Kronborg Castle: Day Trips and Tours from Copenhagen

The fictional setting of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Kronborg Castle is one of the most outstanding displays of Renaissance architecture in Scandinavia.

Perched on the edge of the North Sea, the castle once acted as a stronghold against intruders. Since then, it has served as a palace and army barracks, and today you can explore its many original rooms and admire the grand decor.

A day trip to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen is a must for all history and literature buffs, providing visitors with a sneak peek into Danish life through the ages.

Check out our useful guide on Kronborg Castle, one of the most exciting day trips from Copenhagen.

How to get to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen?

Kronborg Castle is located in the town of Helsingør, directly next to the North Sea, which separates the two Scandinavian nations of Denmark and Sweden. The attraction is just under 50 kilometers from the Danish capital of Copenhagen.

From Copenhagen to Kronborg Castle by car

To make the journey to Kronborg Castle by car, you’ll leave Copenhagen in a northerly direction and follow the E47 all the way to Helsingør.

Once in the town, you’ll make a left turn onto the I L Tvedes Vej, which leads you to the castle. The route takes approximately 40 minutes.

From Copenhagen to Kronborg Castle by public transport

Another way to make the jaunt to Kronborg Castle is by public transport.

You can take a direct bus from Copenhagen’s central train station to the historic site, which runs several times per day and takes approximately 2 hours to complete the journey.

Guided tour to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen

Alternatively, book a guided excursion to Kronborg Castle and allow your tour operator to take care of the details.

These day trips typically last between 5 and 9 hours, leaving Copenhagen between 8:30 AM, and 10:30 AM. Most of these tours include a convenient accommodation pickup from hotels in the city, and will also drop you back to the same point.

What are the prices for Kronborg Castle tickets?

The entrance fee for Kronborg Castle is reasonable, making it accessible for most visitors to Denmark.

• Adults: DKK125 (€17)
• Children under 18: Free
• Students: DKK115 (€15)

What is the typical itinerary of a day trip to Kronborg Castle?

Generally, Kronborg Castle day tours visit a range of sites around Copenhagen, starting with the main attraction itself. You’ll make the short journey out of the city, arriving at the castle around 40 minutes later.

Here, you’ll typically be shown around each room by a professional tour guide who will fill you in on the history of the landmark and show you some of the exemplary art on display.

From here, you may return to Copenhagen and continue on with your vacation. Alternatively, you can select a Kronborg Castle day trip that travels to other grand attractions, such as Frederiksborg Castle, or includes a city tour of Copenhagen.

What kinds of tours can you take to Kronborg Castle?

There are several options for Kronborg Castle day tours depending on which other destinations interest you.

Guided tour to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen

Beginning your Kronborg Castle day trip, you’ll meet your guide and travel to Helsingør by train.

Enjoy a short stroll through the quaint town to reach your main attraction, where you’ll be escorted around the premises of the castle by a knowledgeable guide.

You’ll discover the setting of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and have the opportunity to see how royalty lived in several original rooms.

Admire sweeping views of Helsingør from the immaculately pruned gardens of Kronborg Castle before returning to Copenhagen.

Day trip to Kronborg Castle plus Northern Zealand from Copenhagen

This combination Kronborg Castle day tour is the perfect option for those with a limited itinerary. You’ll first head out into the rolling hills of Northern Zealand, admiring the vibrant greenery of the region.

You’ll then reach Kronborg Castle where you’ll take a leisurely amble around the grounds learning about its association with Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” as well as the Viking legends that surround the attraction.

Continuing on, you’ll visit the 17th-century Frederiksborg Castle, which is one of the largest Renaissance buildings in Scandinavia before journeying back to the city for a walking tour of Copenhagen.

Be awed by the capital city’s most notable landmarks, such as the blossoming Tivoli Gardens and the lofty bell tower of the Christiansborg Palace.

Day tour to Kronborg Castle plus Roskilde and Frederiksborg from Copenhagen

As part of a small group, you’ll set off on your day trip to Kronborg Castle, where you’ll explore both its dazzling interior and tranquil grounds before moving onto Frederiksborg Castle, built by King Christian IV as a status symbol.

After comparing these two architecturally-superior structures, you’ll travel to Roskilde Cathedral, where almost 40 Danish monarchs are buried.

After paying your respects to the kings and queens of centuries past, you’ll visit the Viking Ship Museum to learn more about the medieval warriors of the north who attempted to colonize much of Europe.

What's the price range for a day trip to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen?

A basic day trip to Kronborg Castle costs approximately €60 and includes the services of a professional guide. However, transportation costs and entrance to the site are at your own expense.

If you opt for a Kronborg day tour that works Roskilde and Frederiksborg into its itinerary, you’ll pay just over €150 each.

You can expect to pay €970 per person for a private tour of Kronborg Castle, Northern Zealand and Copenhagen city. This fee, unlike some other tours, includes entrance to the castle.

What will you see and do?

Kronborg Castle translates to “Palace of Crowns” and is famed as the setting of William Shakespeare’s celebrated play, “Hamlet”, referred to as the fictional castle of “Elsinore.”

The site was originally built as a fortress in the 15th century by King Eric of Pomerania and was transformed into the castle you see today by King Frederick II in the 16th century.

Less than 100 years later, the castle suffered great fire damage but was immediately reconstructed by King Christian IV.

Once home to a vast collection of artworks, the castle was sieged by the Swedes and robbed of these masterpieces during the second half of the 17th century.

By the 18th century, Kronborg was no longer used as a royal residence and was instead utilized by the army who converted it into barracks.

The site features magnificent Renaissance architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. Its soaring turrets and red brickwork stand out across the landscape, and the castle is surrounded by a shimmering moat.

Today, visitors can cross said moat to explore its royal apartments, as well as its ballroom, which features artworks by Francis Cleyn and Reinhold Timm.

You can also explore the Little Hall where 100 of Denmark’s kings are perfectly depicted in intricate tapestries.

Surrounding the castle is pristine gardens, including hedges and lawns that have been perfectly manicured to form detailed shapes, such as a large crown, in reference to its name.

Many performances of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” have been performed in the castle by members of the Holywood elite, including Jude Law and David Tennant.

These shows began on the 200th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death and now run regularly during the summertime.

What are the opening times?

Kronborg Castle is open from 9 AM to 4 PM between Tuesday and Sunday. The attraction is closed to visitors every Monday.

When is the best time of year to visit Kronborg Castle?

The best time to plan your day trip to Kronborg Castle is between the summer months of June and August. During this time, the weather is mild and daytime temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius.

While these are the busiest months to visit the castle, they are arguably the best as the historic site showcases several performances of Hamlet.

If you’d like to tour the castle without the crowds of tourists, you could consider visiting during the shoulder months of May or September.

Travel tips

• Students will need to provide appropriate identification in order to qualify for a discounted rate on their Kronborg Castle tickets.
• You should set aside at least 2 hours to spend at the site if you are planning your Kronborg Castle day tour independently.
• Check whether your excursion includes the entrance fee to Kronborg Castle before booking so that you can secure the best deal.
• Many combination day trips include a fair amount of walking through different Danish destinations. Wear comfortable shoes to get the maximum enjoyment out of your tour.