Period

Frederik II lived from 1534 to 1588 and was King of Denmark and Norway from 1559 until his death.

Marriage

He married Sophie of Mecklenburg in 1572 and their marriage lasted until his death in 1588.

Interests

Frederik II was a passionate builder and played a central role in the construction of Kronborg, which became one of the most impressive Renaissance castles in Europe. He was also a great supporter of science, art and culture, and his court was a center for scientists and artists, helping to promote Renaissance culture in Denmark.

Your family

He was the son of Christian III and Dorothea of Saxe-Lauenburg. He had seven children with Sophie of Mecklenburg, including the later King Christian 4.

Frederick began his reign by throwing himself into the long and brutal Seven Years' War against Sweden (1563-1570). The long war resulted in only a modest and costly Danish victory, and after learning the high cost of war, Frederick changed course and for the rest of his reign focused on using peaceful means to assert Denmark's leading position in the Nordic region through art, science and architecture. Frederik used the Sound Dues - the tax that all ships had to pay to sail through the Sound - to fund his ambitious projects. Among these was Kronborg Castle, which was built to impress and intimidate. It was not only a magnificent castle, but also a strategic fortress that ensured Denmark's control over the trade routes in the Sound.

Frederik dreamed of creating a castle to rival Europe's greatest royal palaces. Construction of Kronborg began in 1574 and took around 12 years - an impressive feat. The castle quickly became known and visited by diplomats, royalty and artists from all over Europe. It was here that Frederik II truly demonstrated his power and vision for Denmark and threw the wildest parties in Europe.

Frederik II was severely dyslexic and preferred to avoid writing letters - unless it was to his loved ones? Instead, he ruled through oral orders and dictations to his secretaries.