- Type
- Palace / château
- Origins
- 1268 · 13th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Southern Denmark, Denmark
- Visiting
- probably – Wikidata lists it as a museum or gives tickets, opening hours or visitor numbers; check before you go
- Coordinates
- 55.4917°, 9.4742°
History
The stronghold on a hill in Kolding was completed in 1268 under King Eric Klipping as a barrier on the border with the Duchy of Schleswig. In the 16th century, as thick walls counted for less in war, Christian III turned it into a residence – the heir to the throne, Frederick, grew up here, and the king himself died at the castle on New Year's Day 1559. Around 1600 Christian IV raised the west wing and added the Giants' Tower, crowned with statues of four heroes of antiquity. In December 1658, during the war with Sweden, Kolding was taken by Polish troops under Stefan Czarniecki fighting on the Danish side. On the night of 29–30 March 1808 the castle burned down while Spanish soldiers allied with Napoleon were quartered in it. It stood as a ruin for many decades; between 1976 and 1993 the architects Inger and Johannes Exner made it safe in a way that allows the new elements to be removed if needed, and the work won a Europa Nostra award.
What to see
Koldinghus is a museum, run since 2021 by the Royal Danish Collection (Kongernes Samling). Exhibitions cover the history of the castle and its restoration, the Flora Danica porcelain and temporary shows. Inside, the walls of the ruin can be seen alongside the elements added during the restoration. The tower and the ramparts around the castle give views over the town and the castle lake (Slotssøen), and a statue of Hercules still stands on the Giants' Tower.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q3347392
Popularity: articles about this site in 14 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).