Denmark & Sweden: Hamlet Castle, Lund & Malmö Day Trip

Summary

Two countries in one day from Copenhagen Hamlet’s castle to Swedish cafés and old town streets

You’ll cross two countries in one day—exploring Kronborg Castle in Denmark before sailing to Sweden for Lund’s cathedral silence and Malmö’s city buzz. Expect ferry rides, local stories from your guide, time for Swedish pastries or shopping deals, plus a breezy return over the Øresund Bridge. Bring your passport—and maybe an appetite for cardamom buns.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t forget your passport!” — that’s how our guide started the morning, grinning as half of us patted our pockets just to be sure. The drive up Strandvejen felt like a slow exhale out of Copenhagen: sea on one side, old villas blinking past. Helsingør showed up with its salt-in-the-air smell and Kronborg Castle sitting there all moody (I kept thinking about Hamlet pacing those ramparts). We wandered through the Culture Yard first — glass and steel next to centuries-old brick — then split up. I tried to say ‘Elsinore’ like a Dane but honestly, failed spectacularly. Li laughed and said even Danes argue about pronunciation.

The ferry to Sweden was quick but weirdly memorable — wind tangling my hair, gulls shrieking overhead, coffee that tasted better than it should have at 10am. Landing in Sweden felt quieter somehow. Lund was next: cobbled streets, tiny houses painted yellow or red, and the cathedral looming with that cool hush inside (candles flickering, stone cold under my hand). Our guide pointed out a bakery famous for cardamom buns; I caved and bought two. Still think about that taste — warm spice and sugar when you least expect it.

Malmö was busier than I’d pictured. We had an hour to wander or shop (someone found sneakers for way less than back home). The Turning Torso looked unreal against the sky — we did a quick photo stop but mostly I remember the sound of bikes whirring past and locals chatting in Swedish that sounded almost musical if you listened long enough. Crossing back over the Øresund Bridge as evening crept in… well, you just stare out at all that water and think about how close everything actually is here. So yeah, bring your passport — you’ll need it more than once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Helsingør, Lund, Malmö, and return

• Walk through the Culture Yard
• Free time in Helsingør: visit castle or old town
• Option to visit Maritime Museum instead of castle
• Visit Helsingør Cathedral
• Sail across Øresund to Sweden
• Stop and photo at Turning Torso
• Photo stop on Øresund Bridge
• One hour free time in Lund
• Visit Lund Cathedral and gardens
• Walk around Lund square or have coffee
• Travel to Malmö for shopping
• Return to Copenhagen

Top questions

Do I need my passport for this Denmark & Sweden day trip?

Yes, a valid passport is required for entry into Sweden during the tour.

Is lunch included on this Hamlet Castle & Sweden tour?

No lunch is included; you’ll have free time to buy food in Lund or Malmö.

How long do we spend at Kronborg Castle?

You have free time in Helsingør to visit Kronborg Castle or explore the old town.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; meet at the designated departure point in Copenhagen.

Can I visit both Kronborg Castle and the Maritime Museum?

You can choose between visiting Kronborg Castle or the M/S Maritime Museum during your free time in Helsingør.

How much time do we get in Malmö?

The bus stops in Malmö for about one hour for shopping or exploring.

Is there an audio guide on board?

Yes, audio guides are available during the journey.

What cities are visited on this day trip from Copenhagen?

You’ll visit Helsingør (Elsinore), Lund, and Malmö on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan with a host/driver, ferry tickets across the Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden, an audio-guide throughout the journey, all fuel surcharges covered, plus a scenic drive over the impressive Øresund Bridge before returning to Copenhagen—just don’t forget your passport!