Ultimate Day Trip Itinerary For Helsingør, Denmark 2026

As the setting for one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, sat at the mouth of one of the most historically strategic waterways, and peppered with cosy coffee shops, Helsingør is a jewel in Denmark’s crown.

Which is what makes it one of the best day trip destinations from Copenhagen. All you need to know is how to have the best experience, and in this blog I’m sharing just that… Read on to discover the must-see sights, my favourite restaurants, and coffee shops oozing hygge-feeling. Along with inside tips on how to get there, when to go and how to save a little money along the way!

• Is Helsingør worth visiting?
• Where is Helsingør?
• How to get to Helsingør
• When to go
• Best things to see & do
• Best places to eat & drink
• What to pack & know before you go
• How much a trip to Helsingør costs

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

TOP MONEY SAVING TIP: A Copenhagen Card lets you travel on all public transport in and around Copenhagen (including to and from the airport) for free, as well as free access to all the best castles, galleries, museums and attractions. That includes Kronborg Castle and the other attractions I mention in this blog. So if you think you want to visit a few key sights during your stay, you could save a lot of money! Learn more and buy yours here.

Is Helsingør worth visiting?

Simply put – yes! I think Helsingør is one of the best day trips you can take from Copenhagen because it’s packed with rich history, still has that old Danish hygge feel and importantly, is really easy to get to.

Just keep in mind this is a much smaller city than Copenhagen which is why it’s so cute and cosy but that does mean it doesn’t have the same amount of shopping, restaurants or myriad attractions. So if you’re after a bigger city feel, maybe consider visiting Odense instead, or for more culinary experiences Roskilde is a great choice.

Where is Helsingør?

As you can see from the map below, Helsingør is just a short hop north of Copenhagen which is another reason why it makes such a great day trip from the capital. It’s close enough that you don’t spend hours travelling there but far away enough for you to get a new perspective of beautiful Denmark.

Perched right on the eastern tip of the island, not only can you enjoy those sweeping coastal views but also spy Sweden on the horizon, the mirror city of Helsingborg visible on clear days. Which means, if you wanted to travel onwards to Sweden, Helsingør is an ideal spot to catch the ferry from too! But more on that next…

Looking for the best coffee shops in town? Check out my list of the top seven hygge spots here.

How to get to Helsingør

As Helsingør is equally close to Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen and the Swedish city of Helsingborg, you have a couple of different transport options to get there. Let’s look at them…

By train: Firstly, I would say if you’re travelling from Copenhagen or another town on the island of Zealand, taking the train is by far the easiest and most enjoyable option. The train network from the capital is brilliant and from Copenhagen the train to Helsingør takes just under an hour.

It’s just one direct train from the central station (København H) and they run really regularly (every 15 minutes in the day). Plus, the train line follows the coast and stops by some other great points like Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Jægersborg Dyrehave so you could see even more.

There’s no need to buy tickets in advance, just use the self serve ticket machines at every train station (and metro station) to grab yours. Tickets cost around £4 each way. If you’d prefer a digital ticket, you can use the DBS app to find your journey and book.

By car: Of course if you have a car, you can also very easily drive to Helsingør. From Copenhagen it takes about 40 minutes following the E47 the whole way up the coast. There’s plenty of car parking in the city so finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem either!

By bike: For a more adventurous option, you could also cycle to Helsingør. Denmark heavily invests in cycle infrastructure and so the cycle paths across the country are generally brilliant, plus as a famously flat land, there’s no hills to content with!

The ride would take you about 2.5 hours mainly following cycle Route 9 up the coast giving you beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee and a swim. If you don’t have your own bike, you can easily rent one in the capital – find a list of recommended providers here.

By ferry: Lastly, if you’re coming from Sweden, a great option is to take the ferry directly from Helsingborg to Helsingør. It’s just a 20 minute boat ride across starting from £5 with an onboard café and plenty of comfy seating to make the most of the crossing.

