‘The Maritime History’ Mural, Helsingør
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.
On the gable of Allegade 7 in Helsingør’s old harbour district, ‘The Maritime History’ mural unfolds as a collage-like tribute to 300 years of Danish shipping. Painted directly on the wall by Spanish artist Oriol Caminal Martinez and Italian artist Piercarlo Carella, it weaves together wooden sailing ships, steamers and modern vessels in one sweeping narrative. Created in collaboration with the Maritime Museum and local cultural institutions, this outdoor artwork anchors the city’s broader story of shipbuilding, trade and life at sea in a single, richly detailed façade.
A brief summary to 'The maritime history' mural
- Allegade 7, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the low sun brings out the mural’s textures and avoids harsh glare on the painted surface.
- Step back to the opposite side of Allegade for a full view, then move closer to pick out details like rigging, cranes and changing ship designs.
- Combine the visit with the neighbouring shipyard-era mural on Kongensgade 23 and the Maritime Museum to follow the wider story of Helsingør’s harbour.
- Bring a camera or phone with a wide-angle setting; the narrow street and tall gable can be challenging for framing the entire artwork.
- In wet or cold weather, plan a short outdoor stop at the mural, then warm up in nearby cafés while reading more about Helsingør’s maritime history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walk
From Copenhagen, take a regional train to Helsingør Station; services run several times per hour and the journey usually takes 45–50 minutes. A standard adult single ticket typically costs around 80–110 DKK, depending on ticket type. From Helsingør Station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk through the old town on mostly flat, paved streets, suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility. Trains operate throughout the day, but late-night services are less frequent, so check return times if you plan an evening visit.
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Bus within Helsingør
If you prefer not to walk from Helsingør Station, local city buses connect the station area with stops in and around the old town in roughly 5–10 minutes. A single-zone city bus ticket generally costs about 20–30 DKK when bought from a ticket machine or via travel apps. Buses usually run every 10–20 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency in the evening and on weekends. Expect short stretches of cobblestones near the mural, which can be less comfortable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Car or taxi
Arriving by car from the wider North Zealand region, travel time to central Helsingør is typically 30–60 minutes depending on distance and traffic. Public street parking and parking garages are available around the town centre, with hourly fees often in the range of 10–25 DKK; some areas have time limits or require a parking disc. Because Allegade is in a compact historic quarter, you will usually need to leave the car in a nearby lot and walk 5–10 minutes along narrow streets. Taxis within Helsingør can shorten that final distance, with short rides commonly costing around 80–140 DKK.
'The maritime history' mural location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about 'The maritime history' mural
A harbour wall turned seafaring storybook
The gable of Allegade 7 looks out toward Helsingør’s historic shipyard, and on it a vast mural transforms bare brick into a living chronicle of maritime life. ‘The Maritime History’ mural functions like an illustrated timeline, condensing centuries of seafaring into one sweeping collage. From the cobbles below, the first impression is of movement: masts, funnels and hulls overlap in a dense choreography, as if ship after ship were gliding past the quay. Step a little closer and individual episodes begin to separate from the flow. A wooden sailing vessel leans into the wind, its canvas straining as if it has just rounded Kronborg Castle. Nearby, a stockier steamship cuts through stylised waves, smoke curling into a pale northern sky. Modern cargo vessels, with their geometric profiles, complete the ensemble, hinting at the global shipping lanes that still connect the Øresund to distant oceans.Three ages of Danish shipping on one façade
At the heart of the mural is a visual conversation between three eras of Danish shipping. Wooden boats under sail evoke a time when tolls at Helsingør controlled access to the Baltic and every passing ship was part of the town’s livelihood. The arrival of steam power appears in compact, dark-hulled steamers, signalling industrial progress and the shipyard boom that reshaped the harbourfront. Sleek contemporary vessels, painted with cleaner lines and bolder colour blocks, stand for today’s container age. Rather than separating these periods, the artists weave them together in layers, letting rigging, cranes and hulls intersect. The effect is almost cinematic: the eye jumps from detail to detail as if scanning archival footage. Subtle references to navigation – a compass, a glimpse of charts, fragments of harbour machinery – reinforce the sense that this is more than decoration; it is a compressed archive of working life by the water.International artists and local collaboration
The mural is the work of Spanish artist Oriol Caminal Martinez and Italian artist Piercarlo Carella, both invited to Helsingør to create a site-specific piece. They sketched on location, allowing the proportions of the gable, the changing northern light and the view toward the former shipyard gate to shape their composition. Painting directly onto the plastered wall, they built up the surface with broad, gestural fields of colour, then tightened certain areas with crisp lines and fine detail. Behind the scenes, the project was developed in collaboration with the Maritime Museum and the local Art and Public Space initiative. Curators and museum staff helped compile historical material, images and stories from the shipyard era so that the mural would resonate with the city’s own archives. Former shipyard workers contributed memories and visual references, ensuring that the cranes, silhouettes and workaday details feel grounded in lived experience rather than generic industrial imagery.A gateway to the shipyard era district
‘The Maritime History’ mural is paired visually and thematically with a neighbouring mural on Kongensgade 23, where American artist Garin Baker has created a hyper-realistic scene from the old Elsinore Shipyard. Together they frame the entrance to the former shipyard area, now a cultural district anchored by the Maritime Museum and the Culture Yard. Standing in front of Allegade 7, you are effectively on the threshold between the historic town and the reimagined harbour. From this spot, the mural becomes a kind of open-air prologue to what lies beyond: galleries, museums and waterfront promenades that continue the narrative of work, trade and technology. Yet the gable painting remains resolutely public and everyday. It belongs as much to passersby running errands in the old streets as to anyone seeking out art, stitching maritime heritage into the routine fabric of the city.Colour, texture and the feel of the port
Visually, the mural balances weathered tones with sharper accents. Blues and greys echo sea and steel, while rust reds and ochres suggest hull paint, brick warehouses and sunlit rigging. In some places the brushwork is loose and almost impressionistic, hinting at spray, smoke or low cloud over the Sound. In others, the lines tighten to bring out a winch, a deckhouse window or the edge of a quay. Seen up close, the texture of the wall is part of the experience. Hairline cracks and the grain of the plaster interact with the paint, reminding you that this narrative is literally embedded in the old building stock of Helsingør. On bright days, shadows cast by neighbouring roofs and street fixtures move across the scene, adding another shifting layer, as if time continues to wash over the ships just as the tide washes along the harbour edge.A quiet pause in a working townscape
Despite its scale, the mural sits quietly within the narrow street. There is no formal viewing platform, only the natural pause of a small urban square and the rhythm of people passing through. It invites a short stop – a moment to look up, trace the curve of a hull, imagine the sound of hammers in the yard or the creak of a loaded vessel turning toward open water. For many visitors, this becomes an informal starting point for exploring Helsingør’s broader network of historical murals, each dealing with a different chapter of the town’s past. For others, it is simply a striking image encountered on the way to the harbour. Either way, ‘The Maritime History’ mural succeeds in what street art does best: quietly folding memory and meaning into an ordinary corner of the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
'Time of the shipyard' mural
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Helsingør harbour
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'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
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Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
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Elsinore Cemetery
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Helsingor
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Heracles and the Hydra
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Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Kronborg Castle Church
