We woke to sunshine today and thought it would be great to get out and revisit one of our favorite places in Denmark, Helsingor (Elsinore in English). Its about a 45 minute drive from where we are and is a lovely port town that is situated at the narrowest point between Denmark and Sweden (they are only 4km (2.5mi) apart). The reason Helsingor was founded in the 1420's by the Danish King, Eric of Pomerania, at this location was to be able to establish a tax on all foreign ships passing through the Strait. This was a very smart move as it generated 2/3rds of Denmark's revenue at the time. The Toll was abolished 428 years later in 1857 and replaced by a one time fee that all navel nations agreed to pay. To make Helsingor secure the King built a fortified castle called Krogan. The castle was substantially enlarged in 1580 and renamed Kronborg Castle. It is the most famous castle in Denmark due to William Shakespeare who in 1601 wrote Hamlet with Kronborg Castle as its setting. Over 200,000 visitors a year make their way through its gates. As mentioned, Helsingor is a port city and its harbor is very busy with Ferry traffic that takes people on the 20 minute journey to and from Sweden. The historic Old Town is very quaint as they have preserved most of the older buildings and most of the streets have only pedestrian traffic.
Through the entry gate Kronborg Castle is still protected by a second moat and third protective wall
Original entrance into Kronborg Castle as seen from the earthen barricades that surround the moat
Passing through a second entry gate you are led into the massive Inner Courtyard
Some of the wonderfully restored old buildings as you enter Old Town Helsingor
A narrow cobbled stoned lane full of residential homes just off the main street
The main street full of people shopping
Rita making a purchase at a wonderful cheese shop in the heart of Old Town Helsingor
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