Memorial Stone for Fallen Helsingorans
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.
Set on Havnepladsen by Helsingør’s busy harbor, the Memorial Stone for Fallen Helsingorans is a sober granite monument honoring local residents killed in World War II. Surrounded by ferries, sea breeze and views toward Sweden, this compact memorial offers a quiet pause amid the waterfront bustle, connecting the city’s maritime life with its wartime sacrifices and resistance history.
A brief summary to Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
- Havnepladsen (Jernbanevej, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or late evening for a quieter atmosphere, when commuter traffic and ferry queues are thinner and the harbor light feels more contemplative.
- Take a moment to read every name on the stone; then look around the harbor and imagine the streets, families and workplaces those individuals once knew.
- Combine the memorial with a wider walk along Helsingør’s waterfront to nearby wartime and maritime sites for a fuller picture of the town’s 20th-century history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Train and short walk from Copenhagen
Take a regional train from central Copenhagen to Helsingør Station, a journey of around 45–50 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. A standard adult ticket typically costs about 80–110 DKK one way, depending on discounts and time of purchase. From the station, it is a brief, step-free walk across the forecourt to Havnepladsen by the harbor, where the memorial stands in the open square. Trains run in most weather conditions, but late-evening services are less frequent.
-
Local and regional bus to Helsingør harbor area
Several regional and local bus routes in North Zealand connect surrounding towns to central Helsingør, often stopping near the station and harbor. Travel times range from 20 to 60 minutes depending on distance and traffic. Single tickets usually cost around 25–50 DKK within the region. Buses generally offer low-floor entry, but they can be crowded at commuter times. From the main bus stops by the station, the walk to the memorial on Havnepladsen is level and suitable for most mobility levels.
-
Ferry from Helsingborg and walk from the terminal
If you are arriving from Helsingborg in Sweden, passenger ferries cross the Øresund frequently, with the voyage typically lasting 20 minutes. Adult fares are usually in the range of 60–120 DKK one way, depending on ticket type and time of day. The Danish ferry terminal opens directly onto Helsingør’s harbor area; after disembarking, it is only a few minutes’ level walk through the harbor front to reach the memorial stone on Havnepladsen. Services run in most conditions, though very severe weather can cause delays.
Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
-
Clear Skies
Discover more about Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
A harbor-side tribute to Helsingør’s war dead
The Memorial Stone for Fallen Helsingorans stands on Havnepladsen, a small open square beside the harbor where trains, ferries and city life converge. At first glance it is modest: a solid stone monument framed by paving, flagpoles and the constant movement of the waterfront. Step closer and you find engraved names and dates, a roll call of locals who lost their lives during the Second World War. This simple composition is deliberate. The eye is drawn not to elaborate sculpture, but to the carved letters themselves, inviting you to read and reflect. Here, the abstract enormity of war is reduced to individual lives from a single Danish town, each name linked to the streets, houses and families that still surround the harbor today.Stories of occupation, resistance and loss
Helsingør’s position at the narrow strait of Øresund made it strategically important during the German occupation of Denmark. The town became a place of clandestine crossings and quiet acts of defiance, as local seafarers and citizens helped people escape across the water to neutral Sweden. Other residents joined resistance groups, risking arrest, imprisonment or execution. The memorial stone distills this turbulent chapter into a physical focus point. Though it does not narrate each biography, the list of the fallen hints at a spectrum of fates: sailors lost at sea, resistance members killed in action or reprisals, civilians caught in bombings or accidents. Standing here, with the ferries still plying the same routes, it is easy to imagine the tension of those years when every crossing could mean survival.A quiet pause in a lively waterfront
Havnepladsen today is anything but somber in tone. The square opens toward the water with views of Kronborg Castle, the shipyard buildings of Kulturhavn Kronborg and the polished steel figure of Han on the pier. Cafés, cyclists and commuters bring a constant flow of movement and sound. Within this setting, the memorial stone feels intentionally understated, a place for a brief, personal moment rather than a grand ceremony. Benches nearby allow you to sit within sight of the stone while watching life unfold around it. The contrast between everyday bustle and the stillness of the monument underscores its message: the freedoms embodied by a busy, open harbor were hard won. Even a short stop here can lend a different perspective to the rest of your visit.Details, symbolism and surroundings
The stone itself follows the restrained Scandinavian memorial tradition. Typically carved in light or grey granite, it bears an inscription dedicating the monument to Helsingør residents who fell in the war, accompanied by their names arranged in neat lines. Dates and possibly small symbolic motifs—such as a cross or national emblem—complete the composition without overwhelming it. Around the monument, low plantings or simple paving keep views clear toward the ferries and the water. Flags may fly on nearby masts on commemorative days, visually tying the stone to national remembrance. This openness makes the memorial accessible at all hours, equally part of the urban landscape and set slightly apart from it.Commemoration in a city shaped by the sea
Helsingør’s identity has always been bound to the sea, from medieval toll collections to modern ferry links and cultural projects along the docks. During the war, those same waters became both barrier and escape route. The Memorial Stone for Fallen Helsingorans anchors that history in a single spot, ensuring that the town’s development from fortified harbor to cultural waterfront does not erase the memory of those who died. Seen together with other nearby monuments related to wartime rescue and resistance, the stone forms part of a wider narrative about courage, solidarity and loss along the Øresund. For many visitors, it is a brief but poignant stop between major sights; for locals, it remains a permanent reminder that behind Helsingør’s beautiful setting lie stories of profound sacrifice.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
0.1 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
Helsingor
0.1 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.1 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.
