‘The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues’ Mural, Helsingør
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.
Tucked into Helsingør’s atmospheric old town on Sct Anna Gade, ‘The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues’ is a striking gable mural that turns a blank wall into a vivid history lesson. Created in 2012 by Italian artists Lara Atzori and Piercarlo Carella, it brings to life the era when ships from across Europe queued in the Øresund and paid the tolls that made Elsinore rich. Detailed figures, ships and architectural motifs echo the nearby cathedral and harbour, making this free open-air artwork a rewarding stop on any stroll between the old town and Kronborg Castle.
A brief summary to 'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
- Sct Anna Gade 4, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a camera or phone with a wide-angle setting to capture the entire gable; the mural fills the wall and narrow street angles can be challenging.
- Visit in the softer light of morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh shadows from nearby buildings and to better see fine details.
- Combine the mural with a short loop past St Olai Cathedral and onward towards Kronborg Castle for a cohesive historical walk.
- If you enjoy this piece, look out for the related murals around town that depict the shipyard era and life in the Øresund.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the surrounding streets are cobbled and best appreciated at a slow strolling pace.
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
-
Train from Copenhagen plus short walk
From central Copenhagen, take a regional train towards Helsingør; the journey typically takes 45–50 minutes and trains run several times per hour, with standard single tickets usually in the range of 55–75 DKK in standard class. From Helsingør Station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk through the old town on generally level, cobbled streets that are manageable for most visitors but may feel uneven for some wheelchairs and strollers.
-
Local bus within Helsingør
If you are already in Helsingør but prefer not to walk, local city buses connect the station area with stops near the cathedral and surrounding streets in 5–10 minutes of travel time. A single-zone ticket is typically around 20–30 DKK when bought via ticket machines or transport apps, and services run at reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends. From the nearest stop, expect a short stroll through narrow cobbled lanes to reach Sct Anna Gade.
-
Car or taxi within North Zealand
Arriving by car from elsewhere in North Zealand, driving times to Helsingør are usually 20–40 minutes from nearby towns, depending on traffic. Public parking is available around the old town and harbour, often with a mix of paid and time-restricted zones, so allow extra time to find a suitable spot and respect local regulations. From the parking areas, count on a 5–15 minute walk on historic streets to reach the mural’s gable location.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
-
Clear Skies
Discover more about 'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
A painted gateway into Helsingør’s maritime past
At first glance, ‘The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues’ looks like a colourful splash on a gable wall in Sct Anna Gade, but a closer look reveals a carefully composed panorama of Helsingør at its peak. Here, merchants, sailors and townspeople are woven together in a dense narrative frieze, framed by stylised arches and towers that echo the silhouettes of church spires and fortress ramparts. The mural was completed in 2012 by Italian street artists Lara Atzori and Piercarlo Carella as part of a wider project to bring large-scale art into Helsingør’s public spaces. Rather than opting for abstract forms, they chose a clear story: the age when this small Danish town became a crossroads of Northern Europe thanks to the Øresund toll, or Sound Dues, levied on every ship passing between the Baltic and the North Sea.Stories hidden in ships, tolls and faces
Stand in front of the wall and your eye is drawn to the ships first. Some are rendered like stylised cogs and caravels, their sails full and rigging sharply outlined, a reminder that for centuries masts filled the skyline here as densely as modern cranes. Between them, robed figures and officials appear at tables and windows, suggesting the paperwork, negotiations and coins changing hands each time a captain called at Elsinore. Look longer and smaller details emerge: gestures between traders, rolls of parchment, stacked barrels, perhaps even hints of different national costumes. The artists compress what would have been a bustling, noisy waterfront into a single surface, inviting viewers to imagine creaking hulls, shouted orders and the clatter of cargo. In doing so, the mural becomes a visual index of how tolls, trade and travel shaped both the town and the wider region.Art in dialogue with the old town streets
The mural’s position on the gable at Sct Anna Gade 4 is no accident. It sits only a short walk from the Cathedral of St Olai and the harbourfront, in streets that still follow medieval lines. The narrow cobbles, crooked facades and glimpses of church towers create a ready-made stage set; the painted scene acts almost like an extra facade, adding an imagined view of the past to the real architecture around it. Colour plays a key role. Warm earth tones and weathered blues sit comfortably beside Helsingør’s traditional plastered houses and red roofs, giving the impression that the mural has grown out of the town rather than been imposed on it. The gable format, with its triangular profile, reinforces the illusion of looking into a cutaway section of an historic building where walls have been peeled back to reveal the life that once unfolded inside.A thread in Helsingør’s wider mural tapestry
‘The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues’ is one of several large outdoor works in Helsingør that together recount different chapters in the town’s history. Nearby murals depict the shipyard era and life in the Øresund, while another wall focuses solely on the Sound Dues themselves. Seen as part of this sequence, the Sct Anna Gade piece occupies a central role, bridging medieval trade and later industrial development. Because the mural is accessible day and night, it also subtly changes character with the weather and seasons. Low winter light emphasises its textures and brushstrokes; bright summer sun brings out saturated colour; twilight and streetlamps flatten the scene into almost graphic shapes. Returning at different times of day reveals new relationships between the painting, passersby and the life of the street.A free open-air stop between cathedral and castle
