Kronborg Castle – Hamlet’s Castle
Location
Essentials
- See the famous statue of national hero Holger the Dane
- Walk through a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Imagine yourself in Shakespeare’s play
Practical info
Children
Everyone under 18 has free entry to the castle, no ticket required
Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday: 10.00 – 17.00
Languages
Daily tours available in English and Danish
Ticket information
Ticket directly available on smartphone
Tickets can be rescheduled or cancelled up to 48 hours in advance
More information
For questions about the product, please contact [email protected]
Accessibility
Getting there
Public Transport
The nearest stops are Helsingor (train) and Kulturværftet (bus 342, 347, 353, 388, 801A & 803).
About
Tour Kronborg Castle
With this ticket you can explore the castle which Shakespeare named Elsinore. You can make your way through the castle including the ballroom, Renaissance chapel, casemates, as well as the castle yard. If you want you can choose to take a guided tour, which are available on select days (check starting times upon arrival at the castle shop), or you can bring your own earphones and listen to the audio guide at selected locations in castle.
Kronborg Castle dates back to 1420, when it was a fortress known as Krogen. The fortress, set at the narrowest point of the Øresund, was used to control entry to the waterway. Between 1574 and 1585, King Frederick II had the medieval fortress transformed into the Renaissance castle it is today, though it was faced by a massive fire in 1629 and occupation by the Swedes from 1658-1660.
Shakespeare’s Elsinore - Hamlet’s Castle
No one knows if Shakespeare ever visited Kronborg but it is certain he had heard the rumours of the decadent lifestyle maintained at the court. British players visited Kronborg several times during Shakespeare’s time, who like told the famous playwright about the castle.
Today, you can enjoy live performances of Shakespeare’s greatest plays from both Danish and international companies in summer at the castle during the Shakespeare festival. For the festival an open-air theatre is created with a stage built across the moat, with the castle as a backdrop.
Get your tickets to Kronborg Castle and visit Holger the Dane
One thing you cannot miss when you visit Kronborg Castle is an audience with Holger the Dane, who sits deep down under the castle amongst the crypts and catacombs. Holger is known to every Dane, for he will sleep until the day when Denmark is in real trouble, and he will wake up and defend the mother country. Get your tickets now so you don’t miss out on this great day-trip from Copenhagen.
Reviews
92 reviews
Trip to Kronborg Castle – A Day with Hamlet
If you’re in Copenhagen, don’t miss this amazing day tour to Kronborg Castle — history, Shakespeare, and the Baltic breeze all in one! I took the train from Copenhagen Central to Helsingør—it’s about an hour each way and cost me around 78 DKK (about $12). From the station, it’s a nice 20-minute walk to Kronborg Castle, a beautiful Renaissance spot known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Inside, the underground prison was pretty cool, especially with the sculpture of the castle’s legendary guardian. The Baltic Sea surrounds the castle, making it a bit windy and chilly, but it adds to the atmosphere. I even bought a pair of “Hamlet socks” — to be or not to be stylish, right? Now I’m excited to finally finish reading the play. It was a simple, memorable trip full of history and that classic Shakespearean vibe.
Great strategic castle that is well preserved
Well worth a trip from Copenhagen. This castle and fort have great historical significance due to the proximity to Sweden and the various skirmishes over the years. It was rebuilt and then later renovated and is now in great condition. Lots of great art and furnishings with very cool educational stuff re: the remaking of old sandstone Greek statues. Don’t miss the big statue of sleeping Danish folk giant Viking Holger Danske. The grounds are also nice.
Historical Experience
A wealth of cultural pearls and architectural land marks mixed with nature and a cool urban atmosphere. Kronborg castle is a UNESCO world heritage site that inspired Shakespeare to write Hamlet, on the ramparts we can see the view of Helsingborg and the ferries. The old barracks are the home to 200 years of Shakespearean theatre tradition as Hamlet stages performance s al year round.
Tremendous.
Stunning, awe inspiring castle in Helsingor. An absolute must do. It's an easy train journey from Copenhagen. Layer upon layer of Danish history and politics is oozing out of every stone in its impressive walls.
