Hamlet and Sweden Tour – Two Countries in one day !

Travel enthusiasts looking for a full-day adventure that packs in two nations, historic landmarks, and bustling cityscapes will find this tour tempting. Offering a seamless experience from Copenhagen, it includes visits to Kronborg Castle, the inspiration for Hamlet, and explores charming towns like Lund and Malmö across the border. It’s an ideal way to maximize your time and see a lot in just one day.

What we really love about this experience is the comfortable transportation combined with knowledgeable guides, making the journey both easy and enriching. The ferry ride across the Oresund Strait and crossing the iconic Oresund Bridge add a touch of engineering marvel to the sightseeing. However, travelers should be aware that the day is quite packed—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long hours and a busy schedule.

For anyone with a curiosity for history, architecture, or Scandinavian culture, this tour offers a mix of both. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see two countries without the fuss of planning separate trips. But if you’re more interested in deep exploration of each site, or prefer a slower pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

Key Points

• Cross two countries in one day with ease, utilizing luxury transport and ferries.
• Visit iconic landmarks such as Kronborg Castle, Lund Cathedral, and the Turning Torso.
• Experience the scenic Øresund Bridge and enjoy photo stops at famous sites.
• Guided commentary and audio guides enhance understanding of each location.
• Well-organized itinerary balances sightseeing with free time for personal exploration.
• Great value for the price, considering the extensive sights covered and smooth logistics.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Comfort

The tour kicks off around 9:30 am from Hotel Astoria in Copenhagen, with pickup included, which is a nice touch for travelers staying centrally. The transportation is by air-conditioned coach or minivan, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout the day. The small group size—typically a maximum of 34 travelers—means you’re not lost in a crowd, and the guides can attend to questions and provide personalized insights.

The Helsingør Stop and Kronborg Castle

Your first major stop is in Helsingør (Elsinore), home to Kronborg Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a highlight not just for Shakespeare fans but also for architecture lovers. The tour offers about 1 hour and 15 minutes of free time, during which you can select to visit the interior (own expense) or simply walk around the outside. Reviewers consistently mention the castle’s impressive setting and historic charm—some say it’s worth paying extra to go inside, although the tour doesn’t include entrance fees.

On your way to the castle, you’ll pass through the Culture Yard, a lively hub of Danish creativity, and near the cathedral, giving a taste of local life. Plus, the M/S Maritime Museum can be visited instead of the castle, offering a more interactive experience about Denmark’s maritime history, if you prefer.

Crossing to Sweden

After Helsingør, the group crosses the Øresund Strait via a ferry—a scenic, relaxing part of the day. The ferry ride is included, allowing you to enjoy the views of the water and the passing ships. Many reviews mention the ferry as a highlight, providing a different perspective compared to just driving.

Once in Sweden, the first stop is Lund, with about 20 minutes outside the Lund Cathedral. You’re free to go inside if you wish, and many visitors find the cathedral’s architecture and history fascinating. Some review comments suggest a future improvement could be more time here, especially to explore the botanical gardens or other local spots.

The Charm of Malmö

Next, the tour guides you to Malmö, a lively city known for its modern architecture and vibrant street life. You’re given roughly an hour to explore Lilla Torg, a picturesque square filled with cafes and shops, perfect for a quick coffee or souvenir hunt. The Turning Torso, an iconic skyscraper, makes a quick five-minute photo stop, and many travelers comment on how impressive the building’s design is.

The Oresund Bridge Experience

The day’s highlight is crossing the Oresund Bridge, one of the most remarkable engineering feats in Scandinavia. The bus stops for about ten minutes here to take photos of the sweeping view, and the bridge itself offers a visual reminder of how seamlessly Denmark and Sweden are connected.

Return Journey

On the way back to Copenhagen, the group crosses the bridge once more, with a brief photo op. The return journey allows you to reflect on the day’s sights, and most reviews mention the smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to the skilled guides like Steen, who many describe as engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate.

What It All Means for You

The value of this tour is rooted in the combination of convenience and variety. For roughly $144, you get transport, ferry crossings, guided commentary, and visits to three different countries—a significant feat considering the distance and sights covered. The included transportation means no stress about navigation or timing, which is a major perk.

The tour’s itinerary is well-paced—most travelers report that the stops are just long enough to see the highlights without feeling rushed, although reviews suggest that Malmö could benefit from more exploration time. The small group size and professional guides like Crispin, Andy, and Steen are frequently praised for their friendliness and expertise, adding a layer of authenticity and personal touch.

Handling the Long Day

The 8-9 hour duration means it’s quite a full day, and reviewers mention the coach can be quite comfortable, but the long hours on the road require some patience. The multilingual audio guides help make the commentary accessible to many, but some travelers might prefer more time at each stop to explore independently.

Practical Considerations

• Bring your passport—passport control is part of the process when crossing into Sweden.
• Be prepared for a lot of walking at sites like Kronborg Castle and Lund Cathedral.
• Lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy something during the free time.
• Timing is crucial; arriving at the meeting point on time ensures you don’t miss the start, especially since the tour begins promptly at 9:30 am.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those eager to see multiple countries in one go. It suits travelers who are comfortable with a long, packed schedule and enjoy guided experiences with expert commentary. If you’re visiting Copenhagen and want to step into Swedish streets and Danish castles without the hassle of separate arrangements, this tour provides incredible value.

It’s also great for solo travelers and small groups who appreciate intimate settings and personalized attention. Conversely, if you prefer unhurried exploration or want to spend more time in each city, you might find this tour a bit rushed.

Final Thoughts

The Hamlet and Sweden Tour offers an impressive way to see Scandinavia’s highlights in just a day. With friendly guides, stunning scenery, and seamless transport, it turns a complicated multi-country visit into an accessible adventure. The combination of cultural landmarks, modern architecture, and beautiful water crossings makes it a memorable experience worth considering for your Copenhagen trip.

Overall, it provides solid value, especially for those eager to maximize their sightseeing time while enjoying the comfort of guided transportation. For curious explorers who love a well-organized day packed with variety, this tour hits many of the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, most travelers book approximately 36 days ahead on average, and the tour is popular, often filling up early.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation by luxury minibus, ferry crossing, an audio guide, and a knowledgeable host or driver. Entrance fees to attractions are not included.

Is lunch provided?
No, lunch is not included, so you should bring snacks or plan to purchase food during the free time at Lund or Malmö.

How long do I get at each stop?
Most stops range from about 10 to 80 minutes, depending on the site. Notably, you get roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes in Helsingør, 20 minutes outside Lund Cathedral, and about an hour in Malmö.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Expect to see Kronborg Castle, walk through Helsingør’s old town, cross the Oresund Bridge, visit Lund Cathedral, and explore Malmö’s city square and modern architecture.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While most travelers find it engaging, the long hours and walking might be tiring for very young children. Always check with the provider if traveling with kids to ensure suitability.

To sum it up, this tour balances the thrill of quick multi-country sightseeing with comfort and expert commentary. It’s best suited for travelers eager to tick off multiple Scandinavian highlights in one go, especially those who value guided ease over slow-paced exploration. For an adventurous, well-organized day that will leave you with plenty to talk about, this is a solid choice.