Kronborg was more than a formidable fortress – it stood as the premier venue for grand celebrations in the Nordic region. Here, kings raised their glasses, danced until dawn, and showcased their royal power.
From wild celebrations and sumptuous feasts to the inevitable hangovers the next day, our new experience, FEST - the danish word for party - takes you through nine spectacular rooms, offering a vivid taste of what it was like to party like a Renaissance king.
Party Wing
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Welcome to the 17th century VIP party
Forget all about dull gatherings – the kings' parties were a cornucopia of lavish dinners, wild dances, extravagant costumes, and fireworks shows that could be seen for miles around. For Frederick II and Christian IV, a party was not just a party. It was a display of power, a spectacle, a statement: I am the greatest, richest, and most powerful king in Europe. At the king's parties, they literally set off fireworks. Every time the king raised his glass, the cannons would respond by firing out over the strait. The stories echoed throughout Europe and inspired, among others, Shakespeare to the dramatic tale of the Danish prince "Hamlet".
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Does the party seem familiar?
Experience the drinking culture of the past, the festive attire, scandalous scenes, and the brutal reality behind the glamorous parties. And you will quickly discover that we still celebrate in many of the same ways today – who isn't familiar with the worry about the seating arrangement, the dress code, or what one actually said after the last toast?
