History of Kronborg
1400today
- Building
- Frederick II built Kronborg Castle during the period 1574–1585. The castle was intended to be both a strong fortress and a suitable home for the growing royal family.
- The great fire
- In 1629, the castle was hit by a massive fire that destroyed most of the interior. Christian IV rebuilt his parents' old magnificent castle.
- Swedish occupation
- In 1658, Kronborg was occupied and plundered by the Swedish king, Charles X Gustav, during one of the many wars between Denmark and Sweden. It was not until 1660 that the castle was returned to Denmark after pressure from European powers.
For more than 400 years, Kronborg has stood as a symbol of past power and wealth. Danish kings have held wild celebrations here, collected tolls, and fought against the kingdom’s enemies. An architectural gem, perfectly situated at the gateway to the Baltic Sea.
Kronborg through the ages
Krogen
The time before Kronborg
Already at the beginning of the 15th century, Eric of Pomerania constructed the fortress Krogen - the foundation for what would later become Kronborg. Krogen secured Danish control over the sound and the Baltic Sea during the Kalmar Union. Denmark considered the sound to be internal waters and could control both customs and foreign access through Krogen.
Eric of Pomerania. Illustration by Albert Haelwegh, 1646.
The Sound tolls
The king's money machine
For over 400 years - from the 15th century until 1857 - the Sound toll was collected at Kronborg. With the castle's cannons aimed at the ships, the seafarers had no choice but to pay. The toll revenues went directly into the king's treasury and financed both the castle and other royal projects.
To build a Masterpiece
White walls and golden towers
Frederick II ordered the increasingly dilapidated fortress at Krogen to be replaced by a brand-new and magnificent Renaissance castle, complete with all the architectural features of the time - complete with bastions, casemates, and an appearance that signaled power and wealth.
Initially, the new castle was constructed with red bricks and sandstone friezes, but halfway through the building process, Frederick II changed his plans. He ordered the entire facade to be covered with white sandstone from Scania and Gotland – some of the most expensive materials of the time – as well as copper-clad roofs and golden spires.
The result was a castle that clearly distinguished itself from the many manor houses built of red brick throughout the country. With Kronborg, Frederick II asserted his position as king above the nobility – creating a unique symbol of royal power and ambition in Denmark.
Home of Hamlet
Erling Eckersberg Scene from Hamlet. Act 3
Shakespeare's Castle
Tales of Kronborg's splendor, the wild parties held there, and royal escapades reached all the way to London and to William Shakespeare. He was inspired by it and chose the castle as the setting for his famous drama, Hamlet, where Kronborg became Elsinore Castle.
Who is Hamlet? Erling Eckersberg Scene from Hamlet. Act 3
Kronborg today
A world-class castle
Today, Kronborg stands as one of Europe's best-preserved Renaissance castles. In the year 2000, it was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List - a recognition of its unique architecture, historical significance, and cultural value. Restorations continue to be carried out with respect for the original methods from the 16th century.
Open today
10:00 - 18:00
