Helsingør Havn
Helsingør, Denmark
Cruise ships from nearby Copenhagen and ferries from neighboring Helsingborg in Sweden sail along the Oresund Strait to Helsingør, home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and the UNESCO–listed Kronborg Castle. New arrivals will find themselves at the atmospheric harbor of Helsingor Havn, where traditional architecture is juxtaposed against modern masterpieces.
The basics
Most walking and biking tours of Helsingør focus on the historic harbor of Helsingør Havn, the site of both the main ferry and cruise port, as well as the old shipyard and marina. Admire the picturesque 16th-century buildings along the waterfront, learn about the town’s seafaring history at the M/S Maritime Museum, and visit the modern Culture Yard, a former shipyard that has been transformed into a dazzling glass-fronted cultural center. Strolling the waterfront, you’ll not only see its many sculptures and boats, but you’ll also take in views across the harbor to the famous Kronborg Castle.
Things to know before you go
There’s a waterfront restaurant at the Culture Yard, but aside from that, most of the town’s shops and restaurants lie in the Old Town, just west of the harbor.
Some of the most atmospheric views of the harbor are at night, when the castle and Culture Yard are dramatically illuminated.
Most of the harbor is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, but be aware that many of the town’s roads and plazas are cobblestoned.
How to get there
The town of Helsingør lies about a 50-minute drive or 45-minute train ride north of Copenhagen, and is a popular destination for a day trip. There are also ferries that run seasonally (June through August) from Copenhagen to Helsingør and year-round from Helsingborg in Sweden.
When to get there
Helsingør Havn is lively at most times of day, whether you’re coming to stroll around the harbor or watch the boats cruising in and out of the marina. The small town is busiest during the summer Shakespeare Festival, held over 10 days each August.
Visiting Kronborg Castle
Helsingør’s star attraction, Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot), owes its fame to none other than William Shakespeare. The real-life castle inspired the fictional setting of Hamlet, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. Dating back to the 16th century, the royal castle is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture, and visitors can explore the moats, ramparts, and bastions, as well as the magnificent ballroom, eerie dungeons, and King Frederick II’s wine cellar.
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