The Danish Royal Family Through History: A Tour of Denmark’s Royal Landmarks
Explore the most important Danish royal sites as we trace the history of the Danish royal family!
Located a couple hours north of Copenhagen, Helsingør is a fantastic place to spend the day. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city became wealthy by taxing all the ships passing by between the Baltic and the North Sea. Much of the medieval city has been preserved, and Kronborg Castle is famous from Shakespeake’s Hamlet.
Latitude: 56 degrees north
Population: 47,000
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: August
Windiest month: January
Annual precipitation: 312mm
Helsingør Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Helsingør
Kronborg Castle was the setting in Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Elsinore Castle) and is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. The oldest castle was built by King Erik of Pomerania in the 1420s but was rebuilt in the early 17th century.
This is one of Scandinavia’s very few reserved monastic cloisters. The church has some rather eclectic 15th century frescoes.
St Olafs is a Gothic cathedral from 1559 on the site of the 13th century original.
An award-winning modern museum set dramatically below ground in a former dry dock beside the castle; brilliant exhibitions on seafaring, trade, and life at sea.
Wander cobbled lanes lined with half-timbered houses, boutiques, and cafés. The city centre is compact, colourful, and full of maritime character.
15 minutes away in Humlebæk; one of Europe’s best modern art museums, blending architecture, sculpture, and sea views.
The Danish Royal Family’s summer residence, 30 minutes inland; parts of the park are open to visitors.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Stroll or cycle along the shore towards Espergærde and Snekkersten for beaches, small harbours, and views of Sweden.
Peaceful woodland trails starting just south of town, popular for picnics and birdwatching.
We currently have no road-trips out of Helsingør
We currently have no self-guided walks for Helsingør
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Helsingør
Helsingør was first mentioned in documents in the early 13th century but is believed to have been inhabited since before the Viking Age. Helsingør as it is known today was founded in the 1420s by King Erik of Pomerania. He established the Sound Dues, which made all foreign ships passing through the strait pay a toll. This accounted for 2/3s of Denmark’s state income. With this money, Kronborg Castle was built.
The Sound Dues were not abolished until 1857, when it was agreed that all naval nations would pay a one time fee instead.
Helsingør has a number of historic religious buildings, including Saint Olaf’s Church.
During World War II, Helsingør was among the most important transport points for the rescue of Denmark’s Jewish population during the Holocaust. The Jews were put on boats and sent across to neutral Sweden.
Helsingør developed into an important shipyard during the industrial period in Denmark. However, the shipyard closed in 1983. Today Helsingør relies a lot on tourism, especially due to Shakespeare.
Fly: The closest airport is Copenhagen airport.
Drive: about 45 minutes’ drive from Copenhagen via the E47 motorway.
Train: frequent direct trains from Copenhagen Central Station (about 45 minutes) and Hillerød. The station is in the city centre.
Ferry: ferries to and from Helsingborg (Sweden) run every 20 minutes and take just 20 minutes across the strait.
On foot – the old town and harbourfront are compact and best explored by walking.
Bike hire – plenty of rental shops and city bikes; cycle paths link to Hornbæk and Snekkersten.
Local buses – cover suburbs and nearby beaches.
Ferry – easy hop to Sweden for day trips or dining.
Stengade & Stjernegade – pedestrian shopping streets with fashion boutiques, Danish design stores, and bakeries.
Cafes & Bakeries
Bageriet Brostræde Is – Denmark’s oldest ice-cream parlour and beloved institution.
Café Chaplin – relaxed spot for coffee, brunch, and people-watching near the pedestrian street.
Casual Eateries
Restaurant Kaj – laid-back harbour restaurant specialising in fresh seafood and open sandwiches (smørrebrød).
Strejf – Nordic seafood restaurant located at the train station.
Rådmand Davids Hus – Nice traditional Danish restaurant located in a 17th century house.
Væftets Madmarked – Local food hall with lots of different cuisines.
High End & Unique Eats
Restaurant Kronborg 1875 – elegant dining near the castle with seasonal tasting menus.
Brasserie 1861 (Kulturværftet) – refined Nordic and French fusion cuisine overlooking the harbour.
Restaurant Sletten (Humlebæk) – Michelin-recommended fine dining 15 minutes away, right on the waterfront.
Hostels & Camping
Nyrup Camping – a short drive south, peaceful and family-friendly with cottages and forest walks.
Danhostel Helsingør – budget-friendly rooms in a lovely seaside setting.
B&Bs and Guesthouses
Chains & Mid-Range
Hotel Skandia – comfortable and central, steps from the station and ferry terminal.
Marienlyst Strandhotel – a classic seaside hotel with spa, fine dining, and direct beach access.
High End & Unique Properties
Marienlyst Strandhotel Deluxe Rooms & Suites – the region’s premier choice, featuring an oceanfront spa, infinity pool, and top-tier dining.
Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen – about 30 minutes away; 18th-century manor turned luxury resort with golf and fine dining.
Explore the most important Danish royal sites as we trace the history of the Danish royal family!