Countless kings, queens, generals and noblemen have visited or stayed at the castle at the very top of the fortress. It has also been home and workplace to soldiers, prisoners and servants.

In the 17th century the medieval castle on the cliffs by the North Sea was expanded into one of Northern Europe’s strongest fortresses. Some 1,000 farm labourers were employed every day during the 30 years that it took to construct what were then modern defences!

During the 18th century the fortress was maintained by the Swedish army, and when it no longer needed the building at the start of the next century, there were plans to blow the whole thing up. As luck would have it the proposal was rejected. In the 20th century the fortress was transformed into a public attraction and the premises were taken over by a museum, restaurants etc.