In the hometown of Gyllene Tider and Roxette, there is a constant stream of entertainment. At Simstadion Brottet, concerts are set with the sea as a backdrop. Hallandsgården holds sing-alongs, and Norre Katts Park’s musicians and poets perform on Kafé Rotundan's small stage. Live music can be heard from pubs and rock stages. During the International Street Theatre Festival, the whole town becomes one big stage and Nolltrefem is a culture centre for young people, often visited by well-known performers on their way up. At Halmstad Theatre), the auditorium fills with expectant audiences eager to see exciting productions and interesting lectures. The programme is packed with visiting performers, and local talents offer music, theatre, variety shows, dance and musicals. Halmstad Arena is the place to be if you prefer bigger shows, sports events and exhibitions. Let your hair down to the resident orchestra or relax at one of the many outdoor cafes and restaurants. Maybe you prefer a turn on the dance floor to a dance band in Västerhagen or a gospel concert in Gullbranna? Throughout July, the festival spirit begins when the sun is still high in the sky, and après beach at Solgården in Tylösand is a classic, to say the least.

The "City Farmhouse" Olofstorp is a popular oasis for the whole family. There are cows, horses, a donkey, pigs, sheep, rabbits, cats, goats and chickens. It includes a health garden, an herb garden and a spice garden. In the area around Stadsbondgården, there are well-planned paths along Assarpsbäcken, opportunities for barbecues, and other activities.

Luleå has a wide range of hiking trails, each with its unique character and showcasing distinctive parts of Luleå’s natural environment. Several of them are within walking distance of the city centre, others are easily reached by bus or bicycle. If you have access to a car, then the possibilities are endless. Hiking in Luleå is almost like strolling through the history of this unique city. For instance, you can begin by hiking across the large shingle fields on Bälingeberget — the first spot to rise from the sea, following land uplift after the recession of the inland ice sheet. At the time, Bälingeberget was just an islet in the middle of the sea and the waves shaped the rocks that now make hiking on the mountain a fascinating experience. Continue through the history of Luleå by visiting the place we now call Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the centre of Luleå, before the city was moved in the 17th century. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and there are also many rare birds in the area. Here, you can hike on what was once the seabed, now a beautiful forest with pleasant walking paths. When you have made your way to the modern city of Luleå, on the peninsula by the coast, you’ll find many other amazing areas to explore on foot. When people moved here in the 1600s, they also began exploring the surroundings. This helped create several excellent hiking trails near the city centre, such as one of the locals’ favourites, the trail around Hertsöträsk. You can pick up a copy of Luleå’s hiking guide at the Luleå tourist centre in Kulturens Hus.

Pamukkale really is one of nature’s wonders. There are terraces with pools, and the water runs down from one level to the next in a natural spectacle created by white lime deposits. The name means ”The Cotton-wool Fortress.” Unfortunately, too many visitors have created a lot of wear and tear on the cliffs, and now most of the pools are closed to the public. There are daily excursions here, but you can also take the local bus. The travelling time is about 3.5 hours.