While Krogen was a strong castle, due to the emergence of new attack techniques it became obsolete as a fortress by the mid-1500s, and as a royal residence it did not meet the standards of the Renaissance period. The fact that Frederik II had married his young cousin Sofie of Mecklenburg in 1572 only increased the need for a residence more consistent with their position, as she was the daughter of wealthy duke and used to having the best of everything. The King was not lacking in inspiration for a new castle as he had seen several examples of princely Renaissance residences on his travels around Europe.
Frederik II started modernising the medieval castle in 1574, and the first step was to reinforce the outer defences. Under the management of Hans van Paeschen, the fortress architect, corner bastions were constructed and connected by tall ramparts, and moats were established to the south and west. A huge square cannon tower was erected in the south-western corner, perhaps even at an earlier time, to make it possible to fire on the land side. In 1577, the reinforcement of the fortress was completed, and Hans van Paeschen resigned.
Concurrently with the reinforcement of the fortress, the residence was modernised. The King's house to the north was extended and a storey was added. Apartments were fitted up for both the King and the Queen. The wings of the castle to the west and south were also heightened and connected. Rather than following an overall plan, this was more likely the result of a gradually increasing level of ambition. After van Paeschen another master builder from the Netherlands, Anthonis van Opbergen, was engaged to be in charge of the construction work.
The buildings were in red brick with grey sandstone decorations after a Dutch pattern until 1580 when the King decided to face the castle with sandstone - possibly due to its exposed location by the water or to distinguish the King's residence from the manor houses of the nobility.
Last updated:: Monday, February 06, 2012
