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Rosenborg Castle

Attraction · Renaissance castle and royal treasuryIndre By, Copenhagen

Christian IV's Renaissance castle in the King's Garden, home to the Danish crown jewels, the coronation thrones and richly furnished royal rooms from four centuries.

At a glance

Type
Renaissance castle and royal treasury
Area
Indre By, Copenhagen, Denmark

Good to know

  • Crown Jewels treasury
  • King's Garden
  • Online tickets
  • Virtual tour

Why we recommend it

Rosenborg Castle was built for King Christian IV between 1606 and 1624, beginning as a country summerhouse outside the city walls and growing into the red-brick Renaissance castle that now stands in the King's Garden. It became state property and opened to the public as a museum of the royal collections in 1838. Today it is run by The Royal Danish Collection and is one of the most rewarding historic interiors in Copenhagen.

The visit runs through rooms furnished in the styles of successive monarchs, from Christian IV's own audience rooms and the bedchamber where he died in 1648 to later Baroque and Rococo interiors. The highlight upstairs is the Long Hall, completed in 1624 as a ballroom, where you can see the coronation throne of the absolutist kings, the queen's throne guarded by three silver lions, and a series of tapestries showing Danish victories in the Scanian War. Downstairs, the treasury holds the Danish crown jewels and regalia, including the crown of Christian IV. The jewels are still worn by the reigning queen on special occasions.

The castle suits history lovers and anyone curious about the monarchy, and children usually enjoy the treasury and the lions. Rooms are small and can feel crowded in summer, so try to arrive at opening time. Buying tickets online saves a small amount per entrance ticket, and a Royal Palace Pass covers Rosenborg together with Amalienborg and Christiansborg. Allow about an hour and a half for the castle and the treasury.

Accessibility is limited. The building is 400 years old, with many stairs and narrow doorways and no lift, which the castle itself points out. A virtual tour is offered for those who cannot manage the stairs. Opening hours change with the season and are shorter in the late autumn and winter, so check the castle's website before you go.

The surrounding King's Garden is free and is one of the most popular parks in Copenhagen, with lawns, flower beds and avenues that make a pleasant picnic stop. Nørreport station, with metro and S-train connections, is a short walk away, and the castle is close to the National Gallery of Denmark and the Torvehallerne food market. The Royal Life Guards set off from Rosenborg each morning on their march to Amalienborg.

Rosenborg Castle FAQs

What is there to see at Rosenborg Castle?

Royal rooms from four centuries, the Long Hall with the coronation thrones and silver lions, and the treasury with the Danish crown jewels.

Where are the Danish crown jewels?

They are kept in the treasury beneath Rosenborg Castle.

Should I buy tickets online?

Yes. The castle says you save a small amount per entrance ticket by buying online.

Is Rosenborg wheelchair accessible?

Access is limited. The castle has many stairs and narrow doorways and no lift, but a virtual tour is available.

How long should I allow?

Around an hour and a half for the castle and treasury, plus extra time for the King's Garden.

Are the opening hours the same all year?

No. Hours are shorter in late autumn and winter, so check the official website before visiting.

How do I get to Rosenborg Castle?

Walk from Nørreport station, which has metro and S-train services. The entrance is at Øster Voldgade 4A.

Is the King's Garden free?

Yes, the King's Garden around the castle is a free public park.

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