Our journey begins with Kronborg, a monumental castle located in Helsingør, on the northeastern tip of the island of Zealand. This imposing fortress, erected in a strategic location on the Sund Strait, guarded the entrance to the Baltic Sea and for centuries was a symbol of the power of the Danish monarchy. Kronborg became world-famous thanks to William Shakespeare, who made it the stage of his tragedy 'Hamlet'. Today the castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with the austere beauty of its Renaissance architecture.

Kronborg has a fascinating history dating back to 1420, when King Erik of Pomerania erected the first fortress here, called Krogen. The castle took its present shape in the 16th century during the reign of King Frederick II, who rebuilt it in the Renaissance style. Walking through Kronborg's chambers, you can feel the spirit of the old days - especially in the Knights' Hall, one of the largest ballrooms in northern Europe. According to local legend, in the castle's vaults sleeps a stone statue of the Viking hero Ogier the Dane, who will awaken when Denmark is threatened.

It is worth knowing that Kronborg is also famous for its well-preserved casemates - underground passageways and chambers that constituted the castle's defense system. During your tour, you may come across actors acting out scenes from 'Hamlet,' which adds a special charm to the place and gives you a better understanding of its cultural significance.

From the north we move to the south of Jutland, where the majestic Koldinghus - one of the oldest royal castles in Denmark - rises. Built in 1268 by King Eric V, it originally served as a frontier fortress guarding the kingdom's southern borders. Over time, Koldinghus was transformed into a luxurious royal residence, eventually becoming a fascinating museum.

The history of Koldinghus is marked by dramatic events - in 1808, during the Napoleonic Wars, the castle was almost completely destroyed by a fire caused by Spanish soldiers stationed there. It remained in ruins for more than 100 years, until restoration work began in the 20th century. Today's Koldinghus is a fascinating combination of medieval architecture and modern elements, which work together harmoniously to create a unique place.

The castle now serves as a cultural center, hosting numerous exhibitions and workshops. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of furniture, silverware and porcelain, as well as an exhibition on the history of the castle itself. Koldinghus attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most popular sights in Denmark. There are special interactive educational programs for families with children, making history a fascinating adventure.

From the austere military fortress, we move to a world of royal splendor and elegance. Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød is a true jewel of the Danish Renaissance and one of the finest examples of palace architecture in Scandinavia. Built on three islands in the middle of a lake, surrounded by Baroque gardens, it looks like a fairy-tale mansion from a book.

Frederiksborg was built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, the most ambitious builder in Danish history. This monarch, known for his love of architecture and art, created a palace that was to be a manifestation of the power of the Danish crown. The castle combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, creating a harmonious whole of extraordinary beauty. Particularly impressive is the castle chapel, which survived the great fire of 1859 and retains its original furnishings from the 17th century.

Since 1878, Frederiksborg has housed the National History Museum, which assembles priceless collections of paintings, furniture and arts and crafts. Walking through the richly decorated chambers, one can trace the history of Denmark from the Middle Ages to modern times. Particularly valuable is the collection of royal portraits - the largest of its kind in the country. Note the Audience Hall with its richly decorated ceiling and the Grand Ballroom, where the most important court ceremonies were held.

The castle's gardens, designed in the Baroque style, were recreated based on original plans from the 18th century. A stroll through the alleys among geometrically trimmed hedges, fountains and sculptures is the perfect complement to a visit to this remarkable place. The observation deck offers a picturesque view of the entire palace complex.

Moving to the heart of Copenhagen, we discover another jewel of Danish palace architecture - Rosenborg Castle. This small but extremely elegant royal residence was built between 1606 and 1634 also on the orders of King Christian IV. Initially, it served as the monarch's summer residence, and over time became a place to store the royal crown jewels and treasures.

Rosenborg is an excellent example of Dutch Renaissance architecture, with its characteristic turrets, gables and richly decorated details. The castle's interiors have retained their original furnishings from the 17th and 18th centuries, allowing you to trace changes in style and fashion over the centuries. Each of the 24 chambers tells a different story from the life of the Danish royal family.

Rosenborg's greatest treasure is the coronation regalia stored in a specially secured vault area of the castle. Here you can admire royal crowns, scepters, swords and other insignia of power. Particularly impressive is the crown of Christian IV from 1596, richly decorated with diamonds, rubies and pearls. Also worth noting is the throne with narwhal tusks, which was believed at the time to be the horn of a unicorn, and a collection of royal clocks and scientific instruments.

The castle is surrounded by the beautiful Kongens Have (Royal Gardens), the oldest public park in Copenhagen, established in 1606. It's a favorite leisure spot for the capital's residents, where on summer days you can relax in the shade of centuries-old trees or admire the blooming flower beds. For families with children, there is a playground inspired by motifs from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales.

At the end of our trip, we move to the island of Bornholm, where the impressive ruins of Hammershus fortress - the largest medieval castle complex in Scandinavia - rise on a high 74-meter cliff. This is a place that differs significantly from the previously described royal residences - austere, powerful and shrouded in legends, it takes us back to the most remote times of the Danish Middle Ages.

The history of Hammershus dates back to the early 13th century, when the Archbishop of Lund began building a fortress to consolidate his power on the island. Over the following centuries the castle changed hands - it was ruled by Danish kings, monastic knights and Hanseatic merchants. Each owner expanded and strengthened the fortress, making it almost impregnable. Hammershus also served as a prison - its most famous inmates were King Christian IV's daughter Eleonora Christina and her husband Corfitz Ulfeldt, who were accused of treason.

Today the ruins of Hammershus, spread over 3.5 hectares, are a fascinating maze of walls, towers and courtyards. Despite the passage of time, it is still possible to recognize the main elements of the complex - the massive perimeter wall, gate tower, chapel, residential building and warehouses. The view of the northwestern part of the island and the Baltic Sea from the fortress walls is particularly impressive.

According to local legends, huge treasures are hidden in the vaults of Hammershus, and on moonless nights one can hear the moans of the souls once trapped here. Some claim to have seen the ghost of Eleonora Christina walking the walls and looking out for the ship that would free her. These stories add to the mystery of the place and make a visit to Hammershus even more fascinating.

In 2018, a modern visitor center opened at the foot of the hill, where visitors can learn about the history of the fortress through interactive exhibitions and multimedia presentations. Of particular interest is the archaeological exhibition showcasing artifacts found during excavations on the castle grounds - from medieval pottery to 17th-century jewelry.

Comparing all five of the described locations reveals a fascinating variety of Danish defense and palace architecture. Kronborg and Hammershus represent the austere, military character of medieval fortresses, while Frederiksborg and Rosenborg showcase the splendor and elegance of royal residences. Koldinghus, on the other hand, is a fascinating example of transformation - from a frontier fortress to a luxury palace and then a modern museum.

In terms of accessibility, Koldinghus and Rosenborg are the most family-friendly, offering special educational programs and interactive exhibitions. Kronborg and Frederiksborg will delight lovers of architecture and history, while Hammershus is ideal for adventurers and beautiful landscapes. Ticket prices range from cheap (Hammershus, where you only pay for admission to the visitor center) to average (the other castles).

Whichever of these historical treasures you choose to start your adventure into the Danish Middle Ages, each offers an unforgettable experience and allows you to better understand the fascinating history of this Scandinavian kingdom. Denmark, with its magnificently preserved castles and fortresses, is a true paradise for lovers of medieval history and architecture.