Elsinore – A Past Maritime Metropolis Full Of History

Elsinore might ring a bell in your head, and if you can’t remember where you have heard it before, think all the way back to high school English and reading Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Helsing¸r, Denmark, known as Elsinore in English, is located on the island of Zealand. If a vacation is in your future, but you haven’t decided exactly where to travel yet, look into Elsinore. You will have to get a passport though. If you are one of those who has ever wondered how to get a United States passport, there is a way, and it’s online.

The passport acquisition process can be a huge pain, as those who have ever done it probably know. Renewing passport, getting a passport renewal, and other even more tricky services can be frustrating, but you now have the option of doing it online. Online passport services make the anxiety surrounding passports disappear, as it is all there for you to fill out on the computer. Expedited service means you pick the day you want your passport to arrive, meaning planning a vacation has never been easier.

Easily the most famous attraction in Elsinore is Kronburg Castle. This is where Shakespeare set Hamlet in his play, and if you are lucky, you might be able to see a performance in the courtyard, as they actually perform the play every few years. Kronburg Castle is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is regarded as one of the most important (and impressive) Renaissance Castles in the continent of Europe. Inside, you can find the famous statue of Ogier the Dane. There is a prophecy that states that he will awaken and save the country should it ever fall into mortal danger. The chapel and the ballroom are also spots you shouldn’t miss. The castle looms over a small entrance to the Baltic Sea, and this was a very important position strategically for Denmark. Across the four kilometer-wide strait is Sweden.

A popular activity is to take a ferry across Elsinore’s twin city, Helsingborg. In the city center of Elsinore, along with the castle and the harbor, are considered the best spots for tourists looking to experience the beautiful buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and other attractions of Elsinore. The City Museum is a great stop if you are interested in the history of Elsinore, as is the Technical Museum of Denmark, which documents the technical and scientific achievements of Denmark.

Believe it or not, Elsinore is considered a great place for fishing. The harbor is always full of fishing boats, tour boats, and charter boats that will take tourists out to experience a little of the fishing scene. The beaches are also very pretty and worth visiting, as is the nearby harbor which has recently shifted towards a more cultural experience. There is also a Shipyard Museum that shows how boats are made for those who are more interested in the maritime history of Denmark.

Elsinore certainly isn’t short on beauty, and it is a great place to travel to if you are a fan of interesting cities, Shakespeare, or history. During your stay in Elsinore, also be sure to take the one-hour train ride to Copenhagen. Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is full of other fun things to do. You now know how to get a USA Passport, so get your vacation started. Log onto a passport expediting site where renewing United States passport and more is possible.

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