A land filled with towering castles and fortresses, it’s no surprise that Scandinavia acted as the inspiration for many of Han Christian Andersen’s famed fairy tales. Brimming with history of royalty, war and aristocrat drama, these behemoth structures are definitely worth a visit.
Gripsholm Castle, Sweden
Located in the town of Mariefred, Sweden’s Gripsholm Castle is a renaissance gem that has graced the shores of Lake Mãlaren since 1537. Over the years the castle changed many hands and served many purposes. In the Middle Ages the building acted as a monastery, it was then home to Renaissance Prince Gustav Vasa in the early 1500s and it later became the place where King Erik XIV held his brother and sister-in-law prisoner in the 1560s. However, it was during the ruling of King Gustav III that Gripsholm was at its peak as magnificent Christmas celebrations that graced the pages of many letters and diaries were held.
Today, visitors flock to the castle to admire its majestic rooms, dramatic history and large collection of portraits. However, there’s one attraction that gets more attention than the rest: an 18th-century stuffed lion whose endearingly derpy stature is sure to make even the wariest of travelers crack a smile.
Rosenborg Castle, Denmark
Nestled in the heart of modern Copenhagen lies Rosenborg Castle, a magnificent structure home to 400 years of royal history. Built by one of Scandinavia’s most famous kings, Christain IV, Rosenborg Castle got its start in the early 17th century where it acted as a favorite venue for parties and important events. Today, visitors love exploring the castle’s main attractions such as the ornate Knights’ Hall where three life-sized silver lions proudly guard the coronation thrones amongst intricate tapestries depicting battles between Denmark and Sweden. Of course, many travelers go to Rosenborg Castle for a peak at the crowns of Danish kings and queens that are stashed away in special vaults and are adorned with enamel, gold and table-cut stones.
Egeskov Slot, Denmark
Europe’s best-preserved moat castle, Egeskov Slot has stood on the beautiful island of Funen for over 460 years. The castle was completed in 1554 and stood strong through years of political unrest during the Reformation. Designed to withstand a siege, the building was built with defensive purposes in mind complete with double walls, hidden stairwells and a one-way entrance via drawbridge. Eventually, the castle was renovated and opened to the public in 1959. Today, visitors enjoy exploring Egeskov’s multiple levels, the on-site Veteran Car Museum and the elaborate Banqueting Hall.
Drottningholm Palace, Sweden
Once the private residence of the Swedish royal family, Drottningholm Palace is Sweden’s best-preserved royal palace and the country’s first attraction to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace was commissioned by Queen Hedvig Eleonora in the early 1600s and was built according to a French prototype by popular architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. While the entire estate is nothing short of majestic, the palace is most famous for its breathtaking salons, sprawling park, magnificent palace theater and Chinese Pavilion.
Kronborg, Denmark
Known around the world as “Hamlet’s castle,” it’s still unclear whether Shakespeare ever did in fact visit Kronborg Castle. However, he did use the name Castle Elsinore, which is the English word for Helsingør, the town near Copenhagen where Kronborg is located. Established in 1420, Kronborg Castle sits proudly along the Baltic Sea where ships paid tolls and made Helsingør one of the most important towns in Europe. The castle is dark and mysterious with winding underground passageways, eerie on-site crypts and ancient catacombs. Beneath the castle, visitors may encounter Holger the Dane, a grand statue representing one of Denmark’s most favored mythological figures.
Drama geeks can get their kicks at the castle’s annual summer Shakespeare Festival where live performances take place amongst picnic blankets and Kronborg’s rich history.
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