Fyrskibet nr. XVII Gedser Rev, Helsingør
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.
Moored in Helsingør’s historic harbor by the M/S Maritime Museum, Fyrskibet nr. XVII “Gedser Rev” is a beautifully preserved Danish lightship built in 1895. Once stationed off Gedser as a floating lighthouse and Cold War navigation point, it later became a Copenhagen harbor icon in Nyhavn. Today, this National Museum–owned vessel serves as a floating piece of maritime history, showcasing traditional shipbuilding, seafaring life and dramatic stories of escape across the Baltic.
A brief summary to Fyrskibet nr. XVII
- Allegade 2, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a stop by Fyrskibet nr. XVII with a visit to the nearby M/S Maritime Museum to put the ship’s history into a broader seafaring context.
- Bring a windproof layer; even on mild days the exposed harbor can feel breezy when you are standing on the quay near the ship.
- If you are interested in photography, visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the light along the waterfront is softer and reflections on the water are strongest.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and walking from Copenhagen
Take a regional train from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør Station; trains typically run at least twice an hour and the journey takes about 40–45 minutes. A one-way adult ticket usually costs in the range of 80–110 DKK depending on ticket type. From Helsingør Station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on mostly flat, paved surfaces through the harbor area to reach Fyrskibet nr. XVII, which is moored near the cultural harbor and maritime museum.
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Car from North Zealand
Driving from nearby North Zealand towns such as Hillerød or Hornbæk generally takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. There are public parking areas around Helsingør’s harbor and city center, some of which are pay-and-display with hourly fees typically between 10–25 DKK. From the parking areas you should expect a short urban walk on level ground to the quays where Fyrskibet nr. XVII is located.
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Ferry and walking from Helsingborg, Sweden
From Helsingborg, board the pedestrian ferry to Helsingør; crossings are frequent and the voyage across the Øresund takes about 20 minutes. A foot passenger ticket is usually in the range of 60–110 DKK one way, depending on time and ticket choice. After disembarking in Helsingør, it is a straightforward 10–15 minute walk through the harbor area on paved surfaces to reach the lightship.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Fyrskibet nr. XVII
A floating chapter of Danish maritime history
Fyrskibet nr. XVII “Gedser Rev” is one of Denmark’s best-known historical lightships, launched in 1895 to mark dangerous shoals and guide ships safely along the busy waters of Øresund and the Baltic. For its first decades it lay at Lappegrunden north of Helsingør, serving as a bright, reliable point of reference for captains approaching the narrow sound. From 1921 the ship was moved to the treacherous waters off Gedser, Denmark’s southernmost point, where it took on the name Gedser Rev. Here it rode out storms and harsh winters, anchored in open sea while its rotating lantern and fog signals warned passing traffic of shallow reefs and shifting sandbanks.Life on board a lighthouse at sea
Stepping onto the deck, you’re entering what was once a self-contained world for the lightship’s crew. Sailors lived for weeks at a time in compact quarters below deck, maintaining the lantern, engines and signal equipment while the ship held its fixed position on heavy chains. Supplies, fresh water and news from land arrived only periodically, giving the vessel an almost outpost-like atmosphere. Details such as sturdy timber work, brass fittings and the high lantern mast evoke the ship’s working past. You can picture crew members on icy night watches, checking the light and listening for foghorns and bells from other ships feeling their way through darkness and mist.Cold War front line and escapes to freedom
During the Cold War, Gedser Rev occupied a strategic spot between East and West. In the early 1960s the lightship became an unofficial lifeline for people fleeing East Germany. Desperate refugees set out across the Baltic in small, improvised boats, aiming for the recognizable silhouette and light of the ship. When they made it to the hull, the crew could bring them aboard and help them reach safety on Danish soil. These dramatic crossings have given the vessel a powerful symbolic role: not only as a guide for commercial shipping, but also as a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom. Stories of these escapes are among the most moving aspects of the ship’s legacy.From working vessel to cultural landmark
After being retired from active service in the 1970s, the lightship was taken over by the National Museum and restored with support from Danish foundations. For years it was a recognizable red-and-white landmark in Copenhagen’s Nyhavn, where its classic profile and towering mast formed part of the old harbor backdrop. More recently, the ship found a new home in Helsingør’s cultural harbor, moored close to Kronborg Castle and the M/S Maritime Museum. Here it forms part of a broader maritime ensemble, linking the region’s seafaring past with contemporary waterfront life and architecture.Experiencing the ship in Helsingør harbor
Seen up close at Allegade and the surrounding quay, Fyrskibet nr. XVII impresses with its compact yet powerful hull, high lantern mast and the distinctive red paintwork associated with Danish lightships. The setting in Helsingør’s historic harbor lets you appreciate how such vessels once fitted naturally into a working port filled with cargo steamers, ferries and fishing boats. Even when the ship itself is not open for interior visits, the exterior offers plenty to take in: the arrangement of anchors and chains, the lantern structure, and the contrast between the old wooden vessel and the sharp, modern lines of the nearby maritime museum. On a gray day with low clouds over the Øresund, it is easy to imagine the conditions the ship once faced on open sea.A preserved icon of seafaring heritage
