Retro, Helsingør
Once one of North Zealand’s biggest nightclubs, Retro in Helsingør mixed high-energy dance floors with small-town charm in the cobbled streets near the harbour.
Retro in Helsingør was for many years one of North Zealand’s biggest nightclubs, set just a short stroll from the town’s railway station. Housed at Bjergegade 1 in the compact historic center, it drew crowds with late opening hours, multiple bars and a big dance floor geared to commercial dance, pop and themed party nights. Though the club has now closed, its long run left a strong imprint on Helsingør’s nightlife story and remains part of the town’s recent cultural memory.
A brief summary to Retro
- Bjergegade 1, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4531662080
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Friday 10 pm-5 am
- Saturday 9 pm-5 am
Local tips
- Retro is now closed as a nightclub, so treat the address as a point of local nightlife history rather than an active late-opening venue.
- As you pass Bjergegade 1, look at how the modest facade blends into the older streetscape, belying the large-scale nightlife it once hosted inside.
- Use the former club as a reference point when exploring Helsingør’s compact center, linking the town’s contemporary stories to its older architecture.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Retro location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Retro
A former heartbeat of Helsingør’s after-dark life
For a quarter of a century, Retro functioned as a late-night anchor in Helsingør’s compact center, just behind the harbourfront and a few minutes from the train station. As one of North Zealand’s largest discos, it was designed for scale: generous capacity, big bar counters and a primary dance floor that soaked up energy from the moment the doors opened late in the evening. Within this modest street corner address, weekends often stretched until the early hours, with lights, bass and crowds spilling out into Bjergegade at closing time. It was not a subtle venue; it existed for loud music, big nights and the particular atmosphere of a packed Scandinavian club at 3am.Music, themes and the look of the club
While the exact interior changed over time, the club leaned toward a straightforward, modern party aesthetic: dark walls, colour-shifting LEDs, mirror-like surfaces and moving lights cutting through haze. Screens, lasers and a sizeable sound system helped turn the dance floor into a focal point where pop, dance, chart hits and throwback favourites all had their moment. Theme parties were part of the identity, ranging from seasonal events to costume nights and guest DJ performances. International acts occasionally appeared in the booth, alongside local and regional DJs who knew how to keep a Danish crowd moving deep into the night. The overall impression was deliberately high-energy rather than refined, a place built for dancing rather than lingering conversations.A social hub for young partygoers
Retro primarily attracted a younger adult audience from Helsingør and the wider North Zealand area, with people often treating a night here as the climax of an evening that began in smaller bars and cafés nearby. Once inside, the flow usually moved between the dance floor and bar areas, with quieter side spaces giving some respite from the volume. Over the years it served as a venue for birthdays, farewells, reunions and countless informal nights out, accumulating its own layer of local folklore. The routine was familiar: queues forming late, security checks at the door, cloakroom rituals, the first drink, then the slow build of the dance floor until the room tipped into full party mode.Setting within Helsingør’s historic core
The club’s location on Bjergegade placed it in a narrow street web of historic buildings, small shops and eateries that define Helsingør’s old town. This contrast between centuries-old facades and a pulsing modern nightclub gave the venue a distinctive urban context. Stepping out after closing time, guests were immediately back among cobbles, gables and the faint sound of seagulls from the harbour. Being so central also meant Retro slotted naturally into nights that might include bars closer to the station, quick food stops and, for some, the first morning train home. Even for those who never set foot inside, the neon signage and late-night noise made it a recognizable after-dark landmark.Closure and what remains today
After roughly 25 years in operation, Retro closed in early 2025, ending its life as an active nightclub. The building remains, but the sound system is quiet and the doors no longer open on Friday or Saturday nights. What endures is the role it played in Helsingør’s recent cultural narrative: a place where many locals marked milestones, discovered weekend independence or simply danced away a long week. Any future use of the address will inevitably stand in the shadow of that history. For those exploring Helsingør with an eye on its contemporary stories as well as its medieval castle, knowing that this quiet corner once hosted thousands of noisy nights adds another layer to understanding the town’s evolving character.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.
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
0.2 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Helsingør harbour
0.4 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.4 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Heracles and the Hydra
0.5 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.5 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.8 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Helsingborg City Hall
5.2 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
8.4 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
12.4 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
12.9 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
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.
Saint Olai Church
0.2 km
Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
0.2 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.
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.
History of the churches
0.2 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.
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.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
0.2 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
0.2 km
A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
St. Mary's Church
0.2 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
0.3 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.
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.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.4 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
0.4 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
'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.
St. Vincent's Church
0.4 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.
Essential places to dine
San Remo
0.0 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a historic old-town cafeteria where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
Cafe Karisma
0.0 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.
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.
Appetit
0.1 km
Modern French fine dining with seasonal flair and passionate craftsmanship in charming Helsingør.
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.
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 Olai
0.1 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty comfort food served with true Helsingør hygge in a snug, family-run restaurant on atmospheric Sct Olai Gade.
Rådmand Davids Hus
0.1 km
Historic 1694 café serving authentic Danish smørrebrød in cozy, timeless surroundings.
Borgerkroen
0.1 km
Historic Danish bodega where centuries of harbor culture meet smørrebrød and live music.
Sachi Sushi
0.1 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.
Om Indian
0.1 km
Authentic Indian home cooking with family recipes, open kitchen views, and genuine hospitality in cozy Helsingør.
Blue Sky Sushi
0.1 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.
Martinellis
0.1 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.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ide Nyt
0.0 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.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.0 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.1 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
HL Mode A/S
0.1 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
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.
Krystallen
0.1 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
0.2 km
Curated Scandinavian boutique in historic Helsingør, where literary heritage meets contemporary design.
Imerco
0.2 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
Banana joe
0.0 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.
Holger
0.1 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.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.1 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.1 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
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.
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.
Head/Foam
0.4 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
1.6 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
3.0 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.4 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
22.3 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
0.0 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
0.4 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.6 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
22.6 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
37.0 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
37.5 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
38.3 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
38.5 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
39.2 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
39.3 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
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- LGBT Friendly