Kronborg Castle: Hamlet’s Legendary Fortress Overlooking the Sound
UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is Denmark’s iconic Renaissance fortress—famous as Hamlet’s Elsinore—offering history, drama, and sweeping sea views.
Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Helsingør, is an imposing Renaissance fortress set on the edge of the Øresund Strait. Known worldwide as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this grand castle offers dramatic ramparts, lavish royal halls, and atmospheric casemates, making it one of Denmark’s most iconic and storied landmarks.
A brief summary to Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
- Absalonsgade 12, Copenhagen, Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave, 1658, DK
- +4521555148
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early during summer or holidays to avoid the longest ticket and entry lines in high season.
- Don’t miss the underground casemates—bring a jacket, as it’s chilly even on the hottest days.
- Audio guides and information panels are available in multiple languages; check schedules for Hamlet performances in advance.
- Parking fills quickly, especially on weekends. If you can, consider taking the train to Helsingør Station.
- Walk the ramparts for the best panoramic photos of the castle and the Swedish coast across the Øresund.
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From Hillerød, frequent trains run to Helsingør Station, located a short walk from the castle. The journey generally takes 40–50 minutes. Single adult train fares are typically 60–80 DKK each way. Once you arrive, the castle’s towers are visible from the station, with the route passing through the lively port area.
-
Taxi
Taxis from Hillerød to Kronborg Castle offer a comfortable and efficient option, with the drive usually lasting 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect fares to range from 400–600 DKK each way. Taxis drop you near the main entrance, where the castle dominates the seafront.
-
Driving & Parking
Driving from Hillerød to Helsingør is straightforward, with clear signage for the historic port area as you approach the coast. Public parking is available near the castle, averaging 12–18 DKK per hour. Spaces can be limited during weekends and holidays, so allow time to find a spot and walk over the moat toward the main gates.
Discover more about Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frihedsstøtten
0.7 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.7 km
Copenhagen Central Station is the vibrant gateway to Denmark’s capital, blending historic architecture, bustling platforms, and local flavor at the heart of Zealand.
Enghaveparken
0.8 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.8 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.9 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Rutschebanen
0.9 km
Iconic 1914 wooden roller coaster in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, offering nostalgic thrills and hands-on history amid the city’s legendary amusement park.
Cykelslangen
1.0 km
Experience Copenhagen's iconic Cykelslangen, a vibrant orange cycle bridge offering a unique and scenic route through the harbor, showcasing the city's commitment to cycling and innovative design.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
1.1 km
Discover 'Heracles and the Hydra'—a captivating modern sculpture that unites Greek mythology and Danish artistry beside historic Kronborg Castle in Helsingør.
Havneholmen 33
1.1 km
Aarhus’ University Park, where golden brick buildings and tranquil lakes merge in a vibrant blend of Danish design, academic heritage, and peaceful green space.
Lur Blowers
1.2 km
Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architectural elegance meets lush urban nature, offering tranquil lakes, stately trees, and a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Elefantporten
1.4 km
A whimsical blend of art nouveau charm and industrial heritage, the Elefantporten forms Carlsberg's unforgettable entryway in historic Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Storm P. Museum
1.4 km
Delve into the world of Danish humor and satirical art at the Storm P. Museum, where whimsical cartoons, eccentric inventions, and cultural history come alive in Frederiksberg.
Gammeltorv
1.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Islands Brygge 18
1.5 km
Discover Aarhus University Park: an iconic green haven at the city's core, where architectural elegance meets tranquil lakes, vibrant campus life, and lush Nordic landscape.
Nytorv 2
1.5 km
Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter blends medieval lanes, bohemian charm, vibrant cafés, and local boutiques, making it the creative soul of Denmark’s second-largest city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Freddys Bar
0.3 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
Mikkeller Bar
0.3 km
Unearth Denmark’s maritime past in a stunning underground museum beside Kronborg Castle—where interactive exhibits and bold design chart centuries of seafaring adventure.
Fermentoren
0.3 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime legacy at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, where innovative architecture meets interactive storytelling and rich seafaring history.
Det Ny Teater
0.3 km
A serene Neo-Gothic Anglican church in central Copenhagen, St Alban's Church blends British heritage, tranquil parkland, and Danish history near the city’s royal heart.
Øksnehallen
0.5 km
Belle Époque grandeur and top-tier musicals await at Det Ny Teater, Copenhagen’s iconic theater blending history, elegance, and award-winning performances.
Planetarium
0.6 km
Experience close encounters with diverse wildlife in the heart of Zealand at Pangea Park, Bjæverskov.
