Hamlet and Sweden Tour – Two Countries in one day !

Thinking of squeezing a bit of Scandinavian magic into a single day? This tour from Copenhagen promises just that: visiting two nations, exploring castles, strolling through historic cities, and crossing the extraordinary Øresund Bridge—all without feeling rushed. It’s ideal for those who love history, architecture, and a good adventure, all in a manageable day trip.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its blend of sightseeing and transportation efficiency. You get the thrill of a ferry ride, the chance to walk through charming towns like Lund and Malmö, and the opportunity to see the famous Kronborg Castle, famed as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Plus, the journey includes a crossing of the impressive Øresund Bridge, which alone is worth the trip.

However, there’s one thing to consider: the tour can feel quite packed, especially if you’re hoping to explore each stop in detail. With a tight schedule and a lot of moving parts, it’s important to manage expectations—this is more of a highlights tour than a deep-dive into each destination.

This tour suits travelers looking for a taste of Scandinavia’s history and scenery, especially if you’re short on time but want to see a lot. It’s great for curious explorers eager to tick off iconic sights and enjoy some scenic travel along the way.

Key Points

• Multi-country experience: Visit both Denmark and Sweden in one day, ideal for quick trips or first-timers.
• Efficient transportation: Combines minibus and ferry travel, with a scenic crossing over the Øresund Bridge.
• Interesting stops: Kronborg Castle, Lund Cathedral, Malmö’s city highlights, and a photo stop at the Turning Torso.
• Time flexibility: Free time at each stop allows for personal exploration, though some reviews suggest more time in Malmö could improve the experience.
• Value for money: At around $144, it’s a good deal considering the transportation, guided commentary, and multiple stops.
• Travel logistics: Starts in Copenhagen with hotel pickup, making it accessible and straightforward.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point and Early Morning

Your day kicks off with a hotel pickup in Copenhagen around 9:30 am. The luxury minibus is a comfortable way to start the journey, especially as part of a group of up to 34 travelers. The guides tend to be knowledgeable, with reviews mentioning guides like Peter, Alan, Crispin, and Steen, each bringing their own personal touch and insights.

Helsingør and Kronborg Castle

Your first destination is Helsingør, often called Elsinore in English, home to the UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle, made famous by Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Here, you’re given about 1 hour and 15 minutes of free time. You can choose to visit the castle’s interior or enjoy a walk around the exterior and explore the old town’s streets, depending on your preference.

Many reviewers praise Kronborg’s grandeur, calling it worth a visit, though some mention that the time allocated isn’t enough to explore thoroughly. One review notes, “The castle is worth a visit,” but also suggests that more time would make the experience richer. Keep in mind, admission to the castle isn’t included, so if you’re eager to go inside, you’ll need to budget for the entrance fee separately.

The Maritime Museum or Culture Yard

On the way to Helsingør, a quick walk through Culture Yard offers an alternative to visiting Kronborg, perfect if you’re more into maritime history or just want a quick look at this lively area. It’s a short stop, only five minutes, and free of charge.

The Maritime Museum of Denmark is also an option if you prefer a visit inside, but again, it’s at your own expense.

Crossing into Sweden

Next, it’s time to hop on the ferry for the Swedish leg of the journey. The ferry crossing is a highlight for many travelers—enjoying the sea breeze and views as you transit from Denmark to Sweden. The ferry ride generally lasts around 45 minutes, giving you a relaxed window to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Lund and Malmö

Once in Sweden, your first stop is Lund, a city famous for its impressive cathedral. You can choose to go inside if you’d like, but from the outside, the majestic sight alone is memorable. The stop here lasts about 20 minutes, with a chance to stroll around or visit the botanical gardens if you prefer.

From Lund, it’s a short drive to Malmö, where you get about an hour to explore on your own. Most reviews praise Malmö’s mix of old and new, mentioning sights like the Turning Torso (a quick 5-minute photo stop), the lively Lilla Torg square, and the Malmö City Hall. You’ll get an audio guide to help you navigate, which many travelers find enhances their experience.

Some reviews, like Natia’s, suggest that more time in Malmö would improve the visit, especially if you want to explore more than just the main sights. Still, one reviewer mentions that the short window was enough to get a good feel for the city.

