Things to do in Helsingør include exploring much more than just the famous Kronborg Castle. This charming coastal town in Denmark has a wealth of activities and historical sites that promise a fulfilling visit. Start your journey with a visit to the Maritime Museum of Denmark, where innovative exhibits bring the nation’s seafaring history to life. Stroll through the old town, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and cafes.
Don’t miss the Helsingør Museum for a deeper dive into the town’s rich past. Walk along Helsingør Havn, the picturesque harbor, and visit the impressive Saint Mary’s Church. Be sure to look for the mural of King Hamlet’s shadow, adding a touch of local lore to your trip. If you’re a cheese lover, shop for some of Denmark’s famous cheeses in local stores.
For dining, five standout restaurants in the old town offer delicious local cuisine. Consider taking a quick ferry to Helsingborg, Sweden, for a unique cross-border adventure. This guide ensures that your visit to Helsingør will be packed with history, culture, and delightful culinary experiences.
How much time to spend in Helsingør
After your visit to Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, plan to spend about half a day exploring the town. Walk through the historic Old Town with its old buildings like Saint Mary’s Church and the famous King Hamlet’s Shadow Mural. Take a stroll along Helsingør Havn, where you can find cafes and shops selling local crafts and food. Visit the Danish Maritime Museum if you’re interested in maritime history, or relax at Jernbanehaven, a quiet park near the train station. Enjoy lunch at one of the cozy restaurants in Old Town, where you can try traditional Danish food while enjoying views of the harbor. Half a day gives you enough time to experience Helsingør’s history, scenery, and local flavors before returning to Copenhagen.
Things to Do in Helsingør Besides Kronborg Castle: Our Experience
We spent the evening in Helsingør after visiting Kronborg Castle. Initially, we planned to see the Maritime Museum, but after exploring two castles, we had history overload and felt super tired. So, we decided to take a lazy walk around the harbor and old town instead.
We stumbled upon the Hamlet shadow mural. Go on a little quest and see if you can find it. Hint: it’s very close to Sankt Maria Kirke.
We wandered through the streets, stopped for an early dinner, walked some more, bought souvenirs, grabbed a coffee, and then headed back to Copenhagen. We spent a total of 3-4 hours in the town, and it was perfect for us. That said, you can easily spend the entire day in Helsingør if you have more time.
Best Things to Do in Helsingør
Visit the Helsingør Museum
Head to the Helsingør Museum to dive into the town’s history. Located at Sct. Anna Gade 36, the museum offers exhibits on Helsingør’s past, from the Middle Ages to modern times. It features artifacts, old photographs, and personal stories from the town’s residents. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, adding variety to each visit.
Museum has the best cafe. Do not miss their open shrimp sandwiches
Walk Around Helsingør Havn
Take a leisurely walk around Helsingør Havn (harbor). The harbor area is vibrant, with boats, shops, and cafes. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and watch the ferries come and go. The harbor is a great place to relax and soak in the local atmosphere. Look out for street performers and local markets.
Discover the Museum of Sofart
The Museum of Sofart, also known as the Maritime Museum of Denmark, is another gem. This museum, housed in an underground structure surrounding an old dry dock, focuses on Danish maritime trade and shipping. Its exhibitions include ship models, navigational instruments, and tales of life at sea. The innovative architecture and engaging displays make it a top attraction.
Visit the Old Town
Helsingør’s old town is a treasure trove of history and charm. Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved medieval buildings. Here are some highlights:
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church, located at Sct. Anna Gade 38, is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Built in the 15th century, it features stunning stained glass windows and a serene atmosphere. The church also houses an impressive organ, often used for concerts.
King Hamlet’s Shadow Mural
While exploring the old town, look for the King Hamlet’s Shadow mural. This artistic tribute to Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a nod to Helsingør’s connection to the famous play. The mural adds a touch of literary history to your walk through the town.
Helsingør City Hall
Admire the Renaissance-style architecture of Helsingør City Hall, located in the heart of Old Town. It’s a great spot for photos and to learn about local governance.
Jernbanehaven
Explore the Railway Garden, a peaceful park adjacent to the train station. It features sculptures, green spaces, and a playground, ideal for relaxing or a picnic.
Helsingør Theatre
Discover Denmark’s oldest purpose-built theater still in use, offering occasional performances and guided tours.
Shop for Cheese
Denmark is known for its delicious cheeses. Visit local markets or specialty shops in Helsingør to shop for Danish cheeses like Danablu, Havarti, and traditional Danish smoked cheeses. Sample different varieties and purchase some to take home as souvenirs.
Popular Cheese in Denmark
- Danablu: A creamy blue cheese with a tangy flavor.
- Havarti: A semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery taste.
- Danish Smoked Cheese: Smoked over wood chips for a distinctive flavor.
..And or course do not miss Kronborg Castle
Day Trip to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen: In Search of Ghost of King Hamlet
Take a Ferry to Helsingborg
One of the exciting options while in Helsingør is taking a ferry to Helsingborg in Sweden. Imagine the thrill of crossing over to a different European country in just 20 minutes! The ferry ride is very short and convenient, making it a unique addition to your trip. Initially, we planned to take the ferry, intrigued by the idea of a quick international hop. However, after some research, we discovered that many travelers prefer to spend more time exploring the charming town of Helsingør rather than heading to Helsingborg.
That said, if you have extra time in your itinerary, taking the ferry is a great option. The ferry operates frequently, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule. Once in Helsingborg, you can explore the town’s attractions, enjoy Swedish cuisine, and experience the cultural differences between Denmark and Sweden. It’s an adventurous way to add another layer to your Scandinavian journey.
Best Places to Eat in Old Town
Kronborg Inn (Kronborg Kro)
Address: Kronborg 1, 3000 Helsingør
Enjoy classic Danish dishes in a historic setting dating back to the 16th century.
Cafe Valentin
Address: Bramstræde 5, 3000 Helsingør
Cozy cafe offering homemade pastries and light meals, perfect for a midday break.
Restaurant Harmonien
Address: Sct. Olai Gade 5, 3000 Helsingør
Delight in Danish and international cuisine with a view of the harbor.
Snekken Winebar & Restaurant
Address: Bramstræde 2, 3000 Helsingør
Elegant wine bar serving tapas and gourmet dishes, ideal for an evening meal.
Cafe Olai
Address: Sct. Olai Gade 5, 3000 Helsingør
Quaint cafe offering sandwiches, salads, and homemade cakes, perfect for a casual dining experience.
