Dancer's Fountain (Danserindebrønden), Helsingør
A graceful bronze tribute to Danish ballet tucked into a leafy corner of Helsingør, where three dancers freeze mid‑step between Kronborg Castle and the old town.
Tucked into a small garden at the corner of Allegade and Kronborgvej, the Dancer's Fountain (Danserindebrønden) is one of Helsingør’s most graceful landmarks. Created by sculptor Rudolph Tegner in 1913 and moved here from Copenhagen in the 1930s, the bronze group depicts three ballet dancers poised mid‑movement above a circular basin. Between Kronborg Castle, the harbour and the old town, this tranquil spot offers art, greenery and a quiet bench-level pause on a busy sightseeing day.
A brief summary to Dancer's fountain
- Allegade, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Come in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon to see the dancers’ silhouettes and shadows at their most dramatic and to photograph the bronze without harsh glare.
- Walk all the way around the fountain and look for the names Elna, Emilie and Grethe on the base to appreciate how each figure expresses a distinct personality.
- Pair a stop here with visits to Kronborg Castle and the nearby maritime museum; the fountain makes a calm green break between more time‑intensive sights.
- If you plan to sit for a while, bring a takeaway coffee or snack from the old town, as there are no dedicated vendors directly at the fountain itself.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Copenhagen
Take a coastal regional train from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør Station; services run several times per hour and the journey usually takes 45–50 minutes. Standard adult single tickets typically cost around 80–100 DKK depending on time and ticket type. From Helsingør Station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk through the town centre to the Dancer's Fountain. Trains are step‑free, but the walk includes some cobbled sections that may feel uneven for wheelchairs or prams.
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Local bus within Helsingør
From residential areas or outer districts of Helsingør, use local city buses that stop near Kronborg Castle or along Kongensgade; the ride usually takes 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point. A short walk of roughly 10 minutes from these stops brings you to the corner of Allegade and Kronborgvej. Single bus fares are commonly in the range of 20–30 DKK, and services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings or Sundays. Most buses accept contactless payment and have low floors for easier boarding.
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Car or taxi from the surrounding region
If you are arriving by car from elsewhere in North Zealand, plan on 20–40 minutes of driving from nearby towns such as Hillerød or Fredensborg, depending on traffic. Paid public parking is available around Kronborg Castle and in central Helsingør, from where you can walk 5–15 minutes to the fountain. Expect parking fees around 10–25 DKK per hour in central zones. Taxis from nearby towns offer a direct option but are more expensive; typical fares can range from 250–450 DKK one way depending on distance and time of day.
Dancer's fountain location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Dancer's fountain
Ballet in Bronze on a Quiet Helsingør Corner
The Dancer's Fountain, or Danserindebrønden, sits in a modest green pocket where Allegade meets Kronborgvej, just a short stroll from Helsingør’s harbour and the looming walls of Kronborg Castle. At first glance it is a simple circular basin surrounded by low planting and paving. Step closer, though, and you find three young women cast in bronze, frozen at the crest of a dance step, their limbs outstretched as if still moving to an unheard orchestra. The figures stand together on a central plinth rising from the middle of the fountain bowl. Their forms are slender and athletic, with finely modelled muscles and bare feet that suggest hours of rehearsal. Despite the small footprint of the site, the composition feels airy, leaving plenty of space for light and sky to flow between arms and legs. On a still day, the basin mirrors their silhouettes, doubling the sense of motion even when the water itself is quiet.A Royal Danish Ballet Tribute with a Travelling Past
Danserindebrønden is more than a decorative fountain: it is a tribute to early 20th‑century Danish ballet. The three dancers personify real performers from the Royal Danish Ballet, and their names are inscribed at the base: Elna (often recorded as Elna Lauesgaard or Elna Jørgen Jensen), Emilie Smith and Grethe Ditlevsen. Each figure captures a different character, from poised lyricism to playful energy, echoing the varied roles they once brought to the stage. The work was created in 1913 by sculptor Rudolph Tegner, an artist known for dramatic, often expressive figures in bronze and stone. Commissioned for a competition backed by brewer and art patron Carl Jacobsen, the fountain was first installed in the King’s Garden near Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen. Two decades later, in the 1930s, it was relocated to Helsingør, gaining a more intimate setting among modest trees and townhouses rather than palace lawns.Reading the Details: Movement, Water and Light
Take time to circle the fountain and notice how each dancer is choreographed in space. One tilts her head back, arm arched behind her as if catching the last note of a solo. Another twists at the waist, toes pointed, skirt swirling in invisible motion. The third leans outward, creating a diagonal that seems to pull the eye toward the surrounding town. Together they form a loose triangle, every angle carefully judged to look balanced from multiple viewpoints. When the water is running, slender jets play around the plinth and cascade gently into the basin, softening the metal with movement and sound. Even when dry, the traces of water along the bronze and stone hint at this kinetic layer, suggesting a stage where water once acted as a partner to the dancers. Sunlight picks out polished highlights on shoulders and calves, while on overcast days the figures appear moodier and more introspective.A Pocket Park Amid Helsingør’s Cultural Neighbours
