Copenhagen is blessed with some amazing historical sites which allow visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural past. Some of the best castles in Denmark can be found within the city, which creates a unique contrast with the modern atmosphere. But if there is one castle in Copenhagen that you cannot miss, it is the charming grounds of Rosenborg Slot.
In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen. We provide some insight into the history of the palace and explain how you can get your tickets. Next, we highlight some of the top things to see at Rosenborg Castle and provide you with suggestions for where to stay near this stellar attraction.
So if you’re visiting Copenhagen soon and are keen to see the stunning castle grounds, read on to discover all the details of Rosenborg Castle.
Known locally as Rosenborg Slot, this castle was commissioned by King Christian IV in the 17th Century as a residence for the royal family of Denmark. Its construction was completed in 1633 and originally it functioned as a summer home, but later served various purposes.
It is extremely well preserved, with paintings, sculptures and artefacts which shed more light on the Danish royal family. It is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen no matter when you visit. The gardens are enchanting in the summer and the ornate halls are great to explore on wet, winter days.
Rosenborg Castle has an extensive history dating back nearly 400 years. Construction of Rosenborg Slot began in 1606 and took decades to complete. It has a unique Dutch Renaissance style, characterised by its verdant spires and red brick facade. It quickly became one of Christian IV’s favoured residences, so much so that on his deathbed he commanded that he spend his last days there.
Rosenborg began as a simple summer palace but then underwent 4 stages of development. By 1615 it was ready to be inhabited, but building works continued for 18 years. It was used as a residence for the Danish royal family until 1710, when Frederik IV had the palace turned into the royal collections.
Because of this, much of the palace’s interior remains exceptionally well preserved. This makes it one of the best places to learn about the history of Denmark and delve into the lives of the royal family.
Rosenborg Castle is located in the centre of Copenhagen, which makes it very accessible. You can easily walk or cycle to the castle grounds from anywhere in the centre. Alternatively, you can take the metro to reach Rosenborg Slot. Either take the M2 line to Nørreport or the M4 line to Marmorkirken, you will then need to walk about 10 minutes from either station.
Rosenborg Castle is conveniently located within walking distance of other top attractions in Copenhagen. It is just across the road from the Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Natural History. You can also visit other castles in Copenhagen like Amalienborg and Kastellet, which are just a 20-minute walk away.
If you are visiting Copenhagen in summer, it is advisable to purchase your tickets to Rosenborg Castle in advance as you may be waiting in long queues. The entrance fee for Rosenborg Slot is 130 DK for an adult and children aged 0-17 may enter for free. You can also take a guided tour of Rosenborg Palace, which is ideal if you want to learn more in-depth details about the royal family.
If you have the Copenhagen City Card, Rosenborg Castle is included in the attractions that you can enter for free. However, you will need to wait at the ticket desk so they can scan your QR code and print your paper ticket.
Once you have your ticket you will need to keep it to hand. Your ticket will be checked upon entering the ground floor of the palace and will be checked again when you enter the treasury. There are lockers available where you can store your bags and you can pick up a handy map of the grounds from the information desk.
The opening hours of Rosenborg Castle change slightly throughout the year, which could impact your plans. From late March to October, Rosenborg Castle is open from 10 am to 5 pm. From November to December, the palace is closed on Mondays and closes at 4 pm. During national holidays, the site will remain closed, you can find more details on the official website.
Rosenborg is not the largest castle in Copenhagen but there is still so much to see on your visit. The palace exquisitely showcases Renaissance architecture and design, so walking through the halls and chambers feels like stepping back in time. However, there are some aspects of the castle that you absolutely cannot miss.
Perhaps the most breathtaking part of Rosenborg Palace is the Knight’s Hall. Found on the 2nd floor, the hall was intended to function as a ballroom, but after 1700 it was mainly used for hosting banquets and audiences. The hall is beautifully decorated, with silver furniture and detailed paintings adorning the walls.
You will notice some unique tapestries in the hall which depict the victories of Christian V during the Scanian War. More historical art can be found in the side reliefs which highlight major events from the early years of King Frederik IV. In the centre of the hall, you will find the Danish Coat of Arms painted into the ceiling, which gives the entire hall a very regal ambience.
The most impressive aspect of the Knight’s Hall is the coronation chairs that were used by the king and queen. The chairs were used at the coronation of all absolutist kings and are a major cultural emblem. They are found at the end of the hall and are guarded by 3 silver lions, which are thought to be inspired by King Solomon from the Old Testament.
