Christiansborg Palace

A seat of power on Slotsholmen

Christiansborg Palace dominates the small island of Slotsholmen, right in the historic heart of Copenhagen. For more than eight centuries this patch of ground has been the political centre of Denmark, evolving from medieval fortress to royal residence and, today, the hub of a modern parliamentary democracy. The present palace, with its deep stone façades and copper‑clad tower, forms a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding canals and bridges, making it one of the city’s defining silhouettes. Step into the spacious outer courtyards and you immediately sense the formality of a working seat of government. Vehicles and bicycles share space with tour groups, while security posts, flags and official cars underline that this is not a frozen monument but an active power centre. Yet amid the bustle there is an air of ceremony, especially when the royal horses cross the cobbles on their way to the stables.

Layers of castles, palaces and fires

Long before the current palace, this site was home to a fortified stronghold built in the 12th century by Bishop Absalon, often regarded as the founder of Copenhagen. That fortress was destroyed in the 14th century, replaced by Copenhagen Castle, which became the main royal residence and seat of government. In the 1700s King Christian VI swept aside the aging castle to create the first Christiansborg Palace, a lavish baroque complex that briefly ranked among northern Europe’s grandest. Fire reshaped the site again and again. The first Christiansborg burned in 1794, prompting the royal family to move permanently to Amalienborg. A second Christiansborg rose in the early 1800s, only to be devastated by another blaze in 1884. The current palace, completed in 1928, was designed to house democratic institutions rather than a resident monarch, but it still nods to its predecessors in its historicist blend of baroque and neoclassical elements.

Gilded halls and royal ceremonies

Much of the palace’s enduring fascination lies in the Royal Reception Rooms, which the monarchy still uses for state occasions. Approaching via the grand King’s Staircase, you emerge into a sequence of richly decorated salons, each with its own colour scheme, chandeliers, stucco and portraits. The Abildgaard and Alexander Rooms preserve paintings and sculptures rescued from earlier palaces, creating a sense of continuity despite the fires. At the heart of this suite is the Great Hall, a 40‑metre gallery famous for its series of modern tapestries by artist Bjørn Nørgaard. Woven in vivid colours between 1990 and 2000, they depict a thousand years of Danish history in a dense tapestry of kings, battles and cultural milestones. Nearby, the Oval Throne Room leads to the balcony from which new monarchs are traditionally proclaimed to the people gathered below, giving this otherwise quiet space a powerful symbolic weight.

Ruins, stables and chapel

Below ground, a different world awaits. Here, atmospheric ruins reveal foundations and walls from Absalon’s fortified castle and later Copenhagen Castle. Dim lighting, exposed stone and interpretive displays bring to life sieges, demolitions and centuries of rebuilding, offering a tangible link to the city’s medieval origins. It is one of the most evocative parts of any visit, especially for those fascinated by archaeology and urban history. In the palace’s outbuildings, the Royal Stables maintain the tradition of ceremonial horse‑drawn carriages. Stalls, harness rooms and carriages illustrate how royal transport has evolved, while the scent of hay and the sound of hooves contrast sharply with the formality of the state rooms. The neoclassical palace chapel, reconstructed in the 1800s, has hosted royal christenings, weddings and lying‑in‑state ceremonies, its restrained interior providing a calm, echoing counterpoint to the ornamented halls nearby.

The tower and today’s visitor experience

Crowning the complex is Christiansborg Tower, the tallest in Copenhagen. A lift ride brings you to a viewing platform with sweeping panoramas of the inner city’s spires, rooftops and waterways, making it a favourite spot for orienting yourself in the capital. On clear days you can trace the line of canals to the harbour and pick out landmarks like the stock exchange spire and the domes of other royal palaces. A visit typically weaves between these varied spaces: from open‑air courtyards into formal interiors, down into the cool semi‑darkness of the ruins and up again to light‑filled views. Interpretive panels and changing exhibitions explain both the architectural story and the ongoing political role of the complex. Combined tickets allow access to several areas, and it is easy to spend a good part of a day exploring the many layers of Christiansborg Palace.