Hamlet Highlights
26. jun. 2026—30. aug. 2026
Experience Hamlet at Kronborg this summer. The castle where Shakespeare set the stage for his timeless tragedy.
This summer, Hamlet returns to Kronborg Castle in Helsingør — the UNESCO World Heritage Site that inspired Shakespeare’s world-famous play. Experience live performances of selected scenes from Hamlet in the historic halls where power, doubt and revenge still seem to echo.
Hamlet Highlights presents short, dramatic scenes filled with clashing swords, intense emotions, love and intrigue including the iconic words: to be or not to be. Each performance offers a dynamic way to experience Shakespeare at Kronborg Castle.
Hamlet Highlights is one of the most unique things to do in Helsingør and near Copenhagen this summer. It is perfect for both Shakespeare enthusiasts and first-time visitors looking for a memorable cultural experience in Denmark.
Hamlet at Kronborg
Experience Hamlet at Kronborg
Drama and duels
Get up close to Hamlet and the characters of the court as the drama unfolds in the ballroom and in the courtyard all summer long. Experience sword fights and high drama, or linger on the love for Ophelia in a blend of original scenes and brand-new dramatizations written exclusively for Kronborg - the home of Hamlet.
See the daily schedule
The Hamlet Shuffle
Improvised scenes from Hamlet at
In The Hamlet Shuffle, we shake things up and let you draw a scene at random – then watch our actors bring it to life in an improvised performance.
A unique experience where you set the stage, and no two performances are ever the same.
See the daily schedule
10% discount
The home of Hamlet
Kronborg Castle became Elsinore
The castle’s reputation among Europe’s cultural elite had reached William Shakespeare, who chose Kronborg as the setting for the story of the Danish prince Hamlet. The plot unfolds among the royal ranks at the Danish castle Elsinore, which is filled with intrigue and power struggles – very much like the real court at Kronborg at the time.
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Amleth becomes Hamlet
Hamlet has its roots in history
When Shakespeare wrote Hamlet 400 years ago, he was inspired by an old Scandinavian legend from the 12th century about Prince Amleth. His father and uncle rule over Jutland until the uncle kills his father and marries his mother, Gerutha. But Amleth avenges his father’s murder and seizes the throne himself.
inspiration also came from actors in Shakespeare’s own company, who had performed at the Danish court and brought back stories of intrigue, power, and lavish feasts.
This became the beginning of the tragedy of Hamlet and its setting in a Danish castle. The timeless tragedy still inspires artists around the world – most recently seen in the Oscar-winning film Hamnet.
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The story of Hamlet at Kronborg
In 1816, Hamlet was performed at Kronborg for the first time
At that time, Kronborg served as a barracks and had its own troupe of theatre-loving soldiers. They performed Hamlet at the castle to mark the 200th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. A hundred years later, the Royal Danish Theatre used the castle courtyard for their own production, and since then major international stars such as Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Kenneth Branagh and Jude Law have taken to the stages at Kronborg with their magnificent performances.
Daily programme
Special exhibition
Power and parties at Kronborg
William Shakespeare is said to have drawn inspiration from the intrigue, drama, and lavish feasts of the Danish court at Kronborg – even though he never set foot here himself.
At the time, the castle had a reputation across Europe as a place of celebration, where power was staged through extravagant festivities. Kings raised their glasses, forged alliances, and displayed their might, while guests partied until they collapsed in the corners of the grand ballroom.
Step into the special exhibition FEST and get closer to the extravagant party culture of the Renaissance.
FAQ
What are Hamlet Highlights at Kronborg?
Hamlet Highlights are short live performances of selected scenes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, as well as newly written and even improvised scenes performed by actors at Kronborg Castle – the home of Hamlet.Where does Hamlet Highlights take place?
The scenes are performed in the ballroom and in the castle courtyard. However, we reserve the right to make changes, so please check the day’s schedule with locations on the board in the courtyard upon arrival. Or ask one of our friendly castle hosts.Are there seating?
No, there are no seats. The scenes last between 10-20 minutes.When can you experience Hamlet Highlights at Kronborg?
Hamlet Highlights takes place daily during the summer season from 11:00–16:00. Kronborg Castle is open for visits from 10:00–17:00. So if you're spending your summer holiday in Elsinore in North Zealand, you can experience Hamlet Highlights.Are the Hamlet Highlights included in the admission ticket?
Yes, the performances are included in your admission to Kronborg Castle. No separate ticket is required.In which language is Hamlet Highlights performed?
All scenes are performed in contemporary English, making them accessible to international guests.How long does a performance last?
Each scene usually lasts 10–20 minutes, so you can experience several different scenes over the course of your day at the castle.Do you need to book in advance?
No, you don’t need to book specifically for Hamlet Highlights. You just need access to the castle and can simply show up whenever you want to watch a scene.Can children participate in Hamlet Highlights?
Yes, children are welcome. The scenes are, however, based on Shakespeare’s tragedy and include themes such as power, revenge, and death. Children always have free admission to Kronborg Castle.What if it rains?
Locations may change depending on the weather. Check the board in the courtyard for updates on today’s performances.Why is Hamlet associated with Kronborg?
Shakespeare set his tragedy Hamlet at Elsinore Castle, which was directly inspired by Kronborg Castle and its history and reputation in Europe. Shakespeare himself never set foot in Kronborg, but his acting troupe had performed at the castle and passed on stories to him about intrigue and drama at the Danish court.Can you experience a full Hamlet performance at Kronborg?
No, it’s a selection of a few short scenes that are performed throughout the day.Why is Hamlet still relevant today?
Hamlet is more than the story of a Danish prince. It explores human dilemmas that remain deeply familiar: doubt, responsibility, power and revenge. Shakespeare’s tragedy raises questions without easy answers – about what it means to act, to hesitate, and to be human. That is why Hamlet continues to resonate across time and cultures. More than 400 years later, it still inspires artists around the world – most recently seen in the Oscar-winning film Hamnet. At Kronborg, the story unfolds in the setting that inspired Shakespeare, offering new perspectives on a timeless narrative we still recognise ourselves in.Where is the Shakespeare statue?
You can find the Shakespeare statue in the small courtyard to the left, before you enter the main courtyard.