Kronborg Castle, Denmark

Its strategic location at the gateway to the Baltic Sea meant Denmark had complete control over the strait and the many merchant ships which passed through it, all of which had to pay a toll at the castle based on the value of the goods that they were transporting.

The toll, however, was not just a source of income; it was also a political instrument. By favouring the shipping trade of certain nations or allowing free passage to their navies, Denmark was able to create important alliances.

Built in the 1500s by the visionary king, Fredrik II, the castle also served as a home for the Danish royal family, providing them with a grand stage for showing off their immense wealth and power to their many international guests.

They held lavish and extravagant parties which were attended by northern Europe’s royal and noble elite, and featured thundering cannon salutes, mesmerizing fireworks displays which lit up the night skies, and menus so imaginative they bordered on the fantastical.

The tales of Kronborg travelled far and wide, eventually reaching the contemporary English playwright, William Shakespeare. While he likely never set foot in the castle, the esteemed author must have been enthralled by the stories circulating about it.

One windy night in 1629, catastrophe struck and an accidental fire destroyed the castle, leaving only the walls standing. Determined to recreate his father’s masterpiece, the king at that time, Christian IV, had the entire castle rebuilt, mostly retaining its original appearance

After a humiliating siege and consequent occupation by Swedish troops, which lasted for a number of years, Kronborg’s time as a home for the Danish royal family came to an end.

Further wars and conflicts led to Denmark being reduced to a small, decimated kingdom. By the 19^th century, the castle had gone from being a powerful economic and political tool in the hands of the king to a mere shadow of its former glory.

Today, the castle is alive with visitors experiencing guided tours and exciting exhibitions. Actors dressed in the colourful attire which was characteristic of the renaissance era entertain and interact with the crowds.

Kronborg Castle is an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture, with its bright sandstone facades, gleaming copper roofs and intricate sculptural ornaments in unique and imaginative designs.

This magnificent 62-metre-long banqueting hall, where the Danish royal family’s grand parties once took place, is one of the most exquisite rooms from this time and the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.

The only building not to have been destroyed by the fire of 1629, the chapel preserves its original altar, gallery and pews, along with fine carvings and painted panels.

As the name suggests, this tower was the location for a number of cannons. Their purpose was to protect the castle against any possible attacks coming from inland. The tower's 145 steps lead to stunning views over the courtyard, Helsingør and towards Sweden.

In 2000, the castle was granted World Heritage status, based on Criterion (iv) of the selection criteria: 

Kronborg Castle is an outstanding example of the Renaissance castle, and one which played a highly significant role in the history of this region of northern Europe.