Copenhagen's Royal Gems: The 3 Must-See Palaces & Castles
- Aye Salazar
- Oct 21, 2025
- 2 min read
Want to explore Danish royal history? Inner Copenhagen holds the keys to power, tradition, and priceless jewels across three iconic royal residences. These are the must-see palaces and castles right in the city center.
Rosenborg Castle
Built by the legendary King Christian IV in the 17th century, Rosenborg Castle began as his beloved "summer hermitage." This magnificent Renaissance castle showcases the king's eye for detail, filled with incredibly well-preserved interiors, valuable antique furniture, and stunning art that captures the pomp and circumstance of the Danish Crown. On theGreat Hall (or Knights' Hall) on the top floor, the castle's most dramatic space. This is where you'll find the impressive coronation thrones, famously guarded by three life-sized, chased Silver Lions—a striking symbol of absolute power. Look closely at the walls, which are adorned with a magnificent series of Royal Tapestries depicting historical scenes, including Denmark's famous battles with Sweden. The crown jewels and royal crowns sparkle in the heavily guarded treasure beneath the castle
When: Summer (approx. June–August): Monday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Autumn (approx. September 15–October 31): Monday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Winter (from November 1): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday–Sunday; closed on Mondays
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg is the main residence of the Danish Royal Family and the centerpiece of Copenhagen's Rococo district. This palace complex consists of four identical 18th-century mansions arranged around an octagonal square.
Every day at noon, visitors gather to witness the quintessential Copenhagen event: the spectacular Changing of the Royal Life Guard ceremony, complete with their traditional bearskin caps and uniforms.
Inside Christian VIII's Palace, the Amalienborg Museum offers a unique walk through 150 years of Danish Royal History, showcasing the perfectly preserved private interiors of former kings and queens.
When: Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, depending on the season, and is closed on Mondays
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg is the only building in the world that houses the three supreme powers of a nation: the legislative (the Danish Parliament), the executive (the Prime Minister's Office), and the judicial (the Supreme Court). While it's the heart of modern Danish democracy, you can still explore the grand Royal Reception Rooms, the old Court Theatre, and the dramatic medieval ruins beneath like the Royal Kitchen and the beautiful Palace Chapel.
The king uses large parts of the impressive Christiansborg palace for state dinners, banquets and receptions.
When: Christiansborg Palace is open for the Royal Reception Rooms, Ruins, and Royal Kitchen from 10:00 to 17:00 Tuesday through Sunday, while the Royal Stables are open daily from 13:30 to 16:00. The Tower is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 21:00 and Sunday from 11:00 to 17:30, with the Parliament Restaurant open during similar hours.
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