A real castle to explore
A giant castle with the sellers and ballrooms to explore. A must when visiting northern Sealand and Helsingor. Interesting stories are told.
worth the visit
The castle was interesting and the town was in itself worth the visit. You can easily spend a half day at the castle and a half day doing other things (like the maritime museum) in this town.
Excellent Experience
When we arrived at the castle, we first took a walk around the grounds and even went down the waterside so that I could dip my toes into the Baltic. The castle itself was phenomenal, with a lot of great history and artifacts. There were many different areas of the castle to visit and they even had a pseudo art exhibit in the underground portion. It is a bit of a walk from the train station, but highly worth it.
MEDIEVAL CASTLE 😱
I visited Kronborg Castle, and it was a fantastic experience! The architecture is stunning, and the views of the Øresund Strait from the ramparts are breathtaking. Exploring the grand halls and seeing the statue of Holger Danske added to the charm. The guided text was engaging and provided great insights into the castle’s history, especially its connection to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” If you’re in the area, I highly recommend checking it out—it’s a beautiful blend of history and culture!
Adorable castle
Kronborg -Hamlet Castle is really one of adorable castle. You would love it. I had amazing time and experience . It is very easy to reach after train just use bus or taxi. Very close. It was enough cold and windy on October. At the top of castle it was raining but it is worth to go.
Worth the trip out of the city
Very easy to get to from Copenhagen, train to Helsinger then a bus (though it’s about a 10 min walk). The castle is very picturesque, it’s a bit of a walk from the road but you get marvellous views. The palace itself is beautiful and the exhibitions are easy to follow. Lots of steps so not so great for those with mobility issues but the stairs are wide and have rope handrails. Different to Rosenborg and is a unesco world heritage site so it’s always nice to tick another one off the list. Worth the trip
Great time
Great castle. Easy to get round and it was quite when I was there so you could easily read the information boards. Some parts will ve difficult if you have mobility issues as lots of stairs
Very Good Castle Experience
Very nice castle experience. Very enjoyable. Lots to look at and see, nicely set up, looks great for kids too. Take the time to climb the stairs up to the roof of the tower for great views of the town, up the coast, and of Sweden. Great pictures! Very beautiful inside and out. Well worth a visit.
Beautiful Castle on the Headland.
The Castle was great. From the position of it on the straight, you get the sense of it power of days gone by. It was fantastic to tour all the room and the view from the tower was great, with Norway a short cannonball shot away. The walk of the casements was very interesting, we weren’t sure if we were going to find our way out. The grounds an battlements are great for walking also. Definitely worth thr day out.
Worth visiting !
Lovely and very interesting place to visit. A lot of information about the connection with the Danish royal Family Helpful staff !
A must for Shakespeare enthusiasts
We were staying in Copenhagen but were keen to see this castle because of its connection to Shakespeare's Hamlet. Our visit formed part of a coach tour which also took us across to Sweden so we had limited time here, although we were able to get a small discount on the admission price via our tour company. Recommendation is that an average visit takes about 2 hours - our coach tour allowed for 1.5 hours but we were able to see a fair amount of the castle during that time, including a quick visit to the gift shop.
Very pretty
Very cool and restored version of hamlet’s castle. Lots of cool information and recreations, it was quite immersive and the grounds were absolutely beautiful. Totally worth a visit.
Worth going through
From the outside, it’s not that interesting, but it’s really worth walking around inside. It’s been nicely restored, and it really feels like a place where people lived and did interesting things — most castles feel more like museums, I find. It’s also worth taking a look around, it’s on the beautiful headland that allowed Danish kings to collect all those tolls that paid for the fancy lifestyle.
History and beauty
Enjoyed the sight and view from the Castel also some history. Some part under renovation, nice view of Sweden from top and surrounding areas good visit of small town
Beautiful castle located by the sea full of history, art and interesting stories.
Beautiful castle located by the sea full of history, art and interesting stories. Easu access by boat from Sweden or train from Copenhagen.
