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Marselisborg Castle: The Danish Royal Family's Summer Residence

Stately royal residence set amid sweeping landscaped gardens, Marselisborg Castle is an emblem of Danish tradition and a tranquil green escape in Aarhus.

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Marselisborg Castle is an elegant royal residence nestled in the verdant parklands of Aarhus. Built in the early 20th century, this white-stuccoed castle serves as the summer home for the Danish royal family and is surrounded by sculpted gardens and tranquil woods. While the castle itself isn't open to the public, its extensive parkland offers year-round access to beautifully landscaped grounds, sculptures, and occasional glimpses of royal pageantry, especially during the Changing of the Guard.

A brief summary to Rådhusparken

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Check if the royal standard is flying; this signals the royal family is in residence and the Changing of the Guard will take place.
  • Bring a picnic—Marselisborg’s gardens are a favorite local spot for relaxed outdoor meals.
  • Public access is limited to the gardens, but occasional open house days may allow entry to some castle rooms; inquire locally for dates.
  • Visit in spring or early summer to see the floral displays in full bloom.
  • Keep an eye out for the many sculptures dotted around the gardens, many created by contemporary Danish artists.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Øgadekvarteret, a leisurely walk through green corridors and past the inviting curves of Mindeparken brings you toward the castle grounds. With the main entrance visible at the end of open lawns, plan for a pleasant 20–30-minute stroll. The journey leads you through a vibrant residential and park area, with occasional views of the harbor and lush trees guiding your way.

  • Public Transport

    Several city buses connect the Øgadekvarteret area with stops close to Mindeparken, just outside Marselisborg Castle. Expect an 8–12-minute bus ride with a standard adult fare of 24 DKK. From the final stop, a short walk through parkland brings the castle into view.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Øgadekvarteret to Marselisborg Castle is typically a quick 5–10 minute journey, costing approximately 80–120 DKK depending on traffic. Taxis can drop passengers near the main park entrance. Be aware that parking is limited near the ramparts, so taxis are a convenient option during peak season.

  • Cycling

    Aarhus’s extensive bike lanes make for a scenic 10–15-minute ride from Øgadekvarteret to the castle grounds, passing through leafy avenues and alongside local landmarks. Bicycle parking is available outside the main entrance, making cycling both practical and enjoyable.

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Discover more about Rådhusparken

Rising gently from a broad stretch of parkland at the southern edge of central Aarhus, Marselisborg Castle embodies the quiet dignity of Denmark’s royal tradition. Constructed as a gift to Crown Prince Christian (later King Christian X) in 1902, the castle was designed with understated grandeur—whitewashed walls, green copper roofs, and classically balanced proportions. Today, it functions as the beloved summer residence of Denmark’s monarch and their family. Though the château's elegant interiors remain private, the inviting surroundings are among Denmark’s most celebrated public gardens. Sweeping lawns are punctuated with vibrant flowerbeds, age-old trees, tranquil ponds, and a notable collection of modern sculptures. In spring and summer, the gardens burst into color, hosting locals who stroll beneath blossoming groves, sunbathe on the grass, or linger by meandering streams. At the park’s edge, wild deer graze and curious ducks inhabit hidden ponds, imbuing the grounds with a touch of wild serenity. Perhaps most memorable is the periodic Changing of the Guard. When the royal standard flies above the castle, the Royal Life Guards process from the guardhouse, adding a gentle dose of pageantry to the peaceful setting. On such days, visitors gather along the park pathways for a glimpse of Danish ceremony. While the castle itself is accessible only on rare open-house days, the grounds are free to enjoy year-round, making Marselisborg one of Aarhus’s most laid-back yet regal attractions. Benches scattered throughout the park invite you to pause, soak up views of the castle’s striking exterior, and enjoy the gentle pace of Danish royal life.

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