Copenhagen Castles Tour Review: Is it worth it? (2025)

Planning a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, so maybe adding a day tour to see some stunning castles sounds pretty exciting? The “Castles Tour from Copenhagen: North Zealand and Hamlet Castle” is something that gets talked about quite a bit, but is it the amazing experience it appears to be? This detailed review looks at what the 2025 tour offers, covering everything from travel logistics to what you’ll actually see, that helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your vacation.

What’s the Deal With This Castles Tour?

Basically, this tour aims to whisk you away from the city and into the picturesque landscapes of North Zealand, an area just outside Copenhagen, in the course of a day. You’re going to visit a couple of very prominent spots: Kronborg Castle (yep, that’s Hamlet’s castle!) and Frederiksborg Castle, plus getting some local color along the way.

The tour usually runs around eight hours, includes transportation from Copenhagen, guided visits to the castles, and, like your tour guide sharing bits and pieces of Danish history and culture. Think of it as a pretty nice day out where someone else handles all the details, very possibly meaning you can just relax and soak it all in. Read our full review: Copenhagen Castles Tour Full Review and Details

First Stop: Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Pad)

Okay, so Kronborg Castle is famous mainly for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, arguably that making it a major draw for literature fans and history buffs. Beyond its literary connections, you see that Kronborg actually served a super strategic purpose as a fortress that controlled access to the Baltic Sea. The tour probably will give you time to explore the castle’s courtyards, chapels, and great hall.

Arguably the highlights, are, as a matter of fact, the spooky casemates (underground tunnels) and the statue of Holger Danske, a legendary Danish hero. That statue is meant to wake up should Denmark ever be in peril, by the way adding a mystical touch to the experience. As a matter of fact, expect to hear plenty of Hamlet stories, with the tour guides usually being pretty good at painting a vivid picture of life at the castle back in Shakespeare’s time, in other words really bringing history to life.

Next Up: Frederiksborg Castle – Royalty Central

After soaking up all the Hamlet vibes, the tour usually takes you to Frederiksborg Castle, arguably offering a very interesting contrast. Frederiksborg is just a little more opulent, almost certainly originally built by King Christian IV in the early 17th century, as a matter of fact that place just screams Renaissance extravagance, clearly displaying extensive collections of art and history. So, for instance, think portraits, historical paintings, and decorative arts that illustrate Denmark’s past.

The castle grounds are, in fact, really quite spectacular too, often including beautifully landscaped gardens and a baroque fountain. Visitors might also get the opportunity to wander through the Chapel, very possibly known for its ornate interiors and impressive organ. It’s, in a way, a deeper view into Danish royalty and artistic heritage, very possibly appealing to those who really dig art and architecture.

The Good Bits: What Makes the Tour Shine

Someone else deals with Transport: With comfortable transportation provided from Copenhagen, arguably you can skip the stress of public transport or renting a car, pretty much meaning more relaxation time.
Guided Insight: The guides really do bring history to life. They aren’t just rattling off facts, they very probably are making the experience really interesting with engaging stories.
See two spots in one trip: Seeing two major castles in a single day is arguably very efficient, specifically if you’re trying to squeeze a lot into a shorter trip.
Pretty Scenery: North Zealand has stunning landscapes. Even the drive between castles is visually pleasing, honestly adding value to the experience.

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Watch Out For: Potential Downsides

Pace: As a matter of fact it can be pretty fast-paced. Squeezing two castles into one day may mean limited time at each location, which could be a problem if you actually prefer slow travel.
Crowds: Of course, the castles are quite popular, often especially during peak tourist season. That arguably can affect how much you enjoy the experience.
Weather woes: Since this trip takes you around a lot, keep an eye on the forecast because Denmark’s weather can be kind of unpredictable, possibly changing your experience a little.
Cost: Arguably, these organized tours can sometimes cost a little extra compared to doing everything yourself. As a matter of fact that’s something you might think about.

Food on the Tour: What’s the Grub Like?

Now, arguably, one thing you want to think about is what you’ll eat while on the tour. The official tour package will typically not include meals directly, that sometimes allowing for a lunch break at cafes very possibly near the castles. In other words you might pack a lunch or plan to purchase something while there.

As a matter of fact the areas surrounding both Kronborg and Frederiksborg do feature some dining options, such as cosy cafes serving open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød), by the way a traditional Danish dish. Likewise, there might be some spots offering classic Danish pastries, perfect for a sweet treat. So, maybe, if you have particular eating habits or fancy certain types of food, it’s always good to plan, and, literally pack some snacks, in order to keep your energy levels stable.

Is This Tour Worth It, Basically?

If you’re looking to just dip your toes into Danish history and Shakespearean drama, by the way without stressing about planning all of the transport stuff, arguably this tour’s great. Think about your personal tastes; like your tolerance for faster-paced itineraries versus wanting super detailed exploration, too it’s almost worth it. Read our full review: Copenhagen Castles Tour Full Review and Details

Someone who is super into history, maybe the limited time spent at each castle won’t bother you. Whereas, someone preferring relaxed visits might consider public transport. I mean that said, it’s pretty decent value if, you know, comfort is pretty important.

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