Koldinghus

Lore & Background

The oldest remaining part of the castle is the Blåtårn (Blue Tower) and parts of the north wing, largely constructed in the early 15th century under King Erik of Pomerania or earlier, not specifically by King Christoffer III (1440–1448). The castle was besieged from 1368 to 1369 during conflicts with the Hanseatic League and Holstein counts. The western side was later built by King Christian I (1448–1481), and King Christian III (1503–1559) built the south side and the small towers in the courtyard. The castle was originally constructed in the context of dynastic intrigue following the murder of King Christoffer I in 1259 and wars between the king of Denmark and the Duke of Schleswig.

In the 16th century, as cannons became more frequent, thick-walled fortresses like Koldinghus lost defensive significance. King Christian III added several buildings and turned it into a royal residence. Christian IV expanded it further with the addition of the 'Giant tower,' named for four statues of figures from classical history and mythology: Hannibal, Hector, Scipio, and Hercules. Today, only the statue of Hercules remains; Hannibal and Hector were destroyed in the 1808 fire, and Scipio was damaged in a storm in 1854 and later removed.

During the Napoleonic Wars in 1808, Spanish soldiers quartered at Koldinghus under French commander Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte reportedly caused a fire due to excessive activity around furnaces and stoves, which destroyed the main buildings. The castle remained a ruin for decades, visited by among others HC Andersen. Restoration began in 1976 and finished in 1993, led by architects Inger and Johannes Exner under museum director Poul Dedenroth-Schou, focusing on conservational reversibility.

Reader's Guide

Koldinghus stands as a significant historical monument in Denmark, reflecting centuries of political and military change. Its origins in the 13th century as a fortress to defend against the Duke of Schleswig highlight the dynastic struggles that shaped medieval Danish kingship. The castle's evolution from a defensive stronghold to a royal residence in the 16th century illustrates the shift in military technology and royal priorities. The 1808 fire, caused by Spanish troops during the Napoleonic Wars, marked a turning point, leaving the castle a ruin for many years. The subsequent restoration, completed in 1993 and awarded the Europa Nostra Award, is notable for its principle of conservational reversibility, ensuring that all historical remains are preserved equally. Today, as a museum, Koldinghus houses diverse collections and hosts exhibitions, such as the 2009 e-Collection in connection with the United Nations Climate Change Conference, opened by Crown Prince Frederik. Its legacy lies in its layered history as a fortress, royal home, ruin, and modern cultural institution.

Did You Know?

• The castle was founded in the 13th century in the context of dynastic intrigue after King Christoffer I was murdered in 1259.
• On December 25, 1658, Polish troops under Stefan Czarniecki captured the fortress, liberating Kolding from Swedish forces.
• The restoration from 1976 to 1993 was awarded the Europa Nostra Award in 1993.