Kronborg Castle - Copenhagen Tourist and Visitors site

Kronborg Castle - Hamlets Castle

*A Part of the Danish Cultural Heritage*

Sightseeing beyond Copenhagen

Kronborg Castle - Hamlets Castle

A 5-Star Tourist Site

Kronborg Castle is Hamlets Castle

Kronborg Castle is surrounded by a fortress area near the port to Elsinore city and the harbour is near the entrance to the narrow Sound between Sweden and Denmark.© Copenhagen-Portal.dk

Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle or Hamlets Castle - immortalised by Shakespeare - is situated at Helsingør or "Elsinore" and built by King Frederik II in 1574-84 (King from 1559-1588 - ruled Denmark and Norway). After the fire in 1629 his son the great builder among Danish Kings Christian IV (King from 1577-1648 - ruled Denmark and Norway 1588-1648) completed the building of Kronborg Castle in 1638. Kronborg Castle is built on the spit of North Sealand - and placed at the entrance of Øresund - which was the ideal position to collect Sound Duties from ships entering Øresund to secure state taxes and revenues but also as a fortress to defend the Kingdom of Denmark.

"Krogen"
The first Castle on the premises was built by the Danish King Erik of Pomerania around 1420. (King of Denmark 1396–1439 and best known as Erik af Pommern) The Castle was named “Krogen” and was mainly build to gather Sound Tolls from vessels using the waters of Oresund - when passing trough the narrow strait - but also as a Royal residence. King Frederik II started to restore and renovate the buildings to turn the residence into a modern Renaissance castle. Furthermore the castle was rebuilt wit new ramparts and moats together with bastions connecting the entire fortress. When the Castle was completed in 1585 - it was a well- functioning and regular four-wing edifice and three story building with yellow sandstone.

King Frederik II and "Krogen"

King Frederik II inspecting the rebuilding and renovation of Kronborg Castle 1584 with a plan of the premises on his lap. Painting by Nikolaj Abildgaard.

The Oresound Toll Station and Castle

Ships passing trough the strait of Oresound was forced to pay a Toll to the tax collectors at Kronborg Castle. Painting by Johan Jacob Bruun - 1739.

Kronborg Castle burns
Being an architectural pearl near the Sound as a fortress and Royal residence - Kronborg Castle was ravaged by a very heavy fire in 1629 and only the Chapel was saved. King Frederik II’ son King Christian IV excavated the remains of the site and started the rebuilding and restoration of Kronborg Castle in Baroque Style with new interior and decorations as it appears today. From around 1700 the Castle was no longer used as a Royal residence and in 1790 the Danish army took over the entire property and renewed some of the buildings it as barracks. In 1923 the army left the premises and since a continuing restoration of the castle has taken place.

Kronborg Castle and its favourable location

Kronborg is strategically placed as a fortress surrounded by ramparts and army barracks on the spit of north Sealand by the entrance to Oresound that is only 4 km wide at this location.

Kronborg completed in 1558

Kronborg Castle was completed around 1585 - and here is the entrance to the west tower from 1584 - constructed one year before the completion with the Kings monogram.

Kronborg Castle was added to the World Heritage List year 2000 - by the UN organization UNESCO - and is now a member of the world's cultural legacy.

The longest hall in Europe

At the North Wing of the Castle is the great Ballroom or Knights' Hall at Kronborg Castle that is almost 63 meters long and the longest hall in Europe. The floor is decorated with Swedish marble. The big renaissance door on the left leads to the Queens private chambers.

The chapel at Kronborg Castle

The chapel at Kronborg Castle with the original interior and the pew on the gallery for the King and Royal family is from the period of King Frederik II and was the only building that was saved by the fire in 1629. The baroque organ is from the period of his son King Christian IV.

"Hamlets Castle"

Kronborg Castle - Elsinore - Denmark

The private royal rooms

One of King Christian IV's private rooms at Kronborg with furniture and original ceiling.

"Holger the Dane"

The statue of the sleeping Danish hero "Holger the Dane" in the dungeons of Kronborg.

"Hamlet" - To Be - or not to Be!
Kronborg Castle is one of the top tourist attractions and historical venues in Denmark - and every year the setting of William Shakespeare's famous tragedy Hamlet - Prince of Denmark is performed in the courtyard of the Castle.

William Shakespeare's - Hamlet

The setting of William Shakespeare's famous tragedy Hamlet is performed at Kronborg Castle in historical surroundings - and is a fantastic experience for all spectators.

The former Royal Castle Kronborg

Tourists flock by thousands and visit the former Royal Castle Kronborg every year - and the yellow sandstone has a rustic and very inviting appearance.

To Be - or not to Be!

Hamlet at Kronborg - 2012 in an elemental and moving new version of Hamlet.

