Castles & Historical Highlights
Christiansborg Palace — The Power Center
Christiansborg on the island of Slotsholmen is unique: It houses all three branches of government under one roof — the Danish Parliament (Folketing), the Supreme Court, and the Queen's representation rooms. The royal reception rooms (De Kongelige Repræsentationslokaler) are magnificent: the Tapestry Hall, Throne Room, Great Hall with 17 modern tapestries of Queen Margrethe II. The tower (106 meters) offers the best free view over Copenhagen — free and without queues!
Rosenborg Castle & Kongens Have
Rosenborg is a Renaissance jewel in the middle of Kongens Have (King's Garden): built 1606–1634 by Christian IV, Copenhagen's favorite king. The crown jewels in the basement are the highlight: the crown of Christian IV with 2,500 diamonds and the coronation chair. The Kongens Have in front is Copenhagen's most popular park — here Danes picnic, children play, and roses bloom. Castle admission: 130 DKK (€17), garden: free.
Amalienborg — The Royal Residence
The Amalienborg Square is one of the most elegant squares in Europe: four identical Rococo palaces symmetrically arranged around the equestrian statue of Frederik V. Here resides the Danish royal family. The changing of the guard (Vagtskifte) takes place daily at 12:00 PM when the Queen is in Copenhagen — the guards march from Rosenborg through the city to Amalienborg. One of the palaces houses the Amalienborg Museum (admission: 120 DKK).
The Round Tower
The Round Tower (1642) is Copenhagen's most original building: A 36-meter-high tower with a spiral ramp instead of stairs — 268.5 meters long, 7.5 turns. Built by Christian IV as an astronomical observatory. Tsar Peter the Great rode up on horseback in 1716, his Tsarina in a carriage. At the top: a 360° view over the old town with copper roofs and church towers. Admission: 40 DKK (€5). One of the best value-for-money experiences in Copenhagen.
