HELSINGØR, Denmark — The statue of Holger the Dane by Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan is located in the casemates beneath Kronborg Castle, famously associated with William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. According to Danish legend, Holger remains in slumber, ready to awaken to protect Denmark in its hour of need. Kronborg Castle, also known as Hamlet's Castle, stands on a strategic channel between Denmark and Sweden that leads to the Baltic Sea. The castle, built during the late 16th century, occupies the site of earlier fortifications.
Photograph by David Coleman. Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Helsingør, Denmark, is renowned both as the inspiration for Elsinore in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and as the home of the legendary Holger the Dane statue. The statue, created by Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan, depicts Holger, a legendary Danish figure, asleep in the castle's casemates. According to folklore, Holger will awaken to defend Denmark if the homeland faces dire peril. Kronborg Castle, completed in the late 16th century, played a vital role in controlling access to the Baltic Sea, standing as a symbol of Denmark’s power and wealth during the Renaissance. Visitors to the castle can explore its rich history, from its military importance to its literary significance as Shakespeare’s Elsinore. The imposing structure offers stunning views of the Øresund strait, connecting Denmark and Sweden, making it a must-visit landmark in Scandinavian heritage.
Size: 6867px × 4583px
Location: Kronborg Castle, Helsingor, Capital Region, Denmark
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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