Located by the sea, Helsingborg has historically been the gateway to Denmark and the rest of Europe since it is only 2.5 miles of water between Helsingborg and its Danish sister city Helsingor. Surnamed the Pearl of the Sound it is a town striving to be continental and something else than the rest of Sweden. Helsingborg is known for the Karnan Tower that has guarded the city for over 600 years. The city also offers plenty of activities and attractions; historical monuments, beautiful castles, exotic animals at the zoo and stunning nature. Due to its pottery heritage, the Helsingborg region of northwest Skane is known as Sweden's ceramics district. Kullagatan in central Helsingborg was the first shopping street in Sweden to be pedestrianised.