Köpmansgatan

Along Köpmansgatan, there are several historically interesting buildings. The street stretches between Stora Torg and Lilla Torg. In 1887, the street changed its name from Västerlånggatan to Köpmansgatan when many merchants established themselves along it.

Köpmansgatan 12

This magnificent yellow building was designed by Sven Gratz and constructed in 1907. The ground floor, known as the plinth level, is adorned with large granite blocks.

The property was purchased by Emil Wallén in 1905. He had the existing building demolished in order to construct a new one. The ground floor housed the Vakteln Pharmacy.

On the façade, you can see several stone reliefs depicting various healing symbols as well as references to the developer Wallén. On the ground floor, four Greek crosses are carved into the stone. Above two windows, the developer’s “W” can be seen, surrounded by flowers. You can also see a bowl with a serpent, symbolizing pharmacy, a cogwheel representing technology and industry, and a caduceus symbolizing trade.

Köpmansgatan 12 i Halmstad

Köpmansgatan 12

Köpmansgatan 23

This building, in the popular Art Nouveau style of the time, was completed in 1907. It was designed by Per Lennart Håkansson. The ground floor and details are decorated with stone from Söndrum.

Previously, there was an old half-timbered house on this site. Birger Berggren purchased the property in 1878. Here he ran a small but successful business together with his wife Kristina, who was described as a gracious hostess. The Berggren family lived in the house with their nine children, six of whom reached adulthood.

The business prospered and grew. Birger founded J. B. Berggrens together with his son Pehr. In 1906, after Birger’s death, the old half-timbered house was demolished. A new, elegant stone building was constructed. Berggrens Halmstad Hardware Company opened here.

Köpmansgatan 23 i Halmstad

Köpmansgatan 23

The page was last updated: 26 May 2026 Top image photographer: Joakim Leihed

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