10 Beautiful Copenhagen Castles You Should Visit

Full List of the Best Castles Copenhagen Has to Offer

To make it easier for you, we’ve divided this post into 2 separate sections. First, we gathered the castles located inside Copenhagen, and in the second part, we listed other top castles located around Copenhagen.

Best castles in Copenhagen:

1. Rosenborg
2. Amalienborg
3. Christiansborg
4. Frederiksberg

Best castles near Copenhagen:

5. Frederiksborg
6. Kronborg
7. Hermitage Palace
8. Fredensborg
9. Dragsholm
10. Malmo Castle

Keep scrolling to learn more about each of these castles, and get the info on how to visit them.👇

Best Castles in Copenhagen

No Copenhagen itinerary would be complete without at least one of these castles, which are among the most important monuments in Denmark. 

1. Rosenborg Castle

It’s rare to find Renaissance castles located in the heart of a capital city, but Rosenborg Castle is an exception. Built at the beginning of the 17th century by King Christian IV, it served as a residence for Danish sovereigns until 1710 and is now a most visited Copenhagen castle. 

The castle’s quiet atmosphere is highly appreciated by Danes, who come to enjoy the serenity it gives off in the city center. Its high towers and red brick walls command respect for this historic building, enhanced by the splendor of the king’s garden, as lush and as peaceful.

Inside, visitors take part in a journey through time to discover the epic of the Danish crown, as it’s in this castle converted into a museum that the crown jewels are kept. While the royal rooms at Rosenborg exude pomp and extravagance, the pinnacle of this historical journey is reached in the Knights’ Hall, where coronations were held.

2. Amalienborg Palace

If you had to pick just one castle out of this list, it would have to be Amalienborg Palace. Famous for its unique ambiance during the Changing of the Guard, it’s from these walls that the royal family still symbolically governs the kingdom.

Located in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town, Amalienborg Palace is a true masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Passing through the archway carved into one of the 4 identical buildings, you’ll find yourself in a large octagonal inner courtyard, watched over by the imperial statue of King Frederik V. Each building has its own function: one houses a library; the second, a national museum; the third, the residence of the royal family; and the fourth, the most official reception rooms.

In the museum, you can view portraits of all the dynasties of queens and kings since the Middle Ages. Amalienborg Palace is the place to be for anyone who loves or is nostalgic about the history of one of the oldest monarchies in the world.

3. Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace, situated on the island of Slotsholmen, is a must-see castle in Copenhagen. This former royal residence now houses Denmark’s political authorities, including Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court.

Despite its current functions, visitors can still access some parts of the palace, including the Royal Reception Room. This room is often used for official visits by foreign heads of state and features wall tapestries that depict the history of Denmark from the time of the Vikings to the present day.

Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the tower, which rises to 179 meters and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Copenhagen. For equestrian enthusiasts, a stroll through the royal stables is a must-do, where you can even sit in a period carriage.

4. Frederiksberg Palace

This baroque-style palace, built in the 18th century, is a former royal residence located in the elegant neighborhood of Frederiksberg, bordering downtown Copenhagen, and easily accessible by subway. 

Throughout its history, Frederiksberg Palace has been home to many rulers, including kings Frederick IV and Christian VII, who was actually born there. Since 1869, the building is no longer occupied by the royal family, and the military school of Denmark is now installed there.

The interior of the palace cannot be visited, but it is surrounded by a large and beautiful park that is very popular with the locals who like to come and relax there, especially in summer. 

So, these were the best castles of Copenhagen City. To discover even more castles around Copenhagen quickly reachable, keep reading! 

Best Castles Near Copenhagen

There are plenty of great castles located within a short distance from Copenhagen, making them an ideal day trip destination. In this section, we’ll highlight those that are located within a 2-hour trip maximum from Copenhagen.

5. Frederiksborg Castle

With its lavish exteriors and ornate interiors, Frederiksborg Castle has gained recognition as the most impressive castle in all of Scandinavia. Built in the town of Hillerød as a royal residence by Christian IV, it served as a testament to Denmark’s great aspirations despite its being a small kingdom. The castle has been a high diplomatic venue and has hosted all the dynasties of the Danish royal family.

Nowadays, the castle houses the National History Museum, where visitors can delve into Danish history across 5 centuries through an extensive collection of exhibits and artifacts. The interior rooms are adorned with portraits of aristocrats, paintings depicting wars and conquests, and decorative art objects made from noble materials. The Knights’ Hall and the Valdemar Hall are particularly noteworthy for their beautifully restored tapestries.

After visiting the stunning Coronation Chapel, visitors can take a break and enjoy the beautifully landscaped baroque garden, which has been carefully restored to its original design. The garden has 3 terraces, each with waterfalls and fountains, offering breathtaking panoramic sights.

6. Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle’s unparalleled location and nearly 2,000 rooms inspired Shakespeare to set his famous play, Hamlet, at the castle. Kronborg Castle, and more broadly the town of Helsingor, didn’t wait for the British playwright to make a name for itself and become a top castle near Copenhagen Denmark.

Nestled at the mouth of the Sound, Kronborg Castle became the gateway to the Baltic Sea in 1429. At that time, Ships were required to pay a fee to sail in the Baltic Sea and almost 2 million crews docked in the city until the fee was abolished in 1857. As a result, the fortress became a symbol of Danish power and was an important source of revenue and a significant political and commercial instrument. The castle got finally classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. 

The Renaissance-style sandstone facade of Kronborg Castle is made up of 4 wings surrounding a spacious and pretty courtyard. Inside, it is richly adorned with decorative elements and is definitely worth visiting, especially the Banqueting Hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful reception halls in Scandinavia at the time. 

