Underground Resistance at Kronborg Castle, Denmark
Written by Marcus Cederstrom
Bring a flashlight. Or if you don’t bring a flashlight, be sure to bring change so you can pay to use one. I didn’t. Instead, I stumbled around an underground casemate trying to use my cell phone for light. It wasn’t the best way to see what was otherwise an incredible exhibition.
Under Kronborg Castle, in Helsingør, Denmark are the casemates (protected gun positions in a vaulted chamber beneath a defensive wall). In those casemates you will learn the Danish history of Holger Danske. A legendary character who is said to rise up and protect Denmark when the country finds itself in danger. It’s a great story and one that has prevailed for several centuries. So much so that one of the largest resistance movements in Denmark during WWII was called Holger Danske.
Early on in the casemates, a statue of Holger Danske greets you. It is an impressive statue and sets the tone. The rest of the casemates though takes some exploring. And you are free to explore nearly everything and everywhere. Use your flashlight. Not just to keep you from stumbling, but to read what is written on the walls.
Facts about Denmark, the Holger Danske legend, the WWII resistance line the walls of the casemates. Not every wall. That would be too easy. And not nearly as fun. Instead it becomes almost a sort of scavenger hunt as the flashlight guides you through Danish resistance history.
Be warned, it is dark down there. It is damp down there. It’s even a bit cold down there. And having grown up with two brothers, I am well aware that there were plenty of places to hide to scare my siblings. Keep that in mind if traveling with young children. Aside from that, the casemates at Kronborg Castle are one of my favorite places to visit in Denmark and a great Helsingor sightseeing attraction.
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What! No beer?
Beer comes after the resistance.