Although modest in scale, the small garden around the fountain works as a welcome pause point between larger attractions. Benches and low walls invite you to sit, while nearby trees and plantings add seasonal texture: fresh green in spring, deep shade in summer, and a carpet of leaves in autumn. The surrounding streets carry a steady but not overwhelming flow of local life, with glimpses of the harbour cranes and Kronborg’s silhouette never far away. The fountain’s location makes it easy to weave into a broader walk linking the castle ramparts, the maritime museum, the old town streets and nearby churches. Compared with these heavyweight sights, Danserindebrønden offers a more personal scale, almost like a neighbourhood secret shared with those who choose to look beyond the main postcard views.Experiencing the Atmosphere Today
Visit in the early morning and you may find the dancers emerging from mist or soft coastal light, the square still quiet except for the rustle of leaves and distant clink of boat masts. Around midday, the space often becomes a casual lunch spot, with people resting briefly on benches as the bronze figures hold their endless pose above them. Late in the day, the low sun can throw long shadows from the dancers across the paving, elongating their forms into abstract patterns. Because the fountain is open and unfenced, there is no formal entry sequence: you simply drift in from the pavement. This accessibility adds to its charm; the artwork functions as part of everyday urban life, encountered on the way to shops, the harbour or the castle. Whether you stay for a quick photograph or linger with a sketchbook, the dancers offer a momentary connection to Denmark’s ballet heritage, captured here in metal, water and light.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.1 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Helsingør harbour
0.2 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'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.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.5 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
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.
Heracles and the Hydra
0.6 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.6 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Helsingborg City Hall
5.1 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
10.2 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
11.7 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
13.1 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
14.6 km
Discover the captivating history and serene beauty of Esrum Kloster & Møllegård, a former Cistercian monastery nestled in the heart of North Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Arte callejero
0.0 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
0.0 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.
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
0.2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
0.3 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.
St. Vincent's Church
0.3 km
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.
Saint Olai Church
0.3 km
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
0.4 km
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
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Arabi Food
0.1 km
Authentic Arabic street food in Helsingør's vibrant food market—fresh, affordable, and genuinely delicious.
The Eatery of Jan & Christian
0.1 km
Contemporary Danish cooking in a welcoming neighbourhood setting on Helsingør's central street.
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.
Spisehuset i Kulturværftet
0.2 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.
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.
Restaurant Dansk
0.2 km
Cosy, low-key spot in Helsingør’s old town serving straightforward Danish comfort food in a lived‑in, neighbourhood setting.
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.
Gæstgivergården
0.3 km
Cosy Helsingør gastropub serving traditional Danish comfort food, a changing daily dish and relaxed drinks in a central old‑town setting.
The Copenhagener
0.3 km
Hearty smørrebrød, local Wiibroe beer and down‑to‑earth hygge in a tucked‑away Helsingør pub with a summery courtyard beer garden.
Chums Vinbar & Bistro, Helsingør
0.3 km
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.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danmission Op Shop
0.3 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
0.4 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
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.
Krystallen
0.4 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Ide Nyt
0.4 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.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.4 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
0.4 km
Curated Danish souvenirs and castle mementos within Kronborg's historic walls.
HL Mode A/S
0.5 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.5 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.5 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.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.5 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.5 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.
Østens Perle
0.5 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.5 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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.
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
0.3 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
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.
Holger
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.5 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
0.8 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
0.9 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
1.5 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
1.6 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
17.8 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
