Helsingør

Located in the eastern side of Denmark, the quaint city of Helsingor is best known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The fascinating town occupies the narrowest point on the Oresund, the sound that divides Denmark and Sweden. In fact, the name Helsingor literally translates to ‘neck’ or ‘narrow strait’, indicating its precarious location.

Despite rapid urban development in the city, Helsingor has managed to retain its medieval mementos. The charming little town is peppered with breathtaking cathedrals rising over the cityscape to kiss the skies. Age-old boutiques, patisseries and little cafes add to the cosmopolitan charm of the place.

When in Helsingor, do not miss out on a trip to the Kronborg Slot. A designated world heritage site, this Renaissance masterpiece has been immortalized as Elsinore Castle in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The port town is also home to the renowned Carmelite Priory and St. Mary’s Church, which is famously regarded as the finest example of monastic complex in all of Scandinavia. Another prominent attraction here is the salt water aquarium of Oresund Akvariet.

One of the best ways to get a taste of the local culture in Helsingor would be to go on a culinary tour of the town. From Denmark’s’ oldest patisserie, to lopsided 17th century cafes serving traditional delights, a trip to Helsingor is a connoisseur’s delight. Tourists may also choose to talk a stroll down the shopping street at Helsingor, peppered with age-old cafes, boutiques and eateries.

In Helsingor, the summer months are generally cool, pleasant and windy, while winter remains overcast and extremely cold. Summers are generally better suited for tourist activities, with pleasant weather offering the perfect setting for sightseeing expeditions.