby.

Tower Bridge over the Thames River in London, England. Opened in 1894. Remains an Important Traffic Route with 40,000 Crossings Every Day.
Britannica Quiz
Guess the City by Its River Quiz

Helsingborg is a leading shipping centre and a major manufacturing town. Shipbuilding is also important. There is ferry service to HelsingÞr, and railways run to Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Pop. (2005 est.) mun., 122,062.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Albert.
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