Visiting the mural costs nothing and requires no tickets, making it an easy, informal addition to any exploration of Helsingør’s compact centre. Many visitors encounter it as a pause point on a wander between the cathedral, the harbourfront and the route towards Kronborg Castle. Others seek it out as part of a self-guided street art circuit, linking the town’s historic narratives with contemporary artistic expression. Whether you spend a few minutes or linger longer, the mural offers a concise, colourful introduction to why this relatively small town once wielded outsized influence. In a single wall, it distils centuries of maritime traffic, royal policy and local livelihoods into an image that is both accessible and layered. It rewards anyone willing to look twice and imagine the Sound thick with sails just beyond the end of the street.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.0 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
0.1 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
Helsingor
0.2 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Helsingør harbour
0.3 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.3 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
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
5.1 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
8.5 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
12.0 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
12.4 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
13.0 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Ven
14.5 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
Skibsklarerergaarden
0.1 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.
Gl.Færgestræde
0.1 km
Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
History of the churches
0.1 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.
Wibroe Plads
0.1 km
A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
0.1 km
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.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
0.1 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.
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.
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.
i Helsingør
0.2 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.
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.
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.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.3 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
Helsingor Statshavn
0.3 km
A compact working harbor at the narrowest point of the Øresund, where everyday port life unfolds against big-sky views toward the Swedish coast.
'The maritime history' mural
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Karisma
0.1 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.
Borgerkroen
0.1 km
Historic Danish bodega where centuries of harbor culture meet smørrebrød and live music.
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.
San Remo
0.1 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a historic old-town cafeteria where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
Bistro Francophile
0.1 km
Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Zilleri
0.1 km
Compact Italian trattoria and deli in Helsingør’s old town, serving homemade pasta and classic specialties among shelves of wines and pantry staples.
Ramen world
0.1 km
Handcrafted Japanese ramen in the heart of Helsingør—authentic flavors, warm hospitality, exceptional value.
Jellyfish
0.1 km
Intimate Nordic seafood restaurant in Helsingør’s old town, pairing fresh Danish ingredients with modern, minimalist design and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Appetit
0.2 km
Modern French fine dining with seasonal flair and passionate craftsmanship in charming Helsingør.
Rådmand Davids Hus
0.2 km
Historic 1694 café serving authentic Danish smørrebrød in cozy, timeless surroundings.
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.
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.
Om Indian
0.2 km
Authentic Indian home cooking with family recipes, open kitchen views, and genuine hospitality in cozy Helsingør.
Sachi Sushi
0.2 km
Cozy Japanese fusion spot in Helsingør’s old town, serving colorful sushi rolls, generous combo menus and convenient takeaway from a central Stjernegade address.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.1 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.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.1 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.
Ide Nyt
0.1 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.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.1 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Levende Lys
0.1 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.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.1 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Østens Perle
0.2 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
0.2 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.2 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.
HL Mode A/S
0.2 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.2 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
Krystallen
0.2 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
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.
Ophelia
0.3 km
Curated Scandinavian boutique in historic Helsingør, where literary heritage meets contemporary design.
Imerco
0.3 km
Compact Scandinavian home store on Helsingør’s main street, packed with kitchenware, tableware and cosy design gifts for practical living and stylish souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Holger
0.0 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
0.1 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
0.1 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
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.
Axelhus
0.2 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
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.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.3 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
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.
Head/Foam
0.5 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
1.3 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
1.7 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
3.1 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.5 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
22.4 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
0.1 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
0.5 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
22.7 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
37.1 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
37.6 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
38.4 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
38.6 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
38.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
39.1 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
39.3 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
39.4 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
39.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
39.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
39.4 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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
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
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
