Kronborg Castle, Denmark

I have been going to Denmark for years and I always like giving a tour of Copenhagen and the surrounding area to friends that have never been there before. This year I was able to meet my cousin Sandy and Don in Copenhagen to introduce them to our Danish relatives.

I was able to take them to Kronborg Castle where we had a pleasant surprise. Kronborg Castle is also known as Hamlet's Castle as Shakespeare used the castle as his location for his play, Hamlet. In August the tour of the castle also includes actors playing roles from the play in the room it was intended to be in. As you are walking around you may find yourself watching a scene from Hamlet in a bedroom, grand hall or in the courtyard. It was a great experience so if you are in Denmark in August make sure you visit the castle.

The castle itself is built in Helsingor and is at the narrowest part of the straight between Denmark and Sweden. Denmark used to make ships passing through the straight pay a tax. You not only get a tour of a real working castle but also an incredible view of Helsingor and Sweden on the other side of the straight. Go to the top of the tower for the best view.

Also, you can tour under the castle where the soldiers lived. It wouldn't be the most pleasant place to live as it is very dark and damp. This is also where Holger Danske lives. Holger is the protector of Denmark and whenever Denmark needs him he will come to life to  protect the country.

The castle opens at 10 am and you can make it a day touring the castle and grounds or you can tour the nearby Frederiksborg Castle about a half hour away by car.

Pops’ Copenhagen Travel Guide – Part 3, The Castles

Denmark has beautiful castles scattered all over the country. In and around Copenhagen there are four castles that I have been to and would recommend visiting. Two of the castles are in the city and you can walk to them. The other two would require transit.

 

 

Amalienborg Palace is in the city and is the main residence of the Royal Family. It is built around a huge square that you have access to. In fact, the palace is heavily guarded but you can almost walk up to the door. This makes for an experience you won’t get at other palaces. If you time it right you will be able to watch the changing of the guard in the square.

 

 

Rosenborg Castle is also located in the city and within walking distance of the city center. It is located in Kongens Have (Kings Garden) which is a park in Copenhagen. The Danes enjoy the summer sun and warmth. As you walk through the park to the castle you will see many people in the summertime. At lunch time many office workers will eat their lunch in the park. You can tour the castle and see artifacts from many reigns of Danish Kings. Under the castle are the Crown Jewels. Make sure you take the time to take that tour. There you will see a huge collection of jewels and gifts from around the world.

 

Kronborg Castle is located in Helsingør, not far from Copenhagen. The castle was really a working castle as it is located on the Danish side of a narrow strait between Denmark and Sweden. Denmark used to charge a tax to pass the strait and the castle was there to enforce the tax collection. The most interesting fact about this castle is that it was the inspiration for the castle in Hamlet. When touring the castle you can visit the living quarters, chapel and huge halls that I can picture festive parties. You can also tour the Casements under the castle. This is where the soldiers that manned the castles lived and trained. It is also where some prisoners were kept. The Casements is also the resting place for one of Denmark's greatest legends - Holger the Dane - who is laying in wait to protect Denmark. Legend has it, that if Denmark is attacked, Holger will rise from his resting place and defend Denmark. On one of my visits I just missed out on seeing the play Hamlet at the castle. By the time I heard of the play the tickets were already sold out. I wish it would have worked out. What an experience that would have been.

 

Frederiksborg Palace or Frederiksborg Castle is a palace in Hillerød. It was built as a royal residence for King Christian IV and is now a museum of national history. The current edifice replaced a previous castle erected by Frederick II and is the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia. The palace is located on three small islands in the middle of Palace Lake (Slotsøen) and is adjoined by a large formal garden in the Baroque style. Since both Kronborg and Frederiksborg are outside the city and require transit I would recommend see both castles in the same day.

In other posts I will talk about some of the other castles around Denmark.