Likewise, if you’re travelling from Copenhagen and want to continue on your journey into Sweden and back down, you could catch the ferry across after your time in Helsingør. Either way, find all the ferry timetables and book your tickets online here.

Short on time? If you want to see the viking history of Roskilde, the majestic beauty of Frederiksborg Castle and Helsingør’s Kronborg Castle in one trip – you can join a seamless tour of all three from Copenhagen. Book your ticket here.

When to go

Now let’s talk timings, when should you plan your trip for the best experience? As you can see from the table below, the answer really is summer! Specifically between June and August for the warmest days and waters with the best chance of sunny skies.

While a visit outside of those months can still be great, just be prepared for the chance of more rain in autumn and winter and particularly chilly temperatures in early spring.

Month	Average High Temperature	Average Low Temperature	Average No. Rainy Days
January	3°C	-1°C	10 days
February	2°C	-2°C	6 days
March	5°C	1°C	9 days
April	9°C	4°C	6 days
May	15°C	9°C	6 days
June	18°C	12°C	8 days
July	20°C	15°C	8 days
August	20°C	14°C	8 days
September	16°C	11°C	10 days
October	11°C	7°C	10 days
November	7°C	4°C	9 days
December	4°C	1°C	10 days

Best things to see & do

Now you know when to go and how to get there, it’s time for the fun stuff – the must-see sights, incredible experiences and quirky features of Helsingør!

Explore Hamlet’s iconic Kronborg Castle (free with a Copenhagen Card)

We’re kicking things off with the big hitter, Kronborg Castle. This 15th century castle famed for featuring as the setting for Shakespeare’s iconic play, Hamlet is what draws most visitors to the city.

Built by Danish King Eric to help collect toll fees from people and ships entering or leaving the Baltic Sea, the castle gradually became more important for the royal family. As military threats rose from Sweden, the castle was expanded and further fortified to help protect the land from invasion. But this was not enough to prevent a Swedish conquest in the mid 1600s when the Swedish Queen and her sister actually moved into the castle.

After the Swedish occupation, the Danes realised the need for further defences and by 1785 it ceased to be a royal residence and instead was turned into barracks for the army who used it as a base up until 1923. After which it was reopened to the public and restored to its former glory, the incredible rooms you see today!

During a visit you can explore the royal apartments, grand ballroom, chapel and underground passages where you can find the statue of Holger Danske. A Danish King who sleeps until he’s called upon to defend his homeland. It’s an eerie sight!

For most of the year the castle is open every day from 10am to 5pm but the hours are shorter over winter so check when you’re visiting here. Tickets are free with the Copenhagen Card or £14 for adults and free for kids under 18. While you can buy your tickets online in advance, you don’t really need to. You can just buy them at the entrance when you arrive.

Stroll Helsingør Harbour

After a morning in the castle, you’re probably ready for a little fresh air. For that, head over to Helsingør’s pretty harbour. While it’s not as grand as some you’ll find in the capital you can still get some great views and more of a feel for the city.

There’s also some brilliant art by some of Denmark’s best loved sculptors so look out for those pieces – but more on that next!

Admire the city’s art

As you explore the city, keep an eye out for some of the famous art created by some of Denmark’s most successful artists. Here’s a few of the top spots…

Heracles and the Hydra sculpture: Probably the most famous is this sculpture of Heracles fighting the Hydra by prolific Danish sculptor, Rudolph Tegner. This piece is perfectly positioned on the very end of the harbour with the sometimes raging sea as the dramatic backdrop. 

He Statue: Think of ‘He’ as the brother of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue – except this one is crowd-free and in my opinion more impressive. It’s a perfectly polished silver sculpture of a boy (without a tail) looking dreamily out to sea by Danish and Norwegian artists Elmgreen & Dragset.

Maritime History Mural: Another of my favourites was this mural that covers the entire side of a building depicting the major role Helsingør has played in Denmark’s shipping history. It was completed by Spanish and Italian artists as part of a project to celebrate Helsingør’s heritage.

