Heracles and the Hydra: Myth in Bronze at Helsingør's Castle Gate
A dramatic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra stands sentinel outside Kronborg Castle, merging Greek mythology with Helsingør’s historic seafront.
Standing at the entrance to the iconic Kronborg Castle, the 'Heracles and the Hydra' sculpture is a striking bronze monument depicting the legendary Greek hero's epic battle. Its dynamic form serves as both an artistic highlight and a dramatic welcome to visitors exploring the historic heart of Helsingør, with ties to both the mythic past and the town's maritime heritage.
A brief summary to Islands Brygge 18
- Islands Brygge 18, Copenhagen, Amager Vest, 2300, DK
Local tips
- Best light for photos is early morning or late afternoon, with the castle as backdrop.
- Combine a visit with a stroll along Helsingør’s coastal pathway for views of Sweden across the Øresund.
- The sculpture is outdoors and always accessible, making it a good stop even outside regular castle hours.
- Children will enjoy imagining the mythical battle while adults can appreciate the artistry up close.
Getting There
-
Walking
Leaving from Helsingør's main square, visitors can enjoy a pleasant 10–15-minute walk through the lively old town, passing street cafés, half-timbered houses, and small boutiques. As you approach the harbor area and the unmistakable silhouette of Kronborg Castle comes into view, the sculpture stands just outside the main entrance ramparts, clearly visible before the castle gates.
-
Public Transport
Buses from Helsingør Station toward the castle or harbor area take less than 10 minutes and typically cost 24–26 DKK for a single adult ticket. Disembark at the stop closest to Kronborg Castle, from where the sculpture is easily identified in front of the fortress walls.
-
Taxi
A short taxi ride from Helsingør’s center to Kronborg Castle averages 50–70 DKK. Taxis drop visitors at the castle forecourt, with the Heracles statue straight ahead near the approach to the main entrance.
-
Driving
Public parking is available at the castle area, generally averaging 16–25 DKK/hour. Parking can be limited during busy weekends and summer months, especially near major events, so early arrival is recommended. The sculpture stands near the main pedestrian path to the fortress.
Discover more about Islands Brygge 18
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.7 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.7 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.
Circle Bridge
0.8 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Havneholmen 33
0.8 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Cykelslangen
1.0 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Copenhagen Central Station
1.0 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
1.0 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
1.0 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Danish Parliament
1.0 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
1.0 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Vandkunsten Springvand
1.0 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
1.0 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
Statue of Andersen
1.0 km
Denmark's beloved storyteller immortalized in bronze, gazing toward Tivoli's magic in Copenhagen's beating heart.
Magstræde
1.1 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Børsen
1.1 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Unmissable attractions to see
Havnebadet Islands Brygge
0.2 km
Open‑air saltwater pools, diving towers and sun‑warmed decks turn Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Islands Brygge into an urban beach and everyday swimming hangout.
VisitDenmark
0.4 km
Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront hub where urban swimming, green lawns, and waterside cafes create the perfect Danish hygge escape.
Islands Brygge
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s former industrial quay reborn as a sun-soaked harbourfront of swimming decks, lawns and laid-back city life along the inner waterfront.
Lille Langebro
0.5 km
A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Kopenhagen
0.5 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.7 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.7 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Black Diamond
0.8 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.8 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Himmelskibet
0.8 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
The War Museum
0.8 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
National Museum of Denmark
0.9 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.9 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Noi
0.6 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
MASH Penthouse
0.7 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
Restaurant Karla
0.8 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
No. 2
0.8 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Kanal-Caféen
0.8 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Rio Bravo
0.8 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
The Harbour
0.9 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
Kadeau
1.0 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
1.0 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Restaurant Puk
1.0 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
1.1 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
1.1 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Spisestedet FEED
1.1 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Fleisch
1.1 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.
Paté Paté
1.1 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.9 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
1.0 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Wonderful Souvenirs
1.2 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Souvenir Gift Shop
1.2 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Danish Souvenirs
1.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
1.2 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
1.2 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Shop
1.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Audrey Vintage
1.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
1.2 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Akimbo
1.3 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Læderstræde
1.3 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
& Other Stories
1.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Carmen Copenhagen
1.3 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pier5 Bar
0.2 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Marble Bar
0.6 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.8 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.9 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Jolene Bar
1.0 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
Southern Cross Pub
1.0 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Jernbanecafeen
1.0 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
Zefside
1.0 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Library Bar
1.1 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Taphouse
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
not your USUAL wine bar
1.1 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Ruby
1.1 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
1.1 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
Godt Øl
1.1 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Spunk
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.9 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Baggen
1.1 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Module
1.2 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
KB3
1.2 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
CristalClubCopenhagen
1.2 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Never Mind
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Dorsia
1.2 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
The Union
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Chateau Motel
1.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.3 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Miami Bar
1.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Den Anden Side
1.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Hive
1.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
1.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
