COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

 

This tour takes us through the Danish countryside to Frederiksborg Castle in Hilleroed – a magnificent Renaissance castle now serving as the National Museum of History, containing the country's most important collection of portraits and historical paintings.

The oldest parts of the castle were built in 1560 by King Frederik II, and the castle is named after him. The majority of the present castle was built between 1600-1620 by Frederik II's son, Christian IV, in Dutch Renaissance style with sweeping gables, sandstone decorations and copper-covered roofs and spires. The castle was damaged by fire in 1859, but was rebuilt between 1860 and 1884. Our visit will be guided and also includes a look into the chapel, which has the oldest organ in the world still in use.

Afterwards, we continue by coach to the charming village of Fredensborg, for a short photo stop at the summer residence of the Royal Family (exterior only).

In the town of Elsinore, further north, we then have a visit to Kronborg Castle, perhaps better known as Hamlet’s Castle – chosen by William Shakespeare as the setting for his play. It is the most famous castle in Denmark and is visited each year by about 200,000 Danes and tourists. Frederik II's Kronborg is both an elegant Renaissance castle and a monumental military fortress surrounded by major fortifications. Some of the rooms house collections of Renaissance and Baroque interiors, and among the most important attractions are the 62 metre long ballroom, the wonderfully preserved chapel and the statue of ‘Holger the Dane’.

We return to Copenhagen along the “Danish Riviera” coastal road.

TOUR NOTES: The walking on this tour is considered moderate to strenuous – with over two hours in total, over mainly cobblestones, and stairs at the Castles. The drive to Frederiksborg Castle will take approximately one hour, and the return from Kronborg Castle will take approximately an hour and a half. Kronborg Castle is currently undergoing extensive restoration and development – therefore some parts of the Castle may be closed to us. A stop for refreshments (glühwein and a Christmas treat) will be made at an inn near Kronborg.

TEXT IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING