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If you are visiting Copenhagen for more than a couple of days one of the best things to do is visit Kronborg Castle! This majestic castle that sits on the baltic sea is also the setting of Shakespeare’s play Hamlet!
Not only that, in the year 2000 was designated as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To see this castle in the most efficient time, I recommend a guided tour! Here are the 3 best Kronborg castle day trip tours from Copenhagen!
3 Best Kronborg Castle Day Trip Tours From Copenhagen
Don’t have time to read the whole post? Here are the best 3 castle day trips from Copenhagen!
Grand Day Trip Around Copenhagen
Private Hamlet Castle Tour From Copenhagen
Kronborg Slot & North Zealand Castle Tour
Visiting old castles is a passion of mine, so you can imagine how excited I was to explore the castle grounds and get a tour of the fortress head of Kronborg Slot.
In this post, I will share my experience of the castle tour I took in spring! You can expect my honest feedback on all the great places we visited.
The History of Kronborg Slot
Kronborg Slot is a famous castle located in the city of Helsingør in Denmark. Built in the early 1600s it is an iconic landmark of the Danish city and famous for more than one reason.
Originally built as a fortified castle to defend any entrance to the area, then later a royal residence to King Frederik II in 1658.
During the reign of the king, the castle was given the nickname “Kongens Nytorv” or Kings’s New Square.”
Then in the late 17th century, the castle was turned into a tourist attraction by King Christian IV. The attraction was then known as “The Queen of Scandinavia.”
In 1807, Kronborg Slot was taken over by the British during the Napoleonic Wars and was used as a prison and headquarters. After the wars, it became a tourist attraction again around 1819.
In the year 2000 Kronborg Slot became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural significance.
Why is it also called Hamlet’s Castle?
Kronborg Castle is also referred to as Hamlet’s Castle or Elsinore Castle. And if you are wondering why it’s because it was the castle that William Shakespeare used in his world-famous Hamlet play!
Shakespeare refers to the castle town as “Elsinore”. The word Elisnore is the English word for Helsingør which is the actual town of the castle.
Best Time To Visit Kronborg Castle
Anytime is a good time to visit this iconic castle. Denmark’s winters can be very cold, so ideally you would want to avoid winter. The exception would be the month of December the town and castle are decorated for Christmas!
The castle is closed on Mondays but opens the other 6 days of the week. Check the official website for the times as this will vary depending on the season.
When you visit the castle via an organized tour you don’t have to bother checking these things.
I visited in the spring and it was beautiful, it rained partly through the day, but it was still worth visiting!
3 Best Kronborg Castle Day Trip Tours From Copenhagen
There are so many advantages to visiting the Castle of Kronborg from Copenhagen on a day tour. It is the best way to relax while everything is organized for me. It is also the easiest way to see more than one tourist attraction in one day without a car.
Especially if you are traveling solo in Copenhagen you should consider going with a small group. It is a great way to make some new friends!
On the day of the tour, I simply needed to show up with my camera phone and enjoy the day!
If you want to visit the castle at your own pace you could take the train from Copenhagen Central Station, however, you won’t get to see as much as you would on a tour. These companies really make a great itinerary from Copenhagen.
1. Grand Day Trip Around Copenhagen
This epic castle tour is the one I took and can most recommend! You not only visit Kronborg Slot but also Frederiksborg Castle, and Roskilde Cathedral as well!
This tour starts by visiting the largest cathedral in Denmark, Roskilde Cathedral, where the largest number of royals are buried.
It is a quick stop and between November to March, you will only be able to get a photo.
“Great Experience! Our guide was knowledable with a sense of humor” – Jill (read more reviews)
Then it’s off to the Viking Ships Museum where you will learn all about Danish history and stories about the Vikings!
After that, you can be prepared to be amazed at Frederiksborg Castle! You explore this castle for around 2 hours, then have lunch. I was most impressed with the beautiful gardens at this castle. I visited in the springtime and everything was fresh in bloom!
Finally, you will end the day with a one-hour tour of Kronborg Slot! You will get to explore Hamlet’s castle and learn about the castle’s role in the famous play.
There is a lot of history of Denmark you learn when you visit these most famous castles. It was truly one of my favorite day trips of all time.
