Heracles and the Hydra Sculpture at Kronborg Castle
A dramatic sculpture marking Kronborg Castle’s entrance, 'Heracles and the Hydra' merges Greek mythology with Danish heritage for an unforgettable arrival in Helsingør.
The 'Heracles and the Hydra' sculpture stands at the entrance of Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Denmark, offering visitors a dramatic depiction of the Greek hero’s legendary battle. This striking artwork provides a memorable photo opportunity and serves as a symbolic gateway to one of Denmark’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A brief summary to Udsigtsplateau
- Helsingør, 3000, DK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Ideal for striking photographs—try different angles with the Kronborg Castle towers in the background.
- The monument is accessible year-round and does not require a ticket to view, though entry to Kronborg Castle itself requires admission.
- Morning or late afternoon light offers the best setting for capturing the sculpture’s dramatic features.
- The area can be breezy due to its waterfront location, so dress accordingly when visiting.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Kronborg’s ramparts for panoramic views of Helsingør and the Øresund strait.
Getting There
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Walking
From the heart of Helsingør’s historic center, begin your stroll toward the waterfront, following the flow of visitors heading in the direction of Kronborg Castle’s distinctive towers. The sculpture is positioned at the main approach to the castle, easily visible as you draw near. The walk typically takes about 10–15 minutes over level ground, with the imposing castle looming as your landmark the entire way.
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Public Transport
Local buses frequently run from Helsingør Station toward the castle area, stopping near the museum and harbor zone. A single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK. From the bus stop, it’s a brief walk along the waterfront promenade, with clear sightlines to the castle’s grand entrance and the sculpture.
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Taxi
A short taxi ride from the city center to Kronborg Castle is convenient, generally taking less than 5 minutes and costing around 70–90 DKK, depending on traffic. Taxis can drop passengers close to the castle entrance, just steps from the sculpture.
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Driving
There is paid parking available in designated lots near Kronborg Castle. Expect fees averaging 12–16 DKK per hour; free spaces fill quickly during weekends and summer months. Parking areas are only a short stroll from the sculpture’s location.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
'Time of the shipyard' mural
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A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Helsingør harbour
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Kronborg Castle Church
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'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
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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.
Elsinore Cemetery
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Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
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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
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Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Helsingor
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Helsingborg City Hall
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Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
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Observationsvärn nr 741
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Falkonergården
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Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
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Unmissable attractions to see
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.
Øresund Aquarium
0.3 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.
Gummistranden
0.4 km
Compact city-side beach on Helsingør’s waterfront, with Øresund views, quick-dip swimming and a promenade linking neighborhood life to Kronborg Castle.
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.
Dancer's fountain
0.6 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 Culture Yard
0.6 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.
Arte callejero
0.6 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.
'The maritime history' mural
0.6 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.
Promenaden
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A broad, breezy waterfront walk linking Helsingør’s old harbor, shipyard culture hub and Kronborg’s fortress headland with big views across the Øresund.
Elsinore Public Museums
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Holger Danske castillo copado
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The legendary sleeping warrior beneath Kronborg Castle, waiting to awaken and defend Denmark in its darkest hour.
Reberbaneparken
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Waterfront park hosting seasonal events and cultural performances in historic Helsingør.
Kronborg Castle
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Hamlet’s legendary Elsinore: a UNESCO‑listed Renaissance fortress where royal grandeur, sea power and Danish myth meet above the Øresund Strait.
Kronborg Lighthouse
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Step into early 20th-century rural Denmark at Flynderupgård Museet, where historic farm buildings, gardens, and animals bring local heritage to life in Espergærde.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
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Essential places to dine
Café Kronborg
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Waterfront seafood café where fresh fish, harbor views, and genuine hospitality meet in Helsingør.
Restaurant Kaj
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Modern Danish brasserie fare and generous seafood served in a light-filled dining room with sweeping Øresund views on Helsingør’s tranquil Nordhavn waterfront.
Arabi Food
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Værftets Madmarked
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HEY DARLING - Street Kitchen
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The Fish Project
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Suki Ramen
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The black olive
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M/S Café
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Spisehuset i Kulturværftet
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Brasserie 1861
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Fine Nordic-French dining with Øresund views and Kronborg Castle as backdrop
The Eatery of Jan & Christian
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Marienlyst beach hotel
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Historic seaside resort on the Danish Riviera with beach spa, private shore and views to Kronborg Castle and Sweden across the Øresund.
Marienlyst Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
0.7 km
Elegant seaside restaurant and lounge at Helsingør’s historic Marienlyst Strandhotel, blending Nordic flavours, crafted cocktails and sweeping Øresund views.
Restaurant Dansk
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Souvenir shop
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Curated Danish souvenirs and castle mementos within Kronborg's historic walls.
Danmission Op Shop
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Butik Chaplin
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Levende Lys
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Krystallen
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Ide Nyt
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Butik hos Anna & Sofie
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HL Mode A/S
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Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
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Jutebar Denmark ApS
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Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
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Østens Perle
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Axelhus
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Strandborg
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