Denmark is home to some of the most enchanting and fascinating castles in Europe. With their soaring spires, turrets, and romantic architecture, Danish castles look like they’ve sprung from the pages of a storybook. These regal fortresses give insights into Denmark’s royal history and national identity, and continue to enchant visitors today.
Table of Contents
History of Castles in Denmark
The history of castles in Denmark stretches back to the Viking Age, when primitive fortresses of earth and wood were built. In the Middle Ages, grand royal castles of stone began to appear. They served as fortified residences for kings and nobles, as well as symbols of power and wealth. Some Danish castles have origins dating back to the 12th or 13th centuries.
Over the centuries, castles were built, expanded, damaged, and rebuilt many times as fortunes and rulers changed. Inside the walls of Danish castles, royal intrigue and historic events played out. From princely births to imprisonments to murders, Denmark’s castles bear witness to the drama of the past.
Famous Fairy-Tale Castles
Four castles stand out as the most magical and quintessentially Danish fairy-tale castles:
Kronborg Castle
The imposing Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the Renaissance style, this was the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Its strategic location near the Øresund earned it the nickname “the toll castle.” Kronborg was heavily fortified to command the sound and make sure ships paid the toll.
Frederiksborg Castle
Located north of Copenhagen, the Renaissance Frederiksborg Castle was built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV. It has sweeping gables, towers, and a moat. Parts of the interior are decorated lavishly with scrolling, gold embellishments.
Egeskov Castle
Egeskov is one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castles, with a moat and drawbridge. Built in 1554, it boasts fine architecture and lavish interiors. The castle is surrounded by formal gardens that incorporate the moat and woodlands beyond.
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen started as a summerhouse in 1606, then expanded into a grand castle by King Christian IV. It has vaulted ceilings, chapels, statues, and portraits. The castle’s highlight is the dazzling Crown Jewels and regalia in the basement treasury.
Architectural Styles and Features
Danish castles showcase diverse architectural styles and features. Most of the famous castles started in the Renaissance period, when there was a revival of classical Greek and Roman designs. Symmetrical proportions, columns, arches, and domes were popular.
Later, Baroque features were added. The Baroque style emphasized dramatic shapes, lavish ornaments, dynamic curves, and grand, imposing designs. Romanticism also influenced castle architecture, adding a sense of nostalgia.
Typical defensive castle features are found, like moats, drawbridges, portcullises, towers, ramparts, keeps, and dungeons. Secret doors, spy holes, winding stairs, and hidden rooms allowed royals and nobles to sneak away in times of siege or danger.
Royal History
Denmark’s castles are intricately tied to the history of its kings, queens, and nobles across centuries. Royal coats of arms, portraits, and symbols decorate the castles. Each castle has stories of the monarchs who built or used it.
During the Renaissance, King Christian IV initiated a castle-building craze. The king spent vast sums expanding existing castles and erecting new ones, including Rosenborg and Frederiksborg. He was also responsible for the Renaissance rebuild of Kronborg.
Other kings like Frederick II and Christian V continued expanding royal castles. Queens also left their mark; for example, Sophie Amalienborg rebuilt parts of Frederiksborg Castle after fire damage in 1859.
Castles were the settings for weddings, births, political events, and more. They showcase both Denmark’s glory and its intrigues. The Counts’ Feud civil war started at Kronborg Castle in 1534. In the same castle, Frederick II had his rival nobleman Torben Oxe publicly beheaded in 1517.
Castles Today
While no longer royal residences, many of Denmark’s castles are maintained today for the public to appreciate. They often house museums, art collections, gardens, and modern state functions.
Castles like Christiansborg and Rosenborg in Copenhagen still host royal events, audiences, banquets, and ceremonies. Some serve political purposes too; Christiansborg contains Denmark’s Parliament and Supreme Court.
Several castles became inspiration for iconic movies. Hamlet and The Prince of Jutland were filmed at Kronborg; Babette’s Feast at Fredensborg Palace. The TV series The Crown featured multiple Danish castles too.
The castles receive millions of visitors annually. Kronborg Castle in Helsingør alone sees over 200,000 visitors every year. As popular tourist sites, most castles have had accessibility improvements, educational displays, and café facilities added.
Visiting the Castles
To visit Denmark’s castles, head to Zealand and surrounding islands where most are located. Kronborg, Frederiksborg, Fredensborg, and Helsingør are all just short train rides from Copenhagen.
Opening times vary by season. Many are open daily from 10am-5pm in summer. Tickets cost 75-140 DKK for adults. Guided tours in English are available at most sites for an extra fee. Walking along the outer fortifications is usually free.
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the castles’ long halls and winding staircases. Photography is permitted in most areas. Grab a bite in the on-site cafés, and browse the gift shops for local handicrafts and castle-branded merchandise.
Impact on Danish Culture
Denmark’s fairy-tale castles have become symbols of the nation. They evoke romanticism, childhood stories, and a sense of identity rooted in history. Architecture, literature, art, and film have all been inspired by the castles’ enchanting aesthetics.
The castles represent Danish pride in a remarkable architectural and royal heritage. Preserving the castles continues to be a priority. Their timeless beauty and European grandeur continues to inspire new generations of Danes and travellers from around the world.
Conclusion
With their moats, turrets, golden spires, and ornate halls, the castles of Denmark look like magical kingdoms transported from fairy tales. Beyond their charming facades lie centuries of intriguing history, secrets, and cultural meaning. Visiting Denmark’s extraordinary castles is an enchanting experience that transports you into a world of royalty, legend, and imagination.
FAQ
FAQ 1: What is the oldest castle in Denmark?
The oldest royal castle in Denmark is Søborg Castle, parts of which date back to the 1160s under King Valdemar the Great. Only ruins of Søborg remain today in northern Zealand.
FAQ 2: Can you visit the castles in Denmark?
Yes, most of Denmark’s famous castles are open to the public as museums or state buildings. Guided tours in English are available. Popular castles like Kronborg, Rosenborg, and Frederiksborg receive millions of visitors annually.
FAQ 3: Where are most of Denmark’s castles located?
The majority of Danish royal castles are found on the islands of Zealand and Funen. Kronborg and Frederiksborg are located close to Copenhagen, while Egeskov is on Funen and Christiansborg is in Copenhagen.
FAQ 4: Which Danish castle is featured in Shakespeare’s Hamlet?
The setting for Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Hamlet is Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. This imposing Renaissance castle was built on a strategically important site overlooking the Øresund straight.
FAQ 5: What architectural styles influenced Danish castles?
The main architectural styles seen in Danish castles are Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanticism. They feature imposing yet elegant designs with columns, domes, ornate embellishments, and nostalgic nods to earlier eras.