The Best Copenhagen Castles and Palaces
Copenhagen, the charming capital of Denmark, is a city steeped in history, culture, and architectural splendor. As you meander through its picturesque cobblestone streets, you will find yourself surrounded by an enchanting blend of modern design and centuries-old structures.
Among its many remarkable sites are the city’s stunning castles and palaces, which stand as symbols of Denmark’s rich heritage and the ingenuity of its craftsmen. These majestic buildings not only offer a glimpse into the lives of Danish royalty but also showcase the architectural prowess of the time.
Thanks to its long Royal history, you can find many (former) Royal palaces and castles near Copenhagen. These castles are now museums or hotels, and some are still used by the Danish Royal family. This post will show you the best historic castles and palaces in Copenhagen and castles that you can visit on a day trip from Copenhagen.
Castles and Palaces in Copenhagen
Amalienborg Palace
Surrounding the Amalienborg Palace Square in central Copenhagen stand four palaces that are now used by the Danish Royal family. Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish Royal Family. Comprised of four identical Rococo-style buildings, the palace is renowned for its harmonious symmetry and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which occurs daily at noon.
Two palaces are residences for the Queen and the Crown Prince and Princess. One of the palaces – Christian VIII’s Palace – now houses the Amalienborg museum, where you can learn more about the Danish royal family and see historic palace rooms.
Amalienborg Museum visitor information: the museum is open daily from January 22. – October 23. And on Tuesday-Sunday, October 24. – December 30. Buy your ticket online.
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace – also known as Borgen – is home to the Danish Parliament. But the palace is also used for official events by Queen Margrethe II. With its blend of architectural styles, from Neo-Baroque to Neoclassical, it’s a must–visit site in Copenhagen. Don’t miss out on the lavish royal reception rooms, the palace chapel, the royal kitchen, and the impressive equestrian statue of King Frederik VII in the palace square.
Christiansborg Palace visitor information: for current opening times and to buy your ticket, you can visit the website.
Rosenborg Slot
Rosenborg Castle is a 400-year-old Renaissance castle in the center of Copenhagen. The castle was built by King Christian IV, and today the castle houses a museum where you can learn more about 400 years of Royal history. As you tour the opulent halls and chambers, you will be awestruck by the castle’s exquisite collection of artifacts, including the Danish Crown Jewels. Surrounding the castle is The King’s Garden, the oldest Royal garden in Denmark, which is a favorite meeting place for people living in Copenhagen.
Rosenborg visitor information: Rosenborg is open daily (except during the winter months). For current opening hours and to buy your ticket, you can visit the website.
Frederiksberg Palace
Frederiksberg Palace is a Baroque palace in Copenhagen. The palace was built by King Frederik IV, who got inspired by his travels through Europe to build an Italian-inspired palace. Surrounding the palace are two romantic gardens that have lakes, canals, and a Chinese pavilion.
Castles and Palaces near Copenhagen
Denmark is a small country with castles that can easily be explored on a day trip from Copenhagen.
Slot Kronborg
Kronborg Castle is best known as Hamlet’s Castle as Kronborg was the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s “Elsinore”. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Scandinavia’s most important Renaissance castles. Kronborg Castle is strategically situated between Denmark and Sweden, and at one point, it was plundered by the Swedish king. Today, the castle is open to the public.
Kronborg Castle visitor information: the castle is open daily May-October and Tuesday-Sunday in the remaining months. Visit the website to buy your ticket.
Fredriksborg Slot
Frederiksborg Castle is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. The castle was built in the 17th century and largely rebuilt after a fire in 1859 badly damaged the castle. Today, Frederiksborg Slot houses the Danish Museum of National History. Surrounding the castle is a Baroque and romantic English-style garden.
Fredriksborg Castle visitor information: the museum is open daily. You can buy your ticket on the website.
Roskilde Royal Mansion
The palace was built by King Christian VI as a place to stay when they traveled through the city of Roskilde or when they had to visit Roskilde Cathedral. During the English siege of Copenhagen, the palace was the headquarters of General Wellesley (the later Duke of Wellington). Today, the palace houses the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The Hermitage
The Hermitage (Jægersborg) is a hunting lodge set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site landscape. The lodge was built by King Christian VI as a place to rest and dine with his guest in a private manner. The Hermitage is still used as a hunting lodge by the Royal family.
The Hermitage visitor information: The Hermitage can only be visited through guided tours (not in English). Visit the website for more information.
Fredensborg Palace
Fredensborg Palace is the Spring and Autumn residence of Queen Margrethe II. But it is also used for official Royal events such as the wedding between Crown Prince Fredrik and Crown Princess Mary. The garden houses a large collection of sculptures, mainly by the Nordic Neoclassical sculptor J. Wiedewelt.
Fredensborg Palace visitor information: The palace is open for guided tours in July. The gardens are open all year round. Visit the website for more information.
Slot Sorgenfri
Sorgenfri Palace is a Baroque palace that has been used as a summer residence for several Royal members. The palace is not open to visitors, but the surrounding park is open.
Næsseslottet
Næsse Castle is a Neoclassical country house on the banks of Lake Furesø. The manor house was originally built to manage the Crown’s farmland in the area. But it didn’t stay in the Royal family for long. It is now an office hotel.
Sophienberg Slot
Sophienberg Slot was built in the mid-18th century as a pleasure palace for Christian VI and Sophie Magdalene. A century later, the palace was considerably sized down. In the last couple of years, the palace has been carefully restored, and it’s now used as a wedding and conference center.
Bernstorff Slot
Bernstorff Palace is a Neoclassical palace in Gentofte. The palace was built in the 18th century for Foreign Minister Count Johann Hartwig Ernst von Bernstorff. In 1842 the house was bought by King Christian VII, but King Christian IX used it as his summer residence until his death in 1906. On the estate stands a classic Swedish villa.
Bernstorff Palace is now used as a hotel and conference center.
