Kronborg Slot Helsingor Denmark

Kronborg Castle (Danish: Kronborg Slot) is one of the most impressive Renaissance castles in Northern Europe and one of the best places to visit in Denmark! Home to royal chambers, a grand banquet hall, and with strong ties to William Shakespeare this 16th-century castle offers an insight into the country’s regal history. During the Danish-Swedish wars, the Swedes occupied the castle from 1658 to 1660, looting everything of value, including its then-famous fountain. Thereafter, Christian V bulked up Kronborg’s defences, but the Danish royals gave up trying to make the castle a home.

Copenhagen To Helsingor Denmark

I like castles. I love the architecture, the history, and the gardens.

Kronborg Slot Helsingor Denmark Norway

Within the city of Copenhagen there are quite a few castles, enough to keep you busy for a few days if you aren’t looking to venture out too far or don’t have the time. However, if you have a free day and are looking to get out of the city, Frederiksborg Slot in Hillerød and Kronborg Slot in Helsingør are both great options.

Just to note, it is absolutely possible to do both of these castles in one day. The train from Copenhagen to Hillerød is only 40 minutes and leaves quite frequently from København H (Copenhagen Central Station). From Hillerød you can catch the local train (930R aka L train) every hour on the hour to Helsingør (as of October 2016); the ride is just under 30 minutes. Both castles in one day might be a bit rushed if you’re the type that really wants to see everything, but if you manage your time well it’s doable.

On the other hand, if you prefer to take it easy and enjoy the surrounding town, deciding which “slot” to see is purely up to what you’re more interested in.

Frederiksborg Slot

Frederiksborg Slot is located in Hillerød, approximately 40 kilometers north of Copenhagen. You can take any train headed for Hillerød St. from København H; the ride takes about 40 minutes. From the train station you can walk to Frederiksborg Slot (15-20 minutes) or take a bus.

Quick Fact:
Frederiksborg Slot is also the home of the Museum of National History and is the largest renaissance castle in Scandinavia.

The castle itself is quite beautiful, although there was a lot of restoration work going on when I was there in October 2016. The inside is filled with artifacts from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. If you are a history lover, Frederiksborg is great. You can pick up a free audio guide at the information counter, as well as a map. The guide will go by room number and does not provide information for each individual room. The room numbers are above each door frame so you know where you are; the audio guide will also tell you which room the guide is for.

I really liked this castle. There was so much to see and enjoy. Furthermore, Frederiksborg has a beautiful baroque garden you can stroll through after your castle tour.

I spent about four to five hours at this castle and could have spent more time in the gardens walking around. Note: I listened to the audio guide and looked at every single thing because I’m a bit of a history nerd.

The town of Hillerød is quite small. Apart from Frederiksborg, there isn’t a whole lot else going on in town. There is a small main street with some shops, but there isn’t any other main attraction.

Kronborg Slot

Quick Fact:
Kronborg Slot, also known as Elsinore, the site of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

From Helsingør train station you can see Kronborg in the distance, jutting out into the water. The walk from the station to the castle is short and straight forward, just walk toward the castle.

The castle interior is much more bare and simple when compared to other castles such as Frederiksborg or Rosenborg. There is no physical audio guide for Kronborg; however, there are QR codes set up throughout the castle that, if scanned, will provide information about the room you are in. If you want audio information be sure to bring headphones.

Aside from the castle interior, you can also check out the casemates, the underground network under Kronborg. It can be quite dark and creepy if you find yourself down there alone like I did, but it’s also pretty neat. They sell flashlights in a vending machine at the entrance to the casemates, but if you have a headlamp or a flashlight on your mobile phone you’ll be fine. There’s also a statue of Hamlet in the casemates, which is kind of neat and ominous looking.

The surrounding town of Helsingør has some other buildings and churches to walk around and see, but the main attraction is Kronborg.

Do I need a Copenhagen Card?

Kronborg Slot Helsingor Denmark Tourist

If you only plan to do Frederiksborg and Kronborg and then back to Copenhagen, you don’t need to get a Copenhagen Card. In fact, it’s not worth it to buy one. It is cheaper to buy a 24-hour all zone public transport card (purchased on a ticket kiosk) and tickets to each castle separately than to get a 24-hour Copenhagen Card. However, if you plan to also stop by the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art just south of Helsinør as part of a two-castle day trip, get the Copenhagen Card. It really all comes down to how much you try to do in one day. Personally, I think trying to doing all three in one day would be way too rushed, but if your time is limited and you don’t mind rushing through, it can be done.

Which is better?

The answer to this question is completely subjective; however, consider the type of castle and what you want to see.

In terms of transportation, both are easy to get to from København H station. Trains run frequently enough to both that transportation shouldn’t be a concern.

Personally, if I were only to do one, I’d choose Frederiksborg Slot. I preferred the more elaborate decor of Frederiksborg and all the artifacts inside the castle. There was more to see and learn about, seeing as it is also the Museum of National History. Additionally, the gardens around Frederiksborg are quite lovely, especially if you go on a day with nice weather.

I found Kronborg to be less engaging, although still interesting. The building itself and contents of the castle were much simpler. Arriving there with only one hour until closing, I felt like one hour was enough to see everything. The casemates were neat to explore, and something that Frederiksborg doesn’t have, but overall, I felt Kronborg was less interesting. It seems to me that people like Kronborg due to it’s significance as an UNESCO site and connection to Hamlet. There is more to see in the town of Helsingør than in Hillerød, and you can actually take the ferry over to Sweden from Helsingør if you want to make that part of your day trip instead.

Which castle do you prefer? Have any advice for other travelers? Leave a comment below!

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