Karnan Tower

About

While Danish legend says Helsingborg fortress was founded by the legendary King Fróði of Beowulf fam, archaeological evidence shows the fort was built in the 1310s under the rule of Eric VI of Denmark. At the time, it was one of the most important fortress in Denmark, controlling the strait between Scania and Zealand. During the tumultuous 17th century, the castle passed between Sweden and Denmark several times - the Danes even celebrating by hanging a giant flag above the fortress, which is now preserved in the Army Museum in Stockholm. After the Treaty of Lund in 1679, the fortress officially became a Swedish possession, and Charles XI ordered everything but the medieval tower core torn down. Today, the tower provides visitors with insight into its history, Swedish/Danish relations, and panoramic views across the water into Denmark.