Visit Kronborg Castle: A historic UNESCO attraction and Shakespeare's inspiration for Hamlet
Situated close to Øresund and overlooking Sweden is Kronborg Castle. One of the most popular attractions in Elsinore, it's the ideal place for a unique and historic experience with your boyfriend, friends, partner or spouse. Kronborg Castle offers a wealth of exciting activities worth exploring. Both our exhibitions and guided tours delve deep into the castle's history, and our tours are accompanied by our skilled and passionate castle hosts who will give you a magical experience at the castle.
Kronborg Castle is a popular destination in North Zealand, and visitors include families, groups of friends, couples and senior citizens. During your visit, you can experience the castle's beautiful location and unique architecture, as well as its important and influential history - the castle can be explored from cellar to attic. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, Kronborg Castle also offers guided tours and activities throughout the year. Read more about Kronborg all year round here. Whether you are interested in art, culture or history, there is always something new to experience.
Kronborg Castle: An important part of the UNESCO World Heritage List
Kronborg Castle is a unique attraction in Elsinore that appeals to visitors of all ages and from all corners of the world. Here you can immerse yourself in the exciting history hidden behind the castle's majestic walls, while enjoying the beautiful gardens and spectacular views of the sea and the island of Hven. Proudly a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kronborg Castle holds invaluable cultural and historical significance. Step inside the impressive halls, corridors and towers and let yourself be enchanted by the countless stories and events that have unfolded here over the centuries.
Read more about unesco here.
The history of the castle and Shakespeare's Hamlet
The history of the castle begins as early as 1420, when Erik of Pomerania built Krogen - a fortress that controlled shipping to Elsinore and collected the Sound Toll. Trade in the city flourished thanks to the revenue from the toll, and Elsinore became known far and wide.
Then Frederik II built the castle in 1574, and it has been a beloved place for tourists and locals alike to visit ever since.
Kronborg Castle is an aesthetic and architectural gem, and it is also known to have inspired Shakespeare's world-famous play Hamlet from 1603. Kronborg Castle is the setting for the action in the play, and it's not hard to understand why Shakespeare was inspired by the unique Renaissance castle.
Experience seasonal activities at Kronborg Castle
As the seasons change in Denmark, so do the different tours, activities and events at Kronborg Castle. As the Christmas season approaches, you can experience our cozy Christmas market with a wide range of Christmas decorations and delicious Christmas food. During the school holidays, including weeks 7-8, week 15, several weeks in July and week 42, we have exciting activities for both children and adults visiting the castle.
No matter what time of year you visit, there's always a special event where the cannons are fired, such as Her Majesty The Queen's birthday on April 16th and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik's birthday on May 26th. Plan your visit here.
Visit the old town of Elsinore
After your visit to Kronborg Castle, it's also worth visiting the old town of Elsinore and immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere and charm. Here you can take a stroll through the city's cobbled streets and discover the many quaint shops that line the streets. The city oozes history and culture, and its old town is a delight to explore. In Elsinore you'll also find a wealth of cafés, restaurants and small local shops offering everything from handicrafts to unique souvenirs. Treat your taste buds to delicious culinary experiences or find the perfect gift for that special someone back home. There's something for everyone in this charming city.
Elsinore is not only known for its old town, but also for its beautiful harbor, where you can enjoy a walk along the waterfront and watch the impressive ships. Explore the maritime atmosphere and let yourself be drawn into the unique blend of history and modern port life.
Warm welcome at Kronborg Castle
At Kronborg Castle, it's not just the impressive architecture and the historical significance the castle has had on the history of Denmark that makes it a magical experience to visit. It's also our staff who welcome all guests and create a warm and cozy atmosphere every single day. Our staff are always ready to lend a helping hand or a good story to make your visit even better. If you need more info to plan your trip, you can read more here.
And if you have any questions about our exhibitions or tours, please don't hesitate to contact us!
