If you want to visit Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød and Kronborg in Helsingør, it’s possible.
So. after Frederiksborg I went from Hillerød to Helsingør by Lokalbane 930R (a local train). It’s a 28-minute journey and it leaves every 30 minutes. It’s snap time for us! (Already had lunch on the boat ride by the lake of Frederiksborg Castle).
I recommend using http://rejseplanen.dk/ to search for your possible rides. Once you get off at Helsingør, there’s another walk (1.1km) to Kronborg. (It actually didn’t feel that far, the walk was pleasant).
Next to Kronborg, there’s M/S Maritime Museum. It has very high review on Tripadvisor. So…. since we had a Copenhagen Card with us, my family decided to cut some visiting time from Kronborg for this museum. (Partially because the free guided tour wouldn’t start till 3:30pm anyways)
My #12 Attraction with Copenhagen Card
I spent an hour there, and I must say it’s a cool museum even for adults. I had a lot of fun with the trade game and running around with my travel log. I wish I had more time to play the game though. And even if you aren’t interested in maritime, the architecture of the building itself is really cool. I think even if M/S Maritime Museum wasn’t so conveniently next to Kornborg, it stands out from its own merit. Although it doesn’t have the fame as Kronborg Castle, it is one museum I’d recommend.
Kornborg Castle
Okay, so Kornborg Castle, or Shakespeare’s Castle.
My #13 Attraction with Copenhagen Card
People say this is the castle Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote Hamlet. It’s possible that Shakespeare had been to this castle as he was famous and the castle was famous at that time too.
After visiting M/S Maritime Museum, the weather cleared up as we walked to Kronborg!
If you can, plan according to the timing for free guided tour. We took the one at 3:30pm. It lasted for 45 minutes I think, and our first stop was the chapel.
Our guide said this was the oldest church in Denmark. And there was a fire in Kronborg yet miraculously this church was safe. (Wow!)
Our second stop was the cannons. Our guide said something about a king who used to be a pirate, and then when he became a king, he started charging ships who crossed the Sound between Helsingør and Helsingbor. At that time Helsingbor was in Denmark’s territory. And it is the only way to trade ships has access to the Baltic sea from Western Europe, so the king made a fortune by charging toll tax.
Also, toll tax was calculated at a percentage of the total worth of the ship. Some traders thought they could save money by under declaring the total value, but then the king would just buy the ‘cheap goods’ from those traders. And so it turned out most traders would over declare the total value, and so the king made a fortune.
Frederick II managed to make changes to the Sound Dues, so that he was able to collect a large sum of money every time a ship sailed past Elsinore. It proved to be a goldmine, and the revenues collected paid for the rebuilding of Kronborg Castle in 1588. (Kronborg )
But however, the king was good at making, he was quick to spend money. This king loved banquets. And the guests would eat, and vomit, and eat more. And then vomit, and then eat more. And at that time lemon was very expensive so the noble ladies would say, ‘I only eat lemons’ to show their wealth. And the king invented a canon toast
Over the next few days, the distinguished guests feasted in the castle’s Ballroom. Long tables were laid with silverware and crystal glasses. Servants served 24 dishes to each of the guests. Oysters, game, exotic citrus fruits and other expensive delicacies featured on the menu.
The fare was washed down with wine and beer. The king got to his feet, raised his glass and proposed a toast. At that very moment, drums rolled and trumpets blared. Outside the castle’s ramparts, the artillery stood ready by the cannons. They saluted the king’s toast by firing a deafening blast from the cannons that could be heard on the other side of the Sound. (Kronborg )
Our guide also said something about the king building a whole wing for his beloved young wife Sophie so that her feet wouldn’t get dirty from crossing the courtyard (okay…..). Without these stories, I guess Kronborg wouldn’t be so special as there weren’t a lot left to see (especially comparing to Frederiksborg) However two castles are very different.
My Tip
I recommend checking the timing for free tour form http://kongeligeslotte.dk/en/palaces-and-gardens/kronborg-castle.html
When I went in summer (2015) it was scheduled at 10:30/11:30/12:30/13:30/15:30/16:30.
It’s short, but informative and fun!
After the tour, we walked around the castle and went to the tunnels in the basement. Err, they even sell you flashlights there. The tunnels were a lot darker than what you see in this picture, and it’s spooky when there weren’t other tourists.
In the basement you’d see a statue of Holger Danske. For me it wasn’t anything special (I guess I’m immune to statues), I enjoyed exploring the tunnels more than looking for the statue.
The national hero Holger Danske lies asleep, deep down in the underground passages of the castle’s casemates. He has slept for hundreds of years. According to an old legend, Holger Danske will wake up the day Denmark is threatened by enemies. Only then will his eyes open. He will then get to his feet and raise his sword. (Kronborg )
So… that’s all. There’s free WiFi in Kronborg, and there’s also a super expensive gift shop.
I’d recommend this castle! I think if you have time, don’t miss out this castle!
Traveling Mega
