Heracles and the Hydra
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
A striking bronze sculpture by Danish artist Rudolph Tegner depicting the mythological hero Heracles battling the multi-headed Hydra, positioned on the waterfront near Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. Originally created in plaster in 1919 and recast in bronze in 1932, the sculpture was relocated to its current harborside location in 1994. This dramatic public artwork blends Greek mythology with Helsingør's maritime heritage, offering a compelling visual narrative and popular photography spot with views toward Sweden across the Øresund Strait.
A brief summary to Heracles and the Hydra
- Kronborgvej 5, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for optimal photography, when light plays across the bronze surface and the Øresund Strait provides a luminous backdrop.
- Examine the sculpture from multiple angles and distances to appreciate both the overall composition and Tegner's detailed rendering of musculature and mythological forms.
- Combine your visit with nearby Kronborg Castle and the harborfront promenade to experience Helsingør's layered cultural heritage in a single outing.
- Check weather conditions before visiting; clear skies enhance both the visual impact of the sculpture and views across the Øresund Strait toward Sweden.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Walking from Helsingør Station
From Helsingør Station, walk north toward the harbor for approximately 10–12 minutes. The sculpture is located at Kronborgvej 5, directly on the waterfront near Kronborg Castle. The route is flat, well-marked, and passes through the town center. No parking required; the location is pedestrian-accessible year-round.
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Regional Train from Copenhagen
Take the S-train (line E) from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør Station, approximately 45 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day (typically every 10–20 minutes). Single ticket costs approximately 90–110 Danish Krone. From the station, walk north to the waterfront as described above. This is the most practical option for visitors based in Copenhagen.
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Ferry from Helsingborg, Sweden
If arriving from Sweden, take the ferry from Helsingborg to Helsingør (approximately 20 minutes crossing time). Ferries operate regularly throughout the day with frequencies varying by season. Return tickets cost approximately 150–200 Swedish Kronor per person. The ferry terminal is adjacent to the sculpture's location on the waterfront.
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Driving and Parking
If driving, follow signs toward Helsingør Harbor (Helsingør Havn). Street parking is available near Kronborgvej, though availability varies seasonally and during peak hours. Parking costs approximately 30–50 Danish Krone per hour. The sculpture is a short walk from designated parking areas near the castle and harbor facilities.
Heracles and the Hydra location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Heracles and the Hydra
A Mythological Monument in Bronze
Heracles and the Hydra stands as a powerful representation of the ancient Greek legend, frozen in bronze on Helsingør's waterfront. The sculpture captures the climactic moment of Heracles' struggle against the multi-headed serpent, a narrative that has captivated audiences for millennia. Created by accomplished Danish sculptor Rudolph Tegner, the work demonstrates masterful technical skill in rendering human musculature and the writhing forms of the mythological beast. The dynamic composition conveys movement and tension, with Heracles wielding his club and shield against the creature's coiled body.From Studio to Harborside: A Sculpture's Journey
Tegner first conceived this work in plaster in 1919, exploring the dramatic potential of the classical narrative. Over a decade later, recognizing the sculpture's power, he proposed recasting it in bronze—a more durable material suited to permanent public display. The bronze version was unveiled in 1932 near Helsingør's train station, where it stood as a testament to the town's cultural ambitions. In 1994, as part of harbor improvement works, the sculpture was relocated to its present position at the water's edge, where it now commands attention from visitors approaching Kronborg Castle and those strolling the harborfront promenade.Setting and Surroundings
Positioned at Kronborgvej 5, the sculpture occupies a prominent location within Helsingør's historic waterfront district. The Øresund Strait stretches beyond, with views across the narrow channel toward Sweden. Nearby stands Kronborg Castle, the Renaissance fortress immortalized as Elsinore in Shakespeare's Hamlet, creating a layered historical context. The sculpture benefits from its open-air setting, where natural light plays across the bronze surface throughout the day, and the harbor backdrop provides a dramatic frame. The location is easily accessible on foot from the town center and train station, making it a natural waypoint for visitors exploring Helsingør's cultural attractions.Artistic Significance and Interpretation
Tegner's interpretation of the Heracles myth transcends mere illustration of classical narrative. The sculpture invites multiple readings: the hero's triumph over adversity, humanity's struggle against overwhelming odds, and the eternal conflict between order and chaos. Some viewers perceive in the work a meditation on personal resilience, while others see broader allegorical meaning. The artist's choice to depict the moment of active combat—rather than victory or defeat—creates a timeless quality, as if the struggle itself constitutes the true subject. The sculpture's presence on Denmark's waterfront also connects the classical world to Nordic maritime heritage, bridging cultural traditions.Photography and Visual Appeal
The sculpture has become a favored subject for photographers and visitors seeking memorable images. The bronze patina catches light differently throughout the day, offering varied photographic opportunities. Early morning and sunset hours provide particularly compelling lighting conditions, with the Øresund Strait and distant Swedish coastline enhancing compositional possibilities. The sculpture's scale—substantial enough to command attention yet intimate enough for close examination—rewards both distant viewing and detailed study of Tegner's craftsmanship in rendering anatomical detail and mythological symbolism.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Heracles and the Hydra
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Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
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Unmissable attractions to see
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.
Helsingor Statshavn
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A compact working harbor at the narrowest point of the Øresund, where everyday port life unfolds against big-sky views toward the Swedish coast.
Skibsklarerergaarden
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Step into an 18th‑century ship handler’s home in Helsingør and experience the intimate world of Øresund tolls, merchant families and maritime trade.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
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Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
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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.
Gl.Færgestræde
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Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
Saint Olai Church
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Kronborg beach
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SOUL OF THE WALLS
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Elsinore Public Museums
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Kronborg Castle
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Essential places to dine
Bistro Francophile
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Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Ofelia Bar
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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.
Sundkroen
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Cozy Danish brasserie-style dining in the historic Madam Sprunck building, steps from Helsingør Station and the Øresund waterfront.
Strejf
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Seasonal Nordic cooking and harbour views in Helsingør’s old station building, where seafood, steaks, wine and cocktails meet the maritime buzz of Øresund.
Borgerkroen
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Historic Danish bodega where centuries of harbor culture meet smørrebrød and live music.
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.
Ramen world
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Handcrafted Japanese ramen in the heart of Helsingør—authentic flavors, warm hospitality, exceptional value.
Cafe Karisma
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Casual coffee and juice bar on Helsingør’s Stengade, serving Illy coffee, fresh-pressed juices, sandwiches and baked potatoes in a relaxed, everyday setting.
Jellyfish
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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.
Rådmand Davids Hus
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San Remo
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Authentic Danish comfort food in a historic old-town cafeteria where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
San Rock Restaurant & Grillbar
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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
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
Helsingør Vinhandel
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Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
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Souvenir shop
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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.
Jørgensen & Co.
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Levende Lys
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Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
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Østens Perle
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Jutebar Denmark ApS
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Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
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HL Mode A/S
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Krystallen
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Ophelia
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Holger
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Strandborg
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Banana joe
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Pitten Sport Bar
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Axelhus
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Hold-An
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Axelhus Udeservering
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Head/Foam
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Joker Bar
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12`er Pubben
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Gefion Bodega
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Kardusen
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Jernstangen
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
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Rustik
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Mirage
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Arch
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The Zoo
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Moon Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
