Royal Palaces in or Near Copenhagen Worth a Visit

Denmark is the oldest continuous monarchy in Europe. Therefore, Denmark features regal architecture, historic buildings, and stunning royal castles.

If time is limited and you’re eager to explore the best castles, consider the highlights of each and choose the one (or more) that intrigues you the most. Moreover, if beautiful gardens capture your interest, a visit to the King’s Gardens at Rosenborg Castle is highly recommended.

Castle of Amalienborg

Amalienborg in Copenhagen serves as the royal couple’s winter residence. This remarkable castle showcases classic rococo architectural style and consists of four palaces that surround a large courtyard.

Visitors can observe an equestrian statue of Frederik V, the founder of the Amalienborg complex. Consequently, the public can access two of the palaces: Christian VIII’s Palace and Christian VII’s Palace. This is a must-visit attraction for anyone in Copenhagen due to its convenient location.

Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle, or Kronborg Slot in Danish, is strategically positioned in a narrow strait between Denmark and Sweden near Helsingor. This location allowed medieval kings to control trade and collect taxes on ships navigating these waters.

Helsingor is approximately 30 miles (49 kilometers) from Copenhagen, situated at the northernmost tip of Zealand. Notably, Kronborg Castle is believed to have inspired the setting of Elsinore in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

Fredensborg Palace

Fredensborg Palace is an 18th-century estate located north of Copenhagen near Lake Esrum. It holds special significance as the royal couple’s favored site for hosting official state banquets, including the wedding banquet of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary in 2004. The palace gardens are always accessible to the public. Guided tours are typically offered in July, every 15 minutes in the afternoons.

Christiansborg Palace

Situated on Slotsholmen in Copenhagen, Christiansborg Palace houses the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court. The royal reception rooms in its north wing, along with the palace church and the associated riding ground complex, are available to the royal family. Christiansborg showcases the evolution of Danish architecture, evidenced by its reconstruction after two significant fires in 1794 and 1884.

Within the riding ground complex, visitors can explore the Theatre Museum and the royal stables. Below Christiansborg lie the ruins of two earlier castles.