Kronborg Castle

Kronborg stands on a spit guarding the narrow sound between Denmark and Sweden at Helsingor, a magnificent Renaissance castle that levied tolls on every passing ship. Immortalised as Elsinore, the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet, and a UNESCO site, it holds grand halls, dark casemates and the legend of the sleeping hero Holger the Dane.

Background

The castle grew out of Krogen, a stronghold that King Eric VII raised in the 1420s on the far northeastern tip of Zealand, where the Øresund is just 4 kilometres wide. From 1574 to 1585 Frederick II had it rebuilt as a Renaissance castle, joining the separate buildings of Krogen into three wings. The Flemish architects Hans Hendrik van Paesschen and, from 1578, Anthonis van Obbergen led the work, while Gert van Groningen coordinated the sculpture. Players performed here in 1579 when Frederick held court. A fire caused by two workmen burned much of the castle on the night of 24-25 September 1629, and Christian IV had it rebuilt, with Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger in charge from 1631.

Source: Wikipedia, "Kronborg"

Highlights

• The Renaissance castle - the grand copper-spired fortress on the sound.
• The great ballroom - one of the longest halls in Northern Europe.
• The casemates - the dark tunnels and the statue of Holger the Dane.
• The Hamlet connection - the Shakespearean setting, staged here in summer.

When to go

Summer for the full castle, ramparts and, some years, outdoor Hamlet performances; it is open year-round with reduced access in winter. A clear day suits the seaside setting.

Things to know

The interiors are grand but sparely furnished, a Renaissance fortress rather than a cosy palace. The dark casemates are atmospheric but cool and dim. It is a short train ride from Copenhagen, an easy half-day.

Nearby

Helsingor town and the ferry to Sweden are alongside; the Louisiana museum lies down the coast.

Key facts