Today, Fyrskibet nr. XVII “Gedser Rev” is maintained as an important piece of Danish cultural heritage, representing more than 70 years of service at sea. Its story brings together navigation, shipbuilding, everyday sailor life and the human drama of Cold War escapes. For visitors to Helsingør, the ship adds a tangible, tactile dimension to the city’s maritime character. It invites you to pause on the quay, look up at the lantern mast and reflect on the thousands of journeys—commercial, military and personal—that once depended on this solitary light far from land.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Helsingør harbour
0.1 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.2 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.3 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
0.3 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
0.3 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Helsingor
0.4 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.4 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.7 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Helsingborg City Hall
4.9 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
8.8 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
10.4 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
12.0 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
12.2 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
13.2 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Ven
14.7 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
Elsinore Public Museums
0.1 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
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.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
0.2 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.
St. Mary's Church
0.2 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.
History of the churches
0.2 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.
Helsingør harbor promenade
0.2 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.
Wibroe Plads
0.2 km
A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
M/S Maritime Museum
0.2 km
Award‑winning underground museum in a historic dry dock, where cutting‑edge design and interactive exhibits bring Denmark’s maritime heritage vividly to life.
Saint Olai Church
0.2 km
Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
'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.
Dancer's fountain
0.3 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.
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.
Skibsklarerergaarden
0.3 km
Step into an 18th‑century ship handler’s home in Helsingør and experience the intimate world of Øresund tolls, merchant families and maritime trade.
Gl.Færgestræde
0.3 km
Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
0.3 km
A modest harbor-side monument in Helsingør honoring local lives lost in World War II, quietly linking the busy waterfront to the town’s stories of resistance and sacrifice.
Essential places to dine
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.
Ofelia Bar
0.2 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
0.2 km
Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
M/S Café
0.2 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.
HEY DARLING - Street Kitchen
0.2 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
0.2 km
Exceptional hand-breaded fish and chips in a casual food market setting.
Suki Ramen
0.2 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.
The Copenhagener
0.2 km
Hearty smørrebrød, local Wiibroe beer and down‑to‑earth hygge in a tucked‑away Helsingør pub with a summery courtyard beer garden.
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.
Værftets Madmarked
0.2 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.
Arabi Food
0.2 km
Authentic Arabic street food in Helsingør's vibrant food market—fresh, affordable, and genuinely delicious.
Restaurant Torvet
0.3 km
Casual, family-friendly dining in the heart of Helsingør, serving classic comfort dishes and café staples just steps from the town’s historic streets.
The Eatery of Jan & Christian
0.3 km
Contemporary Danish cooking in a welcoming neighbourhood setting on Helsingør's central street.
Axelbar
0.3 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.
Zilleri
0.3 km
Compact Italian trattoria and deli in Helsingør’s old town, serving homemade pasta and classic specialties among shelves of wines and pantry staples.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.3 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.
Souvenir shop
0.3 km
Curated Danish souvenirs and castle mementos within Kronborg's historic walls.
Ide Nyt
0.3 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.
Levende Lys
0.4 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.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.4 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.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.4 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.4 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Butik Chaplin
0.4 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Krystallen
0.4 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
HL Mode A/S
0.4 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Østens Perle
0.4 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
0.4 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.4 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
0.5 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Holger
0.3 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.
Axelhus
0.3 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Hold-An
0.3 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.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.3 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Axelhus Udeservering
0.3 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.
Banana joe
0.4 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
0.4 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.5 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Head/Foam
0.7 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
1.2 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
3.3 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.7 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
22.6 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
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Adventure Photo Shoot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
