History Is Near
The names of the two cities are thought to originate from the word helsing meaning neck and describing the narrow passage in the Sound between Helsingborg and Helsingør. Many bloody wars have been fought here, during which Denmark has lost Helsingborg to Sweden six times and won it back again as many times. The final battle was in 1710 when Denmark lost Helsingborg for the last time. Helsingør, which controlled "Sundstullen" (the Sound Duty) continued to flourish until 1857 when the 400-year-old customs duty was abolished. All vessels that passed through the Sound had to pay the customs duty to the Danish King. At about the time that the customs duty was abolished, new industry began to develop in Helsingborg, the harbour was extended, trade increased and the number of inhabitants doubled. Today, Helsingborg and Helsingør are two flourishing, modern cities. The two cities are also the world´s oldest twin cities.

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