A travel guide for a day trip to Helsingør from Copenhagen, Denmark

The Kronborg castle stood guard for the Sound Dues
The town became wealthy and a shelter for the passing ships & its crews.
The wealth is long gone but even today, in this cultural capital of Denmark
The tales of the past are whispered by its charming lanes and aristocratic landmarks. 

Explore this quaint Danish city that is popularly called Hamlet’s town. Discover the best things to do in Helsingør while learning more about its history. Get tips on how to plan a day trip to Helsingor from Copenhagen, where to eat and best time to visit. 

“Now that is a pretty town” – I exclaimed as the train slowed down to a stop. Only when the train’s PA system announced the place, did I realize that my current vision of the pastel buildings was my destination for the day. Helsingør was just love at first sight – and my favorite place on this trip to Copenhagen.

Just 45 minutes from Copenhagen by train, most people visit Helsingør for its famous Kronborg castle (popularly called Hamlet’s castle). However, only after they get here, do they realize there is more than just the Helsingør castle. For almost 400 years, this town was one of the wealthiest cities in Denmark and now, with its endearing medieval vibes is the cultural capital of the country.

I found myself immersed in the delightful tales that lurked in every corner of those cobblestone alleys. From discovering the heritage stone mansions to interactive museums, delectable cafes and shopping delights, there were tons to do during my Helsingør day trip. So much that I felt I could have done with one more day in Helsingør or Elsinore, Denmark.

If you are contemplating a Helsingør visit, you have landed on the right page. This Helsingør travel guide has you covered with my own experience and insider tips that will be handy to plan your visit. I have included the best things to do in Helsingør along with a map of the key attractions. You will also, find suggestions on the best time to visit and where to eat. In case you are tempted to convert your day trip to an overnight one, you will find a few recommendations for a stay in this guide to Helsingør.

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About Helsingør (Elsinore) in Denmark

Where is Helsingør in Denmark?

Helsingør or Elsinore (as the English called it), is located on the northeast coast of Denmark’s largest island – Zealand. It is just 45 km from the capital city of Denmark, making it a perfect day trip addition to your Copenhagen itinerary.

Helsingor is positioned along the narrowest part of the Øresund strait that connects the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Stand at the coast and you can see the Swedish town of Helsingborg across the strait. This strategic location is central to the story of this epic town – all of which you will read about in the next section.

History of Helsingør

The Sound Dues changed the fate of what was a sleepy fishing village and turned it into the third-largest city in Denmark. For decades, several trading ships used to pass through the Øresund strait but in 1429, the then King Eric of Pomerania levied a toll called the Sound Dues on every ship that passed through the strait. A small castle was built at the narrow tip of the strait which was then called Krogen castle. This became a checkpoint for the ships to pay the Danish crown before proceeding ahead.

Krogen Castle was rebuilt and expanded by King Fredrick II. It was renamed as Kronborg castle. The Sound Dues continued in a more organized manner where the ships had to pay taxes based on the value of goods it carried. This forced them to halt at the Helsingør port for an inspection and settlement. Mercantile trade boomed in the town – making it one of the wealthiest places in Denmark.

Tales of the Kronborg castle and the town traveled around the world and reached Shakespeare. It must have impressed him some much that he based one of his plays on Elsinore (as it was called by the British). Hamlet became one of his most popular works and that is the reason why the town is now fondly called Hamlet’s town.

The Sound dues were finally abolished after 400 years in 1857. Helsingør slowly lost its former glory with merchants moving elsewhere to seek their fortune. It, however, played an important part in helping the Danish Jews escape the atrocities of Hitler during the Second World war. Hitler had issued an order to capture the Jews and move them to Rosh concentration camp on the Jewish New Year in 1943. A leak before this announcement helped save over 7000 Jews who were secretly moved from Copenhagen to Helsingør and sent over to the World War II neutral country Sweden.

Though Helsingør had faded as an active trading port, it never lost its charm. It was rediscovered and developed as a cultural hub  – one that is home to intriguing maritime tales and the Kronborg Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is the best way to get to Helsingør from Copenhagen?

