When you’re planning out your Copenhagen itinerary, carve out some time for one of many day trips from Copenhagen. One of the most interesting places to visit is about 45 minutes north of the city in the village of Helsingør (Elsinore). It’s a historic town located on a narrow sea passage between Denmark and Sweden. There you will find Kronborg Castle, a fortified palace that was used to collect a toll from every ship entering The Baltic Sea from The North Sea. That detail did not make the castle popular in its past, but it has made up for that fact in other ways. Most notably, it’s the setting for Shakespeare’s famous tale of Hamlet.
Getting to Helsingør from Copenhagen
The easiest way to get to Helsingør from Copenhagen is to ride the train. From Copenhagen Central Station, trains to Helsingør depart every 30 minutes. The total time on the train is about 45 minutes and the price should be about 11€. Of course, check the current train schedule and prices when you arrive in Copenhagen.
If you purchase a Copenhagen Card, your train ride to Helsingør is free and included. The entrance to the castle is also included, so it’s advisable to purchase the card.
See information below on purchasing a Copenhagen Card.
Kronborg Castle hours, prices, tours and more
From Helsingør train station, it’s a short, 5 minute walk to Kronborg Castle. Along the way you can stop at one of many coffee shops or cafes. Helsingør is a very picturesque Danish town and you’ll enjoy walking through it. We recommend arriving a little early to explore and take in the town itself before touring the castle.
Hours and Dates of Operation
Kronborg Castle is open to tour daily from Tuesday through Sunday. It’s is closed on 1 January, 24, 25 and 31 December.
January through March and October through December, the castle is open from 11 am until 4 pm.
April through September, hours are extended to 10 am through 5 pm.
The last admission is always 30 minutes prior to closing. You will need more than 30 minutes to really see the castle. Plan on at least a two hour visit to see the highlights of Kronborg Castle.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary throughout the year just like the hours of operation.
January through May and September through December prices are 95 DKK (12.50€) for adults and 85 DKK (11€) for students. Children under 18 are admitted for free.
June through August prices are 145 DKK (19.50€) for adults and 135 DKK (18€) for students. Children under 18 are admitted for free.
Kronborg Castle is included in the Copenhagen Card’s free attractions.
As you’re planning your visit, check out more information on the Copenhagen Card. It’s a money-saving way to see Copenhagen easily and efficiently.
- You get entry to 87 museums and attractions across Copenhagen
- The card also includes unlimited use of Public Transportation
- You get discounts at many restaurants and entertainment venues
- Best of all – each adult card comes with a free card for a child under age 10
Any family visiting Copenhagen should buy the Copenhagen Card for their visit.
Find out more information on the Copenhagen Card and current pricing for 24, 48, 72, and 120 hour Cards.
Tours
There are guided tours included with your admission to Kronborg Castle. Times vary throughout the year. You can experience different variations of tours from Danish history to Hamlet-themed tours and in the summer they have actors delivering scenes from Hamlet.
On a typical day, you can expect tour to meet in the center courtyard of the castle at 11:30, 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30.
For current information on tour types and schedules, click HERE.
When visiting Kronborg, a guided tour provides a great introduction and overview of the castle, but you should still explore on your own. It’s quite easy because Kronborg is mapped out with QR codes for you to learn more information as you walk around. You can use the WiFi in the castle to scan codes and hear more as you walk around. The majority of the structure is accessible to the public, so there’s plenty to see!
Highlights
The underground portion of the castle is accessed near the kitchen and is cold, dark and spooky. You can explore this area while you’re there and learn the legend of Holger Danske (Olgier the Dane).
The Grand Ballroom is where Shakespeare comes to life. You can imagine scenes from Hamlet while you take in the grandeur of former Danish Kings and Queens.
The Royal Apartments are interesting to tour and full of information about the royals who once lived there. Original furnishings were lost in a fire, but the restoration leaves you with a good impression for what they once looked like.
Pay a visit to The Chapel. It’s the only room in the castle that was largely untouched by the fire of 1629. Inside you’ll be excited to see the ornate decorations and carved wood that is so well-preserved.
The gun tower is a long climb to the top of the castle, but worth it for the awesome views of Helsingør and Sweden across the Sound.
Important information for visiting Kronborg Castle
There is parking at Kronborg Castle for visitors who travel there by automobile.
Wheelchairs and baby buggies (strollers) can be used on the castle grounds and courtyard. Touring the interior of the castle, they are not permitted. Unfortunately, it’s a very old building that isn’t outfitted for wheelchairs or buggies.