History of the churches: This three-scene mural was painted by two Italian artists and shows the journey of the church in Denmark. From Catholic Carmelite monks helping people ashore in the first through to Protestantism in the centre and more modern day depictions of religion in the far right.

You can learn more about each of these works and more here.

Wander Kronborg beach

Just behind the castle walls, you can also wander along Kronborg Beach. This is a sandy and pebbly section of beach with beautiful sweeping views out across the water to Sweden. While it’s not ideal for swimming, it’s a great place to have a walk or sit and relax. Also this is outside the boundaries of the paid section of the castle so completely free to access and enjoy!

Learn about Danish seafaring at the Maritime Museum (free with a Copenhagen Card)

After a morning exploring all things Shakespeare and Danish royalty, it’s time to head next door (and underground) to learn about Helsingør’s other important role – its maritime heritage. As an island nation, seafaring has always been an important part of Danish history but Helsingør’s strategic position on the channel between it and Sweden makes the location even more pivotal.

This is the Maritime Museum that’s actually built inside an old dry dock, which is why it’s underground! The concrete ship-shaped structure was modernised and sealed to create an incredible architectural space that’s the perfect setting for exhibits on the drama of the high seas.

Explore exhibits on ancient maritime discovery, Danish boat building practices, the culture around sailing and more modern concerns around how we protect our oceans.

The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 11am to 5pm (and every day during July and August). Tickets are free with a Copenhagen Card or £15 for adults and free for children under 18. There’s no need to buy advance tickets, just buy them when you arrive.

Visit St. Mary’s ancient monastery & St. Olaf’s church

Another pretty unique site is St. Mary’s monastery – this is one of the best preserved monastic complexes in all of Scandinavia. Built in 1430 by Carmelite friars it was used for its intended purposes up until the Reformation in 1536 when the Carmelites were removed. After which it lay abandoned for some time before becoming a hospital, then grammar school then housing.

But in 1992 it was taken on as a restoration project and restored to its former glory. Today you can explore the main church and surrounding monastic buildings.

Just a short walk away you’ll find the second major church in Helsingør – St. Olaf’s Cathedral. Dedicated to St. Olaf of Norway, the site dates back to 1200 but the current building was completed in 1559. Today you can explore the beautifully decorated church with frescoes, reliefs and chandeliers dedicated to St. Olaf.

St. Mary’s is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am to 2pm. St. Olaf’s is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Both are free to enter.

Marvel at the pretty buildings of old town

Of course, as you explore the city you’ll also pass by some stunning examples of classic Danish architecture painted in traditional bright colours. Take some time to admire these well-preserved buildings which also make great photo opportunities.

Stroll through Helsingør cemetery

If you’re ready for an escape into nature after a day of history, one of my favourite spots is Helsingør Cemetery. I personally really love Danish cemeteries which might sound a little weird but hear me out… They’re generally really beautiful, well maintained and radiate calm.

So seek a little solace by wandering the pretty paths of Helsingør’s resting place. You can also spot some famous graves as artist Rudolph Tegner’s mother is buried here, marked by a bronze sculpture created by the artist himself

Explore the Danish Museum of Science & Technology (free with a Copenhagen Card)

Last but by no means least, if you’ve got the stamina for one more museum or would prefer to learn about planes, trains and automobiles than boats and royals then this is the place for you. Ranked as one of Denmark’s best museums, the Danish Museum of Science & Technology gives you a window into some of the most incredible engineering of the past and technology that will power our future. A particularly popular exhibit is their collection of cars throughout Denmark’s history – from the country’s first car built in 1888 through to royal vehicles, racing cars and brand new electric models.

The museum is just southwest of the city so it makes for a great stop as you make your way back towards Copenhagen. If you’re driving, it’s just 10 minutes from central Helsingør or you can walk there in 30 minutes or hop on a 20 minute bus.

