Period

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

Marriage

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

Interests

Frederick 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, contributing to the advancement of Renaissance culture in Denmark.

Family

He was the son of Christian III and Dorothea of Saxe-Lauenburg. He had seven children with Sophie of Mecklenburg, including the future king Christian IV.

Frederick began his reign by plunging into the long and brutal Seven Years' War against Sweden (1563–1570). The conflict ended with a costly and modest Danish victory, and after witnessing the heavy toll of war, Frederick shifted his strategy. For the rest of his reign, he focused on asserting Denmark’s dominance in the Nordic region through peaceful tools of power such as art, science, and architecture.

To fund his ambitious projects, Frederick relied on the Sound Dues - the toll charged to every ship passing through the strait. One of his grandest undertakings was Kronborg Castle. Built to awe and intimidate, it was not only a magnificent royal residence but also a strategic fortress, securing Denmark’s control over the vital trade routes in the Sound.

Frederik dreamed of building a castle that could rival the grandest royal palaces across Europe. Construction of Kronborg began in 1574 and took around 12 years - an impressive achievement for the time. The castle soon gained fame, attracting diplomats, royalty, and artists from all over the continent. It was here that Frederick II showcased his power and vision for Denmark and, not least, threw some of the wildest parties in all of Europe.

Frederick II was severely dyslexic and preferred to avoid writing letters unless it was to his closest associates? Instead, he ruled through verbal orders and dictations to his secretaries.