Located beside Kronborg Castle and the Øresund, this award-winning museum combines Danish maritime history, world-class architecture and an easy coastal drive from Copenhagen Airport.
Visit the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark from Copenhagen Airport
If you are planning a trip to Copenhagen and want to explore beyond the city centre, Helsingør is one of the most rewarding destinations to add to your itinerary. The town is known for Kronborg Castle, old harbour streets, sea views and the impressive M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, also known in Danish as Museet for Søfart.
Booking car rental through Terminal3.dk makes Helsingør easy to visit at your own pace. After collecting your rental car at Copenhagen Airport, you can drive north along Zealand, visit the museum, explore Kronborg Castle and continue to other attractions along the coast.
Why the Maritime Museum of Denmark is worth visiting
The M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark is not a traditional museum building. It is built underground around a former dry dock beside Kronborg Castle, creating one of Denmark’s most striking modern cultural spaces. From the outside, the museum is almost hidden, but once you descend into the dock, the architecture becomes part of the experience.
The museum tells the story of Denmark as a seafaring nation. Its exhibitions explore trade, shipping, navigation, global connections, sailors’ lives, technology, war, industry and the role of the sea in Danish culture.
A museum designed by Bjarke Ingels Group
The museum was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, often known as BIG. The architects transformed an old dry dock into an underground museum while preserving views toward Kronborg Castle. This gives the museum a unique relationship with both the harbour and the historic castle above it.
Glass bridges, sloping walkways and open views into the dry dock create a dramatic entrance. The result is a museum that appeals not only to history lovers, but also to visitors interested in architecture, design and urban transformation.
What to see inside the museum
The museum’s exhibitions cover Danish maritime history from the 1400s to the present day. Instead of only showing ships and objects, the museum focuses on stories: sailors, families, merchants, shipyards, trade routes, global shipping and the everyday realities of life connected to the sea.
Highlights include:
- Interactive exhibitions about shipping, trade and navigation
- Stories from Danish maritime history from the 1400s to today
- Ship models, maritime objects and historic displays
- Exhibitions about sailors, families and life at sea
- Architecture inside the old dry dock
- Family-friendly activities including hands-on exhibits for children
A good museum for families
The M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark is a strong choice for families because many exhibitions are visual, interactive and easy to explore at your own pace. Children can learn about ships, sailors, navigation and life at sea through hands-on activities rather than only reading display text.
If you are travelling with children, a rental car from Copenhagen Airport can make the day trip easier. You can bring bags, jackets and snacks, choose your own departure time and combine the museum with Kronborg Castle, lunch in Helsingør or a coastal stop on the way back.
Combine the museum with Kronborg Castle
One of the biggest advantages of visiting the Maritime Museum is its location beside Kronborg Castle. Kronborg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous internationally as the castle associated with Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
A good Helsingør day trip can include both attractions. Start with the museum, continue to Kronborg Castle, then walk through Helsingør’s old town or harbour area before driving back toward Copenhagen.
Explore Helsingør after the museum
Helsingør is worth more than a quick museum stop. The town has cobbled streets, cafés, restaurants, harbour views, cultural venues and a strong maritime atmosphere. It is smaller and calmer than Copenhagen, making it ideal for a relaxed day outside the capital.
After visiting the museum, consider adding:
- Kronborg Castle for royal history, Shakespeare and views across the Øresund
- The Culture Yard for modern culture, events and harbour life
- Helsingør old town for historic streets, shops and cafés
- The harbour area for sea views and a relaxed walk
- The ferry area for views toward Helsingborg in Sweden
Should you drive from Copenhagen Airport to Helsingør?
Yes, Helsingør is a good destination for car rental from Copenhagen Airport. The drive gives you flexibility, especially if you are travelling with luggage, children or a group, or if you want to combine several North Zealand attractions in one day.
Once you arrive in Helsingør, park in an official parking area and continue on foot around the museum, Kronborg Castle and the harbour. The main attractions are close together, so you do not need to move your car between each stop.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
Renting a car at Copenhagen Airport is especially useful if your trip includes more than central Copenhagen. While the city centre is often best explored on foot, by bike or by public transport, destinations such as Helsingør are ideal for a flexible self-drive itinerary.
With a rental car from CPH Airport, you can visit the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, Kronborg Castle, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Frederiksborg Castle and other North Zealand highlights without depending on fixed train schedules.
Easy places to combine with the Maritime Museum
If you have a rental car, the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark fits well into a wider North Zealand route.
- Kronborg Castle beside the museum in Helsingør
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for art, architecture and sea views
- Fredensborg Palace for royal history and garden surroundings
- Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød for royal collections and impressive architecture
- Hornbæk for beach atmosphere and coastal dining in season
- Copenhagen for Nyhavn, Amalienborg, Tivoli Gardens and the old city centre
Suggested Helsingør itinerary from CPH Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive north toward Helsingør.
Late morning: Visit the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark and explore the underground exhibitions around the dry dock.
Lunch: Eat at the museum café, in Helsingør’s old town or near the harbour.
Afternoon: Visit Kronborg Castle, walk around the harbour and explore the historic streets of Helsingør.
Late afternoon: Drive back toward Copenhagen, or continue to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art or another North Zealand stop.
Evening: Return to your hotel, central Copenhagen or Copenhagen Airport depending on your travel plans.
Practical tips for visiting the Maritime Museum of Denmark
- Check current opening hours and ticket information before travelling.
- Allow at least one to two hours for the museum.
- Allow more time if you are combining the museum with Kronborg Castle.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the museum, harbour and castle area.
- Use official parking areas in Helsingør and check local parking signs.
- Visit earlier in the day if you want a relaxed route with time for lunch and the old town.
- Consider combining Helsingør with Louisiana Museum of Modern Art or Frederiksborg Castle if you have a full day.
Book car rental at Copenhagen Airport and explore Helsingør
The M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark is one of the best cultural day trips from Copenhagen. With its underground dry-dock architecture, interactive exhibitions and location beside Kronborg Castle, it offers a memorable mix of history, design and maritime atmosphere.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk and enjoy the freedom to explore Helsingør, the Maritime Museum of Denmark, Kronborg Castle and the best day trips north of Copenhagen at your own pace.
