In our case the answer is an emphatic “To be!” – we spent a lovely day in Elsinore (as Shakespeare called it).  The castle is actually called Kronborg and was built into its present form by Frederick II to serve both as a royal residence and to collect tax duties from all the shipping traffic between the North and Baltic seas.

Thanks to Hamlet there will forever be an association between this castle and the Bard (never mind that the play is based on no actual historical events).  As a result we were able to enjoy performances of not one but two of Shakespeare’s works. Throughout the rooms and grounds of the castle a troupe of actors was carrying out scenes from Hamlet over the course of the day.  While these were well done and a treat to witness, the real highlight of the day was a half-hour rendition of Othello performed entirely with puppets. The two puppeteers were so expressive they managed to convey the entire story in captivating manner, even to people not previously familiar with the play.  It was an unexpected but delightful surprise.

The castle tour is divided into multiple separate entrances.  One leads to the casemates, which were suggestive of dungeons.  (Actual prison cell shown below.) Another leads to the royal chambers and grand ballroom, the largest in Northern Europe.  It is easy to imagine all the castle scenes from fairy tales taking place in this room.  So, which one would you rather live in?

A third entrance leads up the 145 steps to the Cannon Tower, which affords views into the castle courtyard, across the sound to Sweden, and to the neighboring town of Helsingør proper beyond the extensive fortifications.

Our castle tour complete, we ventured into said town in search of a late lunch, past the harbor (featuring a classic car rally), a scenic garden shown below, and narrow streets with half-timbered houses.  We landed in a lovely outdoor cafe where several of us tried the classic Danish “smørrebrød” (easier to eat than to pronounce!)

On the way home, we drove along the very scenic coastal road and made the obligatory stop for ice cream (soft ice cream on top of hard ice cream, topped with a chocolate- dipped marshmallow) at a favorite place of Christina and Thomas.

We capped off our lovely day with a crackling bonfire, drinks, and stories in their garden – very hygge!