Like other European countries, Denmark has many castles and palaces around the country which were or currently are being used by the Royal Family. As such, they form a big part of Denmark’s landscape, playing an important role in preserving the country’s history and culture. If you’re only visiting Copenhagen, you’re in luck, because 3 castles are located right in the capital city with 3 others not too far out.
Amalienborg Palace
When you’re in Copenhagen, you should definitely visit the Amalienborg Palace, which has been the residence of the royal family since 1794. Located close to the water, the palace consists of four identical buildings surrounding a large square, the centre of which stands the grand statue of King Frederik V. This square is also where the changing of the guards happens at noon every day, so be sure to find a good spot to watch it from before then.
Inside one of the four buildings, the Christian VIII Palace, you’ll find the Amalienborg Palace Museum, which lets you explore and view the rooms used by the different generations of the Royal Family. The rooms have been reproduced as accurately as possible, using original furniture in the original positions they were in when they were used by the respective royal. The rooms also reflect the differences between each Monarch, with the details of each study reflecting their particular interests and preoccupations at the time.
Moving on to the upper floor of the museum, also known as the Piano Nobile, you’ll find even more beautifully designed rooms: the uniquely designed bookshelves of the the Gothic Library, the glistening Bronze statuettes displayed in the Appartement Hall, and the bright yellow walls and chandeliers in the Gala room with a window overlooking the main square, just to name a few. As you walk through these rooms, you’ll experience what a day in the life of a royal must be like.
If you’re looking for a good place to take pictures, head out to the main square. From there, not only can you get a good shot of the four buildings and the King Frederik V statue, but you'll also see the grand domed structure of Frederik's Church, which stands only a short street away from the palace.
Walking in the opposite direction of the church, there is a large fountain sitting near the water. The fountain itself makes for a nice backdrop, as well as the huge modern building across the water, the Copenhagen Opera House, which offers a great contrast to the historic Amalienborg Palace.
Address: Amalienborg, 1257 København K
Museum Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 11am - 4pm
Museum Ticket Prices:
Adults: DKK 95
Students: DKK 65
Children (0-17): Free
Christiansborg Palace
Though no longer a royal residence, the Christiansborg Palace still plays an important role in the governance of Denmark, housing the Danish Parliament, the Ministry of State, and the Supreme Court. The palace’s importance is reflected in its exteriors, an imposing and dark building that stands proudly in the middle of Copenhagen.
The regal past of this palace can still be seen in the extravagantly designed rooms, which are still occasionally used by the royal family today. The palace is open to visitors if it is not currently being used for official business, and you’ll be able to visit some of the grandest rooms there, including the Throne Room, where the current Queen welcomes important guests and where the thrones from the period of Denmark’s absolute monarchy are located. The most impressive room is probably the Great Hall, the largest room in the whole palace which is used for galas. Along the walls of the Great Hall you’ll find the Queen’s tapestries, with 1,100 years of Danish history having been sewn into large sheets of wool, only adding to the grandeur of the room.
There are several other rooms that you can visit: The Velvet Room, where the royals welcome their guests during banquets; the Dining Hall, which has an incredibly long table and enough chair to sit 52 guests; the Queen’s library, with two floors of bookshelves that hold the Queen’s private collection. These are just some of the rooms which you’ll be able to explore, letting you delve deep into the long history of Danish royalty.
You’ll be able to explore more than just the rooms of the royals. The Royal Kitchen and the Royal Stables are also open to visitors, giving you a glimpse into the lives of the people who served the royal family. What is unique to this place is that it was built on top of the ruins of a 12th century castle, ruins that you can explore too! The Christiansborg Palace Chapel is also open to visitors, its impressive architecture making another place that you should not miss.
Address: Prins Jørgens Gård, 1468 København K
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Tickets:
Adult: DKK 160
Student: DKK 140
Child under 18: Free
Rosenborg Castle
Built by King Christian VI, the Rosenborg Castle stands in the heart of Copenhagen, its tall and brick facade overlooking the lush greenery of the King’s Gardens. Today, the castle showcases 400 years of royal and Danish history, with four floors of rooms and artefacts to explore.
As you walk through the castle, you’ll feel as though you’ve gone back in time, with extremely well-preserved rooms that belonged to previous monarchs. As such, the rooms are still lavishly decorated, filled with furnishing, paintings, and decorations that really pull you into the experience.
On the top floor is one of the most impressive rooms in the whole castle: the Knights’ Hall. Here you’ll find the coronation chairs, which are guarded by three silver lions. Along the walls there are also several large tapestries, depicting King Christian V’s victories in the Scanian War.
Be sure to explore the basement too. That is where the treasury is located, and on display are numerous valuable treasures and items. The main attraction: the crown jewels, with the royal crown of Christian VI as one that you surely cannot miss.
