Kronborg Castle or well known as Hamlet Castle is one of the Europe’s finest #Renaissance castles and a perfect city break from Copenhagen. I did a visit… oh not once… but twice. In early and late summer. This medieval castle holds it’s charm as a castle to historians. It is located in the town Helsingor. This castle also known as Elsinore from William Shakespear’s Hamlet.
Where and How: Located at the north of Copenhagen the extreme narrowest point of Øresund,. Best to travel by Regional trains from Copenhagen central or other important stations where Regional trains(starts with RE..) departs. It takes around 45-60 mins ( 8 stops ) and costs around 66DKK one way. I saw cheaper prices ( 53DKK ) on weekend.You need to get down at Helsingør St station and then walk for 15mins( about a km ) from station. You will get the Maritime museum on left side first, then you have to walk till you see the castle.
Some Tips: If you like to munch something like Hotdog or ice-cream, you may grab those just outside the stations. They are cheap. There’ couple of Restro just before Maritime museum, where you can seat and rejoice some greater meal or a beer or you may soak a beautiful sun outside of it. I tried to capture that area in my below picture. There are few more cafes and small eateries by the road towards castle.
What to Expect: Do keep at least half a day, if you are planning to the most elegant castle of Denmark. The castle was built by King Frederic II between 1574-1585. Royal families didn’t inhibit since late 1600 but this location of this coastal castle was strategically important for warfare etc. Nowadays ferry service ply between Denmark and Sweden in a very short time.
Fire destroyed subsequent part of this castle except the Chapel. King christian IV rebuilt it later. Since 1923 it was opened for public visit. A walking tour through this #Unesco heritage site ( since year 2000 ) worth every penny.
Beautiful bastions, baroque interior, decorated rooms, , 62m long ballroom, national mythical hero ‘Holger Danske’ , secret chambers and tunnel to the coast will keep you excited till the end of visit.
In the summer time, Shakespeare’s Hamlet drama played in the castle which you can watch additionally.
Entry for children up to 17 years or holders of Copenhagen cards are free. Adults entry cost 90DKK.
King’s Chamber:
There’s spiral stairs and then it reaches to a basement, damp, cobbled dark path leading to the statue of Holger. This journey was quite thrilling but doubt if it will befit for very young kids or older persons.
Statue of Holger: According to mythology, the great king Holger remains sleeping here until he is needed to rescue or fight for his country.
The cobbled road finally leads to the coast ,back side of castle.
The beautiful coast itself could be one of the reason for a daytrip.
You can stop by any cafe or eateries if you feel hungry.
There are few souvenir shops outside castle to collect your memorable.
Feel free to let me know if you are visiting sooner or later or if you have any queries.
I would be happy to know if my article helped you in your visit.
