Elsinore is one of those cities that you often just pass by. The ferry Helsingborg-Elsinore takes you here in a measly 20 minutes and after you get off the car in Denmark it feels like the whole of Europe is ahead of you. But what if instead of heading back to Helsingborg or driving south with your car, you actually make Elsinore your destination?
Join me for my eight tips in the small town with the World Heritage-listed castle.
1. Kronborg Castle
You can't visit Elsinore without visiting Kronborg Castle – the castle that you can see all the way from Helsingborg. The castle is considered one of Northern Europe's most impressive Renaissance buildings and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was built in the 16th century to control traffic in the Öresund – and ensure that passing ships paid tolls. A controversial move that feels more relevant than ever today.
Most people recognize the castle from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, even though Hamlet probably never visited it himself. Over the years, Kronborg has been a royal residence, a place for large celebrations, a military base and a prison. After a fire in the 17th century, it was rebuilt and stands today in much the same condition as we see it now. A place to visit all year round – but perhaps especially during the Christmas market.
Read more about Kronborg Castle here: Kronborg Castle – Hamlet, customs and fires
2. The beautiful medieval streets
The history of Elsinor began sometime in the 13th century and the city went from being a fishing village to a wealthy city during the customs era. Elsinor has lots of small alleys where the distances between the houses barely allow a bicycle.
One of the finest alleys is Old Ferry Street, which with its half-timbered houses and cobblestones offers a full medieval feel. The street is so narrow that it is barely possible to cycle in the alley, which makes it extra cute. At some point in history, probably before the 18th century, the alley became part of an agricultural property and was closed off at both ends. Thanks to this, the street remained untouched, even though the rest of the city was modernized. The street was reopened in the early 20th century and has since regained its historical splendor.
I am also very fond of the area around Anna Queens Street, where the alley with half-timbered houses is lined with roses and hollyhocks. The name has nothing to do with royalty, but comes from the merchant family Quie, who in the 18th century owned several properties on the street.
3. The shipyard's food market
At Værftets Madmarked, old shipyard life and a new food culture come together in a raw, industrial setting. Inside the former shipyard halls, the air is filled with the scents of street food, with local specialties from around the world on offer. Of course, there’s also plenty of beer flowing. This is not a polished food hall like Östermalmshallen. Instead, it’s something far more social and relaxed – a kind of living room atmosphere, furnished with flea market finds, mismatched lamps, and a laid-back energy that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Open every day during the summer months, but during the winter it is closed on certain days.
4. Shopping on Stengade
Denmark may not be the most wallet-friendly country for shopping right now, but in Elsinore there are plenty of places that won't break the bank. Stengaden is the main street in Elsinore and is the city's bustling pedestrian street with shops, so this is always a good place to start your walk.
A place I always visit is Ilse Jacobsen outlet store, where you can find the brand's iconic rain jackets, rubber boots and flip-flops at really good prices. Also the Danish brand noa noa has a large store here, where there are often great deals on nice women's and children's clothing.
One of Stengade's strengths is its selection of wine shops, cheese, chocolate and specialties. Come in and sample some and buy something delicious to bring home.
For those of you who like second-hand and antique shops, look for shops with names like “genbrug” and “loppemarked”. Elsinore has many second-hand shops and they are often visible on the cross streets from Stengade. A flea market that I like is Kirppu Elsinore, which is located a little outside the center, but which brings together lots of private vendors in one place.
Continue your shopping spree on the intersecting streets Stjernegade and Bjergegade, where the string of small, charming shops continues.
5. Axeltorv
Axeltorv is one of Elsinore's meeting points and the square is lined with cafes and bars and market stalls. During summer days, people of all ages clink beer glasses and the atmosphere is usually at its best.
In the middle of the square stands a statue of Erik of Pomerania (in some contexts also referred to as the “pirate king”) – a reminder of Elsinore’s history as a trading city and the era of the Øresund Sound Dues.
6. Eat open sandwiches
Having smørrebrød for lunch (frokost in Danish) is one of the city's pleasures. The city has plenty of places serving smørrebrød and you don't have to walk many meters from the main streets to find places that aren't so touristy.
Here are five tips for places with good sandwiches if you don't want to take any chances:
Rådmand Davids Hus– Delicious open sandwiches in one of the original old houses in Elsinore, built in 1694.
Cafe Olai– Well-reputed lunch and dinner restaurant that feels like an institution in the city. Often mentioned as one of the best restaurants in both Elsinore and North Zealand.
Restaurant Strejf – Restaurant in the historic old station building with views of Kronborg and the harbor entrance. Serves smørrebrød for lunch.
Café Dix – Affordable open sandwiches and a courtyard where you can sit with your dog (if the street is full)
Københavneren– One of the oldest inns in Elsinore. A bit touristy with a menu in Swedish, but lots of smørrebrød!
7. Monastery Church of St. Mary
St. Mary's Churchis part of an old monastery that still stands in the middle of the city center of Elsinore. The monastery was founded by Eric of Pomerania and built by monks around 1430. For its time, it was a large and quite impressive project. This was not just a church, but an entire monastery complex that once occupied a significant part of the city and left a lasting imprint on its character.
Much of it was destroyed in a fire in 1450, but the monastery is still considered the best preserved in Denmark, which says something about how much history is actually still intact here.
8. Go to a museum
Is it raining? It doesn't matter, because Elsinore has some really good museums for days with capricious weather.
M/S Museet for Søfart– An award-winning museum in an old shipyard, with stories about Denmark's maritime history.
Elsinore Bymuseum – Informative and reasonably large museum that tells the story of Elsinore's history and everyday life and how Elsinore was shaped by shipping and trade.
Danmarks Tekniske Museum – A little outside the city center there is a well-stocked museum with cars, airplanes, computer games and other electrical items.
Skibsklarerergården– Small museum showing a home from the 18th century with period furniture and rooms.
What is the easiest way to get to Elsinore?
Elsinore is most easily reached by Öresundslinjen from Helsingborg. The ferry usually runs every 20 minutes and you can either take the boat on foot or by car. If you take the ferry by car more than once a year, it is worth having an agreement with an AutoBizz.
It is also possible to take the train to Elsinore from Copenhagen in 40 minutes. Fast and convenient.
Would you like to see more pictures from Elsinore?
Scroll on! Otherwise you can find more inspiration on my page about Denmark.
