Koldinghus: the fortress of Dutch kings

According to the historical facts, castles could change their original purposes and turn to fortresses. But sometimes it happened vice versa. The castle Koldinghus in Kolding was initially built as a fortress but became a royal residence. 

The history of the castle started dramatically – from a power struggle. After the death of king Abel, while his son Valdemar, a legal heir, was kept in captivity, the younger brother of Abel Christoffer I ascended the throne. After a while, Valdemar was redeemed, but Christoffer didn’t let the heir to reign. He gave him the authority in Schleswig and southern Jutland. Valdemar took the power, but it didn’t solve the disputes between the royal family members. The south of the country was completely out of the king’s power. 

That was a reason for a fortress building, known as Koldinghus, in 1268.

The very first castle version was built by the order of the Christoffer’s son – the king Eric V. The castle had several names, but it became Koldinghus in 1451. During some periods it was a fortress, but for a long time, Koldinghus was considered as a royal residence.

The façade of the building is made out of natural stone, which adds him the power. The walls are solid and heavy, which is necessary for a fortress. Koldinghus is a witness of many events: it saw the enmity, love, happiness, and suffering. Kings lived and died there, fought enemies and diseases.  

This is one of the most picturesque royal castles of Denmark. It was straightened, ruined and restored several times.

In 1808 Koldinghus was burned. The fire was fatal, it destroyed the castle. But in the 1830s Hans Christian Andersen decided to save the remains of the Koldinghus. His idea was supported, and in 1890 the restoration work was started. In 1935 the government reconstructed the main tower, the library and other rooms of a castle.

Today Koldinghus is a museum with a large furniture collection from the 16th century to the present day, the Roman and Gothic church culture, ancient paintings, ceramics and silver products. Moreover, the castle is known for its thematic exhibitions.