Kastellet: Copenhagen’s Star-Shaped Citadel
A living star-shaped fortress blending Danish military history, scenic urban parkland, and tranquil harborside walks in central Copenhagen.
Kastellet is a remarkably preserved 17th-century star fortress near Østerbro, Copenhagen. Surrounded by lush ramparts and moats, the fortress is still an active military site yet freely open to the public for exploration. Wander its pentagram-shaped walls, visit historic barracks, admire the windmill and striking entry gates—all while absorbing layers of Danish history.
A brief summary to Kastellet
- Gl. Hovedvagt, Kastellet 1, Copenhagen, København Ø, 2100, DK
- Click to display
- Monday 6 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-8 pm
- Thursday 6 am-8 pm
- Friday 6 am-8 pm
- Saturday 6 am-8 pm
- Sunday 6 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Entrance is free; grounds are open daily from early morning until evening.
- Don’t miss the distinctive windmill on the ramparts, a favorite photo spot.
- Combine your visit with nearby sights like the Little Mermaid and the Museum of Danish Resistance.
- The fortress is a popular jogging route; mornings are quieter and especially tranquil.
- Most paths are paved and stroller-friendly, but some older cobblestones may be uneven.
Do you manage this location?
Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more
Activate your presence
Getting There
-
Walking
From central Østerbro, a stroll through the leafy parkland and harborfront leads directly to Kastellet’s iconic gate. The star-shaped fort is a distinct landmark near the Little Mermaid and the Museum of Danish Resistance. Expect a walk of about 10–20 minutes, with benches and sculptures along the way.
-
Public Transport
Buses from central Østerbro run toward the park area by the harbor, with stops close to Kastellet’s moat. A single adult ticket costs 24 DKK (~€3.20). From the bus stop, the fortress’ red walls and main entry are clearly visible.
-
Taxi
A taxi ride from Østerbro’s main squares takes roughly 5–10 minutes, typically costing 80–120 DKK depending on traffic. Taxis can drop visitors near the main fortress entrance.
-
Driving/Parking
Limited street parking is available around the fortress, with municipal meters charging about 24–38 DKK per hour. Spaces fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Discover more about Kastellet
Explore the best of what Kastellet has to offer
More about Copenhagen
Discover Copenhagen: A perfect blend of history, modernity, and vibrant culture, where picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and world-class dining await you.
Tell me more about Copenhagen
Controversial scrap-metal sculpture that defies art-world conventions and invites public connection.
A modern monument at Kastellet in Copenhagen honoring Denmark’s international peacekeeping and aid missions since 1948, set amid historic fortress surroundings.
