Slotsholmen (Castle Island)
Copenhagen’s Castle Island, where 900 years of royal fortresses, grand palaces and state institutions gather on one compact, canal-ringed stage of Danish history.
Slotsholmen is Copenhagen’s historic Castle Island, a compact, canal-encircled islet that has served as Denmark’s center of power for more than 850 years. Here Bishop Absalon raised the city’s first fortress in 1167, a lineage that runs through Copenhagen Castle to today’s Christiansborg Palace, housing Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Royal Reception Rooms. Around it cluster grand institutions, serene courtyards and the Royal Library Garden, making Slotsholmen a concentrated walk-through of Danish history, culture and statehood.
A brief summary to Slotsholmen
- Copenhagen Municipality, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Allow at least 2–3 hours if you plan to combine an exterior walk around Slotsholmen with a visit inside Christiansborg Palace or one of the museums.
- Visit on a clear day to enjoy views from Christiansborg’s tower and to appreciate the contrast between the historic façades and modern harborfront.
- Bring a light layer: winds off the harbor can feel cool even in warmer months, especially on bridges and open courtyards.
- Check individual museum and palace opening hours in advance, as different institutions on Slotsholmen keep varying schedules and some close on Mondays.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Public transport from central Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take an S-train or regional train one stop to Nørreport, then continue by metro M1 or M2 to Gammel Strand station; trains and metro together take about 10–15 minutes and run every few minutes. A 2-zone ticket for central Copenhagen typically costs around 20–30 DKK and covers both legs. From Gammel Strand it is a short, level walk across the canal to Slotsholmen, suitable for most mobility levels.
-
City bus to Christiansborg area
Several city bus lines run through the inner city and stop within a 5–10 minute walk of Slotsholmen, with total travel times of about 10–20 minutes from most central districts. Standard bus tickets within the core zones cost roughly 20–30 DKK and can usually be purchased via ticket machines or transport apps. Buses are low-floor and generally accessible, though they can be crowded during rush hours.
-
Walking from Copenhagen City Hall Square
From the City Hall Square area, Slotsholmen lies roughly 1–1.5 km away, making for a pleasant 15–25 minute walk through the historic center. The route is mostly flat on paved sidewalks, crossing at least one bridge over the canals. This option is ideal in mild or clear weather and allows you to approach the island gradually, with good views of Christiansborg’s tower and the waterfront.
-
Bicycle within central Copenhagen
Cycling to Slotsholmen from most central neighborhoods typically takes 5–15 minutes, using Copenhagen’s extensive network of bike lanes. Many hotels and shops rent bicycles, with day rates often in the range of 80–150 DKK depending on type and season. Bike racks are available around the island, but you should avoid riding inside inner courtyards and instead park at the edges before exploring on foot.
Slotsholmen location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
Discover more about Slotsholmen
Castle Island at the heart of Denmark
Slotsholmen is a small island in Copenhagen’s inner harbor, almost hidden in plain sight behind its elegant bridges and broad façades. Encircled by canals, it forms the historic core of the Danish capital and has long been the country’s political nerve center. The island’s name – literally “Castle Islet” – reflects centuries of royal strongholds and palaces that have stood here, evolving as Denmark itself changed. Despite its modest size, Slotsholmen feels monumental. Approaching across the water, you see copper roofs, spires and towers rising above the quays, with boats slipping through the canals below. Government ministries, courts and cultural institutions sit side by side, making the island a dense cluster of state power and national memory.From Bishop Absalon’s fortress to modern Christiansborg
The story of Slotsholmen begins in 1167, when Bishop Absalon built a fortified castle on a small island to protect the young trading settlement that became Copenhagen. That early stronghold, extended in the 13th century, later gave way to Copenhagen Castle, which became the main royal residence in the 1400s. Over time, fortified walls turned into more comfortable palace wings as monarchs transformed the site from military bastion into a royal home. Fire and demolition struck repeatedly, and the current Christiansborg Palace is the third major palace on the island. Completed in the early 20th century, it blends historicist grandeur with modern functionality. Today its wings house the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s offices, while parts of the palace remain reserved for royal ceremonies and state events. Deep beneath, you can still trace the outlines of Absalon’s medieval fortress in the exposed ruins.Architecture of authority and ambition
Walking around Slotsholmen, each building tells a chapter of Danish state history. Christiansborg’s broad courtyards and tall tower set the tone, its stone façades and statues projecting authority. Nearby stands the distinctive former Stock Exchange, an early 17th-century showpiece with its famous twisted dragon-spire, built to signal Copenhagen’s commercial aspirations. To the south you find the Arsenal and former Supply Depot, reminders that this island once helped provision fleets and garrisons. Thorvaldsens Museum, with its colorful neoclassical exterior, celebrates the sculptor whose works helped shape Denmark’s artistic Golden Age. Around the edges of the island, bridges such as Stormbroen recall older fortifications and battles that once raged where traffic now flows peacefully.Quiet gardens, courtyards and canals
