Make the short ferry trip across the Øresund Sound to Helsingør and experience a second beautiful Scandinavian country in the same day. Explore this Danish treasure that is famous for Kronborg Castle, which features heavily in the Shakespeare play Hamlet.
See Helsingør from the water
Ferries leave at regular intervals from the center of Helsingborg and carry cars as well as foot passengers. The trip takes just 20 minutes and the ferry contains lounges, sun decks, restaurants, and shops for passengers' comfort and convenience. Enjoy lovely views of the town and Kronborg (Elsinore Castle) from the open decks or from the lounges with large panoramic windows as you arrive.
Shakespeare's famous castle
This 16th-century castle with banqueting hall & royal chambers is the actual castle in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Of course, the castle offers magnificent opportunities for that ultimate Instagram photo or selfie! Shakespeare called Kronborg Castle, "Elsinore." This has become the English name for Helsingør. Each summer, you can enjoy live performances of Shakespeare's greatest plays from Danish and international companies, at the castle itself. The castle has existed on this location since 1420 and, despite being burned down and invaded several times, has maintained its vital position at the head of the Øresund Sound. Ships passing into the Baltic Sea used to pay tolls at Kronborg Castle and Helsingør was once one of the most important towns in Europe. In 2000, Kronborg Castle became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn the rich history of the castle on guided tours, some of which are free with your entry ticket every day. In the crypts and catacombs of the castle, you'll meet Holger the Dane, an imposing statue of a legendary Danish figure. As legend has it, if Denmark is ever in trouble, he'll wake up and defend her!
Explore the town
There are many other attractions in this pleasant seaside town. The Maritime Museum of Denmark is a museum with collections covering Danish trade and shipping from the 15th century to the present day. Meanwhile, Saint Olaf's Church is a cathedral with a history going back to around 1200 AD and the present building was completed in 1559. Enjoy a drink in one of the pleasant cobbled streets and squares or from one of the lively "knejper" (small bars) that populate this historical coastal settlement. Return in style via the ferry again, this time enjoying views of Helsingborg as you arrive.