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Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Helsingborg City Hall
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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
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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
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WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
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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
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Falkonergården
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Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
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Unmissable attractions to see
Arte callejero
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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.
Dancer's fountain
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A delicate bronze trio of Royal Danish Ballet dancers, Danserindebrønden is a quiet green-corner fountain where Helsingør’s everyday life meets timeless grace.
Elsinore Public Museums
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Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
St. Mary's Church
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Historic public square at the heart of Roskilde, home to markets, festivals, and community life, framed by centuries-old buildings and vibrant Danish tradition.
The Culture Yard
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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
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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.
History of the churches
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A storytelling gable in Helsingør’s old town, this mural compresses centuries of church history into a single vivid scene between two medieval sanctuaries.
M/S Maritime Museum
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Award‑winning underground museum in a historic dry dock, where cutting‑edge design and interactive exhibits bring Denmark’s maritime heritage vividly to life.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
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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
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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.
Øresund Aquarium
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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.
St. Vincent's Church
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North Zealand’s only Roman Catholic church, a white-towered 1930 sanctuary in Helsingør offering quiet reflection, modest Romanesque-inspired architecture and living parish life.
Helsingør Havne
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Twin harbours beneath Kronborg Castle, where ferries, yachts and culture share a historic waterfront on the narrow Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden.
Saint Olai Church
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Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
Wibroe Plads
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A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
Essential places to dine
The black olive
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The Eatery of Jan & Christian
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Contemporary Danish cooking in a welcoming neighbourhood setting on Helsingør's central street.
Værftets Madmarked
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Bustling shipyard food hall on Helsingør’s waterfront, where industrial heritage, global street food stalls and sociable long tables create an easygoing harbour hangout.
HEY DARLING - Street Kitchen
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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
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Exceptional hand-breaded fish and chips in a casual food market setting.
Suki Ramen
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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
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Authentic Arabic street food in Helsingør's vibrant food market—fresh, affordable, and genuinely delicious.
Spisehuset i Kulturværftet
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Bright, harbourfront café-restaurant in Helsingør’s Culture Yard, serving organic-leaning Nordic comfort food, brunch and cakes with views over the busy Øresund.
Restaurant Dansk
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Cosy, low-key spot in Helsingør’s old town serving straightforward Danish comfort food in a lived‑in, neighbourhood setting.
Axelbar
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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.
Gæstgivergården
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Cosy Helsingør gastropub serving traditional Danish comfort food, a changing daily dish and relaxed drinks in a central old‑town setting.
The Copenhagener
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Hearty smørrebrød, local Wiibroe beer and down‑to‑earth hygge in a tucked‑away Helsingør pub with a summery courtyard beer garden.
M/S Café
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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.
Restaurant Torvet
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Casual, family-friendly dining in the heart of Helsingør, serving classic comfort dishes and café staples just steps from the town’s historic streets.
Chums Vinbar & Bistro, Helsingør
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Cosy wine bar and bistro in Helsingør’s old streets, known for baked cheeses, tarte flambée and well-chosen European wines in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danmission Op Shop
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Ethical treasure-hunting in Helsingør’s old town, where ever-changing second-hand finds support Danmission’s humanitarian work far beyond Denmark.
Butik Chaplin
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A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Levende Lys
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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.
Krystallen
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Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Ide Nyt
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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.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
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A cosy, Nordic-style boutique on Helsingør’s main street, blending women’s fashion, skincare and homewares in a warm, living-room-like setting.
HL Mode A/S
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Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Jørgensen & Co.
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Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
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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.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
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Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
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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.
Østens Perle
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Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Souvenir shop
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Curated Danish souvenirs and castle mementos within Kronborg's historic walls.
Helsingør Vinhandel
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Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
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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
Axelhus Udeservering
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Hold-An
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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
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Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Pitten Sport Bar
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Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Holger
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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
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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
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Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Helsingør Musikteater
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Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Head/Foam
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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
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Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
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Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
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Kardusen
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Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.8 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
22.5 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
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Street Art
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- LGBT Friendly
