Home to UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet, and the fascinating M/S Maritime Museum.
Welcome to Elsinore, a city in Denmark best known for being the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet. This coastal town is home to Kronborg Castle, one of Northern Europe's most important Renaissance castles.
Elsinore, also known as Helsingør in Danish, is located on the northeastern tip of the Island of Zealand. It sits right across the strait from Helsingborg, Sweden, and the two cities are connected by a short ferry ride. This proximity to Sweden has played a significant role in its history, making it a strategic point for control of the Baltic Sea.
The city's most famous landmark is undoubtedly the Kronborg Castle, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. The castle has stood since the 15th century and is famously known as the setting for Shakespeare's tragedy 'Hamlet'. Here, you can walk around the impressive castle grounds, explore the royal chambers, or go into the gloomy casemates where the statue of Holger the Dane, a legendary figure in Danish folklore, sleeps.
Elsinore's old town area is also worth a visit with its beautiful old buildings, narrow streets and the market square. You shouldn't miss the city's food market, 'Værftets Madmarked', located in a refurbished shipyard building. Here, local vendors serve everything from traditional Danish dishes to international cuisine. The herring sandwich is a local favorite.
While in Elsinore, a visit to M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark should not be missed. This underground museum, designed by the famous architects Bjarke Ingels Group, tells the story of Denmark's maritime history.
The weather in Elsinore can be quite unpredictable, with a good chance of wind and rain throughout the year. So, remember to pack a raincoat and windbreaker when you visit this charming Danish town.
