Arrived later than planned, but sailed through immigration and collected our bags, before heading off to get the train to Central Station. Went out of the wrong exit but managed to find out hotel and slas it was gone midnight, straight to bed.

Fredericksborg Castle
The next day we set off for Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerod, about 40 mins away on the S Train. It is one of the most famous castles in Denmark, set out on three islands surrounded by a lake and beautiful gardens, with The Little Boat to transport you around the lake, which of course, we had to try out. It is home to the Museum of National History, where 500 years of Danish history is set out through portraits, paintings, furniture, sculptures and decorative art. It was built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV and was often used as a royal residence.

Due to lack of maintenance, a fire broke out in 1859, and the greater part of the interior of the castle was destroyed. Fortunately, the castle was rebuilt by J. C. Jacobsen, the owner of the Carlsberg Breweries. The Chapel survived the fire and today Danish kings and queens are anointed here.

Looks to see here and the rooms were just stunning, especially the Chapel and a lot of the ceilings, loads of fabulous wooden pieces of furniture and an impressive celestial clock. Also an exhibition of Gobelin Tapestries

Kronborg Castle
We then made our way by train to Helsingor (Elsinore), on the coast and home to Kronborg Castle, said to be the inspiration for Hamlet. Shakespeare used Kronborg when he wrote his immortal play about the king’s son Hamlet and today, the castle is better known as Hamlet’s Castle.

In 1420, Eric of Pomerania built Krogen Fortress, used to control the entrance to Oresund (the waterway between Denmark & Sweden, only 4 miles wide at this point) and collect the lucrative Sound Dues from the passing ships. While the money went to the King, the trade made the town wealthy and famous all over the world.

Between 1574-1585, Frederik II transformed it into a sumptuous renaissance castle, funded by the Sound Dues. As with Fredericksborg, the Castle was ravaged by a devastating fire in 1629, which only left the chapel intact. Christian IV reconstructed the castle, however, in 1658 the Swedes bombed and occupied the Castle and took many precious art treasures. Since then the Castle has not been inhabited by royals. From 1785 until 1923, the castle was used by the military, and then it was again restored.

We only walked around the grounds, not as impressive as Frederiksborg but it’s location makes up for that. Couldn’t resist a glass of Danish Tuborg Beer, our first of the holiday. Have included an aerial shot in the photos.

Took a stroll around the town, saw a statue of Hans Christian Anderson in the style of the Little Mermaid, had a very late lunch and met some Swedes from Stockholm, who were in holiday and strangely interested in English politics! Headed back by train to Copenhagen.