M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark
Denmark's maritime heritage rises from the depths in this award-winning underground museum.
Descend into Denmark's most innovative maritime museum, built dramatically within a historic dry dock adjacent to Kronborg Castle. This underground architectural masterpiece by Bjarke Ingels Group combines award-winning design with immersive exhibitions exploring centuries of Danish seafaring, trade, and naval heritage. Interactive galleries, a children's play area, and a waterfront café create an unforgettable experience below sea level.
A brief summary to M/S Maritime Museum
- Ny Kronborgvej 1, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4549210685
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 90 minutes to experience the museum meaningfully, though 2-3 hours is ideal for exploring all eight thematic galleries and interactive exhibits without rushing.
- Visit the M/S Café during your tour for refreshments and unique views into the dry dock from the waterfront seating area.
- Combine your visit with Kronborg Castle (adjacent location) and explore the charming streets of Helsingør's old town for a full cultural day.
- Look for the Morse code bollards around the museum exterior—they spell hidden maritime messages and represent a clever integration of art and symbolism.
- The Dream Ship play area is excellent for families with children, but visit during off-peak hours (late morning or early afternoon) to avoid crowds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
Regional trains depart from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør approximately every 20-30 minutes, with a journey time of 40-50 minutes. The museum is a 10-minute walk from Helsingør Station following signs toward Kronborg Castle and the harbour. Train tickets cost approximately 100-150 DKK (13-20 EUR) for a single journey. This is the most convenient and popular option for visitors from Copenhagen.
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Car from Copenhagen
Drive north from Copenhagen via the E4 motorway toward Helsingør, approximately 30 kilometers, taking 35-45 minutes depending on traffic. Follow signs to Kronborg Castle and the Kulturhavn Kronborg area. Parking is available at the museum's dedicated car park and surrounding harbour facilities, typically costing 40-60 DKK (5-8 EUR) per hour. The museum address is Ny Kronborgvej 1, 3000 Helsingør.
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Bus from Copenhagen
Several regional bus services operate between Copenhagen and Helsingør, with journey times of 60-90 minutes depending on the route and number of stops. Buses arrive at Helsingør Bus Station, from which the museum is a 15-minute walk. Bus fares range from 80-120 DKK (11-16 EUR). This option is economical but slower than train travel.
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Bicycle from Helsingør town centre
If already in Helsingør, the museum is accessible by bicycle via dedicated cycle paths along the harbour, approximately 2-3 kilometers from the town centre, taking 10-15 minutes. The route is flat and scenic, following the waterfront toward Kronborg Castle. Bicycle parking is available at the museum entrance.
M/S Maritime Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about M/S Maritime Museum
A Museum Built Into History
The M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark occupies one of the most unusual and compelling spaces in Scandinavia: a former shipyard dry dock measuring 150 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 8 meters high, situated 7 meters below sea level. Originally established in 1915 as the Trade and Maritime Museum at Kronborg Castle, the institution relocated in 2013 to this subterranean setting, designed by renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels Group. The museum's location presented a unique constraint: nothing could protrude above ground to obstruct views of the UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, BIG transformed the challenge into an architectural triumph, making the dry dock itself the museum's greatest exhibition object.Architectural Innovation and Design Excellence
The museum's design represents a collision between old and new, where heavy textured concrete walls of the historic dock contrast with light transparent steel and glass structures. Descending via sloping ramps and crossing sculptural bridges, visitors experience a journey that mimics entering a ship's world. The dock's rough surfaces have been preserved and accentuated with walkways that bore through it, connecting exhibition galleries while maintaining the industrial character of the original shipyard. The interior design by Dutch architects Kossmann.dejong creates a welcoming Scandinavian aesthetic with excellent lighting and spatial flow. Since opening in October 2013, the museum has received numerous international awards, including the 2014 RIBA EU Award, the World Architecture Festival Award for Culture, and recognition from Frame magazine as one of the ten best new exhibition designs globally.Maritime Collections and Thematic Exhibitions
The museum's collections span Danish maritime history from the 15th century to the present day, encompassing model ships, paintings, photographs, and artifacts that illustrate everything from the Napoleonic Wars to Danish trade with China and India. Eight distinct thematic galleries explore different aspects of seafaring: mythology and symbolism, navigation and technology, the sailor's life across centuries, Danish warships and naval history, modern shipping and global trade, lighthouse operations, the lifeboat service, and contemporary maritime culture. The museum houses over 33,000 photographs documenting virtually every Danish ship since 1880, thousands of paintings, and a library of 20,000 volumes. Major film projections and immersive soundscapes enhance the exhibitions, allowing visitors to experience maritime history through multiple sensory dimensions.Interactive Experiences for All Ages
