"Helsingør, Hamlet's little Hometown" Top 5 Page for this destination Helsingør by bpacker

Helsingør Travel Guide: 149 reviews and 441 photos

Hamlet's Castle, now where is Mel?? - Helsingør

ol' Hamlet's Hometown

After getting spooked in Roskilde Domkirk, Liz and I took a train to Helsingør next . We were filled with anticipation, afterall, we were once Literature students and we couldn't wait to see the famous castle mentioned by Shakespeare. Ah yes, it wasn't a question to visit or not to visit, we had to see HAMLET"S CASTLE, even without Mel Gibson and his cute tights. For those of you who have zero interest in Shakespeare, this castle was made famous when Shakespere mentioned it in his play on the Prince of Denmark. Of course, in the Bard's tale, the castle is known as Elsinore, which is a lot easier to read than Helsingør with the funny ø. But if you really want to know what is funny, watch Gibson play the prince. He gave comic relief to what was supposed to be a tragedy. The only saving grace was only perhaps his pert backside. But Gibson or no Gibson, Helsingør had lots more to offer. Besides the castle, there were cobbled alleyways, the quintessential Euporean flower market, quaint shops and interesting pockets for 2 Singaporean gals to explore. We explored those things, the castle, visited an art museum along the way before we left for Malmö in Sweden.

Kronberg Castle

I admit, I was hypnotised by the floor pattern

If truth be told, there is no evidence that Shakespeare ever saw this sandstone-and-copper castle, but he made it famous in Hamlet! Liz and I explored this castle and found it full of intriguing secret passages and casemates. Even the little gilded chapel inside was fascinating.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Contemporary Art, crap?

Even if you think that modern art is crap, this modern art museum is still worth a visit. This mansion-turned-museum in Humlebaek offers more than just art. The sprawling grounds faces the sea so it makes a lovely place for a picnic, also you can admire the architecture of the old mansion.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Quiet Coastal Town with a Beautiful Castle

Last visit to Helsingør: Sep 2002
Intro Updated Oct 23, 2005
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Reviews (21)

Train/Ferry Terminal at Helsingør - Helsingør

Ferries and Trains Transportation (1)

There's lots of ways to go to Helsingør, but the most common transport, I suppose is by ferry or train. Take your... more travel advice

The Real Owner of Kronberg Castle Things to Do (15)

Since Hamlet did not live in Kronborg Castle, who did? It was none other than Frederik II of Denmark. During the 1570s,... more travel advice

Watch Sir Olivier before going to Helsingor! - Helsingør

Watch or Read Hamlet before going to... Things to Do (15)

Contrary to everything you've heard, the real Hamlet never actually lived in Kronborg Castle. Shakespeare used this... more travel advice

Sculpture in the Museum Grounds - Helsingør

Louisiana Art Musuem, Humlebæk Off The Beaten Path (2)

Enroute to Helsingor, Liz and I popped into this art museum since we were a little tired of looking at castles. It was a... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Lovely Seaside Hostel minus the beach

Restaurants (2)
See All A View of Hamlet's Castle

Comments (5)

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Nemorino Jan 19, 2006 at 12:23 AM

Interesting place. Well-written tips and nice photos as always.
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Wild_Orchid Sep 19, 2005 at 7:09 PM

the "hotel" looks interesting. wonder whether it would be cold in winter? : )
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muddybok Sep 18, 2005 at 10:06 PM

To visit or not to visit, that is the question. Nice castle & interesting dining tips.
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robertgaz Sep 14, 2005 at 12:28 AM

Are you suggesting less is more of Mel :-)
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hassan_abu Sep 9, 2005 at 2:37 AM

Oooohh.. what a pity I did not stay long in Helsingor. We were on our way to Legoland Billund from Sweden. We took the ferry and then drove off to Billund. I'm sure Helsingor is a beautiful place. Abu