For all its institutions, Slotsholmen is not only about politics. The Royal Library Garden forms a tranquil pocket at the island’s center, framed by old brick warehouses and library wings. Here fountains play, benches face flowerbeds, and you can pause between palace visits with views of both historic and modern architecture. Just beyond, the Royal Library’s modern waterfront extension, nicknamed the Black Diamond, mirrors the harbor in its glassy dark surfaces, contrasting sharply with the older structures behind it. Canals around the island carry tour boats and kayaks, offering low-level perspectives on palace foundations, stone embankments and decorative bridges. Even a short stroll reveals how tightly water, buildings and public spaces are woven together.Living seat of government and culture
Slotsholmen is not preserved as a static monument; it is a working district. On weekdays, politicians, civil servants, judges and clerks move between ministries, courts and parliamentary offices. Ceremonial occasions bring formal processions and media attention to the palace courtyards, while everyday business continues in offices lining the older warehouses and barracks. Cultural life is equally present. Museums on the island explore sculpture, war history and Jewish heritage, while the Royal Library serves scholars and casual readers alike. Exhibitions, lectures and temporary installations add a contemporary layer to the centuries-old setting. For visitors, this mix of everyday administration, grand symbolism and accessible culture makes Slotsholmen an unusually rich area to explore on foot.Planning your time on Castle Island
A focused visit to Slotsholmen can be as brief as a walk through the courtyards and along the canals, or it can fill half a day if you enter museums, climb Christiansborg’s tower and linger in the gardens. Surfaces are generally paved and level, though some historic interiors and ruins involve stairs. The island’s compact layout means you can easily move between highlights, choosing between open-air impressions of façades and more in-depth explorations of Denmark’s political and artistic heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Danish Parliament
0.1 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.1 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Holmens Bro
0.2 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Højbro
0.3 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Circle Bridge
0.3 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.4 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Lille Langebro
0.4 km
Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
Kopenhagen
0.4 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Knippelsbro
0.5 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Stork Fountain
0.5 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.
Amagertorv
0.5 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
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.5 km
Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Unmissable attractions to see
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.1 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
The War Museum
0.1 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.1 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.1 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.1 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Marmorbroen
0.2 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Black Diamond
0.2 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Børsen
0.3 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.3 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.2 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
No. 2
0.4 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Puk
0.4 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Maven
0.4 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Rio Bravo
0.5 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Noi
0.5 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.5 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Københavner Cafeen
0.5 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
King Hans Cellar
0.5 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
0.6 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Kadeau
0.6 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.4 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.4 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.5 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Magnolias
0.5 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
ILLUM
0.5 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.5 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Magasin du Nord
0.5 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Duck Haven
0.6 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.6 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ruby
0.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Dubliner
0.4 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Rooftop Bar
0.5 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
0.5 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Marble Bar
0.5 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Centralhjørnet
0.5 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.6 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.6 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.7 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.7 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Dorsia
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Lusso
0.7 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
0.7 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
La Terraza
0.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
0.9 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Arch
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Adventure Photo Shoot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
