We love Copenhagen for its vibrantly colored harbors, striking architecture, and the fun-packed attractions at Tivoli Gardens. But the Danish capital also has a rich royal history laden with castles, palaces, and unmissable sights for visitors.
From its Viking roots more than 1,000 years ago to becoming Denmark’s capital in the 15th Century and beyond, Copenhagen has deep royal roots with some of Europe’s most beautiful palaces and castles that have stood the test of time for centuries.
With palace grounds contributing to the city’s reputation as one of the world’s greenest, walking tour Copenhagen offers some of the most rewarding experiences for those willing to uncover the best of the capital on foot.
Packed with castles and palaces with plenty to offer visitors, there’s no shortage of royal splendour to discover when taking a stroll through the history of Copenhagen.
If you’re visiting the city, there are many ways you can get up close and personal with Copenhagen’s royal history. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the capital’s unmissable castles, palaces, and royal hotspots:
The Changing of The Royal Danish Guard
Each day in the heart of Copenhagen, the changing of the Danish Royal Guard takes place at noon.
Marching from Rosenborg Castle at around 11:30 am, the Royal Guard heads to the picturesque Amalienborg Palace, which is the residence of the Danish Royal Couple King Frederik X and Queen Mary.
Amalienborg Palace is the winter home of the Danish royal family, so if you’re visiting between the months of September and April, you’ll be treated to a full changing of the guard. However, if you’re visiting over the summer months, limited ceremonies still take place and are a sight to behold.
The Royal Danish Guards are an integral part of Copenhagen’s royal history. Founded in 1658, the guards have been based in Rosenborg since 1785.
The best thing about viewing the changing of the Royal Danish Guard is that the ceremony takes place in the nearby district of Frederiksstaden, so is perfect as part of a winter’s stroll through the city.
Copenhagen’s Picturesque Palaces
Amalienborg Palace, the location of the changing of the Royal Danish Guard, is more than just a tourist attraction. It’s a living historical artefact and home to one of the world’s oldest monarchies.
Built in 1760, Amalienborg Palace has served as a time capsule that looks into Denmark’s royal heritage. Today, the rooms of Christian IX and Queen Louise, known as the ‘in-laws of Europe’ because four of their children grew up to take the thrones of Denmark, England, Russia, and Greece, are still intact and can be visited at the Amalienborg Museum.
The museum provides access to the private interiors of Denmark’s most notable kings and queens, as well as an exhibit on the monarchy’s rich heritage.
Just a stone’s throw from Amalienborg is Christiansborg Palace, a grandiose 800-year-old structure located in Middelalderbyen.
Also open to the public, Christiansborg Palace was once home to the Danish royal family but now houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State.
The palace’s gilded rooms and decadently decorated salons are still used by the royal family for functions and events. The Throne Room, home to the thrones of the king and queen, appears as though it’s jumped from the pages of a history book, and provides access to the balcony where new Danish monarchs are proclaimed.
If you’re after a more hands-on look further into the history of Copenhagen, you can book a tour of the ruins discovered underneath the palace, which includes a wall dating back to the Middle Ages.
Visit the Crown Jewels at Rosenborg Castle
While a day trip away from the city to UNESCO World Heritage site Kronborg Castle can be very rewarding, you can discover royal treasures in the center of Copenhagen at Rosenborg Castle.
Built by one of Denmark’s most famous monarchs, King Christian IV in 1634, Rosenborg Castle is an essential stop for tourists delving into the nation’s vibrant history.
Kept in special vaults in the castle, the Crown Jewels are embellished with table-cut stones, enamel, and gold. Consisting of four garnitures, diamonds, rubies, pearls, and some of the world’s finest emeralds put on a dazzling display of color for visitors.
Stepping Through Copenhagen’s History
We may associate Copenhagen with colorful waterfront buildings, Tivoli Gardens, and its status as a cycling paradise, but the city is also home to one of the world’s most influential royal histories.
Access to Copenhagen’s rich array of castles and palaces can be combined with the Official Copenhagen Card, which offers access to more than 80 attractions as well as unlimited public transport throughout the city.
The Danish capital has no shortage of attractions to delight and entertain visitors all year round. For the many of us who are captivated by royal history, there’s no place quite like Copenhagen.
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