Returning to Copenhagen

On the way back, you’ll cross the Öresund Bridge, one of Europe’s most iconic engineering feats. The bridge crossing includes a quick stop for photos, taking about 10 minutes, so don’t forget your camera. The journey back to Copenhagen usually takes around 1.5 hours, with some travelers noting a delay due to traffic, which guides do their best to manage.

The tour concludes back at the original pickup point in Copenhagen in the early evening, around 6:50 pm, wrapping up a full day of travel and sightseeing.

What We Love About This Tour

This tour shines in its organized approach to seeing two countries in a single day. The blend of historical sites, like Kronborg Castle, with modern architecture such as Malmö’s Turning Torso, keeps the experience engaging. The scenic ferry ride and the crossing over the Øresund Bridge are definite highlights, making the journey memorable even beyond the stops.

Another strength is the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Multiple reviews praise guides like Steen, Crispin, Alan, and Mario for their engaging commentary, storytelling, and helpfulness. For many, these guides turn what could be a hectic day into a smooth, enjoyable journey filled with interesting facts and local insights.

The value for the price—around $144—also gets high marks. Considering transportation, guided commentary, and multiple destinations, most travelers find it a solid deal, especially when compared to the cost of individual tickets or separate day trips.

The Downsides to Keep in Mind

While many reviews are glowing, a few mention that the tour can feel a bit rushed, particularly the time spent in Malmö. If you’re someone who loves to linger and explore each city deeply, this might not be the ideal trip for you. The schedule is tight, and the stops are relatively brief.

Plus, the cost does not include entrance fees to castles and museums, so if you want to go inside Kronborg or any other attraction, be prepared to pay extra. The tour doesn’t include lunch either, so plan ahead if you prefer a specific meal or want to dine in a particular spot.

Some travelers also note that the traffic delays can extend the day beyond the scheduled time, so patience and flexibility are helpful.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits curious travelers who want a quick but comprehensive taste of Danish and Swedish highlights without dedicating multiple days. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to tick off major sights like Kronborg Castle and the Öresund Bridge, or for those with limited time in Copenhagen.

It also works well for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts who appreciate stories from guides and stunning scenery along the way. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore each city in depth, consider spending more time on individual trips instead.

This tour isn’t ideal if you’re traveling with very young children or seeking an entirely flexible schedule, as it’s a packed itinerary with little room for spontaneity. But if you’re comfortable with a full day of moving around and want a taste of Scandinavia’s charm, you’ll likely find this tour well worth the price.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a well-organized, engaging day trip that covers a lot of ground in Denmark and Sweden, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. The combination of historical sites, modern architecture, scenic crossings, and expert guides makes it a compelling choice for travelers eager to maximize their time and see iconic sights.

While it’s not a deep-dive into each location, it’s perfect for those who want a broad overview and a fun, hassle-free journey across borders. The scenic ferry, the impressive bridge crossing, and the friendly guides help make this experience stand out. Just be prepared for a busy schedule, and consider your pace if you like to linger longer at each stop.

In the end, this tour is best suited for adventure-seeking visitors who want to pack in a lot of history, scenery, and culture in just one day. It’s a smart choice for curious travelers who enjoy guided experiences with a good mix of sightseeing and traveling comfort.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, a valid passport is required for this tour because it crosses international borders and goes through passport control in both Denmark and Sweden.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation via a luxury minibus, ferry, and the crossing of the Øresund Bridge. All travel between destinations is covered.

Are the entrance fees included?
No, entrance to attractions like Kronborg Castle or museums is not included. You can choose to visit these sites at your own expense.

What if I want to see Kronborg Castle inside?
You can opt to visit the castle’s interior during your free time in Helsingør, but it’s not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to purchase tickets separately.

How long is the overall tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting mid-morning and returning in the early evening.

Can I customize my experience?
While the itinerary is fixed, you do have some free time at each stop to explore on your own, and the guide provides commentary to enhance your experience.

Is it suitable for children or families?
The tour is generally geared toward adult travelers interested in history and scenery; it’s quite full day for younger kids, but older children who enjoy walking and sightseeing might find it manageable.

How many people usually join?
The maximum group size is around 34 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and manageable.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Bring your passport, dress comfortably, and consider packing a snack or water—lunch isn’t included, and some stops have limited options. Having a camera or phone ready for photos makes the most of the scenic crossings and city views.

If you’re looking for an active, insight-packed day crossing two countries, this tour offers an accessible and engaging way to experience Scandinavian charm without taking up your whole trip.