Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot) is Denmark’s famous Renaissance fortress.
All over the world it is known as Elsinore, the castle from William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”.
This is where Shakespeare set Hamlet. Visitors come here for the legends and the experience.

The castle is in the town of Helsingør, 50 minutes by train from central Copenhagen.

Kronborg has an incredible history.

The castle stands by the water on the shore of the Øresund strait, which links the Baltic Sea with the North Sea.
For centuries this was one of the most important trade routes in Northern Europe.

In the 15th century, Denmark was going through hard times.

Denmark fought many wars, and the king borrowed money. The lands were mortgaged and the country was falling apart.
One day King Eric of Pomerania said: “My hope lies in the sea!” and imposed a toll on every ship that passed through the strait.

And here he built a fortress.

Later, in the 16th century, under King Frederick II, the fortress was rebuilt into a magnificent Renaissance castle: Kronborg.

And incredible celebrations were held here!
All of Europe talked about them.

Over the centuries Kronborg has been a fortress, a royal residence and a prison.

Kronborg is more than just the castle from “Hamlet”. It is a place where you can feel the grandeur of the Danish monarchy, learn about the country’s maritime history and step into a world of legends.