Kings & Queens
15001700
- The King behind Kronborg
- King Frederick II ruled from 1559 to 1588. He built Kronborg at a brilliant strategic location, and used the luxurious residence to host wild parties that impressed Europe's power elite.
- When did the royals live at Kronborg?
- Kronborg was primarily used as a royal residence from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 18th century. After 1700, Kronborg was used less as a royal residence and later took on a military function
Kronborg Castle has throughout history been home to some of Denmark's most powerful kings and queens. From Frederick II, who created the castle's grandeur, to Christian IV, who left his mark with grand parties and dramatic wars. Here you can delve into the stories of the royal figures who have ruled, partied, and shaped Denmark from the halls of Kronborg.
Kings & Queens
Frederick II
The king behind Kronborg
Frederick II loved gunpowder, Kronborg, and romance. He had seven children with his queen, who was 23 years his junior. He ruled Denmark and Norway with both temperament and style from 1559 to 1588.
Read more about Frederick II.
Queen Sophie
A child bride becomes a boss lady
Sophie of Mecklenburg was married to Frederick II and was the mother of perhaps the most famous Danish king, Christian IV. She was also one of the wealthiest individuals in all of Northern Europe.
Read more about Queen SophieChristian IV
The king who inherited Kronborg
Christian IV had grand dreams and an even greater ego. With an eye for both architecture and drama, he left his mark on Denmark with impressive buildings, costly wars, and a life in the fast lane.
Read more about Christian IV.
Kirsten Munk
The greatest gossip of the Renaissance
Kirsten Munk was the noblewoman who married the king, but never became queen. She was the main character in one of the Renaissance's most juicy scandals, filled with jealousy, infidelity, and royal drama.
The gossip about Kirsten MunkFrederick V
Rococo and royal visions
Frederick V may not have been the most politically engaged ruler, but he was the king of good cheer. With his penchant for art, architecture, and extravagant court balls, he left his mark on Denmark in a completely different way than his predecessors. While Frederick II built Kronborg as a monument to power and military strategy, Frederick V was more concerned with decorating the kingdom in the Rococo style - but he did not forget about Kronborg.
Read more about Frederick V.
Caroline Matilda
Love scandal and royal tragedy
In 1772, Denmark's Queen Caroline Mathilde was arrested and taken to Kronborg - the culmination of one of the most dramatic love scandals in Danish history. She was accused of adultery with the king's royal physician, Struensee, and while he was sentenced to death and executed, Caroline Mathilde was confined to the cold, empty Kronborg. After several months of uncertainty, Caroline Mathilde was sent into exile in Celle in Northern Germany and was never allowed to see her children again. Just three years later, she died of scarlet fever - at only 23 years old.
Join the king's party
Open today
10:00 - 18:00
