Helsingør - the Perfect Day-trip from Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the perfect city to spend several days in. Not only is there a ton to do in the city centre, but it’s so easy to take day-trips to equally charming places. I’m slowly working through my list of day-trips and writing about them for this website, but I thought I’d start with probably the best of the day-trips: Helsingør! This charming, historic city is famous for Kronborg Castle, also known as Hamlet’s Castle, but it has so much more to offer. I think Helsingør is the perfect day-trip from Copenhagen.
In this guide, I’ll do my best to explain how to maximise your day at Helsingør.
In this article...
Why Helsingør?
Alright, let’s start at the basics. Why should you go here?
Helsingør (also known as Elsinore) is a must-visit for history buffs and travellers keen to soak up Danish culture in a scenic seaside setting. Located on the northeastern coast of Zealand, just a short train ride from Copenhagen, this charming town is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into Denmark’s past.
At the heart of Helsingør’s appeal is Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Built in the 16th century, the castle is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, complete with grand halls, intricate tapestries, and a network of eerie underground casemates. Visiting Kronborg isn’t just a history lesson – it’s an atmospheric experience that brings the past to life.
Beyond the castle, Helsingør’s old town centre is a delight to explore. Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and cosy cafés make it perfect for a relaxed wander. The town’s maritime history is on display at the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, an innovative and award-winning museum built into a former dry dock, offering fascinating exhibits on Denmark’s seafaring heritage.
If you love history, quaint towns, or excellent cuisine, I highly recommend visiting here.
Getting to Helsingør
There are multiple ways to get to Helsingør, but by far the most convenient is the train. Trains run frequently (roughly every 15–20 minutes) and take about 45–55 minutes. You can take the train from either Copenhagen Central Station or Nørreport.
For example, a 08:30 departure from Copenhagen H arrives before 09:30 in Helsingør, giving a whole morning to explore. Tickets can be bought at station kiosks or via the DSB app (standard one-way fare around 60–95 DKK). Helsingør Train Station is an attraction in its own right; this beautiful station, built in the Dutch Renaissance style in 1863, has been declared the most beautiful railway station in the country.
Get the Copenhagen Card!
If you have the Copenhagen Card, the trains (plus entrance to most of the attractions in Helsingør) are free. I highly recommend downloading the Copenhagen Card onto your phone for this trip.
Cycling to Helsingør
If you want to ride a bike there, it will take around 2.5 hours along cycle Route 9 up the coast.
Things to See in Helsingør
Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle is, of course, the most popular place to visit in Helsingør. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle was built around 1420 as a fortress to help collect tolls from ships entering or leaving the Baltic Sea. During the 16th century, King Frederik II transformed it into a grand Renaissance Castle. The whole castle was rebuilt after a fire by King Christian IV, and it was further developed into a fortress throughout the 18th century after it ceased to be a royal palace. The castle was eventually developed into barracks for the army, who used it as a base up until 1923. The castle has since been restored and is now open to the public as a museum.
Kronborg Castle is also the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Why is that? Well, Kronborg Castle was a well-known and influential stronghold around the time Hamlet was written. Shakespeare is also said to have based Hamlet on earlier legends, particularly a Scandinavian story of Amleth, a prince of Denmark.
Tips for visiting as a day trip: I recommend arriving at Kronborg Castle as early as possible, as it gets very crowded throughout the day. If you aim to arrive in Helsingør at 9 am or 9:30 am, you can be at the castle as it opens at 10 am. You probably need around two hours to see the whole castle.
Getting Here: The walk to Kronborg Castle is, in my opinion, deceptively long. The walk is 1.1km (o.7 miles) but can feel longer since you see the castle most of the time! Also, once you reach the castle grounds, you have to walk further to get inside. I’d allow around 20 minutes to get there.
Copenhagen Card: Free entrance
Danish Maritime Museum
After you’re done with Kronborg Castle, as you head back to town, you’ll pass the Danish Maritime Museum. The museum has been called ‘one of the eight greatest new museums’ by BBC, which is quite impressive for a maritime museum out in Helsingør. I love the way they have transformed a dry dock into a modern museum; this is primarily thanks to the Bjarke Ingels Group, an award-winning design firm. This fascinating underground museum, located in the former dry docks, focuses on Denmark’s seafaring history. There is an on-site cafe here called M/S Cafe, just in case you’re needing a coffee or snack.
Tips for visiting as a day-trip: I would aim to spend one hour maximum here.
Copenhagen Card: Free with the Copenhagen Card.
St. Mary's Church and the Carmelite Priory
Alright, now you’re back in the old town. I’ve put everything roughly in order so you can try and plan your day. The first stop after the Maritime Museum is St. Mary’s Church (Sankt Mariæ Kirke og Kloster). This monastery church is considered the oldest still-standing monastery in Scandinavia, as well as one of the best-preserved monasteries in the region. The complex was founded in 1430 and completed by 1500, after a fire in 1450. After the Reformation, the monastery was converted into a hospital and a retirement home.
Unfortunately, it can only be visited with a pre-booked guided tour. If you’re into historic buildings, I recommend making the effort to get inside. Even if you can’t enter, the exterior courtyard and cloisters are beautiful for photos.
Tips for visiting as a day-trip: Either pre-arrange a guided tour or enjoy from the outside as you make your way into town.