Heracles and the Hydra
0.3 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Helsingør harbour
0.4 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.5 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.7 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
5.0 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
8.5 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
10.6 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
12.1 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
12.5 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
13.0 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Ven
14.4 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
Gl.Færgestræde
0.0 km
Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
Skibsklarerergaarden
0.1 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.
Wibroe Plads
0.2 km
A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
Helsingor Statshavn
0.2 km
A compact working harbor at the narrowest point of the Øresund, where everyday port life unfolds against big-sky views toward the Swedish coast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
i Helsingør
0.3 km
Compact tourist information hub on historic Stjernegade, perfectly placed to plan your exploration of Helsingør’s old town, harbour culture sites and North Zealand.
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.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.3 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.
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
0.4 km
Compact yet grand, this memorial fountain on Axeltorv turns a busy Helsingør square into a vivid snapshot of royal power, maritime trade and urban ambition.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.4 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
The Culture Yard
0.5 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.
'The maritime history' mural
0.5 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.
Essential places to dine
Borgerkroen
0.0 km
Historic Danish bodega where centuries of harbor culture meet smørrebrød and live music.
Strejf
0.1 km
Seasonal Nordic cooking and harbour views in Helsingør’s old station building, where seafood, steaks, wine and cocktails meet the maritime buzz of Øresund.
Sundkroen
0.1 km
Cozy Danish brasserie-style dining in the historic Madam Sprunck building, steps from Helsingør Station and the Øresund waterfront.
Ramen world
0.1 km
Handcrafted Japanese ramen in the heart of Helsingør—authentic flavors, warm hospitality, exceptional value.
Jellyfish
0.1 km
Intimate Nordic seafood restaurant in Helsingør’s old town, pairing fresh Danish ingredients with modern, minimalist design and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Cafe Karisma
0.1 km
Casual coffee and juice bar on Helsingør’s Stengade, serving Illy coffee, fresh-pressed juices, sandwiches and baked potatoes in a relaxed, everyday setting.
Rådmand Davids Hus
0.1 km
Historic 1694 café serving authentic Danish smørrebrød in cozy, timeless surroundings.
San Remo
0.2 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a historic old-town cafeteria where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
San Rock Restaurant & Grillbar
0.2 km
Casual central Helsingør grill bar serving unfussy comfort food and generous plates just steps from the old town streets and harbourfront sights.
Blue Sky Sushi
0.2 km
Cozy Japanese all‑you‑can‑eat sushi in Helsingør’s historic center, blending fresh fish, low‑waste principles and a relaxed, modern atmosphere near the harbor.
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.
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.
Zilleri
0.2 km
Compact Italian trattoria and deli in Helsingør’s old town, serving homemade pasta and classic specialties among shelves of wines and pantry staples.
Rib House
0.2 km
Casual steakhouse on Helsingør’s main street, serving generous spareribs and grills in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting close to the town’s historic sights.
Appetit
0.2 km
Modern French fine dining with seasonal flair and passionate craftsmanship in charming Helsingør.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.1 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.1 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.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.1 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.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.2 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Ide Nyt
0.2 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.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.2 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
Østens Perle
0.2 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Levende Lys
0.2 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.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.2 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.2 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.
HL Mode A/S
0.3 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Ophelia
0.3 km
Curated Scandinavian boutique in historic Helsingør, where literary heritage meets contemporary design.
Krystallen
0.3 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Butik Chaplin
0.3 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Imerco
0.3 km
Compact Scandinavian home store on Helsingør’s main street, packed with kitchenware, tableware and cosy design gifts for practical living and stylish souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Strandborg
0.1 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Holger
0.1 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
0.2 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.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.3 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
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
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.
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.
Head/Foam
0.4 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
1.4 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
3.1 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.4 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
22.4 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
