The King's Garden
Denmark's oldest royal garden where four centuries of Danish heritage meet vibrant modern city life.
Denmark's oldest and most visited public park, established in 1606 by King Christian IV, The King's Garden (Kongens Have) spans 12 hectares of meticulously maintained Renaissance and Baroque landscapes in central Copenhagen. Home to the iconic Rosenborg Castle, which houses the Danish Crown Jewels, the garden features tree-lined avenues, formal flowerbeds, and the famous 240-meter English herbaceous border. Free to enter and open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, it attracts 2.5 million visitors annually seeking picnics, cultural events, and a living connection to four centuries of Danish royal heritage.
A brief summary to The King's Garden
- Øster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1307, DK
- +4533954200
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
- Thursday 7 am-5 pm
- Friday 7 am-5 pm
- Saturday 7 am-5 pm
- Sunday 7 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early at Rosenborg Castle (opens 10 AM in winter, 9 AM in summer) to avoid long queues; timed entry tickets are required and peak season slots sell out. Book online in advance when possible.
- Visit in early spring to witness the spectacular crocus displays in front of Rosenborg Castle, or in late spring through autumn to enjoy the 240-meter English herbaceous border at peak bloom.
- Bring a picnic from nearby supermarkets; while the Hercules Pavilion offers refreshments, dining options within the garden are limited. Numerous seating areas and lawns provide perfect picnic spots.
- Explore the Knight's Path and Lady's Path diagonal avenues for the most photogenic perspectives, and don't miss the Krumspringet Renaissance maze garden completed in 2001.
- Plan 2–3 hours total: allow 1–2 hours for Rosenborg Castle interior and 1–2 hours for leisurely garden exploration, sculptures, and pavilion visits.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro + Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro to Nørreport Station (Red or Yellow Line), approximately 5–8 minutes from central Copenhagen. Exit and walk 3–5 minutes to the garden entrance at Øster Voldgade. This is the most direct and popular option. No cost beyond standard metro fare (approximately 24–36 DKK for a single journey within the city zone).
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Bicycle
Rent a bicycle from any of Copenhagen's numerous bike-sharing stations (approximately 30–80 DKK per journey or 80 DKK daily pass). Cycle to the garden via dedicated bike lanes; travel time is 10–15 minutes from Nyhavn or central areas. Bike parking is available throughout the garden.
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Walking
Walk from central Copenhagen (Nyhavn, Strøget, or Amalienborg Palace area) in 15–25 minutes depending on starting point. The garden is centrally located and well-signposted. Terrain is flat and urban; no special footwear required.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area surrounding the garden (routes 1A, 6A, 14, 15, 26, 27, 28, 29, 40, 42, 43, 184, 185, 186). Journey time varies from 10–20 minutes depending on origin and route. Standard bus fare applies (approximately 24–36 DKK for single journey within city zone).
