Marselisborg Castle: Royal Retreat and Verdant Gardens
Explore the regal gardens and serene parklands of Marselisborg Castle, the Danish royal family's residence in Aarhus, famed for its open grounds and ceremonial pageantry.
Marselisborg Castle is the Danish royal family's beloved summer residence, set within lush gardens just south of Aarhus. Built in the early 20th century, the castle offers a picturesque blend of regal elegance and serene parkland, where visitors can roam public gardens, enjoy sculptures, and witness the ceremonial changing of the guard when the royal family is in residence.
A brief summary to Marselisborg Castle
- Kongevejen 100, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4533401010
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check ahead to see if the royal family is in residence; the gardens are closed during their stay and open to visitors when unoccupied.
- Time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guard, which usually takes place at noon when the Queen is present.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy it on the expansive lawns—local residents often do the same.
- The gardens are dog-friendly, but pets must be kept on a leash around public paths and sculptures.
Getting There
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Walking
Marselisborg Castle is easily reached from Trøjborg’s lively main square by heading south. Pass through the university park’s leafy corridors and cross into the more open, residential landscape as you near the castle grounds. The walk is pleasant and takes around 25–35 minutes, providing views of local landmarks, leafy avenues, and eventually the castle’s dramatic white façade framed by green parkland.
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Public Transport
Buses from the Trøjborg area enable a straightforward trip toward the city’s southern edge, disembarking at stops near the sprawling Marselisborg park. From there, follow the crowd and signage toward the castle entrance. The journey typically takes 15–25 minutes including a brief walk from the bus stop; single-ride adult tickets cost between DKK 24–28.
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Taxi
A taxi from Trøjborg to Marselisborg Castle offers a quick and stress-free option, particularly on rainy days or for those with limited mobility. The ride generally takes 8–15 minutes depending on city center traffic and costs about DKK 90–130 each way.
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Driving
For those arriving by car, parking spaces are available along the castle’s perimeter and in adjacent parks. Parking is regulated by municipal pay stations, typically at DKK 13–20 per hour. Be aware that spaces fill quickly on weekends; there are no special tolls for entering the area.
Discover more about Marselisborg Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Marselisborgmonumentet
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Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Frederiks Plads
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Agnete og Havmanden
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Flodhesteungen Frederikke
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Mølleparken
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Denmark’s national gallery showcasing centuries of Nordic and European art, iconic masterpieces, modern creativity, and interactive cultural experiences in Copenhagen.
Møllestien
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Odense Cathedral (St. Canute’s Church) blends Gothic grandeur, royal tombs, and centuries of history in the vibrant heart of Denmark’s fairytale city.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
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A groundbreaking museum in Aarhus dedicated to gender, identity, and equality, featuring interactive exhibitions in a historic building near the city’s iconic cathedral.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
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Folkehuset Trøjborg
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Moesgaard Museum
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University Park, Aarhus
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Unmissable attractions to see
Forstbotanisk Have
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Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus' central beach escape, known for its sandy shores, calm waters, watersports, family atmosphere, and views of the royal palace.
Flagpladsen
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Mindeparken
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Rømerhaven
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Aarhus University Park: A tranquil blend of modernist architecture, lush landscapes, and vibrant student life in the city’s historic academic quarter.
Villa Margarinely
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Ole Rømer Observatory
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Historic observatory with copper domes near central Aarhus, offering immersive stargazing sessions, astronomy exhibits, and Danish scientific heritage in a woodland setting.
Kirkeskov
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Marselisborg Strand
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Det lille vandfald på Varna Strand.
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The Infinite Bridge
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Echoes of Danish nobility by the shores of Hald Lake—manor house remnants, castle ruins, and tranquil woodland paths near Viborg’s ancient heart.
Tivoli Friheden
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Marselisborg Deer Park
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Bænken med den smukkeste udsigt
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Aarhus waterfront blends striking architecture, harbor views, vibrant public spaces, and Scandinavian design, offering cultural and recreational highlights by the bay.
Rådhusparken
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Stately royal residence set amid sweeping landscaped gardens, Marselisborg Castle is an emblem of Danish tradition and a tranquil green escape in Aarhus.
Musikhuset Aarhus
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Aarhus University Park blends lush green spaces and tranquil lakes with iconic Danish architecture, serving as a serene and historic heart of academic and public life in Aarhus.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Frederikshøj
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Michelin-starred Restaurant Frederikshøj in Aarhus serves visionary Danish cuisine in an elegant villa setting overlooking Marselisborg forest and Aarhus Bay.
Atelier 33
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Restaurant Hærværk
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St. Pauls Apothek
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Juliette
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JUHLs spisehus
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Klassisk 65, Bistro & Vinbar
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Restaurant Ombord
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Restaurant Kohalen
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Restaurant MÖR
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Restaurant V
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Restaurant Nögen
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GÄST
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Aarhus Street Food
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Raadhuus Kafeen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Aarhus Antik
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Luna Hvid
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Bruuns Galleri
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Royal Copenhagen - Aarhus
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Aarhus C’s most playful gift shop, renowned for quirky Danish design, affordable treasures, and creative finds—perfect for unique souvenirs and cheerful everyday essentials.
Magasin Aarhus
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LÏST Store
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Weekday
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& Vintage
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Jooma Aarhus
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Magpie Lane Vintage
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Ancher
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SecondLux
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Mols Haven
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Molsløbet
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Runde Bar
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ButlerBar
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Jacob Skomager
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Væskebalancen Bar
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Den Hvide Hest
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Mikkeller bar
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Æblet og Gåsen
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Din Vinbar
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Drop Inn
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Gedulgt
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Die kleine Bierstube
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Thorkilds
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Rabalder Bar Aarhus
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Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub
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Vinstuen
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