The Ultimate Day Trip from Copenhagen to Helsingør: A Complete Guide
Ready to escape the city buzz for a day of Shakespearean drama, towering castles, and salty sea air? Look no further than Helsingør. Known in English as Elsinore, this charming coastal town is home to the magnificent Kronborg Castle—the real-life setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet—and is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Copenhagen. This guide has everything you need for a perfect trip, from train times and top attractions to a sample itinerary and budget breakdown for 2025.
Helsingør Day Trip: Quick Facts
Get all the essential info at a glance. This table gives you the most important details upfront so you can start planning immediately.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from CPH | Approx. 45 km (28 miles) |
| Travel Time (Train) | 45-50 minutes one-way |
| Average Cost | 400-700 DKK per person (incl. transport, food, one major attraction) |
| Best Time to Visit | May – September (weekdays for fewer crowds) |
| Known For | Kronborg Castle (Hamlet), Maritime History, Swedish Views |
How to Get from Copenhagen to Helsingør
Getting to Helsingør is incredibly straightforward, but the train is by far the best and most popular option. It’s scenic, efficient, and drops you right in the heart of the town.
By Train (The Best Option)
The train is the quintessential Danish travel experience for this trip. You’ll take the scenic “Coastal Line” (Kystbanen), which offers beautiful glimpses of the Øresund strait.
- Departure Station: Trains depart from Copenhagen Central Station (København H). You can also hop on at major city stations like Nørreport and Østerport.
- Journey Time & Frequency: The journey takes about 45 minutes, with trains running frequently, typically every 20 minutes throughout the day.
- Cost & Tickets: A standard one-way ticket costs around 108 DKK. Crucially, the entire journey is covered by the Copenhagen Card (All Zones), making the card an incredible value if you plan to visit the main attractions.
- Pro Tip: For the best coastal views, try to grab a seat on the right side of the train when heading north from Copenhagen.
By Car
If you have a rental car and prefer flexibility, driving is also an option. The route is simple, following the E47 motorway north, and the drive takes approximately 45-60 minutes without heavy traffic. However, be aware that parking in central Helsingør can be limited and requires payment. We recommend parking at the large lots near Kulturværftet or the train station.
| Method | Time | Cost (Round Trip) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | ~1.5 hours | ~216 DKK / Free w/ Card | Scenic, relaxing, central arrival | Can be crowded at peak times |
| Car | ~1.5-2 hours | Fuel + Parking (~150 DKK+) | Flexible schedule, good for groups | Traffic, parking hassle & cost |
Top 5 Things to Do in Helsingør
Helsingør is packed with history and culture. Here are the must-see attractions to build your day around.
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Explore Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Castle)
This is the main event! A magnificent Renaissance castle and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kronborg is immortalized as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Wander through the opulent royal apartments, marvel at the enormous Grand Ballroom, and brave the dark, spooky casemates (dungeons) deep below the castle, where the statue of the slumbering giant Holger Danske awaits.
Practical Info: An adult ticket is approx. 125 DKK (price varies by season). It’s free with the Copenhagen Card. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the free guided tours included with your ticket—they are fantastic and bring the castle’s dramatic history to life.
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Dive into History at the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark
Located next to Kronborg, this isn’t your typical stuffy museum. Designed by the world-renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the entire museum is built into a former dry dock. It’s an architectural masterpiece that houses interactive, engaging exhibits covering 600 years of Danish seafaring history. It’s a modern marvel that perfectly complements the ancient castle next door.
Practical Info: An adult ticket is approx. 135 DKK and is also free with the Copenhagen Card. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Insider Tip: Even if you’re not a museum person, walk around the exterior ramps and bridges to appreciate the incredible architecture and the unique setting within the dock.
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Wander Through Helsingør’s Charming Old Town
Step back in time as you explore the town’s historic center. The cobblestone streets, like Stengade and Strandgade, are lined with colorful, well-preserved half-timbered houses. Pop into small shops, admire the impressive Sct. Olai’s Cathedral, and soak in the atmosphere of a town built on centuries of maritime wealth.
Practical Info: Free to explore. Best enjoyed on foot.
Insider Tip: Duck into the quiet courtyard of the Karmeliterklostret (Carmelite Monastery), one of the best-preserved monastic buildings in all of Scandinavia. It’s a true hidden gem.
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Visit the Kulturværftet (Culture Yard) and ‘Han’ Statue
Right on the harbor front between the castle and the museum is the Kulturværftet, a modern cultural hub with a library and event spaces. The main attraction for visitors here is the striking ‘Han’ (HE) statue. Made of polished steel, this merman is the male counterpart to Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid, and he even blinks—but only once an hour!
Practical Info: Free to visit the area and see the statue.
Insider Tip: This spot offers the best photo opportunity to capture both old (Kronborg Castle) and new (Kulturværftet) Helsingør in a single, stunning frame.
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Take a 20-Minute Ferry to Sweden
Want to visit two countries in one day? It couldn’t be easier. The ForSea ferries shuttle between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden, in just 20 minutes. Helsingborg is a lovely Swedish city with its own medieval tower (Kärnan), great shopping, and a slightly different cultural vibe. It’s a fun and spontaneous addition to your day trip.
