| Sofiero & Helsingborg
About 100 years ago Crown Princess Margareta and her husband, Gustaf Adolf, received as a wedding present from Sweden's King Oscar II and Queen Sofia the marvellous Castel 'Sofiero'. So far so good - the two young people were deeply in love and more than happy with their present. But when they arrived at the new residence, the two had a shock: the magnificent Sofiero was but a wreck, with foul, moulding walls, decaying floors and ceilings through which rain poured down on inhabitants. Legend has it that Margareta started to cry in dispair... Today the castle looks different, thank God! Margareta has laid the foundations of a splendid garden - the Sofiero royal garden, which includes more than 500 different types of Rhododendron and over 5000 different species of plants. Even though the Rhododendrons were not in bloom during my visit, I was still impressed by the garden. ---------------------------------- The last eight pictures (see also 'Next', below) are from the city and Castle of Helsingborg. Apparently it was this particular castle that, together with it's 'twin' on the Danish side (the Castle of Helsingor), have inspired Shakespeare to write 'Hamlet'. (Helsinborg / Helsingor / Elsinor). As to the question of wheather there was any Hamlet living in these places - a tourist guide informed me with a broad smile that visitors can find the grave of Hamlet in Helsingor. Yet, don't expect too much: it is the grave of a Great Dane (for sure it has been a brave dog!) that was burried there after Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' became famous. But as I've never been to Helsingor - you'd rather check that out by yourself. |
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