7. The Hermitage Palace

The Hermitage Palace, situated in Dyrehaven, a forest park that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a hunting palace belonging to the Danish royal family. Also known as the Hermitage Hunting Lodge, it was built in 1736 in the Baroque style during King Christian VI’s reign.

Initially, the lodge was used for hunting excursions and as a leisure place by the Danish royal family. It stands out by its octagonal shape and intricate carvings of animals and hunting scenes, among others. The interior is equally impressive with its richly decorated rooms and ornate furnishings.

The Hermitage Hunting Lodge is now accessible to visitors and has been transformed into a museum. Tourists and locals flock to the pavilion, which is thought to be one of Denmark’s most exceptional examples of Baroque architecture. While there, visitors can explore the pavilion and learn about its history, as well as take in the natural beauty of the surrounding forest park.

8. Fredensborg Palace

Fredensborg Palace, one of the official residences of the Danish royal family, is located on the eastern shore of Lake Esrum in the town of Fredensborg. Queen Margrethe II often uses the palace for important state visits, receptions, and official events.

Originally built as a hunting lodge for King Frederick IV between 1720 and 1753, the palace has known successive renovations and extensions carried out by the monarchs that followed such as Kings Christian VI and Frederick V, who added the French-inspired Baroque style to its architecture.

Now, Fredensborg Palace is mainly used by the royal family as a summer residence, hence the soldiers of the royal guard present in this palace. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscaped grounds also in Baroque style, which are open to the public for a limited period each year. 

9. Dragsholm Castle

If you’re a fan of horror and paranormal stories, Dragsholm Castle may give you a spine-chilling experience. This castle is considered one of the most haunted in Europe, with reportedly more than a hundred ghosts and spirits lurking inside, including the Earl of Bothwell and the famous white lady embedded in the main wall. 

Perched on a small islet in the province of Sjaelland, Dragsholm Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the region, standing tall for over 800 years and being the only castle in northern Denmark that survived the 1534-1536 civil war. 

After being turned into a prison for a few decades, Dragsholm Slot is now a place where visitors can enjoy excellent Nordic cuisine in a Michelin-starred restaurant and even spend the night. But that’s definitely not for the squeamish! 

10. Malmö Castle

Ok, Malmö Castle isn’t located in Denmark, but in Sweden. But it’s so close to Copenhagen that I had to list it here as a day trip option if you’re in town. 

Located in Malmö, which is Sweden’s third largest city, the castle was constructed in the mid-16th century by King Christian III to strengthen his control over the southern regions of Sweden that were then under Danish rule.

Maria Eklind / CC BY-SA

With its Renaissance-style architecture and moat surroundings, the castle served as a military fortress and the residence of Danish governors for many years. It played a significant role in various historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Malmö in 1524, which put an end to the civil war in Denmark.

During the 19th century, the castle was converted into a prison and functioned as such until the mid-20th century. Today, the castle is open to the public and houses the Malmö Museum of Art and the Malmö City Museum. Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and learn about its fascinating history and cultural significance.

How to Visit These Copenhagen Castles

To get around the Copenhagen area easily and visit these sumptuous palaces, 2 options are available to you.

Using the Copenhagen Card

The Copenhagen Card is a pass that gives you unlimited access to public transport in the city of Copenhagen and the entire region (including the airport), as well as to over 80 tourist attractions.

The card is available in different versions at different prices depending on the length of your stay (are considered juniors teens between 12 and 15 years old):

• 24-hour pass: 62€/adults, 34€/Junior
• 48-hour pass: 92€/adults, 50€/Junior
• 72-hour pass: 113€/adults, 61€/Junior
• 96-hour pass: 132€/adults, 72€/Junior
• 120-hour pass: 148€/adults, 80€/Junior

👉 For kids between 3 and 12 years old, the Copenhagen Card is free (only 2 kids are allowed for each Adult Copenhagen Card). 

Among the castles listed in this post, all that are located inside Copenhagen + Frederiksborg Castle + Kronborg Castle are included in the Copenhagen Card. Transportation to these 2 palaces + to Fredensborg and The Hermitage is included. 

For the other castles, you’ll have to buy your entry separetly. And for Dragsholm & Malmö, you’ll have to purchase transportation tickets as well.

Other Options to Get Around the Copenhagen Region

There are passes giving unlimited access to public transport within a defined area: 

• City Pass Small: this pass grants access to public transport inside Copenhagen City only
• City Pass Large: this pass grants access to public transport inside Copenhagen City + Copenhagen region
• City Pass X-Large: this pass grants access to public transport around the Copenhagen region, Zealand, Lolland, Falster, and Møn

As with the Copenhagen Card, these cards are valid for a period ranging from 24 hours to 120 hours and prices vary accordingly. You can buy them at any vending machine available in the metro station or on the DOT app. 

Castles of Copenhagen Map

Here is the map of the 10 best castles and palaces in Copenhagen and around. To get it, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.

More Useful Readings to Visit Copenhagen

Find below several other posts about Copenhagen to help you prepare for your upcoming trip:

➡️ Here are complete itineraries for Copenhagen, tailored to the length of your stay:

• How to Spend 24 Hours in Copenhagen
• 2 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 5 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary

➡️ And here are other posts to better discover Copenhagen and beyond, along with travel tips:

• Best Places to Stay in Copenhagen
• Best Train Trips from Copenhagen
• Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter
• Day Trip to Frederiksborg Slot
• Must-Eat Food in Copenhagen
• Free Things to do in Aarhus

I hope you enjoy visiting these castles in Copenhagen Denmark; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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