Hamlet and Sweden Tour – Two Countries in one day !

Imagine waking up in Copenhagen and ending the day having seen two countries, with visits to iconic sites like Kronborg Castle and vibrant cities like Lund and Malmö. For just over $140, this 8-9 hour guided trip from Enjoy The Tours offers a chance to experience the best of Denmark and Sweden in a single day. Led by knowledgeable guides—like Steen, Crispin, or Andy—you’ll travel comfortably via luxury minibus and ferry, crossing the famous Øresund Bridge.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it combines historic castles, charming old towns, and modern architecture into a single, efficient package. The scenic ferry ride and bridge crossing are definite highlights that add a sense of adventure, and the flexibility to explore sites at your own pace, using audio guides or self-guided walks, makes it ideal for curious travelers who like a bit of freedom.

A potential consideration is the timing—some reviews mention that certain stops like Lund can feel rushed, especially if you want to explore thoroughly. It’s a long day, with some group members noting the itinerary could be slightly adjusted for more leisure in Malmö. This tour best suits those who want a quick, well-organized overview of the region’s highlights rather than an in-depth exploration of each.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates scenic drives, iconic castles, and cities rich with both history and modern flair, this trip offers excellent value for the overall experience. It’s perfect for those with a limited time in Copenhagen eager to see more of Scandinavia without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

Key Points

• Visit two countries in one day with a guided tour that covers highlights in Denmark and Sweden.
• Comfortable transportation includes a luxury minibus, ferry, and crossing the iconic Øresund Bridge.
• Flexible exploration options with free time, self-guided walks, and audio guides.
• Iconic sites like Kronborg Castle, Lund Cathedral, and Malmö’s modern architecture.
• Excellent guides such as Steen, Crispin, and Andy, praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Long but rewarding day, ideal for those who want an overview without extensive sightseeing.

The Experience: An In-Depth Look

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

The tour begins around 9:30 am at Hotel Astoria in Copenhagen, with pickup included. The group size is capped at 34 travelers, ensuring a comfortable journey with a good balance of company and personal space. The van or coach is air-conditioned, making the long day more pleasant, especially if you’re visiting in warmer weather.

The tour lasts roughly 8 to 9 hours, which sounds long but is packed with diverse sights, interesting stories, and scenic crossings. The price of $144.13 per person is quite reasonable considering the number of destinations and the inclusion of ferry and bridge crossings.

The First Stop: Kronborg Castle in Helsingør

This UNESCO-listed site, famously linked to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” is a key highlight. You have about 1 hour and 15 minutes here, which is enough to stroll the grounds, snap photos of the impressive fortress, and soak in the dramatic setting overlooking the sea. Entrance fees are not included, so some might choose to spend extra on entry or simply admire the exterior and the old town’s charm.

Multiple reviews applaud the visit to Kronborg. One traveler called it “worth a visit,” especially to see the castle that inspired the Danish setting of Hamlet. Others appreciate walking through the Culture Yard nearby and seeing Saint Olaf’s Church, which adds a local flavor.

The Maritime Museum and Other Helsingør Highlights

Some guests opt to visit the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark instead of the castle, depending on their interests. This museum offers insights into Denmark’s maritime history and is a favorite for those keen on ships and sea stories. It’s a 45-minute stop, allowing a quick but enriching visit.

Crossing into Sweden

After Helsingør, it’s time for the ferry trip across the Øresund Strait. The ferry ride itself is about 45 minutes, offering stunning views of the water and the coastline. Many reviews highlight how scenic and relaxing this part of the trip is, with some comments appreciating the multilingual audio guides.

Once in Sweden, the journey continues to Lund, a city known for its famous cathedral and lively university atmosphere. Here, you have about 20 minutes outside Lund Cathedral, which you can enter if you wish—and many do, to admire its architecture and history. The gardens nearby offer a pleasant spot for a quick walk.

Malmö: Modern Scandinavia

In Malmö, you get about an hour to explore. Highlights include the HSB Turning Torso—Europe’s tallest skyscraper—Lilla Torg (a bustling square with cafes), and Malmö City Hall. Use your audio guide or walk around to absorb the city’s blend of old and new. One reviewer praised the modern architecture and called the scenery “amazing,” especially the bridge crossing and urban sights.

