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Many times I have walked near the bastioned ramparts of Kastellet while returning from the waterfront, never realizing quite what it was or even that the public was allowed on the grounds.
One of the best preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe, Kastellet’s construction began in 1626 as a part of the defense of the City of Copenhagen. After the Swedish siege on Copenhagen from 1658 to 1660, the fort was rebuilt, extended and named Citadellet Frederikshavn (The Citadel Frederik’s Harbor). Today, it is widely known as Kastellet (the Citadel) and it was part of the defense of Copenhagen against England in the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807. In 1940, the Citadel was captured by German troops.
Entry is by two gates…the King’s Gate on the south side, facing the city, and the Norway Gate, on the north side of the monument. They are both built in the Dutch Baroque style and are edged by guardhouses. There are many buildings located throughout the grounds, including a church, the Commander’s house, a prison, a storehouse, a powder house, barracks and a windmill. Many military activities are conducted here by the Danish Defense Ministry, however, the area serves mainly as a park and historic site.
The bastions, at each of the corners, are named The King’s Bastion, the Queen’s Bastion, The Count’s Bastion, The Princess’s Bastion and the Prince’s Bastion. An inner and outer moat surrounds the citadel.
Besides strolling the premises and admiring the views, there are a few things to see and do at Kastellet. There are two small museums on the premises; The Garrison’s Historical Collections is in one of the guard’s buildings inside the North Gate and the Livjæger Museum. Also, a changing of the guard ceremony is conducted every day at noon at the Central Guard House. Military concerts are conducted on the drill grounds on summer afternoons at 1400. On October 28, the Citadel’s birthday, an annual concert is held and on Store Bededag, a Danish holiday, it is tradition to promenade on the ramparts.
While taking in the sites near the waterfront, be sure to incorporate Kastellet into your day. Starting with a visit to St. Albans church in Churchill Park, you can then enter the Kastellet at the King’s Gate and explore the entire area. Exit at the Norway Gate, proceeding to the waterfront area and the Little Mermaid. Walk along the Langelinie (pier) and make your way back to St. Albans, encountering the Gefion fountain along the way. There is a lot to see and do, so make sure to bring your camera and your walking shoes!
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Kastellet
- http://www.kastellet.info/
- Hours: 0600-2200
- Admission: free
- Livjæger Museum, admission, free, open every day from May 1 to October 1, 1100-1500.
- The Garrison’s Historical Collections, admission, free.