Captivating guide and castle
Visited as part of my Copenhagen Card purchase. Fortunately, I joined an English language tour with a captivating guide. Lively, humorous history of the castle and links to the setting of Hamlet. He handled the movement between rooms seamlessly. Great train system to take you to the town. A short walk to the impressive castle. Well worth the trip out.
Definitely worth a visit
Kronborg Castle originally built between 1574 & 1585 by Frederick II all but the chapel was destroyed by fire in 1629, ironically its reconstruction was funded by Christian IV the same King that years later could not afford to reconstruct his own castle. Unlike Frederiksborg castle this one is laid out simply and more like it may have been in the day making it easy to imagine how they lived. The cask-mates are worth a visit as is the walk around the outside between the sea and the ramparts getting great views of the castle and Sweden just across the channel.
Hamlet's Castle
This is Hamlet's Castle, located on a strategic spot along the Sea. Supposedly built for protection and to collect taxes from passing boats. It is surrounded by a moat and gardens. We took a long walk around it and along the waterfront. Lovely.
Recomend
Very interesting and historic castle. Well maintained and presented, with interesting rooms and items. Information boards presented in Danish & English. Staff were friendly & helpful, speaking good English. Also nice to just wander around outside the agtes. Make sure to wear stable shoes as the underground areas are dark & uneven.
Great Daytrip from Copenhagen! Worth it
Kronborg Castle, Helsingør Day trip time, although we wanted to drive further but got prevented! However the stop in Helsingør was totally worth it, about 50 minutes from our place in Copenhagen, totally worth the drive! Kronborg is a castle and stronghold in the town of Helsingør, Denmark. Immortalized as Elsinore in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Kronborg is one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. (Source @wikipedia) A 17th century castle build by the Frederic the 2nd, for his wife Queen Sophie of Mecklenburg(he was 38 , she was 15), he was infatuated by his wife he build her the dream castle so to speak! Little anecdote, looking at the writings inside the Church/Chapel it was all in German, after I inquired about that, seems in their days the Nobility in Denmark would converse in German! Interesting! Lovely walk around the whole area, impressive! Enjoy! #thetourist #alifetimetrip #copenhagen #denmark #helsingør #kronborgcastle
Loved this castle
Drove here from Fredericksburg which we had visited first. Really preferred this castle- it looked more like a castle than a palace and the history was great. We did not do a tour and still felt like we learned a lot. The actors playing Hamlet and his friends are great and really get into character and will pose for photos with you.
Awesomeeee
One of the most beautiful castles we have seen. The view to the sea is to die for. Really amazing experience that I recommend.
Interesting history
Worth a visit. Take a guided tour to hear the history - a key part of Danish royalty and the importance of the location to guard against attackers.
December 2023
Interesting place to visit. The underground section was amazing. Would definitely visit in winter, looks amazing with ice and snow.
Hamlet and Vikings
Simply amazing, and the place to visit while on Helsingør. It's not only the castle that inspired Hamlet, but it's full of story, amazing architecture, art, and history. Words don't make it justice
Great experience with a lot of history
A well looked after castle full of history. It was well laid out and easy to navigate around. I was there on a bad day so the views weren’t so great, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Being in the casements by myself was also completely terrifying…. never moved so quickly in my life.
Positive Aspects
It is well preserved. Paintings in the Grand Ball Room are fabulous. Tapestries in the Little Room are brilliant. The view at the top of the tower is spectacular. The WiFi connection is good.
Always enjoy this castle
Visited here during our two week road trip of Denmark. I have been here numerous times but one in our party had never been here. Especially enjoyed the tower, the climbing, as well as the gorgeous vistas. We always enjoy the dungeon, but several in our party struggle with mobility so we were unable to enjoy the entire dungeon.
Great fun up north
Part of Copenhagen Card, the train and museum provided a wonderful excursion out of the city. We did the free tour as the castle is huge. Very interesting. Not as ornate as Rosenborg. Both wonderful to visit.