There are two ways to reach Helsingør from Copenhagen – by rail and by road. The distance between the two places is around 45 km and both the options take almost the same time.

Day trip to Helsingør from Copenhagen by train

This is my recommended option to get to Elsinore. There are numerous trains to Helsingør from Copenhagen – one every 15 minutes. The Kystbanen or the Coastline is what you can get from København H (Copenhagen central station), Østerport and Nørreport stations. The journey from Copenhagen to Helsingør takes around 45 minutes and the fare is around 50 – 75 DKK.

There are several local Copenhagen to Helsingør trains on the Little North and Hornbæk line. If you fancy some hop-on hop off adventure in a few of these pretty towns along the way, you can take this option.

The Copenhagen Helsingør trains run throughout the day and hence, you do not have to worry about the last train out. You can explore the picturesque town of Elsinore at leisure and make your way back when you have had your fill.

If you have a Copenhagen card that I mentioned in my earlier post, then these train journeys will not cost you anything. They are included in your activated card. Traveling by train between Copenhagen and Helsingør is not just convenient. I also, recommend it for the lovely views that you get from your train window. From blue coasts to picturesque hamlets, I did not realize how my time flew.

Helsingor to Copenhagen by road

The road journey between the two towns takes the same time as traveling by train. You can self-drive on E47 to get to Helsingør. There are numerous buses that you can get at the Copenhagen Central Station to get to Elsinore. Bus journeys are included in your Copenhagen card. In case, you do not have one, trip from Copenhagen to Elsinore will cost you DKK 60 – 65 (€ 8)

 Cabs too, are available but personally, I feel they are frightfully expensive.

Ferry over from Helsingborg to Helsingør for a day trip

Did you know you can do a Helsingør day trip from Helsingborg in Sweden?

Helsingborg is the town right across the Øresund strait – the one that you can see from Elsinore. During the Sound Dues age, Sweden was a part of Denmark and this town was developed like a twin town to Helsingør. Even today, you can just ferry across these two towns.

There are two ferry options – Øresundslinjen and Sundbusserne. Between them, there are at least three departures every hour. You can just ferry over to Helsingør for a day trip. The Helsinborg- Helsingør ferry prices are approximately DKK 45 (€ 6) per adult for a one-way trip. You can get the tickets at the ferry departure point or book them online.

What to do in Helsingør for one day? (Things to do in Helsingør)

From the time I deboarded the train to finally heading back to Copenhagen, I was in a frenzy. This tiny town had so much to see, hear and absorb. Like I said earlier, I could have done with an overnight here. 

The best part about Helsingør sightseeing is that everything in the town can be accessed by walking. You can always hire a bike, but I would recommend walking personally, given that there is something in every corner. As promised here is a handy map of all the key places to visit in Helsingør, Denmark. It is quite possible to cover all of these in one Helsingor day trip – assuming you make it early to the town. With that, let’s get on with the list.

1) Explore the Helsingør train station

“Is this a station or a former castle?” That was the first question that ran through my mind when I stepped off my train from Copenhagen to Helsingør. Built in the Dutch Renaissance style, this exotic train terminal with its towering copper spires can easily be erred for a repurposed royal residence. It was built in 1863 by the famous Danish railway architects – Heinrich Wenck and N.P.C Holsøe and has been declared as the “most beautiful railway station in the country.” It is now a protected national monument.

The sweeping staircase that takes you to its lobby lit by a vintage chandelier gives you the vibes of a medieval royal ball. Step outside and you will see red brick façade with typical curved gables – further enhancing the feeling of a castle. If you have seen the Rosenborg Palace in Copenhagen, you will find a striking resemblance.

The train station square used to be a beach and a common entry point during the Sound Dues era. The station is still attached to the Helsingor ferry terminal. Most often, people miss the history and the architectural significance of this railway station. The gorgeous station deserves to be on your list of attractions to see when you visit Helsingor for one day.

