- Address: Sofierovägen 131, 251 89 Helsingborg, Sweden
- Phone: +46 42 10 25 00
- Working hours: daily 10: 00-18: 00
In the Swedish city of Helsingborg, on the shores of the Straits of Øresund, is the beautiful royal palace Sophieru, surrounded by a park with the largest collection of rhododendrons. Every summer this picturesque place becomes a venue for art exhibitions, fairs and music concerts.
Use of the Sophieru Palace
The history of this ancient castle began in the summer of 1864, when it was bought by the Crown Prince of Sweden Oscar II. By 1865, the castle was transformed into the Sophieru Palace, which became the summer residence of the royal family.
In 1905 the building was presented to Prince Gustav Adolf and his wife Crown Princess Margarita as a wedding present. They also broke here the magnificent garden of rhododendrons, which still serves as the main virtue of Sophier. In 1876, the castle acquired its modern appearance. In 1973, King Gustav VI Adolph bequeathed the Sophierus palace to the city of Helsingborg.
Rhododendron Garden of Sophieru Palace
After numerous reconstructions, the modern palace is a building with six towers, two floors and 35 luxurious rooms. Despite all the internal splendor, the main decoration of Sophier has always been and remains adjacent park with artificial ponds and footpaths. The garden was kept in a warm color scheme, which was dominated by shades of yellow, red, blue and white.
When creating the park, Sophieru used imported and native plants, which were collected manually on both sides of the Strait of Öreund. There are more than 500 species of rhododendrons - shrubs, distinguished by a variety of shapes and lush color. It is with his help on the territory of Sophier every year manages to create magnificent flower gardens and picturesque alpine hills.
In addition to the rhododendrons, around the royal castle grow:
- roses;
- tulips;
- geranium;
- Chinese azaleas;
- 1500 species of dahlias.
The entire palace Sophieru literally strewn with flowers, colorful bushes and large fruit trees, which, like a huge roof, protect plants from wind and rain.
Cultural life of the Sophieru Palace
Due to the fact that the royal residence has long been not used for its intended purpose, it is a popular cultural and mass place. Every year the following events are held in Sophier:
- A great flower party dedicated to the memory of Princess Margaret;
- a beauty contest among flowers, in which visitors choose the best variety;
- exhibitions of contemporary art;
- live concerts of popular world artists.
Every year tens of thousands of tourists come here to admire the beauty of the flower gardens and the ancient architecture. Some of them manage to get to the performances of artists: Brian Adams, Bob Dylan or Pera Gessle. On other days, walking in the park Sophier, you can go to a local restaurant or cafe, where they serve the variety "Sofiero" from the Swedish company "Kopparbergs Brewery".
How to get to Sophieru Castle?
This ancient royal palace is located in the south-west of Sweden, in Helsingborg . From the city center to Sophier you can get by car or bus, which follow the roads of Christinelundsvagen, Drottninggatan and Sofierovagen. In addition, every 20 minutes from the central Helsingborg railway station there is a train No.8 which arrives at the destination in 18 minutes.
The city of Helsingborg from Stockholm can be reached by plane, rail or car on the national road E4.