We took a ferry from Aero Island, then a bus up the coast, and stopped for lunch and a walkabout in the Danish port of Helsingør, Denmark.
Quaint and walkable Helsingør was founded by the Danish King Eric of Pomerania in 1420. The King charged tolls for all ships using the Oresund Sound, which made him rich and financed his lavish Kronborg Castle.
All ships had to pass the strategically located castle at the head of the Oresund Sound to access the Baltic Sea. Shakespeare’s Hamlet was set here. The bard named it Castle Elsinore. Live performances of Shakespeare’s best plays are performed here each summer.
Copenhagen has the iconic Little Mermaid statue from Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale. Helsinger’s harbor is home to ‘Han’, the Little Mermaid’s shiny little brother. We were patient and got to see the statue wink at us.
I love classic wooden boats. This is “Helsingor.” She is 32′ long, 11.6′ wide, and 4′ to the bottom of her keel. She was built in 1869 and did not have a cabin when she served as a pilot boat on Oresund Sound.
Helsinger tells its history through street art. Our guide Heidi explains the details of this mural depicting the Middle Ages on the tip of Zealand Island.
We said goodbye, or ‘farvel,’ to Denmark and continued up the coast to the seaside resort city of Varberg, Sweden.
Varberg’s Kallbadhuset, or bath house, was constructed in 1903 and is situated off the beach near the harbor. No need to bring your swimsuit. You’ll be bathing naked in the ritual Swedish cold baths, separated by gender, and follow up with a relaxing sauna. Then treat yourself to prawn toast or waffles and whipped cream with amazing coffee from the cafe. You can also add a gym session and spa treatments to your self-indulging respite.
Varberg is famous for its beaches, with Tylosand rated as one of the best beaches in Sweden. There are also three nude beaches, two for women and one for men.
Varberg Fortress was built in 1287-1300 right on the beach, with the rear protected by a picturesque moat supposedly inhabited by a dwarf lake monster.
Varberg was the perfect place to relax after a busy travel day. Tomorrow we will head for Oslo, leaving Varberg’s historical charm, spas, restaurants, and beaches behind.