M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark (M/S Museet for Søfart)
Award‑winning underground museum in a historic dry dock, where cutting‑edge design and interactive exhibits bring Denmark’s maritime heritage vividly to life.
Set dramatically around an old dry dock beside Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark is an award‑winning, partly subterranean museum dedicated to the nation’s seafaring story. Innovative, highly interactive exhibitions trace Danish trade and shipping from the 15th century to today, while striking architecture by Bjarke Ingels Group turns the dock itself into a monumental exhibit. Families will find hands‑on installations and a maritime play universe, plus a café and design‑driven museum shop overlooking the harbor.
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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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 2–3 hours if you enjoy reading exhibits and trying the interactive stations; families with children may want longer for the Dream Ship play area.
- Arrive near opening time or late afternoon on weekends and holidays to experience the galleries and dry dock architecture with more breathing space.
- Bring a light layer: parts of the museum are below ground and can feel noticeably cooler than the waterfront outside, especially in colder seasons.
- Combine your visit with Kronborg Castle next door and a stroll through Helsingør’s harborfront to make a full maritime‑themed day trip from Copenhagen.
- Check current temporary exhibitions and family activities in advance, as themes change and often highlight special ships, shipwrecks or contemporary ocean issues.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take a regional train towards Helsingør; services typically run every 20 minutes and the journey takes about 45–50 minutes. A standard adult single on this route usually costs around 80–110 DKK depending on ticket type and time. From Helsingør Station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk through the harbor area on mostly flat, paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Trains operate throughout the day, but late‑evening departures are less frequent, so check return times if you plan to stay until closing.
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Car from North Zealand
If you are driving from elsewhere in North Zealand, expect a travel time of roughly 20–40 minutes from towns such as Hillerød or Humlebæk, depending on traffic. There are public parking areas in the Kulturhavn Kronborg harbor district around the museum, but spaces can be limited on sunny weekends and during major events. Typical parking fees in central Helsingør are in the range of 10–25 DKK per hour, often with maximum duration limits. Surfaces are paved, but some lots may require a short outdoor walk in windy waterfront conditions.
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Public transport within Helsingør
Local buses connect residential neighborhoods in Helsingør with stops near Kronborg and the harbor area in about 10–20 minutes, depending on where you start. Single tickets on city buses are generally around 20–30 DKK and can usually be purchased via ticket apps or onboard, though cash options may be limited. Buses run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and Sundays, so check current timetables. From the nearest stops, expect a short, level walk through the Culture Harbour district to reach the museum entrance.
M/S Maritime Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about M/S Maritime Museum
Denmark’s Seafaring Story Beneath the Surface
Hidden below ground level beside UNESCO‑listed Kronborg Castle, the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark dives into more than five centuries of Danish trade and shipping. Established in 1915 and later relocated from the castle to this purpose‑built home, it tells how a small Nordic kingdom became a major maritime nation, with routes stretching from the Baltic to China, India and beyond. Inside, exhibitions weave big‑picture history with intimate human stories. Model ships, instruments, uniforms and personal belongings evoke life on board, while large‑scale projections and soundscapes recreate storms, busy ports and engine rooms. From the age of sail to container giants, you trace how shipping shaped Denmark’s wealth, wars and everyday life.Architecture Carved into a Historic Dry Dock
The museum’s most startling exhibit is its building. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and opened in 2013, it occupies the walls of a 150‑meter‑long former dry dock, leaving the dock itself as an open void. The structure never rises above ground level, preserving unbroken views towards Kronborg, yet once you step onto the sloping bridges you descend into a dramatic urban canyon of raw concrete and angled glass. Galleries loop around the dock in a gentle, continuous slope, echoing the feeling of moving through a ship. Bridges criss‑cross the chasm, doubling as circulation routes, an auditorium and outdoor promenades. At night, the geometry of steel, glass and concrete is reflected in pools of light, turning the dock into a theatrical stage.Immersive Exhibitions and Maritime Lives
Exhibits are organized into themed zones exploring navigation, global trade, wartime convoys, shipbuilding and the everyday realities of sailors at sea. You can experiment with navigation tools, explore how lighthouses kept ships off the rocks, and see how more than 90% of today’s goods still move by sea. Displays on Danish routes to Asia reveal fragile porcelain, silks and spices alongside stories of risk and fortune. Social history runs throughout. Films, diaries and photographs illuminate life below deck: cramped bunks, tattoos as talismans, long separations from home and the camaraderie of crews. More recent sections look at containerization, offshore industries and the environmental challenges facing global shipping.Family‑Friendly Play and Hands‑On Learning
For younger visitors, the DRØMMESKIBET (Dream Ship) play universe offers a 400 m² maritime world scaled to children’s curiosity. Here they can clamber through ship‑inspired structures, come eye‑to‑eye with a torpedo, and engage in role‑play as captains, rescuers or harbor workers. Interactive games elsewhere in the museum invite you to manage shipping routes, balance profit with safety, or test how quickly you can react in rough seas. Workshops and teaching spaces are designed for school groups and families who want to dig deeper into navigation, marine technology or the science of the sea. Throughout, labels and media balance Danish maritime detail with broader themes of exploration, migration and global trade.Café, Harbor Views and the Culture Harbour Setting
The M/S Café looks directly into the dry dock and out towards the harbor, making it a pleasant stop for lunch, coffee or cake between galleries. The menu typically leans on seasonal, Nordic‑inspired dishes and simple, well‑prepared classics. Nearby, the M/S Shop offers design‑oriented souvenirs: maritime‑themed homeware, books, toys and accessories linked to the exhibitions and Danish design traditions. The museum sits at the heart of Kulturhavn Kronborg, a redeveloped harbor area that brings together cultural venues, waterfront promenades and food stalls. Combining a visit here with Kronborg Castle and a stroll through Helsingør’s historic streets turns the museum into the cornerstone of a rich day out by the Øresund.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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Industrial
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Viral Moments
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Adventure Photo Shoot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