Beyond traditional exhibitions, the museum offers hands-on engagement through interactive displays where visitors can attempt historical merchant trading, navigate using traditional maritime tools, and even receive washable sailor tattoos. The Dream Ship, a 400-square-meter maritime play universe, encourages children and families to explore through adventure and storytelling, featuring a torpedo encounter and the world's largest model container ship. The museum's design accommodates flexible visitor experiences: some spend hours immersed in films, objects, and texts, while others complete a meaningful overview in approximately 20 minutes. The M/S Café offers refreshments and meals with views into the dock, while the M/S Cargo shop sells maritime-themed books, clothing, applied arts, and toys.Cultural Hub and Broader Context
The Maritime Museum functions as part of Kulturhavn Kronborg (Culture Harbour Kronborg), a collaborative cultural initiative that includes Kronborg Castle, Kulturværftet, and the Helsingør harbour. The dock's open design and hard-sound reflecting surfaces make it ideal for dance performances, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year, transforming the museum into a dynamic public space. The museum's significance extends beyond exhibitions: it was featured in the Netflix series The Rain, introducing its striking architecture to international audiences. The location reflects Denmark's profound maritime identity—a nation surrounded by three seas with a 5,440-mile coastline where no point lies more than 52 kilometers from water, making seafaring integral to Danish culture and history.Symbolic Details and Engineering Marvels
The museum incorporates remarkable symbolic and structural elements that reward careful observation. Ninety-four bollards made from Chinese granite are positioned around the exterior in Morse code, spelling "MS Museet for Søfart" and the maritime motto "Det er nødvendigt at sejle" (To sail is necessary)—a phrase originating from Pompey's 56 BCE order and later adopted by the Hanseatic League. The dry dock itself functions as a ship, held in place by 466 anchors driven deeper into the earth than the height of Copenhagen's Round Tower. The anchor chain serves dual purposes as both exhibit and structural element, while hanging floors suspended from ceilings minimize visual bulk and maximize spatial flow.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Helsingør harbour
0.2 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.3 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.4 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.4 km
A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
0.5 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
Heracles and the Hydra
0.5 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Helsingor
0.6 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.8 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Helsingborg City Hall
4.8 km
A monumental red-brick city hall and coastal gateway, where neo-Gothic towers, National Romantic detail and civic stories overlook the Øresund in central Helsingborg.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
9.0 km
Experience world-class modern art where architecture and nature meet in perfect harmony, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape just north of Copenhagen.
Hornbæk Batteri
10.3 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
11.9 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Observationsvärn nr 741
12.0 km
Explore the historical significance and scenic beauty of Observationsvärn nr 741 in Viken, a captivating landmark steeped in military history and stunning views.
Falkonergården
13.3 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Ven
14.8 km
Discover Ven: A Swedish island gem in the Öresund Strait, blending history, nature, and tranquility for an unforgettable escape between Sweden and Denmark, steeped in astronomical history.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Culture Yard
0.1 km
Glittering glass sails over an old shipyard, The Culture Yard fuses award‑winning library, stages and harbourfront café with unforgettable views of Kronborg Castle.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.2 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.2 km
A 19th-century Danish lightship turned floating monument, Fyrskibet nr. XVII “Gedser Rev” brings Helsingør’s maritime and Cold War history vividly to life on the harbor.
Dancer's fountain
0.2 km
A delicate bronze trio of Royal Danish Ballet dancers, Danserindebrønden is a quiet green-corner fountain where Helsingør’s everyday life meets timeless grace.
'The maritime history' mural
0.2 km
A harbour gable transformed into a sweeping, collage-like tribute to 300 years of Danish seafaring, anchoring Helsingør’s shipyard era in vivid colour and form.
Arte callejero
0.3 km
Industrial-era Helsingør splashed across a gable wall: a bold shipyard mural that fuses street art style with the town’s maritime past on Allegade 7B.
St. Mary's Church
0.3 km
Historic public square at the heart of Roskilde, home to markets, festivals, and community life, framed by centuries-old buildings and vibrant Danish tradition.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
0.3 km
Immersive bronze sculpture depicting Greek mythology at the gates of Kronborg Castle, offering a unique photo spot and cultural layer to Helsingør’s historic landscape.
Helsingør Havne
0.3 km
Twin harbours beneath Kronborg Castle, where ferries, yachts and culture share a historic waterfront on the narrow Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden.
Holger Danske castillo copado
0.3 km
The legendary sleeping warrior beneath Kronborg Castle, waiting to awaken and defend Denmark in its darkest hour.
History of the churches
0.3 km
A storytelling gable in Helsingør’s old town, this mural compresses centuries of church history into a single vivid scene between two medieval sanctuaries.
Kronborg Castle
0.4 km
Hamlet’s legendary Elsinore: a UNESCO‑listed Renaissance fortress where royal grandeur, sea power and Danish myth meet above the Øresund Strait.