2. Private Hamlet Castle Tour From Copenhagen
If you have your own small group this is one of the best day trips you can make from Copenhagen! The meeting point for this private tour is Copenhagen Central Station.
Here you will meet your guide and set off by train to the castle. The train journey is approximately 45 minutes and the cost of transportation is included in the tour.
” Wonderful half-day tour! Nicolas was a fantastic, informative guide and this was one of the highlights of our trip!” – Christine_S (read more reviews)
Once you arrive in the small town of Helsingør you go on a short walk to the historic castle. The private guide will provide some background information on the area and one of Denmark’s top attractions!
The private tour of Kronborg Castle lasts around 2 hours. Go on an in-depth exploration of the UNESCO-listed castle. And leave with a greater understanding of Danish culture and the history of the Scandinavian countries!
If you are brave enough, explore creepy crypts and caves!
3. Kronborg Slot & North Zealand Castle Tour
For the ultimate castle experience in Denmark, you need to join this group tour! It is hard to say if I think this is the best of the 3 castle day trips from Copenhagen, but it certainly is the best value.
This tour starts by visiting the town of Hillerød at Frederiksborg Castle. Located on the northeastern tip of the Danish Island of Zeland. In Northern Europe, this is the largest Renaissance castle. It is also considered a part of the Danish National History Museum.
Dating back to the 17th century its original use was to be a hunting lodge for the Danish Royal Family. Now you can visit the fairytale-like Frederiksborg castle inside and out!
After Frederiksborg Castle it’s off to Fredensborg Palace! The is a functioning palace as it is still in use for the Danish Royal Family in the spring and fall. It is also the site where most important state visits are held. You will have about 15 minutes to have a look and get pictures.
Finally, you finish this tour by visiting Helsingør town also known as “Elsinore” for 30 minutes. Before touring Kronborg Castle another 30 minutes!
Check out the famous Han Statue which is known as the little brother to the Little Mermaid statue. Banegårdspladsen 9
How to Visit Kronborg Castle Without A Tour
If after this post you aren’t convinced to try one of these 3 best Kronborg day trip tours from Copenhagen, read on.
If you want to visit the Kronborg on your own time here is the full information.
Getting to Kronborg Castle
The best way to go from Copenhagen to Helsingør is by train. If you purchase the Copenhagen Card the train fare is free, as well as your entrance to the castle.
The train ride is 45 minutes and the fare without the Copenhagen Card is 11€. There is a train about every 30 minutes, but double-check before you go.
The Copenhagen Card
FREE access to 80 Attractions + Public Transport.
Kronborg Castle Opening Hours
The castle is open Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays. It is also closed on December 24th & 25th as well as January 1st.
Castle Ticket Prices
Children under 18 are free! Students enjoy a reduced entrance fee of 135 DKK (June, July, and August) and 85 DKK for the rest of the year.
Adults pay 145 DKK ( June, July, and August) and 95 DKK for the rest of the year.
Get the Copenhagen Card and get free entrance to the castle and 87 museums! Read all about the Copenhagen Card Benefits below.
Best car rentals for Copenhagen
If you want to visit more of Denmark and prefer to drive, I have some of the best tips for renting a car in Copenhagen.
Conclusion on Kronborg Castle Tours
The truth is all three of these castle tours from Copenhagen are great! Depending on your group size and time restraints you have options!
If you are venturing further into Denmark, consider visiting Aarhus!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Kronborg Castle on a Day Trip
Making time for a day trip to Kronborg Castle was one of the best things I did on my trip to Copenhagen!
Joining a small group tour was the best way to see this incredible castle without the stress of organizing it myself. So if it is your first time in Copenhagen, I recommend joining a tour to make your time that much more enjoyable.
FAQs
Yes, you can visit Kronborg Castle on your own without a guide. The admission ticket is 95 DKK (Danish Kroner) for adults, except for June, July, and August, tickets are 145 DKK. Children under 18 are free! The admission ticket gives you access to explore the grounds and crypts
Yes! You take the train from Copenhagen main train station to Helsingør station. The castle is about a 5-minute walk. Trains run about every 30 minutes.
It takes only around 45 minutes via train to reach Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen Central Station!