Practical Info: Ferries run multiple times per hour. Check ForSea for current ticket prices.
Insider Tip: You don’t usually need your passport for a short visit, but it’s always wise to carry a valid photo ID just in case.
Sample One-Day Helsingør Itinerary
Here’s a relaxed schedule to help you make the most of your day without feeling rushed.
- 9:00 AM: Depart from Copenhagen Central Station. Enjoy the coastal views on your way north.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Helsingør. Take a short, scenic walk along the harbor to Kronborg Castle.
- 10:15 AM – 1:00 PM: Immerse yourself in the history of Kronborg Castle and explore its magnificent grounds.
- 1:00 PM: Time for lunch! Head to Værftets Madmarked (Street Food Market) for a delicious and casual bite.
- 2:30 PM: Visit the architecturally stunning M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark.
- 4:00 PM: Wander through the charming Old Town, find a cozy cafe, and grab a well-deserved coffee and Danish pastry.
- 5:30 PM: Head back to the train station for your journey back to Copenhagen.
- Optional Itinerary Twist: If you’re short on time, instead of the Maritime Museum, hop on the ferry to Helsingborg for a 2-hour whirlwind visit to Sweden!
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Helsingør
From quick bites to classic Danish fare, Helsingør has great options for every budget.
Budget-Friendly (€)
Værftets Madmarked is your best bet. This lively street food market is housed in an old shipyard building and offers a huge variety of international and local foods. It’s perfect for a casual, fun lunch with a great atmosphere. You can also grab a classic Danish hotdog (pølse) from a stand for a quick snack.
Mid-Range Danish Classics (€€)
For a quintessential Danish lunch, find a cafe in the old town that serves smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches). Cafe Olai is a beloved local institution known for its traditional and delicious versions of this Danish staple.
Coffee & Pastries (€)
You can’t leave without trying a true Danish pastry! Pop into any local bageri (bakery) and treat yourself to a fresh wienerbrød. The perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Details
Best Time to Go
The best weather and longest opening hours are from May to September. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. For a unique experience, the Christmas markets in December offer a festive, magical atmosphere.
Opening Times
Always check official websites before you go! From October to April, many attractions have shorter hours or are closed on Mondays.
- Kronborg Castle: Typically 10:00-17:00 in summer, 11:00-16:00 in winter.
- M/S Maritime Museum: Similar hours, often closed Mondays in winter.
Accessibility
Helsingør’s Old Town has extensive cobblestones, which can be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers. However, both Kronborg Castle and the Maritime Museum have good accessibility. Helsingør train station is fully accessible.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Here’s what you can expect to spend on your day trip in 2025.
| Expense | Budget (Pay-as-you-go) | Mid-Range (With Copenhagen Card) |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip Train | 216 DKK | 0 DKK (Included) |
| Attractions (Kronborg) | 125 DKK | 0 DKK (Included) |
| Lunch & Coffee | 150 DKK | 250 DKK |
| Total (without card) | ~491 DKK | – |
| Total (with card) | – | ~250 DKK |
| Approx. in USD/EUR | ~$70 / €65 | ~$35 / €33 |
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
Pack light, but pack smart for Denmark’s unpredictable weather.
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are no joke!)
- [ ] A rain jacket or umbrella
- [ ] Layered clothing (a sweater or light jacket is always a good idea)
- [ ] Camera and/or smartphone to capture the memories
- [ ] A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- [ ] Your Copenhagen Card or payment card
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a day trip to Helsingør worth it?
Absolutely! If you love history, castles, Shakespeare, or charming seaside towns, Helsingør is a perfect and very easy day trip. The combination of Kronborg Castle and the modern Maritime Museum is world-class.
Is Malmö or Helsingør a better day trip from Copenhagen?
They offer very different experiences. Choose Helsingør for deep history, a world-famous castle, and classic Danish coastal charm. Choose Malmö for a modern Swedish city feel, great parks, cool architecture, and a different cultural vibe.
How far is Helsingborg from Copenhagen?
The journey has two parts: a 45-minute train from Copenhagen to Helsingør, followed by a 20-minute ferry across the strait to Helsingborg, Sweden. There is no direct bridge or train connecting Copenhagen to Helsingborg.
Can you easily travel from Copenhagen to Sweden?
Yes, very easily! You have two main options:
- By Train/Car to Malmö: Take the famous Øresund Bridge directly from Copenhagen to Malmö, Sweden. The train takes about 35 minutes.
- By Train + Ferry to Helsingborg: Follow the guide above! Take the train to Helsingør and then the short 20-minute ferry to Helsingborg.
TLDR: Your Perfect Helsingør Day Trip
Pressed for time? Here’s the short version. Take the 45-minute coastal train from Copenhagen to Helsingør (it’s free with the Copenhagen Card). Spend your morning exploring Kronborg Castle, the setting of Hamlet. For lunch, hit the Værftets Madmarked street food market. In the afternoon, either visit the amazing M/S Maritime Museum or wander the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Wear comfy shoes. You won’t regret it!