Øresund Aquarium
0.4 km
Intimate saltwater aquarium on the Helsingør waterfront, offering hands-on touch pools, a harbor Water Laboratory and sea safaris focused on Øresund’s rich marine life.
Helsingør harbor promenade
0.4 km
A breezy waterfront ribbon along the Øresund, linking Helsingør’s working harbor, cultural quarter and Kronborg Castle with open sea views and everyday local life.
Kronborg Lighthouse
0.4 km
Step into early 20th-century rural Denmark at Flynderupgård Museet, where historic farm buildings, gardens, and animals bring local heritage to life in Espergærde.
Essential places to dine
M/S Café
0.0 km
Bright, maritime café in Helsingør’s dramatic dry dock museum, serving Nordic-inspired lunches, coffee and cakes with tranquil views over the former shipyard basin.
Spisehuset i Kulturværftet
0.1 km
Bright, harbourfront café-restaurant in Helsingør’s Culture Yard, serving organic-leaning Nordic comfort food, brunch and cakes with views over the busy Øresund.
HEY DARLING - Street Kitchen
0.1 km
Harbourfront street-food stall in Helsingør serving customizable gourmet meatball bowls and buns inside Værftets Madmarked, a short walk from Kronborg Castle.
The Fish Project
0.1 km
Exceptional hand-breaded fish and chips in a casual food market setting.
Suki Ramen
0.1 km
Relaxed Helsingør ramen stop serving generous bowls, colourful Asian comfort food and family-friendly warmth just a short walk from the harbor and Kronborg.
Arabi Food
0.1 km
Authentic Arabic street food in Helsingør's vibrant food market—fresh, affordable, and genuinely delicious.
Værftets Madmarked
0.1 km
Bustling shipyard food hall on Helsingør’s waterfront, where industrial heritage, global street food stalls and sociable long tables create an easygoing harbour hangout.
The black olive
0.2 km
Casual Greek street food served in Helsingør’s lively Værftets Madmarked, blending grilled gyros, warm pita and a buzzing shipyard‑hall atmosphere by the harbour.
Café Kronborg
0.3 km
Waterfront seafood café where fresh fish, harbor views, and genuine hospitality meet in Helsingør.
The Eatery of Jan & Christian
0.3 km
Contemporary Danish cooking in a welcoming neighbourhood setting on Helsingør's central street.
Ofelia Bar
0.4 km
Stylish tapas bar and cocktail lounge offering inventive bites, curated drinks, and lively atmosphere—an essential stop for food and nightlife lovers in central Helsingør.
Bistro Francophile
0.4 km
Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Restaurant Kaj
0.4 km
Modern Danish brasserie fare and generous seafood served in a light-filled dining room with sweeping Øresund views on Helsingør’s tranquil Nordhavn waterfront.
The Copenhagener
0.4 km
Hearty smørrebrød, local Wiibroe beer and down‑to‑earth hygge in a tucked‑away Helsingør pub with a summery courtyard beer garden.
Axelbar
0.4 km
Cozy brasserie-bar in Helsingør’s historic centre, serving generous comfort dishes, brunch and drinks in a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere close to the harbour.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Souvenir shop
0.2 km
Curated Danish souvenirs and castle mementos within Kronborg's historic walls.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.5 km
A cosy, Nordic-style boutique on Helsingør’s main street, blending women’s fashion, skincare and homewares in a warm, living-room-like setting.
Levende Lys
0.5 km
A cosy, colour-filled fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Helsingør, blending contemporary women’s clothing with playful home décor and gift ideas.
Ide Nyt
0.5 km
A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on lively Bjergegade, Ide Nyt blends Scandinavian style, quality brands and a calm atmosphere in Helsingør’s historic heart.
Danmission Op Shop
0.5 km
Ethical treasure-hunting in Helsingør’s old town, where ever-changing second-hand finds support Danmission’s humanitarian work far beyond Denmark.
Butik Chaplin
0.5 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.6 km
A cosy Helsingør specialty shop where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, fine tea and Nordic delicacies fills a historic cobbled lane in the heart of the old town.
Krystallen
0.6 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.6 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.6 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
HL Mode A/S
0.6 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Østens Perle
0.6 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.6 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.6 km
Compact, cheerful and central, Happy Gifts & Souvenirs is Helsingør’s easy stop for Danish-themed keepsakes and Kronborg-inspired mementos after a day of exploring.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.6 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hold-An
0.4 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Axelhus
0.4 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Axelhus Udeservering
0.4 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.5 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Holger
0.5 km
Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.
Banana joe
0.5 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Strandborg
0.6 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.7 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Head/Foam
0.9 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Joker Bar
1.1 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
1.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
1.8 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Kardusen
3.5 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.9 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Jernstangen
22.7 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Lively
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Industrial
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