P.S: Don’t miss the statues of Hamlet and Ophelia right outside the station. A reminder that you are visiting the town of Hamlet.

2) Walk down Gl. Færgestræde street

Nestled between a line of yellow and brown houses is a street with uneven stones and classic lamps. The Gl. Færgestræde Lane once connected the docks to the main street of the town of Helsingør. Walking this lane is one of my recommended things to do in Helsignør.

The tiny treasures that I spotted in this lane heightened the medieval vibes that were already triggered by the Elsinore railway station. In my mind’s eye, I could see the raucous sailors walking down to the pubs that were livened by the drunken revelry of their counterparts from other vessels.

The one place that you need to keep an eye out is this door with a German sign that reads “If you want sweet wine or medicine, you will have to go find it in the pharmacy”. This door was one of the many bars in Helsingør and as the norm was, all bars in the town only served beer. Wine was available at a pharmacy.

3) Discover the Sound Dues Residences

King Eric of Pomerania encouraged the development of Helsingør by offering certain tax benefits to the merchants and the residents. If they built stone homes, they would get a 10 year relief and if they used wood, then a 5 year one. The result of this is still visible in the stunning aristocratic mansions scattered along the lane called Stengade at the end of Gl. Færgestræde. The Sound Dues residences, as they are called, have interesting details that you should try and spot.

One of the homes called the Leyel homes has this band of inscription in Gothic while another one has busts of people with the typical Renaissance outfits. The classic Dutch gables that I mentioned earlier are clearly visible on these homes.

The mansion hopping along the street is one of the free things to do in Elsinore and one that you will love if you are an architecture lover. 

4) Enjoy the medieval vibes of the basement at Rennæsance Kælderen

Here is one of the hidden and quirky Helsingør attractions that you should consider adding to your day trip itinerary. On the end of the same street – Stengade which has the Sound Dues residences is an art gallery and an antique shop called Galleri 77. It is also, the place where you can book a Helsingør walking tour.

Enter this place – not just for its art but a covert basement that will transport you to the scenes of Macbeth. The basement has its rustic charm in the form of a small well, long dining tables and old candelabra lamps. The antique shop is like a mini museum with tons of wares that scream Middle ages.

It is run by a charming gentleman – Max who is one of the main guides on the Helsingør walking tour. He in fact, was the one who took my troupe around the town and let us in on the various secrets. I highly recommend signing up for his tours.

5) Step into the Elsinore Cathedral (St. Olaf’s church) – one of the key places to visit Helsingør

You can easily recognize the most important Helsingør landmark with its red tower. Head in the direction of it and you will find Elsinore Cathedral. Originally, in the 13^th century, when Elsinore was still a fishing hamlet, the church was a tiny one and went by the name of its Viking saint patron – St. Olaf. As the town grew, the need for a bigger church arose and thus, in 1559, came in the present structure.

You can see the traces of its early Romansque arch on one of the red brick walls that were laid on later in a Gothic architectural style. Within the church, you will also, find bits of Baroque architecture – especially around the altar.

Here is an interesting fact about the tall clocktower attached to Helsingør cathedral. It was once a lighthouse that guided the sailing ships to the shores of Helsingør. Another interesting feature of this church is the burial door on the side that has skull etchings and a French inscription saying – “Thus we all become.”

The erstwhile St. Olaf’s church or the Elsinore Cathedral is one of the oldest structures in this town – thus making it significant enough for you to add to your Helsingør day trip itinerary.

6) Visit the Carmelite Priory

Just across the Elsinore cathedral is an impressive-looking building, and the oldest monastery in Scandinavia is called the Carmelite Priory. It is a place that has worn many hats – from being a hospital to a Latin school to a retirement home and even horse stables.

Step into it and you will instantly feel at peace. The arched corridors have this strange aura that I have only felt in the monasteries of Ladakh. In one of the rooms, an opening allowed its user to hear the conversations in another room. Whether by design or error, the occupants I believe, did use it.

