The former home of the Danish royal family is now a museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the lives of its former residents.
Work on constructing this former palace began in 1606 at the request of the King at the time, Christian IV. Upon completion, the royal family remained at the palace until 1710. Known locally as Rosenborg Slot, today, the building is a museum housing Denmark’s Royal Collections amongst other exhibits. The grounds of the castle, known as the Kings Garden are very popular with locals, who come to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of central Copenhagen.
Rosenborg Castle was built in the Dutch Renaissance style, popular in Denmark at the time.
The castle’s interior has been painstakingly restored so that it bears a close resemblance to its former glory. Look up at the ceiling and admire the incredible detail of the plaster work. The many artefacts help visitors to get a real feel for how the house would have appeared in the 17th century. You can wander through the various rooms including the King’s former bathroom with its typically opulent décor, and the Knights Hall with its wall-hung tapestries.
The Danish Crown Jewels are also on permanent display here. Feel free to wander round at your own pace or, if you have a smartphone, take advantage of an app that is available that will take you off on a self-guided tour. Arrive early in the morning and you will get to see Denmark’s Royal Guards leaving the building and marching to Amalienborg Palace to perform the daily changing of the guard ceremony.
Outside, the beautifully-kept Kings Gardens are the perfect place to stop for a picnic. Alternatively, there is also a café in the gardens, which serves typical Danish fare. The gardens also include pathways that are the perfect place for a stroll.
Situated just outside the city centre, Rosenborg Castle is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. You could also take the Metro to Norreport Metro station, which is very close to the entrance to the castle. Open daily during the summer months, Rosenborg Castle is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays. There is an admission fee to enter and further charges are applicable if you wish to take photos. Please note that any large bags you are carrying will be subject to security checks before entry.
