Royal Copenhagen: 7 Amazing Castles Worth Your Visit

Denmark has a rich royal history dating from the 17th century up until today as Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik still play an active role in the country’s cultural and political affairs. With such a history naturally comes several incredibly-beautiful castles that are must-see attractions not only for the buildings and museums, but also for the beautiful parks that surround them.

And, so you don’t get confused, “slot” in Danish translates to “castle,” but the Danish word is used most often.

Kronborg Slot, Outside the City

This castle is one of Denmark’s most famous landmarks because is said to have inspired Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” It was built in 1585 in a Renaissance style and existed not only as a residence for the king, but also as an important fortress. It’s town of Helsingør, or Elsinore for “Hamlet” fans, is a cute and worth a walk around, and it also serves as a the nearest port to Sweden, which you can see just across the water.

Amalienborg Palace, Central Copenhagen

Also called Amalienborg Slot, this complex serves as the winter residence for the Danish royal family. Four large rococo buildings surround an octagonal courtyard with a statue of King Frederik V where you can watch the changing of the Royal Guard every day at noon. It is also conveniently located to Amalienhaven, which is a great new park along the harbor and several other Copenhagen sights.

Rosenborg Slot and the surrounding gardens.

Rosenborg Slot & The King’s Garden, Central Copenhagen

Now home to the Danish crown jewels, royal family treasures for over 400 years, this small castle’s museum offers a unique view into Danish history. It is surrounded by the King’s Garden, which is a great place to bring a picnic or stop and enjoy the flowers in the spring. Local Danes come out here to sunbathe, eat, and drink at the first sign of sun.

Frederiksberg Slot, Central Copenhagen

Also built by King Frederik V, this castle originally served as palace garden and is now used as an Army Officer’s School. The building is only open to the public on the last Saturday of every month, but the surrounding park is the real gem. While most tourists flock to the other public parks around the city, come to Frederiksberg Park and enjoy some of the prettiest manicured lawns and foliage in Copenhagen. The Copenhagen Zoo is also located next door.

Fredensborg Slot, Outside the City

As the spring and autumn home for the Royal Family, this is the most regularly-used residence. The palace itself was designed by the same man who was responsible for Frederiksberg Palace, and like Frederiksborg Castle is surrounded by baroque gardens.

A view from the lake around Frederiksborg Slot.

Frederiksborg Slot, Outside the City

At the very northern tip of Zealand, you will find the town of Hillerød where Frederiksborg Castle and the surrounding gardens are located. One of the most impressive castles in all of Denmark, it now serves as the Museum of National History. Surrounding the palace is a large baroque formal garden.

Christianborg Palace

Christianborg Palace is one of the most active of Copenhagen’s castles because it plays host to the Folketing (Denmark’s parliament), the Prime Minister’s office, and the Supreme Court, the only building in the world to house all three arms of the government for a country. Danes are very active in politics, so don’t be surprised to see protestors or activists on your visit. The first castle built on this site was done so in 1167 and it has seen 5 different iterations because of fires and changes in leadership. The bridge to Christianborg is also beautiful and worth taking a minute to notice.

[photos courtesy of Riktov, Christian Bickel, caspermoller]