This is a guide to the royal palaces and castles you can visit in Copenhagen to help you decide which to visit with limited time or money! I recommend seeing the small and central Rosenborg Castle (my favorite) and the larger Christiansborg Palace complex. Christiansborg, home to the royal white horses, is great for families with kids. I don’t recommend the Amalienborg Museum, even if you have the time.

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle was built in the early 17th century as the royal summer residence of King Christian IV. It’s next to the beautiful King’s Garden (Kongens Have), Denmark’s oldest royal garden. The castle’s richly decorated interiors are absolutely stunning. One of its highlights is the coronation thrones in the Great Hall, guarded by three life-size silver lions. Today, the castle is home to the Danish crown jewels worn by the sitting queen on special occasions. They are in the Treasury beneath the castle, alongside royal crowns and the regalia, which include the scepter, orb, coronation sword, and the anointing ampulla.

Local Tips

  • Look for the Naked Queen on the ceiling in Christian IV’s bed chamber. Hera, the Greek goddess of women, marriage, family, and childbirth, is portrayed naked but with Queen Sophie Amalie’s face.

  • The king’s coronation throne in the Great Hall was said long ago to be made of unicorn horn! It’s actually made of narwhal tusk (from a species of toothed whale), while the queen’s throne is silver.

  • If you visit from June to August and are on a tight schedule, buy tickets in advance for the time slot that suits you. Tickets are capped because of the castle’s small size and sell-out in peak season.

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is unique for being the only building in the world housing all three branches of government: the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s office. The current palace, completed in 1928, is the third built on this site—the previous ones were destroyed by fire in 1794 and 1884. Although not very old, Christiansborg is steeped in history, with royal receptions, galas, and state visits still held in its grand halls. You can tour the lavish Royal Reception Rooms, the Royal Kitchen, and the Royal Stables, home to the horses and carriages used at events in the Royal House. There are also castle ruins beneath the palace, which I recommend skipping if you are short on time.

Local Tips

  • You don’t need a ticket to go up the palace tower, which has panoramic views of the city.

  • Don’t miss the daily guided tour in English of the Royal Reception Rooms at 3 PM (it’s included!).

  • From mid-June to mid-August, the Royal Stables are open but the horses graze in North Zealand.

  • Check opening hours before visiting. The palace is actively used and sometimes closed.

Amalienborg Museum

Amalienborg consists of four identical palaces that have been home to the Royal Family since 1794 after the fire at Christiansborg Palace forced the royals to relocate. Christian VIII’s Palace is open to the public as part of the Amalienborg Museum. There, you can view royal studies (from behind glass walls), a Gala Hall used by the royal family on special occasions, and, perhaps most impressive, lavish wine coolers in the Fabergé Chamber. There is an audio guide that walks you through the history of the monarchy. For $20, I would only recommend this museum to people very interested in the royal family’s history. The museum is small and underwhelming compared to Rosenborg Castle and Christiansborg Palace.

Local Tip

  • Amalienborg is also where you can see the changing of the guard at noon in the palace square. A lot of people gather to see it, so get there about 10-15 minutes early if you want to have a good view.