Delve beneath Kronborg in the casemates - deep underground passages that were used for defense and protection when the castle served as a fortress.
During sieges, the casemates were the soldiers' hiding place - a dark, cold refuge filled with weapons, supplies and prisoners of war. They played a crucial role in Kronborg's defense and testify to the strategic importance of the castle.
Today you can explore the long, mysterious corridors where Holger Danske sleeps like a stone and bats hang upside down. Bring a flashlight, follow the glow of the oil lamps and find your way back to the light!
Highlights at Kronborg
1.
Can you find Holger?
You probably can - because he's pretty big. Holger Danske is a legendary figure in European history and folk tales. Originally from French medieval legends, he was made famous in Denmark by Hans Christian Andersen who described him as a sleeping giant under Kronborg.
2.
Walk in the footsteps of soldiers
For soldiers in wartime, the dark, damp casemates could mean the difference between life and death. Up to 350 men could take shelter here with enough supplies for a six-week siege. During the reign of Frederick II, the casemates not only housed soldiers, cannons and supplies - but also a smithy and a stable!
The lower casemates once had much higher ceilings and contained a drill hall where soldiers could train, even during sieges - like when the Swedes surrounded Kronborg in 1658.
3.
Find a bat, but don't disturb it
During the winter months, bats hibernate and Kronborg's casemates are one of their favorite places. The casemates are the perfect winter residence for bats and if you're lucky, you might come across a bat hibernating down there. Bats sleep during the day and live by flying around at night catching insects in the air. But in winter, there are no insects for them. So they find a cave or similar where they can hang out and sleep upside down all winter. The bat is a protected animal, so if you find one in Kronborg's casemates you must not disturb it.
