Preparedness, innovation and sustainable urban development take centre stage at Sundstorget

Since May 18, Sundstorget has become a place where visitors can explore Helsingborg’s strategic importance–both historically and looking ahead. Through an exhibition in the heart of the city, visitors can discover how Helsingborg’s location has shaped its role as a hub for trade, logistics and maritime activity, and how those same strengths continue to play an important role in preparedness, resilience and civil defence.

The exhibition was created for the NATO meeting in Helsingborg and will remain open until August 28. Visitors can explore stories about water, food, transport and critical infrastructure, alongside green spaces, innovation and the city’s future. The exhibition connects the city’s history with developments taking place across the business community and through new educational initiatives at Campus Helsingborg, part of Lund University.

“Helsingborg has always been a place where people, ideas and goods come together. Through this exhibition, we want to show how the city’s strategic position continues to be a strength in everyday life and in shaping the future,” says Soraya Axelsson, Director of Economic Development for the City of Helsingborg.

Summer in the heart of the city

The exhibition isn’t the only thing going on at Sundstorget this year. Flower displays, trees and activities will help bring the square to life throughout the summer.

A mini golf course will open in the square on May 25. Players can borrow clubs and balls free of charge from the Piffl box, and the course will remain open until the end of August.

A dance floor will be installed in the square from June 16 to September 1, inviting visitors to enjoy spontaneous dancing throughout the summer. Bring your own music, gather a few friends or simply stop by for a dance in the heart of the city.

The flower displays around the square feature a colourful mix of pansies, saxifrage, coral bells, primroses and columbines. Two rhododendron varieties are particularly striking: the lilac-pink Rhododendron ‘Catawbiense Grandiflorum’ and the white-apricot Rhododendron Yakushimanum ‘Percy Wiseman’.

Trees from around the world

Several unusual tree species have been planted in large containers around the square. The trees will remain until autumn, after which they will be permanently replanted elsewhere in Helsingborg as part of the city’s ongoing greening efforts.

Magnolia ‘Ingemar’

A Swedish-grown magnolia with lemon-yellow flowers that bloom in May. The variety originated at Flincks Arboretum in Bjuv and is named after the son of the horticulturist who developed the parent tree.

Crataegus punctata ‘Aurea’ – Malmö Hawthorn

A small, almost bonsai-like tree with white spring blossoms and yellow fruits that smell of wild strawberries and are edible—you can even use them for marmelade.

Quercus pubescens – Downy Oak

A southern European oak with softly hairy leaves and twigs that help it withstand warmer climates. The species is also known as an important host tree for truffles.

Toona sinensis ‘Flamingo’

An Asian tree with spectacular pink shoots that resemble blossoms from a distance. In China, the young shoots are also used in cooking.

Styphnolobium japonicum – Japanese Pagoda Tree

This tree originates in China and Korea and has long been cultivated at Buddhist temples in Japan. It flowers late in the season, producing pale clusters that attract pollinators.

Cornus x elwinortonii ‘Rosy Teacups’

A hybrid dogwood with pink blooms, striking autumn colours and decorative raspberry-like fruit.

See you at Sundstorget this summer!