After you’re done wandering the royals rooms and halls of the Castle, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding it. From here, you’ll get a great view of the entire castle, making for a great photo, but also a perfect spot to just sit down and enjoy the view.
Address: Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København K
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 11am - 4pm
Tickets:
Adults: 120
Students: DKK 85
Children (0-17): Free
Kronborg Castle
Time to move out of Copenhagen. In the town of Helsingør, just 45 minutes away from the capital, is Kronborg Castle. This castle is more famously known as Hamlet’s Castle, because it served as the setting for William Shakespeare’s play. In the castle itself, there is much to explore, with majestic rooms and detailed tapestries telling the story of this castle’s long history. However, why not do it through the eyes of Hamlet himself?
The castle offers two Hamlet-based guided tours at an additional cost: In Hamlet's Footsteps sees you guided by Horatio, Hamlet’s friend, as he tells you how the drama would have played out within the halls of the castle itself, while In Hamlet's World brings you straight into the play itself as you begin by watching Hamlet discover the true cause of his father’s death, before you go on a journey to visit the castle’s various residents who learn about the truth as the play unfolds. Throughout the tours, there will be actual actors performing parts of the play in the locations specified in Shakespeare’s work, truly bringing the play to life and making for an unforgettable experience.
Hamlet isn’t the only fictional person linked to this castle. As you venture into the lower levels of the castle, into the castements found deep underground, you’ll come upon the statue of Holger Danske, a mythical hero who lies asleep on his chair. The legend goes that he will wake up the day Denmark is under threat, so be sure to visit him before he does.
Address: Kronborg 2C, 3000 Helsingør
Opening Hours:
May - September
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
October - April
Tuesday - Sunday: 11am - 4pm
Tickets:
June - August
Adults: DKK 145
Student: DKK 135
Child (Below 18): Free
September - May
Adults: DKK 95
Student: DKK 85
Child (Below 18): Free
Frederiksborg Castle
Take a 40 minute train ride out of Copenhagen and visit the beautiful Frederiksborg Castle. This castle is not just stunning because of its architecture, but because it stands in the middle of a lake, which is further surrounded by gorgeous green gardens.
The castle houses the National Museum of History, which showcases 500 years of Danish history through various items like paintings and furniture. You’ll also see some of the most extravagantly designed rooms and hallways, rooms so incredible that they’ll immerse you right into the world of royalty.
The Frederiksborg Castle Chapel is a part of the castle that definitely should not be missed. In this chapel, all you’ll see is gold, with the walls, ceilings, and columns covered with intricate gold details that leave you amazed.
The surrounding area outside of the castle is just as beautiful as the inside, so take a stroll through the extensive grounds of the Castle Gardens and around the lake. With a place that looks like it came straight out a fairytale, remember to take plenty of photos.
Address: Frederiksborg Slot 10, 3400 Hillerød
Opening Hours:
November- March: 11am - 3pm
April - October: 10am - 5pm
Tickets:
Adults: DKK 75
Students/Seniors (Over 65): DKK 60
Children (6-15 years): DKK 20
Children (0-5): Free
Egeskov Castle
Another castle surrounded by beautiful gardens, Egeskov Castle is a moated castle that is the furthest away from Copenhagen, an hour drive away from the capital. However, this gorgeous castle is definitely worth a day trip.
The exhibitions in Egeskov Castle are definitely a lot more unique than those of the other castles. One room you can visit is the Hunting Room, which has on display various hunting weapons and animal trophies, a room that once belonged to Count Gregers Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille, a previous resident of the castle. You’ll also find the world’s largest dollhouse in Titania’s Palace, which was completed all the way back in 1907. Perhaps the most interesting exhibition you’ll see is the collection of classic cars and motorcycles, which add an odd but quirky vibe to the castle.
Don’t forget to explore the gardens surrounding the castle. Walk around the lake and through the lush greenery, and you find unique landscapes, colourful flowers, and even the occasional peacock.
There is much more to the gardens than just the flora and fauna. There is a maze to get lost in, a play area that has trampolines to jump around on, and even a tree top walk to get a bird’s eye view of the gardens! With so many fun things to see and do, Egeskov Castle is perfect for all ages, for the young and the young at heart.
Address: Egeskov Gade 18, DK-5772 Kværndrup
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: Opens at 10am
Closing time depends on Season
Tickets:
11/5 - 19/6 and 31/8 - 18/10
Adults: 199 DKK
Children: 119 DKK
20/6 - 30/8
Adults: 229 DKK
Children: 139 DKK
(Prices are Based on 2020 Dates)
Denmark has a long and rich royal history, so why not experience it by visiting these absolutely stunning castles? With 3 in Copenhagen alone, and the other 3 not too far out from the city, these castles are a great way for you to learn more about Denmark, while also getting a taste of what being a Danish royal is like.
