Marselisborg Castle: The Royal Retreat of Aarhus
Marselisborg Castle offers royal heritage, tranquil gardens, and public art in Aarhus—a unique glimpse into Danish monarchy, all set within lush, accessible parklands.
Marselisborg Castle, nestled in the parklands south of Aarhus, serves as the Danish royal family’s summer residence. While the large white mansion is closed when the royals are in residence, the lush surrounding gardens and sculptures are open to visitors most of the year, offering a blend of regal history, public art, and peaceful scenery near the city’s bustling neighborhoods.
A brief summary to Herman Sallings Plads
- Midtbyen, Aarhus, Aarhus C, DK
- +4587315010
- Visit website
- 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
- The castle gardens are usually open to the public, except when the royal family is in residence—always check signs at the gates for current access.
- Arrive around noon during royal stays to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard—an atmospheric experience in front of the palace gates.
- Combine your castle visit with a stroll through the adjacent Memorial Park or head toward the Deer Park for a longer leafy escape.
- Bicycles are allowed in Marselisborg’s parklands, making it easy to combine with other sights along the Aarhus bayfront.
- No entry to the palace itself, but several royal-themed sculptures and artworks are scattered throughout the grounds.
Getting There
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Walking
Leaving Øgadekvarteret’s leafy streets, journey toward the city’s southern edge, passing through areas filled with university buildings and cozy neighborhood cafés. As you approach the outskirts of the city center, Marselisborg’s expansive parklands become visible amidst clusters of old trees. The stroll typically takes around 25–35 minutes, with the final approach bringing open lawns and the imposing silhouette of the castle into clear view.
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Bicycle
Aarhus is highly bike-friendly—cycling from Øgadekvarteret to Marselisborg Castle is a quick and pleasant ride, taking roughly 10–15 minutes past university green spaces and along dedicated paths. Bicycle parking is just outside the gardens, making it a favored option for locals and visitors alike.
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Public Transport
City buses run regularly from stops at the edge of Øgadekvarteret toward the southern parklands; expect a ride of roughly 10–20 minutes including a short walk from the nearest bus stop to the castle gates. A single ticket typically costs DKK 22 for adults. The park and castle become evident as open green spaces beyond the bus’s city route.
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Taxi
Taxis from central Øgadekvarteret whisk visitors to Marselisborg Castle in about 7–12 minutes, with fares usually ranging from DKK 80–130 depending on traffic and time of day. Taxis can drop you at the main park entrance, steps from the castle gardens.
Discover more about Herman Sallings Plads
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