July 2nd - Helsingor and Hamlet's Castle

A busy day needs a meal for a King & Queen. Since we're off to a castle what better way to start the day than this AMAZING Danish breakfast. Fried & Scrambled eggs, toast & rye bread w/ brie, waffles, bacon, sausage, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, orange, watermelon & honeydew. Don't forget the coffee and Juice. WHEW!! That was filling! Now off to what looks like "any old freeway" except for the unpronounceable names on the signs.

About 25-30 miles north of Copenhagen there's a point that juts out into where the North Sea comes down between Denmark & Sweden to meet the Baltic Sea in the south. On this point is a town called Helsingor (on the Danish side) this town and it's castle inspired Shakespeare to write the tragic play "Hamlet." This was our destination of the day. Beautiful town - Beautiful seaport - amazing water views!!

As we headed across the moat and the first of many bridges and gates into the castle you immediately must be prepared for the trolls under the bridge. Although the rails are so full of spiderwebs I'm not sure how often they make it all the way above the bridge ... but their arms and hands get a view, scaring the masses. ;-)

Preparing to enter the main courtyard of the castle (within the walls) one must sit and enjoy the view of both castle and water. Apparently, Kings used this position on the point to charge sea voyagers "passing" tax. Or as they called it "Sound" tax to get into the sound. And of course, the money went straight into their own coffers. One must support a castle of this size some how!

Throughout our visit we were treated with vignette's from the play "Hamlet" -- live interactive version. There's a taste (in video) along the way.

Apparently, someone's kids pushed the boundaries one too many times. ;-o

While inside we perused the enormous fireplaces, ancient wood furniture and paintings, as well as "the tapestries." My children may be the only ones who recognize this movie connection -- "We've come to visit THE TAPESTRIES!"  They were enormous and amazing. You could smell the age ...

Of course what castle would be complete without a throne room / ball room. This one could fit about 3 of my 2000 square foot house in it.  HUMONGOUSLY long...and beautiful!

The courtyard was the stage for the first 5 scenes of Hamlet. The next time I watch Hamlet, it will be with new eyes and memories of Helsingor.

These parents must've tried their children one too many times. ;-o

To be or not to be ... that IS the question!  We decided to think it over while eating Pie and relaxing in the city center before returning to Copenhagen. BTW -- 3 blocks from where we are staying Phantom of the Opera will open --- Oct 13th.  Too bad!