Fantastic castle in a beautiful location
We visited Kronborg Slot recently and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The castle is well preserved and sits in a beautiful location on the ocean looking towards Sweden. The moat is also outstanding as is every aspect of the castle
Historical, Interesting, & Entertaining
Before visiting Kronborg Castle, I actually read Hamlet for the first time to better understand the connection between the Shakesperean play and the fortress. It provided me with the most context when climbing up the 145-step spiral staircase leading to the watchtower, called "Cannon Tower". This is where the opening scene of Hamlet takes place, when two soldiers (Bernardo & Francisco) discuss seeing the ghost of Hamlet's recently murdered father. I didn't see any ghosts myself while I was up there, but I did get a lovely view of Sweden across the Øresund Strait. Kronborg Castle has an interesting history of its own and is worth a visit, but wear comfortable shoes because you'll be doing plenty of walking.
Great 1/2 day or full day trip
There was plenty to do and see at the castle. The view at the top of the tower was definitely worth the 145 steps up. And the castmates were really cool to see. We did a quick half day trip from Copenhagen and the train rides out and back were easy. Train took about 45 min. Would recommend!
A highlight
The highlight of my recent trip and well worth a day out of Copenhagen. I used the Copenhagen Card for free entry - however much a ticket would usually cost, I guarantee it's worth it! Particularly enjoyed exploring the case mates below ground where Holger Danske sits - great fun even as an adult! The 145 spiral stairs up the cannon tower are not for those with aching legs! Gift shop is reasonably priced.
Impressive
This castle a long drive from the city center but was so worth it. At the back of this castle is the sea and to the front to enter a lake crosses it. The premises is very big and it will take some time to walk the complete perimeter. The castle is very big and has an aura about it. It was during winter and very windy so my visit was less than an hour. It was really worth the drive. I can only imagine how beautiful this area is during the summer, especially with the sea at the back of it. It is a definite must see.
Beautiful castle - the adjoining town well worth a visit too!
What an amazing castle. This is a must see if you're visiting Copenhagen! It is a 35/40min train ride away from the city, the train tickets are easily accessible from the dot app. The castle is steeped in history and is just stunning. The castle and the city of Elsinore around it is just so stunning and has a wonderfully quaint atmosphere. The day that we visited the castle wasn't too crowded and it was a really comfortable visit. If you are at all claustrophobic I would avoid the lower casemates but what a treat to imagine how horrible life as a prisoner would be in the castle. It is well recreated with very dim lights - we used the lights on our phones to guide us through the pathways but all is well signposted. While there is a lot to see and do in Copenhagen I would definitely recommend spending a half day here to enjoy everything Elsinore has to offer. I would also recommend a visit to the food market which is just a stones throw from the cultural centre and harbour next to the castle. The food on offer there was fantastic. My personal favourite was Adado the Argentinian grill. Their beef steak with parmesan chips (fries) were absolutely divine! A visit to Elsinore would not be complete without a visit to Lynheims Efte Ole Jensen's cheese shop on the main pedestrianised street. It is a 3 min walk from the train station and a very easy pit stop on your way back to Copenhagen.
Fascinating place to visit (but plan to eat elsewhere)
Impressive building and nice with a short 15 min monologue in English to give a little background. Some nicely presented rooms and some interesting history. Lots of potential if they should wish to take inspiration from places like Warwick Castle in the UK… but then this place is much cheaper. The coffee shop outside the castle was closed and the only one inside sold frozen sausage rolls heated in an air fryer or cookies in plastic. Don’t come for the food… but this caste really is a must visit. If you’re here then I’d recommend coming in the morning then going to Louisiana museum of modern art afterwards. A perfect day trip from Copenhagen!!!