The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am to 5pm and free with a Copenhagen Card or £15 for adults and free for children under 18.

Best places to eat & drink

To fuel your day of history-seeking and exploring, you’re going to need excellent coffee and tasty food. Here’s my pick of the top coffee shops, cafés and restaurants in Helsingør:

Strandvejsristeriet $

For the best cup of coffee with a side of Danish sweet treats, head to Strandvejsristeriet set in the 350 year old soldiers’ canteen in the grounds of Kronborg Castle. Not only is this a beautiful and incredibly cosy café but it’s also an on-site roastery so you know you’re getting the freshest brew.

Alongside a fantastic coffee, they also serve homemade cakes and pastries which I can confirm are also delicious. So head here for a quick caffeine hit before you enter the castle or afterwards to relax and take it all in! Also note, you don’t need to pay to access the coffee shop, it’s outside the paid section of the castle so if you just want to head here and not tour the castle you can do that too.

Værftets Madmarked $$

For lunch or dinner, look no further than Helsingør’s food market. This is part of the historic shipyard that’s been turned into one of the best dining spots in the city, packed with stalls selling everything from local fish and chips and flavoursome Thai dishes, to rich Indian curries and juicy burgers. Not only is there something for everyone in terms of cuisine, but the space is beautifully decorated too. Giant chandeliers and string lights contrast against draped fishing nets and industrial features of the building.

Plus, did I mention there’s a full bar in here too and plenty of eclectic seating?! This really is one of my favourite places I’ve eaten at so far. Especially if the weather has turned, seek shelter in the hygge armchairs and settle into some locally caught crispy battered fish and glass of Danish beer. It doesn’t get any better!

Axelbar $$

Craving more Danish flavours? Axelbar is a great option for delicious smørrebrød and classic hot pork sandwiches. It’s also set within a beautiful old building with plenty of seating inside and out.

Restaurant MOS $$$

For an even more unique experience, head to fine dining restaurant MOS. Here you can sample their exquisite multi course meals crafted with only the finest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

What to pack & know before you go

Of course, before you visit any new place, it’s always helpful to get a few inside tips. Here are just a couple of my recommendations for what to pack and keep in mind for the best experience in Helsingør.

Pack light layers: Like most places in Denmark, the flatter land means the wind can often pick up. So even on sunny warmer days, a cool breeze can bring the temperature down quickly. So stay cosy by packing light layers – just a thin jumper or light jacket will do in summer. In colder months, I’d recommend extra base layers and never forget a warm hat!

Be rain ready: As Helsingør is right on the coast, showers can blow in quite frequently. So be prepared by packing a light rain jacket or umbrella and always checking the weather forecast before you travel! I’ve made that mistake before and got soaked before touring Kronborg Castle…

Small town feeling: If you’re expecting a bustling city with an atmosphere like Copenhagen, then Helsingør may be a little bit of a surprise. Keep in mind that Helsingør is a pretty small city that’s much quieter and cosier than the captial. So expect to spend your time here soaking up history and taking it all in rather than pounding the pavement!

How much a trip to Helsingør costs

Lastly, to plan any good trip, you need to know how much to budget. While Helsingør itself isn’t necessarily an expensive destination and you could easily enjoy a day strolling the town for next to nothing, it’s the attractions that add up.

Kronborg Castle and many of the other museums are on the more expensive side so just bear that in mind when planning. If you’re wanting to visit multiple attractions, a Copenhagen Card can help you save on entry fees and public transport. But if you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to invest in a card, I’d recommend prioritising Kronborg Castle and you could cut your day trip cost to just £30 with a light lunch and coffee. But if you want to experience it all and see more of the brilliant museums (who can blame you!?), expect to spend £70 or more.

There we have it, that’s my ultimate tried and tested itinerary for the best day trip to Helsingør. I hope you enjoy your time in this special town as much as I did and if you have any feedback or points to add, please let me know in the comments below. Happy travelling!

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