Marselisborg Castle: Royal Residence in the Heart of Aarhus
Marselisborg Castle, the summer home of Danish royalty, enchants visitors with picturesque gardens, tranquil woodlands, and a storied regal heritage in Aarhus.
Marselisborg Castle stands proudly on the southern edge of Aarhus, its stately white façade surrounded by verdant woodlands and magnificent parkland. Built as a wedding gift for Crown Prince Christian (later King Christian X) and Princess Alexandrine in 1899-1902, the castle remains a symbol of Danish royalty's close connection to the people. Today, it's the cherished summer and Christmas retreat for Queen Margrethe II, and the Danish flag, the Dannebrog, signals when the family is in residence. While the palace itself is private, the expansive castle grounds are open to the public when unoccupied by the royals — an inviting blend of manicured lawns, ornamental lakes, rose gardens, and meandering paths dotted with contemporary sculptures. The gardens offer a serene escape from city bustle, and visitors can wander beneath old oaks and fragrant blooms or relax by tranquil ponds alive with ducks and swans. The castle's architecture marries Neo-Baroque grandeur with the more whimsical flourishes of Art Nouveau, lending a timeless fairy-tale character to its silhouette. In summer, the tradition of the changing of the Royal Guard at the main gates adds pomp and ceremony, delighting onlookers. Highlights include the Queen's own art installations and a wealth of hidden viewpoints for photographers. Whether strolling in spring blossoms or savoring autumn's fiery leaves, Marselisborg offers a rare peek into royal daily life, mingled with the easygoing spirit of Aarhus’s green belt.
Local tips
- Check if the royal family is in residence before visiting; gardens are only open to the public when they are away.
- Bring a picnic blanket—locals love to lounge on the lawns, especially on sunny days.
- Don’t miss the modern sculptures scattered throughout the gardens, created by both Danish and international artists.
- Bicycles are not allowed inside the gardens, so secure your bike outside before entering.
- Look for the Royal Guard changing ceremony, especially if you have children—it's a unique, colorful spectacle.
A brief summary to Udsigtspladsen
- Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- 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
Getting There
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Walking
From Øgadekvarteret, Marselisborg Castle is within leisurely walking distance—expect a journey of about 25–35 minutes. The route draws you through lively urban neighborhoods and, as you near the outer city, transitions to lush parkland with glimpses of Aarhus Bay. The castle and its gardens come into view behind the impressive fence on a gentle rise, just past the open green areas of the Marselisborg district.
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Public Transport
Several local buses depart regularly from the city center and stop close to Marselisborg Castle; the ride typically takes about 10–15 minutes, costing around 22–24 DKK for a standard adult ticket. Alight at stops near the main parkland, then it’s a brief stroll along wide avenues lined with mature trees toward the castle grounds.
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Taxi
A taxi from Øgadekvarteret to Marselisborg Castle is a convenient, quick option, generally taking 8–12 minutes depending on traffic and averaging 80–120 DKK each way. Taxis can drop you near the main gates, just steps from the garden entrance.
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Bicycle
Aarhus is exceptionally bike-friendly—cycling from Øgadekvarteret to the castle takes around 12–18 minutes. Dedicated bike lanes guide you through attractive parklands and lakes, leading directly to bike racks outside the castle gardens. Bicycles cannot be brought inside the park.
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Driving
For those arriving by car, street parking is available near the castle, though it quickly fills during weekends and holidays. Expect to pay 16–25 DKK per hour on most paid lots. No tolls or special permits are necessary, but note that parking is prohibited directly in front of the main gates.
