Danish-Swedish weekend in Helsingør and Helsingborg

In the Danish city of Helsingør, the massive walls of Kronborg dominate the harbor. The curved towers of Hamlet’s castle rise steeply against the sky. They originate from King Frederick II, who transformed the fortress into a magnificent palace.

Nevertheless, Kronborg continued to serve the purpose of collecting tolls for passage through the Øresund. In 1658, the Swedish King Charles Gustav occupied the Helsingør castle and plundered it. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The sea shapes life in both cities along the Øresund. In Helsingør, the entire harbor area recently underwent a rejuvenation. Like a cubist sculpture, glass surfaces now surround the red brick walls of the former shipyard, which has been transformed into the Culture Yard. Here, and in the nearby Culture Harbor, exhibitions, concerts, and festivals take place regularly. The Shipyard Museum provides insight into the history of the buildings.

M/S Maritime Museum and Han
Part of this revitalization is the M/S Maritime Museum. The entrance to this award-winning building is located right next to the dry dock. Here, visitors can learn what made Denmark one of the world’s leading maritime nations.

The multimedia museum not only explores the country’s past but also its present. While visiting the harbor, be sure to check out Han, Helsingør’s polished stainless-steel counterpart to Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid.

The easiest way to compare cultures is through their cuisine. Smørrebrød, or Smörgåsar in Swedish, is a staple of food culture in both countries. In Helsingør, the city’s oldest patisserie, Møllers Konditori, offers classic Smørrebrød. In Helsingborg, on the other hand, the ultra-modern Sillen & Makrillen is considered one of the best places for an extended brunch.

Helsingborg: The Friendliest City in Sweden
Helsingborg is about twice the size of Helsingør and promotes itself as the friendliest city in Sweden. Like its neighbor, Helsingborg has also developed a vibrant new harbor district, Norra Hamnen. Instead of a Culture Yard, the city features the Dunkers Kulturhus, distinguished by its strikingly curved roof.

All that remains of the former castle in Helsingborg today is the 35-meter-high Kärnan, overlooking the historic old town. It was once part of a large complex with a 500-meter-long fortified wall, which was demolished in the 17th century.

The tower itself dates back to the 14th century and underwent extensive renovations in the 19th century. During this process, its appearance was adapted to match the idealized vision of medieval architecture. The battlement-adorned platform was only added at that time.

Helsingborg also has a castle: Sofiero Slott. However, its historical significance cannot be compared to that of Kronborg. This castle was built in the 19th century when the Swedish Crown Prince Oscar and his wife Sophia were so enchanted by Helsingborg that he decided to construct the summer residence “Sophia’s Peace.”

The magnificent castle garden is the main attraction for visitors. Today, a team of municipal gardeners tends to the two rhododendron ravines, which contain over 10,000 bushes, and continues to expand the garden. In addition to the rose walkway, the wall flowerbed, and Queen Silvia’s floral decorations, there is now also a pleasure garden with a floral carpet.

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Helsingborg. Fredriksdal stretches across 36 hectares right in the city center.

This open-air museum offers a wide range of programs for both children and adults, providing insight into the natural and cultural history of the surrounding Skåne region.