Kings & Queens
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- The king behind Kronborg
- King Frederik II reigned from 1559 to 1588. He built Kronborg in an ingenious 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 used as a royal residence primarily from the late 1500s to the early 1700s. After 1700, Kronborg was used less as a royal residence and later took on a military function
Throughout history, Kronborg Castle has been home to some of Denmark's most powerful kings and queens. From Frederik II, who created the grandeur of the castle, to Christian IV, who left his mark with big parties and dramatic wars. Here you can dive into the stories of the royal figures who have ruled, partied and shaped Denmark from the halls of Kronborg.
Kings & Queens
Frederik 2.
The king behind Kronborg
Frederik II loved gunpowder, Kronborg and love. He had seven children with his 23-year younger queen. He ruled Denmark and Norway with both temperament and style from 1559 to 1588.
Read more about Frederik 2.
Queen Sophie
A child bride becomes a boss lady
Sophie of Mecklenburg was married to Frederik II and mother of probably the most famous Danish king, Christian IV. She was also one of the richest in Northern Europe.
Read more about Queen SophieChristian 4.
The king who inherited Kronborg
Christian IV had big dreams and an even bigger 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 4.
Kirsten Munk
The biggest gossip story of the Renaissance
Kirsten Monk was the noblewoman who married the king - but never became queen. She became the protagonist of one of the most juicy scandals of the Renaissance, filled with jealousy, infidelity and royal drama.
The gossip about Kirsten MunkFrederik the 5th.
Rococo, wealth and royal visions
Frederik V may not have been the most politically engaged ruler, but he was the king of good vibes. With his penchant for art, architecture and extravagant court balls, he left his mark on Denmark in a completely different way than his predecessors. Whereas Frederik II built Kronborg as a monument to power and military strategy, Frederik V was more concerned with decorating the kingdom in rococo style. But he did not forget Kronborg.
Read more about Frederik the 5th.
Caroline Mathilde
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 physician, Struensee, and while he was sentenced to death and executed, Caroline Mathilde was locked up in the cold, empty Kronborg Castle. After months of uncertainty, Caroline Mathilde was exiled to Celle in northern Germany and was never allowed to see her children again. Only three years later, she died of scarlet fever - aged just 23.
Learn more about Caroline Mathilde's time at Kronborg
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