Soul of the Walls
Vibrant street art celebrating Helsingør's medieval heritage at a historic crossroads
Soul of the Walls is a striking mural by Italian street artist Eron located at the corner of Kirkestræde and Hestemøllestræde in Helsingør's historic medieval quarter. Created in 2016, this vibrant artwork depicts scenes from the city's rich past, blending contemporary street art with local history. The mural is part of Helsingør's broader street art initiative celebrating the town's evolution from medieval settlement through its industrial shipyard era to modern cultural renaissance.
A brief summary to SOUL OF THE WALLS
- Hestemøllestræde, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the mural's colors and details. The artwork is best photographed in morning or afternoon light when shadows enhance the composition.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions: the Church of St. Mary is steps away, and the Skibsklarerergaarden museum across the street offers deeper insight into the medieval period the mural depicts.
- Pick up a walking guide at the Visitor Service in the Culture Yard that maps all of Helsingør's street art and historical sites, turning your mural visit into part of a larger self-guided tour.
- The corner is a natural gathering point; locals and visitors often pause here. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer quieter moments for contemplation and photography.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Food Options
- Drink Options
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
Regional trains depart from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cost is approximately 78–95 DKK (11–13 EUR) for a single ticket. From Helsingør station, walk toward the harbor and old town via Stengade (main shopping street), approximately 10–12 minutes on foot to reach the mural at Kirkestræde and Hestemøllestræde.
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Bus from Copenhagen
Regional buses operate from Copenhagen to Helsingør, with journey times of approximately 45–60 minutes depending on route and stops. Buses arrive at Helsingør bus terminal near the harbor. Cost is approximately 60–80 DKK (8–11 EUR). From the terminal, follow signs toward the old town and Stengade, then navigate to Kirkestræde; approximately 8–10 minutes on foot.
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Car from Copenhagen
Drive north from Copenhagen via the E47 motorway toward Helsingør, approximately 45 km. Journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available at several public car parks near the harbor and old town, with costs typically 20–40 DKK per hour. The mural is located in the pedestrian-friendly old town; park near the harbor and walk approximately 5–8 minutes to Kirkestræde.
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Bicycle from Copenhagen
Cycling routes connect Copenhagen to Helsingør via the Danish cycle network, approximately 45 km. Journey time is approximately 2–2.5 hours for experienced cyclists. Bike rental is available in Copenhagen and Helsingør. The route follows relatively flat terrain with dedicated cycle paths for much of the journey. Secure bicycle parking is available throughout Helsingør's old town.
SOUL OF THE WALLS location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about SOUL OF THE WALLS
A Contemporary Tribute to Medieval Helsingør
Soul of the Walls stands at a historically significant corner in Helsingør's old town, where Kirkestræde meets Hestemøllestræde. This monumental mural was created by renowned Italian street artist Eron in 2016 as part of a larger public art project celebrating the city's layered history. The artwork captures scenes and narratives from Helsingør's medieval period, when the town was a thriving fishing hamlet and later a prosperous trading center. The mural's title reflects its purpose: to give visual voice to the stories embedded in the city's architecture and streets, transforming ordinary walls into canvases that speak to passersby about the past.Artistic Vision and Visual Impact
Eron's distinctive style brings dynamic energy to the corner, with bold colors and expressive figures that draw the eye and invite closer inspection. The composition weaves together historical imagery with contemporary artistic techniques, creating a dialogue between old and new. The mural's placement at this intersection is deliberate—Kirkestræde leads toward the magnificent Sankt Mariæ Kirke and its attached Carmelite monastery, both dating to the medieval period, while Hestemøllestræde represents one of the town's oldest thoroughfares. Standing before the mural, visitors are positioned at a crossroads of history, literally and figuratively.Helsingør's Street Art Renaissance
Soul of the Walls is part of a coordinated public art initiative titled "Life in Øresund," which uses murals throughout Helsingør to narrate the city's evolution. Other notable murals in the city depict "The Middle Ages" at nearby locations and "The Shipyard Era" at Allégade and Kongensgade, near the original Helsingør Shipyard (now the Culture Yard). Together, these artworks form an open-air gallery that guides visitors through centuries of local history without requiring museum admission or formal tours. The initiative transforms the entire city into a living museum where street art serves as both cultural commentary and historical documentation.Historical Context and Significance
Helsingør's medieval period was formative to the city's identity. In the 13th century, the settlement was a modest fishing village centered around what would become Sankt Olai Church. By the 15th and 16th centuries, the town's strategic location at the gateway to the Sound—the narrow strait between Denmark and Sweden—made it a crucial hub for international maritime trade. The collection of Sound Dues from passing ships enriched the city and funded the construction of grand buildings, churches, and fortifications. This prosperity is reflected in the architectural heritage visible from the mural's location, including the red-brick Gothic cathedral and the preserved medieval street layout.Integration with the Urban Landscape
The mural's corner location makes it impossible to miss while walking through the old town. The surrounding area is pedestrian-friendly, with narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings that create an intimate, walkable environment. Nearby attractions include the Church of St. Mary with its stunning 1662–1663 organ (restored to its original condition), the Carmelite cloister with its preserved brick arcades, and the Skibsklarerergaarden museum, which occupies a 17th-century merchant's house and tells the story of the Sound Dues period. The mural serves as both a standalone artwork and a waypoint in a larger journey through Helsingør's past.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Unlike many cultural attractions, Soul of the Walls requires no ticket, reservation, or specific opening hours—it is accessible 24/7 as a public artwork. The mural is best appreciated during daylight hours when its colors are most vivid, though evening lighting can create dramatic effects. The location is easily reached on foot from Helsingør train station, which is approximately 10 minutes away via the main shopping street (Stengade) and the historic harbor area. The corner is well-integrated into walking routes that connect major attractions, making it a natural stop for visitors exploring the medieval quarter.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
