Disappear into the casemates beneath Kronborg - 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 the defense of Kronborg and bear witness to the castle's strategic importance. Today, you can explore the long, mysterious corridors where Holger the Dane is resting, and bats hang upside down. Remember a flashlight, follow the glow of the oil lamps, and find your way back to the light safely!
1.
Highlights at Kronborg
Can You Find Him?
You probably can because he is quite large. Holger Danske is a legendary figure in European history and folklore. Originally he comes from French medieval legends, but was made known in Denmark by H. C. Andersen who described him as a sleeping giant beneath Kronborg.
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2.
Walk in the Footsteps of Danish Soldiers
For soldiers in wartime, the dark, damp casemates could mean the difference between life and death. Here, up to 350 men could seek shelter with enough supplies for a six-week siege. Under Frederick II, the casemates housed not only soldiers, cannons, and provisions, but also a forge and a stable!
In the lower casemates, there was once a much higher ceiling, and they contained a drill hall where the soldiers could train, even during sieges – such as when the Swedes surrounded Kronborg in 1658.
3.
Careful or You Might Wake the Bats
During the winter months, bats hibernate and the casemates of Kronborg are one of their favorite places. The casemates are the perfect winter residence for bats and if you're lucky, you might encounter a bat getting its winter sleep down there. Bats sleep during the day and live by flying around at night catching insects in the air. But in the winter, there are no insects for them. So they find a cave or similar place where they can hang and sleep upside down all winter. Bats are protected animals, so if you spot one in the casemates of Kronborg, please do not disturb it.
Find Your Way in the Dark
Holger Danske
Holger Danske