Outside visit only due to time constraint - very impressive
We were on a ships tour so only had time for an extErior visit of the castle. It’s very impressive and sits on the sea front with Fantastic views across to Sweden
Gita fuori porta
Abbiamo visitato il castello di Kronborg con una gita fuori porta da Copenhagen e direi che ne vale la pena (soprattutto facile da raggiungere in treno diretto a Helsingor). Il castello è ricco di storia essendo del Seicento, con alcune repliche di manufatti. Tuttavia, la fama del castello lo lega ad Amleto di Shakespeare e il fatto che sia patrimonio dell'Unesco. Da non dimenticare una passeggiata lungo i bastioni del castello, da cui si può ammirare il piccolo tratto di mare che separa la Danimarca dalla Svezia.
Castello di Amleto
Castello molto suggestivo, soprattutto dall’esterno. Ma anche il giro interno è piacevole con gli appartamenti reali, il grande salone, la piccola sala, le segrete, la Torre e la cappella.
Ser o no Ser
Es fácil llegar solo desde Copenhague entren de ida y vuelta, no es necesario contratar un guía ya que está muy bien señalizado, el recorrido es suficiente y verás mucho arte alrededor además de bajar a los calabozos y estar frente a Holger Danske
Excellent
Très beau château, peu meublé mais chargé d histoire. Visitez les sous sol et montez à la tour voir les ferries traverser vers la Suède
Imponerende slot
På Kronborg Slot kan hele familien møde Holger Danske, opleve spændende historie, deltage i levende omvisninger med dygtige slotsværter, se skiftende udstillinger og fordybe sig i involverende historiejagter for hele familien i alle skoleferierne. I mere end 500 år har Kronborg Slot ligget på den strategisk vigtige beliggenhed, hvor Øresund er smallest, så man herfra kunne kontrollere indsejlingen til Østersøen. Det er her, Christian den 4. som barn løb rundt på slottets trapper og igennem de storslåede sale. Og det er her, Holger Danske sover i kasematterne – klar til at vågne til dåd, når Danmark er i nød. I dag er Kronborg Slot åbent for offentligheden og en del af Nationalmuseet i Danmark. Derfor er det muligt at gå på opdagelse på det gamle renæssanceslot, hvor der er tydelige spor efter slottets beboere, fx med gamle indridsninger af navne i murerne, og hvor man hurtigt fornemmer slottets storhedstid i Dansesalen. Her var kongens fester så storslåede, at Kronborg Slot dengang var kendt som Europas vildeste natklub. Efter sigende var det disse fester, der inspirerede forfatteren Shakespeare til at placere det verdensberømte drama Hamlet netop her.
Sulle orma di Amleto
Spettacolare tour del castello di Amleto! Visita molto organizzata degli interni del castello, si possono visitare tutti gli interni arredati come camere da letto e sala da ballo, le cucine, i sotterranei e salire sulla torre dalla quale è possibile vedere uno splendido panorama della baia circostante, compresa la costa svedese. Si raggiunge comodamente in 40 minuti da Copenaghen. Cosigliatissimo!!
Bonito castillo con refrescantes alrededores
El castillo es bonito y la visita del interior es agradable, vale la pena. También son muy agradables las zonas circundantes, con el mar y la visión de la cercana costa sueca. Elsinor es un pueblecito machacado por el turismo, con una calle principal que tiene cierto aire a lo peor de Benidorm. Pero bueno, te puedes tomar una cerveza, si estás dispuesto a pagar su desorbitado precio, para descansar de la visita.
Una piacevole sorpresa
Il castello è molto bello e interessante per i bambini.....belli i giochi nel chiostro e divertente Amleto che scherza con i bambini.
Muy entretenido
Esta no es la típica visita a castillos y palacios. El castillo Kronborg está en Elsinor, a 45 minutos de Copenhague. Vale la pena el trayecto. El camino alrededor del castillo te permite unas vistas muy buenas de la costa y el mar. El patio interno del castillo tiene algunos juegos interactivos. Dentro del castillo podrás conseguirte a algunos personajes muy bien logrados, sobre todo al propio Hamlet que, si tienes suerte, va a tener una simpática conversación contigo. Recomendado. Al salir pueden visitar el Museo Marítimo justo al frente y comer en el edificio Street Food con varias opciones.
Having doubts? You can cancel or reschedule this booking up to 48 hours in advance for free.