'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.
Helsingør harbour
0.1 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.2 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
0.2 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
Helsingor
0.3 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
0.4 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.6 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.6 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Helsingborg City Hall
5.0 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
8.7 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
10.4 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
11.9 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
12.3 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.
Ven
14.6 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
History of the churches
0.0 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.
St. Mary's Church
0.0 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.
Saint Olai Church
0.1 km
Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
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.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.2 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.
Wibroe Plads
0.2 km
A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
0.2 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.
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.
Skibsklarerergaarden
0.2 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.
'The maritime history' mural
0.2 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.
Arte callejero
0.2 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.
Gl.Færgestræde
0.2 km
Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
Dancer's fountain
0.2 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.
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.
The Culture Yard
0.3 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.
Essential places to dine
The Copenhagener
0.1 km
Hearty smørrebrød, local Wiibroe beer and down‑to‑earth hygge in a tucked‑away Helsingør pub with a summery courtyard beer garden.
Ofelia Bar
0.1 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.
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.
Restaurant Torvet
0.2 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.
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.
Axelbar
0.2 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.
Martinellis
0.2 km
Neighbourhood-style Italian deli and pizzeria in central Helsingør, serving crisp-based pizzas, classic pasta and hearty sandwiches in a relaxed, takeaway-friendly setting.
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.
Gæstgivergården
0.2 km
Cosy Helsingør gastropub serving traditional Danish comfort food, a changing daily dish and relaxed drinks in a central old‑town setting.
Om Indian
0.2 km
Authentic Indian home cooking with family recipes, open kitchen views, and genuine hospitality in cozy Helsingør.
Appetit
0.2 km
Modern French fine dining with seasonal flair and passionate craftsmanship in charming Helsingør.
joud alsham
0.2 km
Unpretentious Syrian shawarma, falafel and grills served with Levantine warmth on a cozy corner of Helsingør’s historic Torvegade.
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.
Cafe Karisma
0.2 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.
Chums Vinbar & Bistro, Helsingør
0.2 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.2 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.
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.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.2 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.
Butik Chaplin
0.2 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.3 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Krystallen
0.3 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.3 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
HL Mode A/S
0.3 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Østens Perle
0.3 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.3 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.3 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.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.3 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
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.
Ophelia
0.4 km
Curated Scandinavian boutique in historic Helsingør, where literary heritage meets contemporary design.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Axelhus
0.2 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.2 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Hold-An
0.2 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.
Holger
0.2 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.
Axelhus Udeservering
0.2 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.
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.
Strandborg
0.3 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.3 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Head/Foam
0.6 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
1.2 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
1.6 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
1.7 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Kardusen
3.2 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.6 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
0.2 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Rustik
0.6 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.7 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
22.8 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
SIGURD CPH
37.2 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
37.7 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
38.5 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
38.7 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
39.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
39.3 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
39.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirage
39.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
39.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
39.6 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
39.6 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Street Art
For the architecture buff
- Street Art
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
