Klaptræet, Helsingør
Cosy courtyard restaurant in old-town Helsingør, serving generous Danish smørrebrød, platters and seasonal lunch feasts in a former cinema backhouse.
Tucked away in a historic backyard just off Helsingør’s pedestrian Stengade, Klaptræet is a cosy daytime restaurant devoted to luxurious open-faced sandwiches, hearty platters and classic Danish lunch culture. The former cinema building and intimate courtyard setting create a calm, characterful escape from the busy old town streets. Expect carefully plated smørrebrød, traditional fish and cheese boards, seasonal specials and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere ideal for long lunches with friends or family.
A brief summary to Klaptræet
- Stengade 26E, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4593553000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Aim to arrive before mid-afternoon; the kitchen usually stops taking new food orders about an hour before closing even though the restaurant remains open.
- Reserve for indoor seating on busy days, but remember the courtyard tables operate on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked in advance.
- Try a mix of fish and warm dishes if you are new to Danish smørrebrød; two to three pieces plus a drink will suit most appetites.
- Dress in layers: the courtyard can feel cool outside high summer, while the interior remains comfortably warm year-round.
- During the Christmas season, look out for special holiday platters featuring multiple traditional Danish dishes in one extended lunch.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Klaptræet location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Klaptræet
A hidden courtyard in Helsingør’s old town
Klaptræet sits in a former cinema building in a quiet backyard off Stengade, right in the pedestrian heart of old Helsingør. Stepping through the passage from the main shopping street, you swap storefront bustle for cobbles, old brickwork and the gentle murmur of conversation from the restaurant and its courtyard. The setting feels distinctly local: low-key, intimate and wrapped in the architectural patina of one of Denmark’s most historic port cities. Inside, the space mixes rustic wood tables with simple, modern touches. Large windows and warm lighting make the room feel bright even on grey days, while the original structure of the old backhouse adds a sense of depth and history. When the weather cooperates, the courtyard becomes an extra dining room under open sky, where you sit surrounded by walls that shield you from the wind yet keep you firmly in the city’s atmospheric old quarter.Smørrebrød with a generous Danish twist
Klaptræet is all about the Danish lunch table, with smørrebrød as the main event. The menu typically features around twenty variations, from classics like egg and shrimp with lemon and dill to robust favourites such as Dyrlægens Natmad, liver pâté with mushrooms and bacon, and several kinds of marinated and curried herring. Platters that combine fish, cheese and charcuterie showcase local tastes in one abundant spread, paired with house-baked rye bread and crisp accompaniments. Presentation is thoughtful without being fussy: toppings are layered so that each bite brings together textures of crunchy onions, soft egg or fish, creamy dressings and the dense chew of rye. Seasonal offerings, including Christmas lunch plates packed with traditional warm dishes, underline the restaurant’s focus on Danish comfort food. Portions are generous enough to encourage lingering over a second or third piece, ideally with a beer or a small schnaps.Daytime rhythm and relaxed social energy
Klaptræet keeps daytime hours, opening from late morning through the afternoon, with the kitchen typically closing an hour before the restaurant itself. This rhythm shapes the mood: instead of hurried dinners, the focus is on leisurely lunches, early afternoon gatherings and weekend outings that stretch into coffee or dessert. Weekdays see a mix of locals on lunch break and visitors exploring Helsingør; weekends often feel more like a social living room in the old town. The atmosphere is casual but attentive, suitable for multi-generational groups as well as couples or solo diners who want to savour a plate and a book. The combination of indoor seating and the sheltered courtyard provides flexibility in changeable Danish weather, making it a comfortable stop whether you seek a cosy corner on a cold day or sunshine and fresh air in summer.From smørrebrød stop to event setting
Beyond regular lunch service, Klaptræet also functions as a venue for seasonal feasts and private events. The backhouse layout, with its defined interior space and enclosed yard, lends itself well to gatherings, from Christmas lunches laden with multiple courses to group celebrations centred on open-faced sandwiches and platters. These occasional events build on the restaurant’s core strengths: hearty, traditional food, easy-going surroundings and a location that feels tucked away yet remains thoroughly central. For travellers, Klaptræet works both as a dedicated lunch destination and as a convenient culinary pause during a day spent between Kronborg Castle, the harbourfront and Helsingør’s narrow streets. You come for the smørrebrød, but you stay for the sense of being gently folded into local everyday life in a historic Danish town.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.3 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
0.4 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.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.6 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Helsingør harbour
0.6 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
Heracles and the Hydra
0.6 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Kronborg Castle Church
1.0 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Helsingborg City Hall
5.3 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
8.2 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
12.6 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
12.7 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Ven
14.4 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
Gl.Færgestræde
0.3 km
Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
0.3 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.
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
0.4 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.
Skibsklarerergaarden
0.4 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.
Saint Olai Church
0.4 km
Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
History of the churches
0.4 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.
