Helsingør has a lot to offer culture lovers. A world-famous castle, a shipyard that´s been given a whole new life, and one of the country’s longest-running girls’ marching bands give the city a unique historic character.
As you come into the Øresund strait you will see Kronborg Slot (Kronborg Castle) – probably the city’s biggest attraction – which you definitely mustn´t miss during your stay in Helsingør. The old castle and fortifications were built in 1574 by Frederick II, but Kronborg’s history goes all the way back to 1420, when Eric of Pomerania built the Krogen fortress to control ships passing through the Øresund. The castle was made a World Heritage Site at a UNESCO conference in Cairns, Australia, and it is one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe.
The castle is famous around the world for its role in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Join the
‘I Hamlets fodspor’ (‘In Hamlet’s Footprints’) tour and be guided by Hamlet’s friend, Horatio, who will tell you the dramatic story. Guided tours are given in both Danish and English.
Helsingør is Zealand’s third largest urban area after Copenhagen and Roskilde and is located in northeast Zealand. You can easily take a short trip to Helsingborg in Sweden on the Sundbussen M/S Pernille – a ferry for cyclists and pedestrians – which takes 20 minutes from city centre to city centre. On board, you can eat fantastic open sandwiches, pick up some bargains and enjoy the view from the sun deck. There is also live music every Friday and Saturday.
Also visit Kulturværftet (The Culture Yard) during your weekend break in Helsingør. This former shipyard now houses a modern centre for cultural innovation and is a place to get together, to experience new things and to deepen one’s understanding of culture. You can visit the Værftsmuseet (Yard Museum), exhibition rooms and various workshops as well as grab a bite in the café or restaurant.
Drum along when Helsingør Pigegarde (Helsingør Girls’ Marching Band) marches through the town every Friday from May to September. The mixed harmony orchestra and drum corps was founded in 1957 and is one of Denmark’s oldest. The Marching Band is composed of 120 girls aged 8-21 years old, and it has taken part in many competitions abroad. The Helsingør Girls’ Marching Band turns into the ‘Nissegarden’ (‘Elf Marching Band’) during Christmas time.
Travelling to Helsingør from Copenhagen takes approximately 45 minutes by car or by train. Copenhagen Airport serves flights to and from many major cities across the United Kingdom, including London, Edinburgh and Manchester. Try to arrive on a sunny day – when Kronborg Castle is at its most stunning.
Step into history in the ancient castle, experience contemporary culture and even squeeze in a trip to Sweden during your holiday in Helsingør.
