Helsingor (also known as Elsinore) is the Danish town that is home to Hamlet’s castle. Elsinore was founded during the reign of King Erik of Pomerania (1382-1459). Cruise ships moor at Kings Quay at the beginning of the one of Denmark’s oldest pedestrian streets. Within walking distance are exquisite old churches, a medieval cloister and the charming half-timbered shop houses that stretch to the harbor. Cruising into Elsinore offers spectacular views of Kronborg Castle, made famous by Shakespeare as the backdrop to Hamlet.
Situated on the strait of Öresund (the Sound), Helsingborg, Sweden, and Elsinore, Denmark are separated by a mere 2.5-mile stretch of water and a 20-minute ferry ride. Each represents the 10th largest towns in their respective countries. The similarities and differences of the two towns make visiting each worthwhile. “Round the sound” allows visitors, particularly those on pre- and post-cruises from Copenhagen, to visit both countries in one day.
Excursions include the Castle Tour of North Zealand; and North Zealand’s Royal Parks and Public Gardens; and on the Swedish side: scenic tour of Northwest Skåne and the Kulla peninsula; Castles in Skåne; and Seal & Speedboatsafari on Kattegat.
Castles and Kings
Some of Scandinavia’s castles live on in literature. In Elsinore, the Dutch Renaissance style Castle Kronborg, built between 1574 and 1585, is the backdrop for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and thus it is known as Hamlet’s Castle.
Elsinore port is closed for cruise vessels until April 2011 for total rebuilding to the cultural port of Elsinore. It will still be possible to facilitate tenders from anchored cruise vessels in the Yachtport just north of Elsinore port (less than 1 nautical mile away). After reopening in 2011 the maximum length will be 140m, width 30m and max draught 6.8m with no air restrictions. There is a longstanding tradition that Elsinore is the first city to be visited by Queen Margrethe of Denmark at the onset of the annual summer cruises with the royal yacht ‘Dannebrog’. The Queen is received at the ‘Royal Quay’ at the beginning of May to the accompaniment of great festivities, music, flags and flowers, and the same royal reception can be experienced as a cruise tourist in Elsinore.
The cruise passengers are welcomed by the local tourist office with brochures and tourist information. The Royal Quay is immediately adjacent to historical Elsinore, with its well preserved houses, several of which date back to the 1550s, as well as a modern commercial scene throbbing with life. Down the motorway, along the scenic coastal route or by train, Copenhagen is less than an hour away. Elsinore is also a good base for trips around the North Zealand, with Frederiksborg Castle, Fredensborg Palace and world-famous Museum of Modern Art, Louisiana.
Towering immediately beside the port and Elsinore is Kronborg Castle – immortalized by William Shakespeare, who set the plot of the Hamlet tragedy at Kronborg and Elsinore, no less. In the actual city you will find the Carmelite Abbey – the best preserved medieval abbey in Northern Europe – together with the Cathedral and St. Marys’ church.
Elsinore is truly a natural yet quaint meeting point for the past and present, and the city is the perfect gateway to a kingdom of experiences. The Port of Elsinore and the tourist office welcome you to Elsinore and Kronborg Castle.
Avid Cruiser Posts, Photographs and Videos Featuring Helsingor.