On the Ground and 1st floors of Rosenborg Slot, you will find the royal apartments which served as the living spaces for many of Denmark’s kings. The ground floor is dedicated to King Christian IV and you can explore winter and writing rooms, as well as his bedroom where he died in 1648.
One of the unique elements of the ground floor is the toilet of Christian IV. It was originally connected to what is now the Garden Room, which was a bathroom before being converted. It is decorated with immaculately painted blue and white tiles, but these were added later by Frederik IV during his refurbishment of Rosenborg Castle in 1705.
On the 1st floor, you will find the rooms of other kings such as Frederik VII, Christian VIII, Frederik VI, Christian VII and Frederik V among others. These rooms are filled with exhibits that highlight the daily lives and achievements of the Danish royal family. A notable feature is the Mirror Cabinet, which is made up of reflective glass and modelled after the Palace of Versailles.
The basement of Rosenborg Castle was constructed from 1613-1617 and has been divided into 3 separate rooms. The basement served as the Royal Archive for many years but it now functions as the Treasury, where valuable and unique artefacts are kept secure.
Before exploring the treasury proper, you can peruse some exhibits to the left side of the basement. These exhibits contain a splendid weapons collection of sabres and pistols, as well as fine works of craftsmanship. If you explore further into the chamber, you will find an impressive collection of ivory and gold artefacts, which showcase the wealth that the royal family enjoyed during the height of their reign.
The standout feature of Rosenborg Palace is the Danish Crown Jewels, which are likely one of the last things you will see in the palace. They are found within the last section of the Treasury and are beautifully decorated with gemstones and gold. One of the gems on the king’s crown is believed to date back to 1474, which shows the importance of these regal objects.
The crowns of the king and queen take centre stage, held within a glass cabinet in the centre of the treasury so you can see them from all angles. Along the walls, you will also see other examples of the Crown Regalia which includes a Sceptre, Orb, Anointing Rapier and Ampulla, all of which are ornately decorated.
After exploring the castle, take some time to wander through the King’s Garden. These stunning grounds are the oldest royal gardens in Denmark and are best experienced in the height of summer when the flowerbeds are in full bloom.
The gardens are a very popular spot for picnics and receive countless visitors, which is rather ironic considering they were restricted to royalty for nearly a century. During peak season in Copenhagen, there is a puppet show for children held within the gardens as well as musical performances. As you explore the grounds, you can find statues dedicated to important Danish figures like Hans Christian Anderson which adds more cultural insight to the experience.
Being in the centre of the city means there are plenty of places to stay near Rosenborg Castle. You can stay within Indre By which gives you access to the entirety of Copenhagen city centre or you can stay in Vesterbro or Nørrebro, which are not too far away. Below, we provide some of our recommendations for hotels in Copenhagen that will keep you close to Rosenborg Palace.
Travellers looking for affordable accommodation near Rosenborg Castle should consider staying at Generator Copenhagen. This trendy hostel is just 150 metres from Kongens Nytorv Square and a 12-minute walk from Rosenborg Castle. There is an onsite bar and lounge that hosts fun events like karaoke and DJ nights.
If you have a heftier budget, Wakeup Copenhagen could be just the hotel for you. This central hotel is just 5 minutes away from lively areas like Strøget and Nyhavn. It is just a 15-minute walk to reach Rosenborg Castle and you can wander the gorgeous gardens on your way.
If you want to stay in a stylish hotel that will keep you close to Rosenborg Slot, then Hotel Skt Petri is the perfect choice. Featuring designer rooms and a lavish restaurant and bar, you will feel completely at ease in this luxurious setting. You can reach the buzzing shopping street Strøget in just 4 minutes and Rosenborg is just a 12-minute walk away.
A visit to Rosenborg Castle allows travellers to delve into the palace’s history and immerse themselves in the opulence and cultural heritage that define this Copenhagen landmark. The ornate interior expresses the wealth and prestige of the royal family, as well as shedding some light on their daily lives. Moreover, you can end your visit with a blissful stroll through the King’s Garden and marvel at the castle’s architecture.
As you plan your visit to Copenhagen, be sure to include Rosenborg Castle on your itinerary. This dazzling palace offers a captivating journey through time and a deeper understanding of Denmark’s regal heritage.
Thinking about exploring the top sites of Copenhagen? Check out our other guides like What to Do in Copenhagen for 3 Days and Where to Stay in Copenhagen for more advice and tips.
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