One of the most important Renaissance castles in northern Europe, The Kronborg Castle is world-famous for being home to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. As well as a Castle, Kronborg was once a military fortress surrounded by major fortifications. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle welcomes 250,000 visitors a year and is one of Denmark’s most visited attractions.
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Castle History
The Kronborg Castle, also known as “Elsinore” in English, has a rich and intriguing history dating back to the early 15th century. Originally built as a fortress in the 1420s, the castle was used to control the entrance to the Øresund Sound, which was an important trade route between the Baltic and North Sea. Nearly 1.8 million ships passed through this route between 1429 – 1857, all of which had to pay a toll to the King, enabling the city to build both wealth and power.
With an increase in wealth, King Frederik II ordered the reconstruction of the castle from 1574 to 1585, creating the spectacular edifice we see today. Kronborg was expanded and fortified, and by the 16th century, it had become a magnificent Renaissance castle. The castle was an important military stronghold during the wars between Denmark and Sweden in the 17th century. Later on, in the 18th century, it was used as a prison for over 170 years before being transformed into a museum and popular tourist attraction.
Inside the Castle
The Kronborg Castle boasts of several large halls which were used for banquets, meetings, and other important events. The Great Hall is the most impressive of them all, with a stunning painted ceiling and beautiful tapestries along the walls. Walking through the castle, visitors can also see the royal chambers, the chapel, and the dungeons where prisoners were once held. The castle is home to a fascinating collection of art and artifacts, giving visitors a glimpse of Denmark’s rich cultural heritage.
Kronborg Castle and Shakespeare
The Kronborg Castle is inextricably linked to the works of William Shakespeare, particularly his most famous play, ‘Hamlet’. Although it is unknown whether Shakespeare ever visited Denmark, it is certain that he drew inspiration from the castle’s grandeur and strategic importance, making it the perfect setting for the play.
In ‘Hamlet’, Kronborg is referred to as “Elsinore”, and the castle’s Great Hall, the chapel, and the ramparts all feature prominently in the play’s plot. Today, visitors to Kronborg Castle can learn about the history and cultural significance of ‘Hamlet’ by attending guided tours that explore the connections between the castle and the play.
Visiting the Kronborg Palace
Kronborg Palace is relatively easy to visit, located only 45 minutes by train from Copenhagen. Once there, visitors can join guided tours or explore the castle at their own pace. The castle is open all year round, although opening hours vary depending on the season. A visit to Kronborg Castle is an excellent way to explore Denmark’s rich cultural heritage and take in its stunning architecture.
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