HAMLET'S KRONBORG CASTLE

This illustration discovered in 2015 is thought to be
William Shakespeare 1564-1616

To be or not to be; that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: To sleep:
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and thousand natural shocks
that flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd. To die; To sleep:
To sleep: Perchance to dream.

The castle in which Shakespeare's Hamlet is thought to be set is Kronborg Castle situated north of Helsingor (known generally in English as Elsinore). Built between 1574 and 1585, it is strategically situated on a narrow stretch of water just 4 km wide between Denmark and Sweden. About 1.8 million ships passed through the sound during this period and all had to pay a toll to Kronborg castle or be fired upon by canons from the castle. It was this strategic position guarding the strait that allowed Denamark to develop its power.

Eurodam sailed past Kronborg Castle early this morning on its way to bring us back to Copenhagen for the last time. Its turrets stood out clearly on the horizon as we peered through the stern windows while having breakfast. We have planned a visit to the castle soon after the ship docks at 11.00 a.m. We will take the number 27 bus to Osterport Railway and then the train north to Helsingor.

There is a very strong, cold wind blowing today and we have several layers of clothing. Our transport arrangements work well and we are soon on the train for the 45 minute journey to Helsingor. Then there is a 15 minute walk through the town against this strong wind to the castle which can be seen standing proudly ahead. M. is not too pleased with this biting wind sweeping in off the water.

The earliest plans and construction date to 1420 and various iterations occurred over the centuries with new sections built or remodelled or even rebuilt after Sweden attacked the fortress and brought about its surrender in 1658.

Model of Kronborg Castle, outbuildings, and moats

The Great Hall

Kronborg is known as Hamlet's castle. Shakespeare's Hamlet, the famous play about the Danish prince, takes place in Elsinore and many presentations by famous actors have been conducted at Kronborg Castle. The tradition goes back to 1816 when the play was performed at Kronborg on the occasion of the bicentenary of Shakespeare's death. International stars really began to take over Kronborg in earnest in 1937 when Laurence Olivier and Vivienne Leigh appeared as Hamlet and Ophelia in the castle courtyard.

Alas, poor Yorrick, I knew him, Horatio: a fellow
Of infinite jest: of most excellent fancy.

Entrances are well fortified

Despite the cold winds, the sky was clear and this was a most worthwhile visit. It's back to the ship, suitcases retrieved from under the bed, repacked and placed outside the cabin door in preparation for booting us off the ship at 8.15 a.m. tomorrow.Our flight out of Copenhagen is not until 8.15 p.m. so we will spend much of the day having a last look at this delightful city before taking the train to the airport.