St. Olaf's Church (Sankt Olai)
Helsingør’s red-brick Gothic cathedral was built in 1559 on a site that has had a church since the 13th century. It features a tall, vaulted nave, 17th-century altarpieces, a richly carved pulpit and Renaissance frescoes. The baroque altarpiece and Olav-related imagery reflect its patron saint (King Olav of Norway). Be sure to admire the beautifully carved pulpit and attend any ongoing concerts or recitals (organ concerts are typical in the summer).
There is a large clock tower attached to the cathedral; it was once a lighthouse that guided the sailing ships to the shores of Helsingør.
Tips for visiting as a day-trip: The church is open Tuesdays – Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm from September 1 to April 30, making it a good place to visit if you are here in the summer.
Skibsklarerergaarden (Ship Broker’s House)
Yeah, try saying that name! The Ship Brokers House museum is located in an 18th-century broker’s office that was part of the Øresund Customs, where ship manifests were inspected for the Sound Toll. The museum recreates an old chandlery shop, a sailor’s lodging, and the captain’s offices. Actors are located inside the building, and they tell the stories of the ‘Sound Dues’ era, bringing history to life. There is also supposedly the oldest grocery store in Scandinavia here.
Tips for visiting as a day-trip: The museum is located in the old town, so it’s close to cafes and restaurants, as well as the train station.
Copenhagen Card: Free with the Copenhagen card
Exploring the Old Town
You’re probably museum-ed out by now, so I’d recommend using the afternoon to explore the old town. Don’t miss it if you’re feeling tired! The old town is absolutely wonderful.
Helsingør old town is full of charm. Many think of the town as just having Kronborg Castle, but there’s so much to see in the old town! For almost 400 years, Helsingør was one of the wealthiest cities in Denmark, thanks to the tolls being collected along the Øresund Strait.
After these attractions, wander the medieval streets around Axeltorv square. The cobbled street, Stengade, runs through the old merchant quarter, lined with boutiques and cafés. At Axeltorv, you’ll find the fountain and statue honouring King Erik of Pomerania (who founded the town). In summer (May–Oct), open-air markets are held here (Wednesdays and Sundays). This lively area is ideal for a stroll and is lined with spots to grab lunch or ice cream (see below).
One of the most beautiful streets is GI Færgestræde. This once connected the docks to the main street.
Lunch Recommendations
Another reason why Helsingør is the perfect day-trip – there are so many lunch options! Here are some of my recommendations:
- Café Kronborg (Nordhavnsvej 8): A harbour-side brasserie near Kronborg serving Danish classics (fresh seafood, fish-and-chips and smørrebrød). Enjoy stunning views of the water while savouring traditional fare. It’s a little out of the way, but it’s worth it if you want to escape crowds but still be by the water.
- Gæstgivergaarden (Kampergade 11): A rustic pub in the old town known for hearty Danish cuisine (stew, meatballs, draft beers and aquavit) with a cosy atmosphere. The pub is located by Axeltorv, the main square.
- M/S Café (Maritime Museum): Great for lunch or coffee; offers open-faced sandwiches and homemade cakes. Perfect before/after touring the museum.
- Café Chaplin (Axeltorv): Overlooking the town square, this cafe is convenient for midday in the old town (serves salads, sandwiches and light Danish dishes).
- Strandvejsristeriet: This is a great place for coffee! The café is located inside a 350-year-old soldiers’ canteen on the grounds of Kronborg Castle. Not only is this a beautiful and cosy café, but there’s also an onside roastery.
- Værftets Madmarked: This is Helsingør’s food market. This is part of the historic shipyard that has been transformed into one of the city’s best dining spots, featuring a variety of stalls selling everything from fish and chips to Thai dishes, Indian curries, and burgers. I would highly recommend this place! It’s excellent, but keep in mind that it is now very popular with day visitors.
- Kagefryd (Stengade 58) is a cafe/bakery that I visited when I was last in Helsingør. It offers excellent coffee, as well as a superb selection of cakes and pastries.
Return Trains
Helsingør Station is well-signposted and adjacent to the bus terminal/ferry port. Trains back to Copenhagen depart regularly in the evening (roughly every 15–20 minutes). The journey takes approximately one hour; please ensure you have a valid ticket. You can ride back directly to København H or any major Copenhagen stop (tickets allow flexibility).
Summer Travel Tips
• Weather & Clothing: Danish summers are mild (avg ~18–22 °C) but changeable. Pack layers: light sweater or jacket, plus sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) on sunny days. A compact umbrella or raincoat is wise. Comfortable walking shoes are a must (cobbled streets at Axeltorv and castle grounds).
• Crowds: Summer is peak tourist season. Arriving at Kronborg right at opening (10am) helps avoid later crowds. The Old Town can be busy at lunchtime, so consider outdoor seating or an earlier/later meal.
• Booking Ahead: Tickets for Kronborg and the Maritime Museum can be purchased on-site or online. Having the Copenhagen Card will help you move through the crowds a little quicker. Booking is not essential, but can save queuing time. When planning a guided tour of the Carmelite Priory, please arrange it well in advance of your visit. At Kronborg Castle, I recommend booking a guided tour (click here for more information).
Helsingør - The Perfect Day-trip
Hopefully, by now, I have convinced you that Helsingør is the perfect day-trip from Copenhagen. There’s so much to see and do here that you can really fill a day, or maybe even consider spending the night!
