Living and Learning in Sweden: Kronborg

This weekend I went to Helsingør, Denmark with friends. In Helsingør you will find the castle Shakespeare used as Hamlet's. Shakespeare never actually went there but he used the castle as his setting and immortalized it every since. There was a time the Danish kings charged a tax for any boat or ship to pass Øresund, the sound between Denmark and Sweden that goes into the Baltic Sea. This made the Danish kings very wealthy and they became known throughout Europe for their lavish lifestyles. Shakespeare probably knew of the castle because of this and was able to use it as his setting.

My two Finish and six Thai friends and myself got up early and took the train to Helsgingborg, Sweden where we boarded the nicest ferry I have ever ridden on and crossed the water to Helsingbør, Denmark. It was a drizzly and cloudy day which set the scene perfectly. I now understand Hamlet's dark brooding temperament.

We soon lost most of the Thai friends as they stopped every 2 steps to take pictures of themselves. Sometimes, stereotypes are overwhelmingly fulfilled and you just have to laugh. The few of us who were interested in the castle went on and met up with the others several hours later, still taking pictures of themselves.

Kronborg, as the castle is officially known as, started as a fortress guarding the straight and imposing taxes in the 1400's. It was added to throughout the years and became a castle for the king and queen of Denmark. The Swedes conquered it in their last war and pillaged the great art. What remains of the castle is largely the structure.

It was a great trip. It was nice to be out and about, even in the rain, and learn some new history. I'll probably pull it out someday around the dinner table at the farm. Be warned fam.