The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 47,000 / 56 degrees north
Helsingør, Denmark
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.
Fun Facts About Helsingør
Latitude: 56 degrees north
Population: 47,000
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: August
Windiest month: January
Annual precipitation: 312mm
Helsingør Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Helsingør
Kronborg Castle
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.
Sankt Marie Kirke & Karmeliterklosteret
This is one of Scandinavia’s very few reserved monastic cloisters. The church has some rather eclectic 15th century frescoes.
St Olafs
St Olafs is a Gothic cathedral from 1559 on the site of the 13th century original.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Road-Trips
We currently have no road-trips out of Helsingør
Self-Guided Walks
We currently have no self-guided walks for Helsingør
Helsingør on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Helsingør
Uniquely Helsingør
Here are some things that you must do and try in Helsingør
Medieval Charm
Helsingør has maintained a lot of its medieval charm, making the town centre a nice place to go walking.
History of 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 Today
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.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: The closest airport is Copenhagen airport.
Drive: Helsingør is located on the E47, which connects the town to Copenhagen.
Train: There are many trains operating between Helsingør and Copenhagen.
Ferry: A car ferry runs between Helsingør and Helsingborg in Sweden.
Getting Around
Copenhagen is a very walkable city and it is the best way to explore.
If you are planning on using public transport, get the Copenhagen Card as it’ll also give you free entrance to most of the museums.
Otherwise, download the public transport app onto your phone.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
Hostels
B&Bs and Guesthouses
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties