Kastellet, Copenhagen, Denmark

Kastellet is one of the best preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe. It is constructed in the form of a pentagram with bastions at its corners. Kastellet was continuous with the ring of bastioned ramparts which used to encircle Copenhagen but of which only the ramparts of Christianshavn remain today.

King Christian IV of Denmark initiated Kastellet’s construction in 1626 with the building of an advanced post, the Sankt Annæ Skanse (St. Anne's Redoubt), on the coast north of the city. The redoubt guarded the entrance to the port, together with a blockhouse that was constructed north of Christianshavn, which had just been founded on the other side of the strait between Zealand and Amager. At that time the fortifications only reached as far north as present day Nørreport station, and then returned south east to meet the coast at Bremerholm, the Royal Shipyard. However, part of the king's plan was to expand the area of the fortified city by abandoning the old East Rampart and instead extend the rampart straight north to connect it to Sankt Annæ Skanse. This plan was not completed until the mid-1640s, shortly after King Frederick III succeeded King Christian IV.

After the Swedish siege on Copenhagen (1658–1660) the Dutch engineer Henrik Rüse was called in to help rebuild and extend the construction. The fortification was named Citadellet Frederikshavn ('The Frederikshavn Citadel'), but it is better known as Kastellet ('the citadel').

Kastellet was part of the defense of Copenhagen against England in the Battle of Copenhagen (1807). During the German invasion of Denmark on 9 April 1940, German troops landing at the nearby harbor captured The Citadel with very little resistance, thereby forcing the Danish government to surrender.

Kastellet was renovated 1989–1999 with funds from the A.P. Møller and Wife Chastine McKinney Møllers General Fund.

A number of buildings are located within the grounds of Kastellet, including a church as well as a windmill. The area houses various military activities but its mainly serves as a public park and a historic site.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Tim J (7 months ago)
We weren't going to bother visiting Kastellet originally but were glad that we did. The grounds and surrounding park area are very pleasant for a stroll around and you can see right up into the bay. It's a historic military barracks which is still in use today.

Greg “Wigan Wanderers” Knight (8 months ago)
Europe's oldest in-use barracks! Kastellet (the citadel) is located on the fringe of Copenhagen city centre very close to the old town. The barracks provide the community with beautiful grounds to walk and exercise and include facilities such as a children's playground. Photography fans will appreciate the variety of statues, historic buildings, and harbour shots available and probably the most famous Copenhagen statue can be found within the perimeter of the grounds (the little mermaid). Personally, I loved the windmill and St Alban's Church, which were both incredibly striking. If you visit the site just to see the little mermaid, I really feel that you are missing the bigger picture. The Kastellet is definitely a must visit place when exploring Copenhagen.

Aaron Phillips (8 months ago)
A well-preserved and still used fortress that's open to the public. Several memorials and exhibits are within the compound. I liked that the rampart is open for public use; it's a really nice area to walk. The main street of the fortress is open to the public as well. We walked through to take in the different views. It was a foggy day in mid-March, so the area was quite peaceful.

Sasidharan Narendrababu (9 months ago)
Kastellet in Denmark is a captivating blend of history and tranquility. Stepping onto its grounds feels like journeying through time, with its well-preserved fortifications and picturesque surroundings. The star-shaped fortress offers stunning views of Copenhagen and the harbor, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Walking along its serene pathways, one can appreciate the meticulous preservation efforts and the sense of calm that pervades the atmosphere. Whether you're exploring its ancient ramparts or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, Kastellet's charm leaves a lasting impression. A gem of Danish heritage, definitely worth experiencing.

Jagdish PATEL (11 months ago)
Visited Kastellet in Copenhagen, and it's a gem! The historic fortress offers picturesque surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere. The well-preserved grounds and iconic windmill make for a delightful stroll. Perfect spot for history buffs and a leisurely day out. Highly recommend!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright mixteri

Historic Site of the week

Bengtskär Lighthouse

Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.

German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.

After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.

Kastellet

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Bengtskär Lighthouse