This morning we said goodby to Camping Absalon (we found out yesterday that Bishop Absalon was a sword wielding 12th century Bishop who was fundamental in converting Denmark to Christianity). Denmark is a relatively small country and so our first stop for the day was only 30 miles away on the north coast of the island of Zeeland.
We reached Helsingor after forty minutes with only one aim in mind, and that was to see the UNESCO World Heritage Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot in Danish). This is what Shakespeare describes as Elsinor and so is the home of the fictional Hamlet.
It sits with only three miles separating it from Sweden and not surprisingly the castle was originally built to collect tolls on one of the few routes from the North Sea into the Baltic. Over the years it has been built up, and yes, burnt down. It now more resembles a fortified palace surrounded by huge earthworks, than a castle, which would have been heavily defended by cannon in its heyday.
Kronborg Castle
As usual with buildings we don’t know how far, if at all, we will be allowed in with the dogs. It turned out that we were free to walk around the fortifications but could not go into the castle itself. We therefore spent an enjoyable time getting some exercise and sightseeing as we walked the perimeter of the enormous castle. The considerable earthworks around the main building make it impossible to get a good photograph of the castle, which probably also means it would have been difficult to get a clean shot on it with a cannon!
Kronborg Castle
For those unencumbered by dogs there seems to be an excellent programme of Shakespeare on in the castle grounds throughout the the month of August.
We left Helsingor with it’s Hamlet hotels and restaurants and with a quick stop at LIDL, headed for the North Zeeland coast which is supposed to be one long beach. In only 12 miles we were parked up in a secluded area with a beautiful beach just feet from Basil’s bonnet (56.092882, 12.468598). This should do us perfectly for the night. There has been a clear blue sky all day and both the dogs and we have enjoyed an afternoon of sun, sea and sand. It is supposed to be a blue flag beach but there are dogs everywhere, so there must be an unusual lack of restrictions or the Danes have an anarchic streak.
Our Beach for the Afternoon – Basil and his pals on the far right.
This area of Zeeland seems to be unique in being the only place on our trip where we have seen thatched houses. Unlike in Britain, the ridge seems to have some sort of wooden structure presumably to keep the thatch in place.
Thatched House
Tomorrow it is Roskilde and then off the Danish islands and onto the mainland.
Fishermens Huts and Nets