Large bags may have to be checked in the cloak room before entering the castle.
You can receive a 25% discount is you visit the nearby Maritime Museum of Denmark and show your ticket receipt at the Kronborg box office.
The castle can be very busy, especially during weekends in the summer months. Keep this in mind when you decide which day to visit.
Things to do in Helsingør (besides Kronborg Castle)
Helsingør is a beautiful little town and there’s more to do than just the castle. The town is also a nice place to stop for lunch or an early dinner when you go to the castle. It’s also a little cheaper than Copenhagen, so a smart place to enjoy a meal. You can even enjoy a walk on the beaches or just sit and enjoy the waterfront.
Visit the Maritime Museum of Denmark
Ny Kronborgvej 1
Tuesday – Sunday 11:00-17:00 | July – August: Monday – Sunday 11:00-18:00
Check out the new Maritime Museum of Denmark. It’s located underground and accessible through the old dry docks. You’ll pass the museum as you approach Kronborg Castle from the train station. It’s also included in the Copenhagen Card attractions and is regularly 120 DKK (16€).
Enjoy the Danish Museum of Science and Technology
Fabriksvej 25
Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 | November – January closing at 16:00 | Monday closed
You can also visit the Danish Museum of Science and Technology. It’s perfect for kids and fee for children under 18. The regular admission for adults is 95 DKK (12.5€) and for students it’s 85 DKK (11.5€). The museum is free to enter for Copenhagen Card holders.
Discover The Øresund Aquarium
Holidays: 10:00-17:00 but closed 22-25, 31 December and 1 January
Øresund Aquarium is a great stop for the kids while visiting Helsingør. It’s a small, salt water aquarium giving you a glimpse into the seabed of the Danish Straits. There are 4 different salt-water habitats featured here including a children’s touch pool and an adult’s touch pool. There’s also an outdoor water lab where you can learn even more in the harbor itself. The entrance fee for children under 12 is 59 DKK (8€) and for adults and children over 12 it’s 79 DKK (10.5€). Entrance to the aquarium is free with the Copenhagen Card.
Helsingør City Museum
Sct. Anna Gade 36
Monday closed |Tuesday – Friday 12:00-16:00 | Saturday 10:00-14:00 | Sunday 12:00-16:00
Helsingør City Museum is a place to explore the history of Helsingør and uncover its role in history from the Middle Ages until modern times. Exhbits explore 800 years of the cities archaeology. You’ll learn about the architectural and building styles in Helsingør and one of the coolest exhibits is a replica of the old Svane Pharmacy. The entrance fee is 45 DKK (6€) but free with the Copenhagen Card.
Mini Cruise on The Viking
Helsingør harbor
Allegade 2
July and August at 10:00 – 12:00 – 13:00 – 14:00 – 15:00 – 16:00
Enjoy this short boat ride around the castle and surrounding harbor during the summer months of July and August. It’s a great way to get every angle of the beautiful castle and town of Helsingør. Board the small 30-person ship called The Viking from Helsingør Harbor. The cost is free with Copenhagen Card of 70 DKK (10€) for adults and 30 DKK (5€) for kids otherwise.
Værflets Madmarket (Shipyard's Food Market)
Ny Kronborgvej 2
Friday and Saturday 11:00-21:00 | Sundays 11:00-19:00
Værflets Madmarket is a cool place to enjoy some quick eats while in Helsingør. It’s only open on Friday Saturday and Sunday, so if you visit while it’s there you’re in for a treat. It’s a great way to experience the growing Danish street food scene and hey – you’ve got to eat somewhere! Why not make it a place with multiple options for a taste of everything.
Considering Staying Over?
There is a lot to do in Helsingør so escaping the city for a night is a nice possibility. Here are a few hotels you can check out if you decide to make your day trip and overnight one and return to the city the next day. You can easily take a morning train from Copenhagen and drop off your bags then hit the town. Explore for a full 24 hours and head back to the city the way you came!
Hotel Hamlet
Hotel Hamlet is a nice 3-star hotel with well-appointed rooms for under 90€ most of the year. It’s located steps from Helsingør Train Station which makes it a convenient overnight spot for stretching out your day trip!
Skandia Hotel
Skandia Hotel is also close to the train station and has simple double, twin, and family rooms available. They serve free breakfast and offer free cancelation to make your planning even more flexible.
