Getting Around Helsingborg During the NATO Meeting
May 21–22, 2026 — what you need to know about road closures, parking changes and public transport
On May 21–22, Helsingborg becomes the host city for Sweden's first-ever NATO meeting and, practically speaking, it will affect traffic, accessibility and parking in central Helsingborg for around a week and a half.
Here's a rundown of what's closed, what's changing and how to plan your trips so the days run smoothly.
About the meeting
NATO's foreign ministers are gathering in Helsingborg, chaired by Secretary General Mark Rutte. It is the first time Sweden has hosted a NATO ministerial meeting since joining the Alliance in 2024, and it's unusual for a meeting like this to be held in a mid-sized city rather than a capital.
A few key facts:
May 21 — informal dinner at Sofiero Castle
May 22 — meeting and talks at Clarion Hotel & Congress Sea U
Close to 1,000 delegates and up to 200 journalists will be in the city
The meeting is not open to the public and cannot be visited
Security around the meeting is the police's responsibility
Road closures
Several streets in the city centre will be closed to car traffic during the meeting period. Pedestrians and cyclists can still get through most areas.
Roads closed to cars (May 18–23):
Hamntorget
Kungsgatan (between Hamntorget and the Brogatan–Sundstorget intersection)
Kvickbron and Parapeten
Map of the blockade in the central area of Helsingborg. Source : Polisen ://polisen.se/aktuellt/nyheter/syd/2026/maj/avsparrningar-i-helsingborg-under-natomote/
⚠️ Sofierovägen — fully closed on May 21
On May 21, Sofierovägen between Sofiero Manor and the Sofierovägen/Gamla Larödsvägen intersection is completely closed to all traffic — cars, buses, pedestrians and cyclists. If you're walking or cycling, you can get through via Pålsjö skog. Bus and car traffic will be diverted via road 111.
Generally there won't be major long-term street closures. Expect limited accessibility in the area around Sea U, more police visible in the city, and brief disruptions when police escorts pass through.
Map of the roadblock at Sofiero. Source : Polisen
Parking
The meeting affects parking near Sea U. These parking areas will be closed:
Parking areaDatesHamntorgetMay 15–25KungsgatanMay 15–25ParapetenMay 18–24StortorgetMay 18–24SmåbåtshamnenDuring the period
Good to know: Sundstorgsgaraget stays open around the clock (24/7) as an alternative between May 15–25. You can also still reach the parking garage at Dunkers.
For alternative parking spots, check the City of Helsingborg's parking map at helsingborg.se/nato.
Other closures and restrictions
Stortorget will be closed to traffic for periods of time.
Sofiero Castle park and visitor parking are closed during the meeting period — check helsingborg.se for exact dates before visiting.
Drone restrictions: It is forbidden to fly drones over parts of Helsingborg from May 18 to 22. Only police-authorised drone flights are permitted in the area during this period.
Note that arrangements can change at short notice — the police are the authoritative source for current information.
Recommendations
Plan your trips in advance and allow for longer travel times in the central parts of the city.
Use public transport when possible, especially when travelling to the city centre. Check the Skånetrafiken app and website before you set off.
Check updates regularly in the days leading up to and during the meeting.
A bonus while you're in town
From May 18 to August 28, there's an exhibition on Sundstorget exploring Helsingborg's strategic location — its long history in shipping, trade and logistics, and its growing role in preparedness and civil defence. Worth a look if you're passing through.
Questions?
Traffic & accessibility: Police, 114 14, or polisen.se/nato
Parking:helsingborg.se/nato (parking map)
General info: Helsingborg Stad, 042-10 50 00 (or use the chat)
For the most up-to-date information, keep an eye on:
The Skånetrafiken app & website