Kronborg Castle - Your next Conference - Banquet and Event Venue!

King Frederik IIs Wine Cellar

King Frederik IIs Wine Cellar from 1559 for galla dinners and exclusive banquets.

Eric of Pomerania's Chambers

King Eric of Pomerania's Chambers from 1420 for renaissance buffets and receptions.

The Queens old laundry

Conference venue in the Queens old laundry premises for washing and drying the royal clothing in the Middle Age.

The Great Knights Hall

The Great Knights Hall from 1582 for concerts - banquets - or serving welcome drinks in historical settings.

Kronborg at Night

Kronborg Castle is beautifully illuminated at night time - and performs as a huge lighthouse - when one approaches this historical edifice by ship from the Sound.

A Royal Site for your next Arrangement
Historical Kronborg Castle from 1574 has open the castle to hold your next Reception - Conference - Banquet - Gala Dinner - Sales Meeting - Renaissance Buffet and Dinner Dance or other types of arrangements in the very heart of this renaissance castle - where all guests and participants can suck up the presence of history and Middle Age atmosphere - while the thick raw brick walls hide and can tell many true stories of the hectic - dramatic and prestige lifestyle at Kronborg Castle.

Historic and rustic surroundings
Come to Kronborg with your party - and sense the historic and rustic surroundings that will make your arrangement outstanding with a special inspiring treat - and a touch of intimate and royal ambience. This royal site offers the best from both worlds - a historical location with modern event facilities - and an overwhelming experience combined with some unforgettable moments.

A venue with numerous possibilities
We can help you to plan and organize your future arrangement with solutions that will match your specific requirements - as we have the unique settings and distinctive venue with numerous possibilities - such as a torchlight avenue with a trumpet fanfare from the high tower - welcoming your precious guests - or serving welcome drinks in the Great Knights Hall - followed by a candlelight gala dinner - with delicious gourmet dishes. You name it - Kronborg has it!

Exciting tour and spooky dungeons
Your reception - conference and other festivities can start with an exciting grand tour of Kronborg Castle - and its many towers - while feeling the presence of royalties and legendary Hamlet - and then end the Kronborg exploration trough the spooky dungeons to the horrifying casemates themselves - where the Danish national hero Holger the Dane is watching over Denmark.

Exclusive events and banquets
Conferences and parties between 25 and 400 persons can be arranged (1 person can also order and use the premises if required - but minimum payment is still for 25 persons) - as well as exclusive events and banquets for up to 80 participants in the more intimate royal chambers of King Eric of Pomerania from 1420 - or King Frederik IIs wine Cellar from 1585 - with a capacity of 140 seating guests - as well as the authentic Queen’s laundry premises for washing and drying the royal clothing in ancient times - with room for 60 persons attending a conference or meeting - while imagining the clean scent of splash and soap.

“Once in a lifetime experience”
Kronborg is a completely unique setting for any event. The castle and fortress pulsate with history - and a special ambience no matter the occasion. But Kronborg is far more than that. Here you have the opportunity to surprise your guests - and give them a historical “once in a lifetime experience” - they never will forget.

Transport - accommodation and sightseeing
We arrange transport from Copenhagen with luxury busses or offer a nights stay at a nearby 4-star accommodation on the finest seashores of northern Sealand. Sightseeing via Sweden to Copenhagen is a possible option and experience. Kronborg Castle is a stone's throw from Elsinore city that is bursting with life - energy - vitality - history and history in the making.

A state property
Kronborg Castle is a property of the Danish state - and the property authority and administration at Kronborg must approve any range of arrangements in the planning stage.

Kronborg Castle - Your next Conference - Banquet and Event Venue!

Tour appetizer and inspiration
This presentation of Kronborg Castle - is just an appetizer and a source of inspiration for touring to a genuine Danish Cultural Heritage. Kronborg Castle is one of the leading attractions and historical venues in Denmark.

Ferries are commuting over the busy 4 km Sound between Denmark and Sweden.

Helsingør City - Elsinore

Helsingør City is situated right on the northern spit of Sealand and on the narrowest part of Oresound with only 4 km to Sweden. The distance between Helsingør and Copenhagen is over 50 km. The population of the city is over 40,000 and the name of the city derives from the word "narrow strait". Helsingør in founded around 1420 by the Danish King Eric of Pomerania - who established the Sound Dues in 1429 and built the castle “Krogen” - which was expanded in the 1580s and named Kronborg. Helsingør is a medieval city with old timbered houses and cobble stoned streets in the inner part of the town. Helsingør is also a thriving city with ferries transporting commuters back and fourth on the busy narrow strait between Denmark and Sweden. Kronborg Castle also called - Hamlets Castle - is the main tourist attraction and gathers thousands and thousands of visitors every year.