The Return via Oresund Bridge

On your way back to Copenhagen, you cross the famous Oresund Bridge—a marvel of engineering that connects Denmark and Sweden. The brief photo stops on the bridge are a favorite for travelers wanting a snapshot of this impressive structure.

The Guides and Transportation

Throughout the day, guides like Steen, Crispin, or Andy are praised for making the trip lively, informative, and personal. Many reviews mention how their stories about Denmark, Sweden, and even personal anecdotes enrich the experience.

The transportation is highly rated for comfort, with clean, air-conditioned vehicles and audio commentary in multiple languages. This setup ensures you can relax while still learning about what you’re seeing.

What We Think: The Good and the Not-So-Good

The Value for Money

For around $144, you get transportation, ferry, and guided commentary—a lot for a day trip. You cover a significant amount of ground, with just enough free time to explore without feeling rushed. The reviews consistently mention how well-organized and smooth the experience is, making it good value considering the scenic and historic sights.

The Highlights

The scenic ferry ride and the bridge crossing are real treats, adding a sense of adventure. Visiting Kronborg Castle brings a touch of Shakespearean drama, while Lund and Malmö showcase the contrast between historic and modern Scandinavia. The guides are repeatedly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling, making the long day more engaging.

Possible Drawbacks

Some travelers note that the time in Malmö and Lund can feel a little tight, especially if you want to linger or explore in depth. Others mention that the itinerary could be adjusted—for example, spending more time in Malmö, which many find has more to offer than Lund. The long hours on the coach might be tiring, but if you’re comfortable with bus trips, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers short on time who want a broad overview of Denmark and Sweden with minimal hassle. If you’re fascinated by Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” or if modern Scandinavian architecture excites you, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and scenic lovers looking for a well-organized day with expert guides.

However, if you prefer deep dives into attractions or a more relaxed pace, this tour might feel a little rushed. It works best if you’re okay with a busy day and want to maximize your time seeing multiple highlights rather than exploring each in great depth.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an excellent way to see two countries in one day without the headaches of complex planning. The combination of historic sites, scenic crossings, and lively cities makes it a compelling choice for those who want a taste of Scandinavia’s diversity. The guides bring stories to life, and the scenery—especially crossing the Oresund Bridge—is impressive enough to stay with you long after.

For travelers eager to check off key Scandinavian sights, experience the charm of Helsingør, and glimpse modern Malmö, this trip delivers good value and a memorable adventure. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a structured, guided experience with plenty of opportunities for self-guided exploration along the way.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour fee?
Yes, the tour price covers all transportation, including the luxury minibus, ferry crossing, and Oresund Bridge toll.

Do I need to bring my passport?
Absolutely. A current, valid passport is required on the day of travel, and you should bring the credit card used for booking, as Swedish passport control may ask for it.

Are entrance fees to castles and museums included?
No, entrance tickets to attractions like Kronborg Castle or Lund Cathedral are not included. You can choose to visit or simply admire the exteriors.

What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 9:30 am from Hotel Astoria in Copenhagen and typically returns in the evening, after about 8-9 hours.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long day and travel time. It’s best for those comfortable with bus rides and walking.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, a credit card, and comfortable shoes. Consider a camera or smartphone for photos, especially on the bridge crossing.

Can I customize the stops or explore longer at certain sites?
The itinerary is fixed, but some stops offer flexibility for self-guided walks or quick visits, like Lund Cathedral or Malmö’s city center.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase food during free time.

How many people typically join the tour?
The group size is capped at 34 travelers, for a comfortable and engaging group experience.

What’s the best part about this tour?
Many say it’s the scenic crossing of the Øresund Bridge, combined with the chance to visit Kronborg Castle and the vibrant cities of Lund and Malmö—all in one day.

This tour is a smart choice for those wanting to maximize their Scandinavian experience with minimal fuss. It combines history, architecture, and scenic beauty in a way that makes a long day feel worth every minute.