Falkonerbrønden
0.6 km
A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.
Model train display
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
Red Sightseeing Copenhagen
0.8 km
Hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history come together in this interactive, family-friendly branch of Malmö Museum, housed in an iconic industrial building.
The Tube
0.8 km
Experience intimate wildlife encounters and conservation education at Pangea Park in Bjæverskov.
Frederiksberg Allé
0.9 km
Explore Danish creativity at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a renowned private gallery in central Copenhagen specializing in modern and contemporary art in an intimate setting.
Himmelskibet
0.9 km
Historic harbor-side promenade in Copenhagen renowned for the Little Mermaid statue, waterfront views, open-air sculptures, and lively local gathering spots.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
1.0 km
Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Tivoli Gardens
1.0 km
Discover Denmark’s sole public falconry center near Fredensborg, where ancient royal traditions and stunning birds of prey come alive amid North Zealand’s tranquil woodlands.
Statue of Andersen
1.1 km
Discover the extraordinary at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Copenhagen, where over 500 exhibits challenge reality and ignite the imagination.
Essential places to dine
Madklubben Vesterbro
0.3 km
A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Delphine
0.3 km
Delphine brings the vibrant essence of Mediterranean coastal dining to Copenhagen’s Vesterbro, blending sun-soaked ambiance, fresh seafood, and a lively social scene.
Restaurant Spuntino
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Paté Paté
0.3 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Cofoco
0.3 km
Cofoco blends innovative Danish cuisine, warm Nordic design, and approachable pricing, offering a must-try contemporary dining experience in the heart of vibrant Vesterbro.
Bevi Bevi
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Fleisch
0.3 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Maple Casual Dining
0.4 km
Discover the essence of Danish cuisine at Maple Casual Dining in Vesterbro—where every dish tells a story.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
0.4 km
Sleek, innovative seafood restaurant in Copenhagen’s Kødbyen, serving creative Danish fare and raw bar delicacies in a buzzy, transformed meatpacking warehouse.
Smagsløget
0.5 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Folkehuset Absalon
0.6 km
Folkehuset Absalon is Copenhagen’s colorful former-church-turned-community living room—offering communal dinners, creative events, and authentic local camaraderie in Vesterbro.
Frederik the VI
0.7 km
Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Restaurant Polly København
0.7 km
A modern Nordic brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, blending Danish produce, creative cuisine, and relaxed elegance for a memorable city dining experience.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.8 km
La Baracca Tivoli serves fresh Italian fare with flair inside Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park, blending Mediterranean hospitality and contemporary style steps from the city center.
Spisestedet FEED
0.9 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Funky Junky
0.1 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Værnedamsvej
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s beloved Parisian-style street, brimming with independent shops, cafés, wine bars, and Scandinavian charm between vibrant Vesterbro and Frederiksberg.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
0.7 km
A stylish Vesterbro boutique filled with curated Nordic fashion, contemporary gifts, and Danish design treasures for visitors seeking authentic Copenhagen keepsakes.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.9 km
Discover unique souvenirs and Danish crafts at the Tivoli Gift Shop, capturing the magic of Copenhagen's historic amusement park.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s largest waterfront shopping destination, blending Danish urban design, diverse retail, global cuisine, and scenic harbor views in one lively location.
Viking Souvenirs
1.3 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Wasteland
1.4 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Quirky Lane
1.4 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
1.6 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Strøget
1.7 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
TorvehallerneKBH
1.8 km
A vibrant marketplace in the heart of Copenhagen, TorvehallerneKBH blends Danish culinary tradition with global flavors across over 60 food and drink stalls.
Læderstræde
1.8 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Time's Up Vintage
1.8 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Studio Arhoj
1.8 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Frederiksberg Centret
1.8 km
Frederiksberg Centret offers a sleek, Scandinavian shopping experience with 90+ stores, cafés, and events in the chic heart of Frederiksberg, steps from the Metro.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
0.2 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Riesen Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
1656 Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
An intimate speakeasy in Vesterbro, 1656 Cocktail Bar is famed for inventive cocktails, candlelit ambiance, and one of Copenhagen’s finest curated drinking experiences.
Lidkoeb
0.3 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Spunk
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
0.4 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
Curfew
0.4 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Amigo Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
0.5 km
Creative cocktails, industrial design, and live music collide at The House of Machines—Vesterbro’s must-visit nightlife destination for an authentic Copenhagen evening.
Märkbar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
CUBE bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Library Bar
0.8 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
La Fée Verte
0.8 km
Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
bird
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
The Shamrock Inn
1.0 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.