The monastery is attached to the St. Mary’s church that has grave stones as its floor. The church is quite a pretty one with a 1630s organ that still works and murals that date back to the 1430s when it was first built. While most of them have a biblical theme, there are a few unusual ones like that of a Danish explorer who happened to find Newfoundland much earlier than Columbus. You will also, see some people with a gaping hole where their mouths are.

According to Max, our guide – the religious significance is that of cursing while the functional one is to let in steam during winter and warm the room up. Now that what I call aesthetically functional.

7) Spot the history in the street art of Helsingør

Check out the wall art in the town – especially one across the monastery. The detailed painting showcases scenes of a sick sailor being taken to the monastery and masked people helping out to avoid infection.

There is one more such painting of the trading ships on a building near a crossroad of Stengade Street.

8) Appreciate the Helsingør city hall

The Helsingør city hall is located on the main Stengade road and can be easily identified by its rich red brick façade and Gothic architecture. It was originally built in 1852. It is still in use by the Mayor and his office. It was closed on the day I visited Helsingør but you might be lucky to gain an entry and see it from inside.

9) Spend some time at the Skibsklarerer Gaarden – one of the must-do activities on a day trip to Helsingør

Skibsklarerer is one Helsingør museum that you should not miss. Located close to the harbor on Strandgade, this is set in the oldest grocery store in Denmark and Scandinavia. The house itself was built in 1580 by a grocer and eventually expanded to include a trade house, apartments and a lodge. This is where you can imagine how life was at the docks during its prosperous Sound Toll age.

I loved the museum for its interactive elements and staff dressed in period attire. The first room is the actual grocery where the sailors would come by to stock their provisions. You can see the original lattice screen and the archaic graffiti wall where they left their mark. The back wall of this store has the shipping records – what goods the ship carried, when it arrived and when it left.

A Skippers room with its original furnishing paints the scene of captains coming together for a drink or catching up on news while they waited for the ship’s papers to be filled and cleared by the clerks in the adjoining space.

A crooked staircase takes you to the upper levels, which were built later and occupied by various people until recently. The apartments have changed a bit but the interiors have been restored with furnishing from similar houses of the Sound Dues era. Here there are several games and activities that help understand the working of what went on in a ship trade.

I loved the library which still has its vintage collection. Next to it is a model room of what the customs house was before it was destroyed in 1859. The Skibsklarerer is an unusual museum that you have to visit if you are spending one day in Helsingør.

10) Head over to the Kronborg Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage site in Elsinore, Denmark

Well, technically, this should be the first on your list of things to see in Helsingør. After all, it is the legacy of the town. As soon as you step into Helsingør, you will see this mighty castle in the middle of the sea.

Step inside and you will be transported to the sets of Hamlet. I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the Helsingør Kronborg castle to get the most out of its story.

I was treated to the Hamlet tour of this Helsingør castle, where I not only discovered the history of the castle but get details on its defensive and offensive embankments, its tale of opulence during the time of King Fredrick II, the love story between him and his wife Sophie and the subsequent period under King Christian IV. What made this tour even better was the connection to the Shakespearean play and how certain elements from reality like the cannons firing in the Øresund strait and the ballroom scene that was set in the actual 62m long Hall of Dance in the castle.

Besides the rooms, you must climb to the terrace to take the panoramic views of the town and get a glimpse of Helsingborg in Sweden which is across the strait. Also, don’t miss the statue of Holgar – the Dane located in one of the dark underground chambers of the Helsingør castle. The legendary Dane is believed to be sleeping and will awaken whenever Denmark is in great danger.

Your day trip to Helsingør cannot be complete without this visit to the Kronborg Castle. Remember to keep aside at least 2 -3 hours to explore the castle fully.

11) Wander around Kulturhavn Kronborg

This is the square right before you enter Kronborg castle. It is a great place to relax and have some fun. There is always some activity organized here – from Shakespearean plays to fun and games. Wander around or just head to one of the many cafes to relax and take in the views at the Øresund strait. Don’t miss the statue of the merman – Hans – a counterpart to the famous Hans Christian Andersen mermaid in Copenhagen.

