Halmstad, Urban area in Halland County, Sweden
Halmstad is a city in Halland County on the west coast of Sweden positioned along a river that flows into the Baltic. Buildings of brick from different periods line the central pedestrian streets while residential areas extend outward toward the coastline and farmland.
A fishing settlement at the river mouth grew during medieval times and received town rights in 1307 under Danish authority. Control shifted to Sweden following the 1645 treaty after centuries of border disputes and military campaigns in the region.
In summer months families use the riverbanks for picnics and walks along the grassy areas beside the water. Cafes and market stalls in the pedestrian zones draw local shoppers throughout the day looking for seasonal goods and handcrafted items.
The compact center allows exploration on foot with most points within walking distance of each other. Railway connections along the west coast bring travelers from neighboring cities in under two hours depending on the starting point.
A bronze sculpture by Picasso stands outdoors near the town center among the few public artworks the artist created outside Spain. The piece was donated by a local collector and remains one of the less recognized installations in northern Europe.
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