Which Copenhagen Castle to visit

The Danish Monarchy is one of the oldest in the world. Thus, it’s no surprise that Denmark’s capital city: Copenhagen, is stuffed full of castles and palaces. However, if you have limited time in the city (and therefore can only tick off one) you may be wondering which palace to visit in Copenhagen. So, below I’ve reviewed each of the “big three”: Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, and Christiansborg Palace, to help you choose which Copenhagen Castle to visit!

*Updated January 2025

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1) Is Christiansborg Palace worth visiting? – 

The tiny island of Slotsholmen has been home to a Copenhagen castle or palace for over 800 years. The modern-day Christiansborg Palace was constructed in 1907 after a horrific fire burnt down its predecessor.

Although the Danish royal family relocated to Amalienborg Palace in 1794, reception rooms at Christiansborg Palace still provide the backdrop for many royal functions. More than this, the palace has been home to the Danish Parliament and the country’s Supreme Court since the early 1800’s.

Because of this, Christiansborg Palace is perhaps the royal attraction that has the most things to see. Most famous are the exquisite Royal Reception rooms. Decorated with opulent gold leaf and priceless art, visitors are invited to tour the historic throne room and grand hall. A combination ticket also includes entry to the ruins of a 12th-century castle that predates the existing palace, the Royal kitchen, and the stables. For adults, this is priced at 215 DKK (€28).

As a horse owner/lover, the lure of being able to tour the Royal Stables meant that Christiansborg was the royal attraction I was most excited to visit. However, upon my arrival, I was disappointed…

Despite the advertised opening hours (which I triple-checked online) BOTH times I visited Christiansborg Palace, it was closed!! For this reason, it’s difficult to answer the question: “is Christiansborg Palace worth visiting?” as I was never able to get inside… However, I’ve since learnt that the closure was due to a state event (which are often held at the palace). So, if you want to avoid disappointment, it’s best to see if you can pre-book a ticket online in advance!

Despite all this, I did get to see some Royal Horses training outside, so my trip to the palace wasn’t a complete waste!

2) Best Palace in Copenhagen? Amalienborg Palace –

As mentioned above, Amalienborg Palace Copenhagen is one of the current official residences of the Danish Royal family. For this fact alone it could be seen as the best Copenhagen Palace. Yet, it’s also completely unique! Rather than one expansive building, the Amalienborg complex consists of FOUR palaces, built around an octagonal courtyard.

Of these, his Majesty King Frederik X and his family reside in the building, known as Frederik VIII’s Palace, during the winter (or whenever they are in Copenhagen). Queen Margrethe II (who abdicated the Danish throne to her son in January 2024) also resides in the neighbouring Christian IX’s Palace.

Because of this, I found it very exciting to be able to walk right up to the buildings and appreciate their grandeur from the courtyard. The simple beauty of the classical facades and symmetry of Amalienborg makes it arguably the prettiest of all the palaces in Copenhagen!

In terms of things to see, the Christian VIII’s Palace is home to the Amalienborg Museum. A visit here gives you access to the private interiors of Denmark Kings and Queens stretching back 150 years. It’s again rather unique as each room on display has been decorated to recreate the personal styles and tastes of different monarchs. As such, the museum is very much like a journey through time.

Personally, I found the small rooms to be a little too crammed with artefacts. At times I didn’t quite know where to look! Nonetheless, the museum is very interesting to visit, and its small size is great if you’re short on time in Copenhagen.

If I had to compare Christiansborg Palace vs Amalienborg Palace, it does seem like more state rooms are open to the public at the former. Yet, the Amalienborg Museum is cheaper at 125 DKK (€17) and to me far more charming.

TOP TIP: I’d recommend pre-booking tickets to the Amalienborg Museum.

You can occasionally also book a guided tour of the Christian VII’s Palace Building. Used as a guest residence the rooms are spectacular and emanate exclusivity. However, tickets rarely become available. 

One final reason which makes Amalienborg one of the more special palaces in Copenhagen is the famous changing of the guards! Similarly to the spectacle that takes place in London, every day at noon The Royal Life Guard march from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle, through the streets of Copenhagen, to Amalienborg. Filled with music and circumstance it’s simply something you have to try and catch whilst in the city!

3) Best castle to visit in Copenhagen? Rosenborg Castle –

The last but by no means least of the big three attractions to think about when considering which Copenhagen Castle to visit is the captivating Rosenborg Castle.

Differing from the other castles in Copenhagen, Rosenborg gives an insight into Denmark’s period of ‘Absolute Monarchy’ between the 17th and 19th centuries. Built in the early 1600’s, by Christian IV, it’s a fantastic display of Dutch Renaissance architecture and the exterior very much reminded me of a Disney castle!

You can tour much more of the interiors at Rosenborg vs Christiansborg or Amalienborg! And as mentioned, the style is completely different. I was truly in awe walking up its spiral steps to discover rooms lavishly decorated and filled with royal artefacts.

The main attraction is the Knights’ Hall which holds the coronation thrones and three life-size silver lions! The decorations are a little overpowering for my taste, but still fascinating to see! Again you’ll want to book entry tickets online and they cost 140 DKK (€19).

What’s more, if you book a guided tour of Rosenborg Castle, you’ll get to visit the treasury… The Danish Monarchy’s most precious treasures have been guarded in the castle’s basement for over 400 years, including the crown jewels! Whilst this isn’t something I was able to see, the experience must be breathtaking.

However, as the most elaborate Copenhagen castle, what I loved most about Rosenborg was it’s stunning gardens! The carefully curated grounds were beautiful (even when visiting in winter). I imagined them to be the perfect place to stop for a picnic in summer months, but I simply enjoyed walking through and taking in the grandeur of Rosenborg Castle.

Overall, for me it has to be the best castle to visit in Copenhagen! And would be my top choice If forced to pick between the three…

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I hope my quick analysis of Christiansborg Palace, Amalienborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle Copenhagen, helps you choose which Copenhagen Castle to visit!

Personally, as mentioned above I’d put Rosenborg as the best Copenhagen castle, followed by the beautiful Amalienborg as the best best palace in Copenhagen. The latter certainly has the most impressive rooms and it’s not every day you get to visit a Royal home still in use. This said, you’d be silly not to take a quick walk past the stunning Christiansborg Palace, even if just to look at the exterior!

SIDE NOTE: Wandering what else there is to do in Copenhagen? Check out my guide guide to visiting in winter and the best places to go!

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