Helsingør: Castle History and Seafaring

Helsingør combines historic buildings with its proximity to the water, seafaring and beaches. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kronborg gives the city a distinctive historical character; museums tell the story of city life, shipyard work and Denmark’s seafaring history. There are also self-guided city walks, events and cycling routes. This allows you to tailor the balance between culture and activities to your travel plans.

Kronborg and the story of Hamlet

Kronborg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Helsingør. William Shakespeare used the castle as the setting for his famous play “Hamlet”; in the play, it became Elsinore Castle. At Kronborg, visitors can explore the casemates, from Holger Danske to the Cannon Tower. From the tower, you can see across the Øresund. A 15-minute introduction covers stories, exhibitions and kings. Check the current schedule for this introduction before your visit.

City history, the shipyard and seafaring

Helsingør Bymuseum features exhibitions on Helsingør’s 600-year history; exhibition content may change. Værftsmuseet covers another chapter: located in the historic shipyard district, it tells the story of the 100 years of Helsingør Værft, which was the city’s largest employer. In a workshop area, visitors can try out various metal tools. Access and supervision there may vary; check before your visit.

The exhibition “Et skib bliver bygget” at Værftsmuseet traces shipbuilding from the signing of the contract to the ship’s completion. Another way to explore the historic shipyard district is the free audio-visual walk, which includes ten locations. Check in advance whether the app for this walk is available.

M/S Museet for Søfart is located underground in an old dry dock dating from 1955. Since 1915, it has been dedicated to Denmark’s history as one of the world’s leading maritime nations. Exhibitions, books, guided tours and educational programmes are among the museum’s offerings; current programmes may change.

At Skibsklarerergaarden, a well-preserved merchant and shipbroker’s house dating from the Sound Dues era, much has remained largely unchanged since the 1780s. People in historical costumes, activities and tastings bring the museum to life. It is open according to its programme and during school holidays; activities and tastings may be seasonal. The boutique sells, among other things, liquorice root, coffee, wine and beer. The selection may change.

City walks and getting your bearings

Helsingør Bymuseum sells two self-guided city walks that let you discover stories at locations around the city. The availability of individual walks may change. Another option is the family activity “Historiejagten – Helsingør”: it takes you to four locations in Helsingør and includes written instructions, clues and tasks. Check in advance whether the activity is currently available.

The Elsinore Walk cultural trail is marked by 750 blue dots, each placed five metres apart. The walk is suitable for wheelchair users and people with difficulty walking if they use the alternative routes marked in the accompanying brochure. Helsingør Visitor Service is just a few minutes’ walk from Helsingør railway station. There, you can get local advice on culture, history, nature, events and family activities. As the location may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling.

Events and cycling routes

Kulturværftet hosts concerts, theatre performances, lectures and other major events. The programme changes continually; for specific dates, it is worth checking the current calendar. “Historiens Dag” is a recurring autumn event with free events about Helsingør’s history. You can also find the dates in the current calendar.

Several cycling routes in and around Helsingør pass through beautiful natural areas, visit historic sights and explore maritime surroundings. Helsingør Municipality also has routes to local writers’ favourite places in the northern and southern parts of the municipality. If you are planning a particular tour, check the latest maps: route details may change.

Discover more destinations: Helsingør, Kvistgård, Espergærde, Snekkersten and Hellebæk. More destinations: Hørsholm Municipality, Gladsaxe and Høje-Taastrup Municipality.

Go to the main travel overview: Hovedstaden.