The King's Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The King's Garden
Four Centuries of Royal Vision and Public Legacy
The King's Garden emerged from the ambitious vision of King Christian IV in 1606, when he commissioned a pleasure garden and summer residence on land outside Copenhagen's East Rampart. Originally designed in the French Renaissance style with symmetrical layouts and ornamental flowerbeds, the garden was initially reserved exclusively for the royal family and court elite. By the 1660s, it had been redesigned in the Baroque style, featuring an intricate garden maze, long tree-lined avenues, and an octagonal pavilion at its center. The garden's transformation from private royal domain to beloved public space occurred gradually; by the early 18th century, the Danish royals had shifted their favor to other residences, and the garden was eventually opened to the public around 1770, becoming a cherished gathering place for all Copenhageners.Architectural Splendor and Landscape Design
Rosenborg Castle stands as the garden's crowning jewel—a magnificent Dutch Renaissance palace that began as a modest summerhouse and evolved into one of Scandinavia's most significant royal residences. The castle operated as the primary royal home from 1606 until 1710 and now functions as a museum housing the Royal Danish Collection, including the nation's Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia displayed in secure vaults beneath the building. The garden itself showcases masterful landscape architecture, with its original structure remaining remarkably intact despite centuries of evolution. Key features include the Knight's Path (Kavalergangen) and the Lady's Path (Damegangen)—diagonal avenues that frame the garden's circulation—alongside formal parterre gardens that serve as intimate outdoor rooms. The Hercules Pavilion, refurbished in 1999 as a café and cultural venue, dates from the garden's founding and has served numerous purposes throughout its history, from hermitage to concert venue.Northern Europe's Longest Herbaceous Border
Among the garden's most celebrated features is its renowned English Garden, which contains what is described as Northern Europe's longest herbaceous border—stretching an impressive 240 meters with stunning flower displays from early spring through autumn. Inspired by English mixed border traditions, this horticultural masterpiece showcases the garden's commitment to blending formal Renaissance geometry with naturalistic planting schemes. In 2001, a symmetrical Renaissance-style garden named Krumspringet (meaning "the caper" or "dodge") was completed as a contemporary interpretation of the 17th-century maze depicted in historical plans. This modern addition pays homage to the garden's historical elements while providing visitors with a circuitous path system designed to facilitate unexpected encounters and discoveries. Throughout the 12 hectares, visitors encounter meticulously tended formal gardens, generous greenswards, tree-lined pathways, and seasonal plantings including early spring crocuses that create spectacular displays in front of Rosenborg Castle.A Living Monument to Danish Culture
Today, The King's Garden functions as far more than a historical artifact—it is a vibrant civic space where four centuries of Danish culture and leisure intersect seamlessly with contemporary urban life. Attracting approximately 2.5 million visitors annually, the garden welcomes families, students, artists, joggers, and locals seeking respite in the heart of Copenhagen. Children play in shaded playgrounds, couples relax on the lawns, art lovers admire sculptures dotting the grounds, and cultural events animate the space throughout the year. The garden's ability to honor its royal past while embracing modern Copenhagen life exemplifies the city's character. Free and open to all, with daily hours from 7 AM to 5 PM, the garden offers an unforgettable escape that combines historical significance with everyday accessibility, making it an essential experience for understanding both Denmark's royal heritage and Copenhagen's identity as a livable, culturally rich capital.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Varehuset Messen
0.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
St. Paul's Church
0.5 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Fiolstræde 42
0.6 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.6 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.7 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Memorial Anchor
0.7 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Stork Fountain
0.7 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.7 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Amagertorv
0.7 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Strøget
0.8 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Højbro Pl.
0.8 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Højbro Plads
0.8 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Jorcks Passage
0.8 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.8 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rosenborg Castle
0.2 km
Discover Rosenborg Castle—Copenhagen’s Renaissance jewel—home to Denmark’s royal regalia, opulent halls, and centuries of captivating royal history in scenic gardens.
The David Collection
0.2 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Museum of Natural History
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.4 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Botanical Garden
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Kultorvet
0.5 km
Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Skaal
0.5 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
The Round Tower
0.5 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Nyboder
0.5 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Indre By
0.6 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Workers Museum
0.6 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
Balderdash
0.6 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.6 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Essential places to dine
Alouette
0.3 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Kokkeriet
0.4 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Den Lille Fede
0.5 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Frank
0.5 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Bistro Royal
0.5 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.6 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Marchal
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Selma
0.6 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.3 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.4 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Storm - design art fashion
0.4 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Norse Projects
0.5 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.5 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Fjällräven
0.5 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Norse Store
0.5 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Time's Up Vintage
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
0.6 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
0.6 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.6 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.6 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Trykbar
0.3 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Gejser Bar
0.4 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
The Moose
0.5 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.5 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Black Swan
0.5 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bar Deco
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Bar'Vin
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
1105
0.6 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Balthazar
0.6 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Strøm
0.6 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.6 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.7 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
