The story of Kronborg is dramatic - mighty kings, forbidden love, fateful wars and parties that echoed across Europe.
For centuries, Kronborg was a center of power for the Danish kings, not just here in Denmark, but throughout Northern Europe. Step inside and explore the long corridors, winding staircases and huge ballrooms that have been the setting for some of the most important stories in Danish history.
Highlights at Kronborg
1.
Kronborg gathered Europe's elite for a royal rave party
At the king's parties, people went crazy in Renaissance fashion and literally went wild. Because when the music played and the guests toasted, it resounded across the Sound. Every time the king raised his glass, the cannons responded by firing across the strait. The stories echoed throughout Europe and inspired Shakespeare, among others, to write the dramatic tale of the Danish prince "Hamlet".
2.
Pomp, pageantry and propaganda
The royal tapestries at Kronborg are pure nonsense. Frederik II commissioned them to show his power and status. In total, 43 wallpapers depicting 101 rulers - from the legendary Dan to Christian 4 - were made from the finest silk and most skilled craftsmen in Europe at the time. Not only were decorations made for the dance hall, but the history of the Danish kings and their exploits was also embellished. Only 15 of these treasures have survived to this day, and you can see some of them here at Kronborg.
3.
The high price of love
Caroline Mathilde's fate was determined by love. As queen, she fell in love with the king's personal physician, Struensee. It cost him his head and her freedom. She was imprisoned here at Kronborg and never saw her children again after she left the castle and was exiled to Germany where she died, aged just 23.
4.
Lavish feasts and grotesque quantities
While the royals feasted, the kitchen was hard at work. Here, the cupbearer ensured that the food was not poisoned while the chef managed the exotic and precious ingredients. Step into the kitchens where up to 50 dishes were conjured up for the royal feasts. It could take more than 9 hours to get through dinner, often requiring breaks and vomit buckets.
5.
The last testimony of the original castle
In 1629, Kronborg burned down and only the chapel was left standing after the fire. Christian IV rebuilt the castle, but put his own stamp on the reconstruction and had his own royal box built in the castle chapel so he could sit above the mob and the priest. No one should be in doubt about the hierarchy between church and king and who was in charge.
6.
Cannons and gunpowder at Kronborg
If you're lucky, you can see the impressive cannons at Kronborg in action. On special occasions, they are still fired and you can feel the rush of this ancient tradition. The cannons have been part of the castle's history as a fortress, used for both defense and celebration. Today they are fired as a tribute to the past, and it's an experience that fills the castle with both boom and adventure. Keep an eye on the calendar - it might be during your visit that the cannons sound!
Read more about gun salutes here