12) Don’t miss the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark

Considered an architectural gem, the M/S Maritime museum in an interactive experience that is located inside the former shipyard of Elsinore. Full of games and audio-visual aids, it is an apt place to understand the stories on water. The museum is free to enter with your Copenhagen card.

I missed out on this attraction in my quest to explore more of the town. I believe that was a Big Miss of my Helsingør visit.

13) Enjoy the Helsingør Kronborg beach

The Kronborg beach is a pebbly stretch where you can just relax and enjoy the gentle waves of the merging seas. Head there and take in some salt breeze. If you can take the cold, dip your toes or just sit on the sand and enjoy the horizon.

14) Shop a little in Elsinore

The Stengade street was like a flea market with tons of things to shop. From souvenirs to artisanal food, Danish bakes, cheese and flavors of Snaps (Danish liquor), clothes and antiquities – I found myself frenzied. The prices were quite reasonable when compared to Copenhagen and the variety huge. These shops definitely require a once-over if you are doing Helsingør in a day.

15) Spot the Svea Pillar in Harbor Square

You might spot this ode to Sweden as soon as you exit the Helsingør train station. It is located in the Harbor Square in appreciation for the Swedish help in sheltering the Danish Jews who made their escape during World War II.

In the evening, the pillar is lit to commemorate the fires that raged on both coasts of the Øresund strait on Christmas Eve. This was despite the blackouts that were ordered during the WWII.

16) Take a ferry to Sweden from Helsingor

This was something that I really wanted to do but well, it was not to be on this Helsingør day trip. I wanted to take a ferry from Helsingør to Helsingborg in Sweden, browse around the town and get back. I even had my passport with me.

With the frequent departures and a sailing time of less than an hour, you can opt to take on this activity. The ferries even allow you to carry your bikes – which makes it easier to explore the Swedish town in the limited hours that you have.

Well, hopefully someday I can return to do that and enjoy more of Helsingør town. For now, this ends my list of the best things to do on a day trip to Helsingør from Copenhagen.

Which are the best places to eat in Helsingør?

Elsinore is known for its authentic Danish fare – smorrebrød (open sandwiches), wiennerbrød (cinnamon rolls), frikadeller (Danish meatballs) and the North Sea oysters to name some. You will find several cute cafes and Helsingor restaurants along Stengade Street and its intersecting lanes.

I highly recommend The Patio – which is a small backyard café on Stengard. Try the dish of the day along with a glass of Elderflower juice. You cannot go wrong with their Smorrebrød.

Another interesting place is the Kobehavneran – a beer bar with a very Western vibe. You have outdoor seating as well as a pool table, bar seats and even a small salon kind of room.

If you visit Helsingør in spring and summer, you should head to Axel Square which is filled with outdoor seating. The square is unmissable with the statue of Eric of Pomerania

What are the best places to stay when you visit Helsingør?

I will not be surprised if you decide to convert your day trip to Helsingor from Copenhagen into an overnight stay. I would have too, if I had the time and flexibility. Well, here are some recommended B & B and hotels in Helsingør that you can consider.

• Beach front properties – Helsingør Camping & Cottages Grønnehave (budget apartments), Marienlyst Strandhotel (high-end), Comwell Borupgaard (mid-price)
• Town center properties – Hotel Hamlet (mid-price)

What is the best time to visit Helsingør?

Spring and Summer  (April to September) are the best time for a Helsingør visit. The weather is quite pleasant for outdoor exploration. It is also, a time when there are a lot of outdoor activities and Shakespearean plays.

Winters are generally quite harsh with temperatures in single digits. The chilly winds may not be as comfortable for walking tours.

With that, I conclude the key sections of this Helsingør travel guide. I hope you have found the same useful for your trip.

Common FAQs for your Helsingor day trip?

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Ami

Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

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