Rosenborg Castle

King Christian IV left his mark indelibly on Copenhagen, transforming it into one of the most beautiful and powerful cities in northern Europe. He commissioned many important buildings, of which Rosenborg Castle is probably one of the finest. Built in the Dutch Renaissance style, it served as the royal residence from 1606 to 1710, when the family and their entourage moved to Christiansborg Palace.

Today the castle serves as the striking setting for a museum housing the Danish Royal Collections. Many visitors make a point of arriving early in time to see the Royal Guard begin their march to Amalienborg Palace for the daily changing of the guard ceremony. The smartly uniformed soldiers, accompanied on occasions by a marching band, are a popular sight on the streets of Copenhagen.

The interior of the castle has been painstakingly restored and many of the original features can still be admired. Follow the self-guided tour on your smartphone so as not to miss any of the highlights, including decorative plastered ceilings, porcelain tiled bathrooms and many historic domestic items, as well as paintings, objets d’art and royal memorabilia.

Spend time in the Knights’ Hall, decorated with twelve tapestries depicting famous victories of King Christian V and featuring a stunning stucco ceiling adorned with the Danish coat of arms and scenes of historical events from the reign of Frederik IV. Visitors can also admire the Danish Crown Jewels, the King’s throne, and a magnificent collection of 17th-century silver furniture.

Once you’ve thoroughly explored the castle, step outside to enjoy the fresh air and pleasant views of the King’s Garden, the oldest royal garden in Denmark, established shortly before the castle was built. Treat yourself to lunch in the café, which serves a traditional menu of Danish favourites including pickled fish and beer, or bring your own picnic and find a shady spot on the grass.

Rosenborg Castle can be reached on foot or bicycle, or by metro to Nørreport. It is open every day during the summer but closed on Mondays and public holidays during the rest of the year. There is a charge for admission and an additional charge to take photographs. You may be asked to check in your bag if it is over a certain size.