Helsingor Statshavn
0.4 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.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
0.4 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.
Wibroe Plads
0.4 km
A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
St. Mary's Church
0.4 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
0.5 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.
St. Vincent's Church
0.5 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.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.6 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.6 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.
'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.
Essential places to dine
Klaptræet
0.0 km
Cosy courtyard restaurant in old-town Helsingør, serving generous Danish smørrebrød, platters and seasonal lunch feasts in a former cinema backhouse.
La Brasserie
0.0 km
Classic, no‑nonsense dining on Helsingør’s main street, serving hearty brasserie dishes in a casually traditional setting close to the harbour and castle.
Pakhuset
0.0 km
Casual Italian-style pizzeria tucked in a cosy inner courtyard off Helsingør’s main street, serving generous pizzas and pasta in a warm, everyday atmosphere.
D'Angelo
0.0 km
Cozy Italian trattoria on Helsingør’s Stengade, serving hearty classics, seasonal menus and occasional live music in a warm, bustling old-town setting.
Café Kaiser
0.1 km
Homemade Danish café on Helsingør's main street, serving quality brunch, smørrebrød, and warm dishes in a welcoming neighborhood setting.
Amici Miei
0.1 km
Lively Italian trattoria on Helsingør’s main street, serving stone-oven pizza, hearty pasta and relaxed good times in a warm, rustic setting.
Restauration ApS af 26.08.57
0.1 km
Casual, central Helsingør eatery on historic Stengade, serving hearty everyday dishes from late morning to evening amid the cobbled charm of the old town.
Rib House
0.1 km
Casual steakhouse on Helsingør’s main street, serving generous spareribs and grills in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting close to the town’s historic sights.
Café Vivaldi
0.1 km
Bright all‑day café on Helsingør’s main pedestrian street, serving generous brunches, casual meals and relaxed drinks with a front‑row view of local street life.
Blue Sky Sushi
0.2 km
Cozy Japanese all‑you‑can‑eat sushi in Helsingør’s historic center, blending fresh fish, low‑waste principles and a relaxed, modern atmosphere near the harbor.
San Rock Restaurant & Grillbar
0.2 km
Casual central Helsingør grill bar serving unfussy comfort food and generous plates just steps from the old town streets and harbourfront sights.
Café Olai
0.2 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty comfort food served with true Helsingør hygge in a snug, family-run restaurant on atmospheric Sct Olai Gade.
Sushi Taro
0.2 km
World-class sushi crafted by a championship chef in intimate, authentic surroundings.
Rådmand Davids Hus
0.2 km
Historic 1694 café serving authentic Danish smørrebrød in cozy, timeless surroundings.
San Remo
0.2 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a historic old-town cafeteria where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Imerco
0.0 km
Compact Scandinavian home store on Helsingør’s main street, packed with kitchenware, tableware and cosy design gifts for practical living and stylish souvenirs.
Ophelia
0.0 km
Curated Scandinavian boutique in historic Helsingør, where literary heritage meets contemporary design.
Lynhjems Eftf Ole Jensen
0.0 km
Traditional Helsingør cheesemonger and delicatessen packed with Danish and international flavours, perfect for picnic supplies, edible souvenirs and gourmet treats.
Puslespilsbutikken
0.1 km
Denmark’s only dedicated jigsaw puzzle shop – a cozy Helsingør courtyard gem stacked floor to ceiling with colourful puzzles for families, collectors and curious browsers.
Coco's Helsingør
0.1 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Helsingør's pedestrian shopping district.
Mercuri
0.1 km
A small, curated fashion boutique in Helsingør’s historic centre, blending Scandinavian-inspired style with a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Dark Blue
0.1 km
Independent Helsingør skate and surf hub blending quality boards, cold‑water gear and streetwear in a compact, characterful old‑town shop.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.1 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.1 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.1 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
0.1 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Tøjeksperten
0.1 km
Classic Danish menswear with professional styling in historic Helsingør
ONLY
0.2 km
Central Helsingør outpost of Danish fashion brand ONLY, mixing trend-led denim, dresses and everyday essentials with plus-size and sports-inspired womenswear.
Kop & Kande
0.2 km
Danish homeware and kitchenware haven celebrating comfort, warmth, and the art of everyday living.
Helsingør Bycenter
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and fully indoor, Helsingør Bycenter is the practical shopping heart of Helsingør, mixing everyday essentials, cafés and family-friendly comfort.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Helsingør Musikteater
0.1 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Head/Foam
0.1 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.
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
0.2 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
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
0.3 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
0.3 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
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 Udeservering
0.4 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.
Joker Bar
1.4 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
1.6 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Kardusen
2.8 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.2 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
22.1 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
Rustik
0.1 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
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.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.4 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
22.4 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
36.8 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
37.3 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
38.2 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
38.4 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
38.6 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
38.9 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
39.1 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
39.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
39.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
39.2 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
39.2 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly