Equestrian Statue of Christian IX
A poised bronze king on horseback, this pioneering 1927 monument behind Christiansborg Palace unites royal ceremony, political power and artistic innovation.
Set on the riding ground behind Christiansborg Palace in central Copenhagen, the equestrian statue of Christian IX honours the Danish king who reigned from 1863 to 1906. Unveiled in 1927, this bronze monument by sculptor Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen was the first equestrian statue of a monarch created by a woman. Framed by the historic palace complex and its stables, it is a compact yet characterful stop for visitors exploring Slotsholmen and Denmark’s political heart.
A brief summary to Equestrian statue of Christian IX
- Christiansborg Ridebane 25, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1218, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a visit to the statue with a walk around the wider Christiansborg Palace complex to appreciate how the monument relates to Denmark’s political buildings.
- Visit in daylight for the best chance to study the sculptural details of the horse and rider; soft overcast light is especially good for photography.
- Take a slow circuit around the plinth to read the royal motto and see how the statue’s silhouette changes against the palace backdrop.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, use the M1 or M2 line to Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv and walk about 10–15 minutes to Christiansborg’s riding ground. Metro trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and a standard city ticket or travel card covers the journey within zone 1; expect to pay roughly 20–30 DKK each way depending on ticket type.
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City Bus
Several city bus routes stop within a 10–15 minute walk of Christiansborg Palace, including services along Stormgade and H. C. Andersens Boulevard. Buses typically run every 5–15 minutes in daytime. Use a zone 1 ticket or travel card; single trips are usually in the 20–30 DKK range per adult, with reduced fares for children.
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Bicycle
Cycling is a convenient way to reach Slotsholmen from most inner-city districts in 10–20 minutes using Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes. Public bike-share schemes and rentals are widely available, with typical prices from about 75–150 DKK per day depending on provider and bicycle type. Bike parking is generally easy to find near the palace complex, though bring a sturdy lock.
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On Foot from City Centre
If you are staying in the historic core around Rådhuspladsen or Strøget, allow 10–20 minutes to walk to Christiansborg’s riding ground. The route is flat and fully paved, suitable for most visitors, though surfaces in some older streets can be uneven. Weather can change quickly, so bring a waterproof layer or warm clothing in cooler months.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Equestrian statue of Christian IX
A royal figure on Christiansborg’s riding ground
The equestrian statue of Christian IX stands prominently on the riding ground of Christiansborg Palace, in Copenhagen’s historic Slotsholmen district. Elevated on a sturdy pedestal, the bronze king sits upright in the saddle, gaze set ahead, as if about to review a parade. Around him stretches the formal expanse of the equestrian courtyard, backed by the imposing façades of the palace that today houses Denmark’s Parliament, Supreme Court and the Royal Reception Rooms. Although modest in footprint, the statue occupies a symbolically powerful position. It marks the link between Denmark’s constitutional monarchy and the country’s political centre, bridging royal pageantry and everyday governance. When you cross the gravel and hear it crunch underfoot, you are walking on ground long used for ceremonial rides and military displays.The life and legacy of King Christian IX
Christian IX, born in 1818 and king from 1863 until his death in 1906, presided over a period of profound change. His reign saw Denmark lose territories in the Second Schleswig War, adjust to a reduced role in Europe, and evolve into a modern constitutional state. Through careful dynastic marriages, his descendants married into several European royal houses, earning him the nickname “the father-in-law of Europe”. The statue does not portray battlefield drama but rather steady authority. Christian IX is shown calm and composed, reins held lightly, the horse collected beneath him. This controlled, almost introspective pose reflects how he is remembered: a conservative yet stabilising figure who guided the kingdom through political turbulence and territorial loss while the parliamentary system gained strength.Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen’s groundbreaking commission
In 1908, sculptor Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen received the prestigious commission to create this monument, becoming the first woman entrusted with designing an equestrian statue of a monarch. It would take nearly two decades to complete the project, with the statue finally unveiled in 1927, more than twenty years after the king’s death. Carl-Nielsen was renowned for her keen observation of animals, and she brought that expertise to the horse beneath the king. Determined to find the perfect model, she looked beyond Denmark and selected a horse from Hanover in Germany, a choice that famously displeased local breeders. The result, however, is a mount with convincing musculature, alert ears and a subtle sense of movement in the legs and tail, giving life to the otherwise formal composition.Reading the details on the plinth
The statue’s stone plinth carries Christian IX’s royal motto: “With God for Honour and Justice”. Those few words encapsulate the values he wanted associated with his reign—duty, faith and moral order. Standing close, you can study the inscription and the crisp bronze detailing, from the folds of the king’s cloak to the horse’s bridle and saddle. Walk slowly around the base to see how the silhouette shifts against its architectural backdrop. From one angle, the king is framed by the palace roofs and towers; from another, by the open sky above the riding ground. The interplay between statue, stone base and surrounding façades underlines how public monuments here are integrated into the broader narrative of state power and royal symbolism.A quiet pause within Copenhagen’s political island
Despite being minutes from busy streets, the riding ground has a surprisingly measured, almost theatrical atmosphere. The rectangular space, bordered by stables and palace wings, acts like a stage for the lone mounted figure at its centre. On clear days, sunlight picks out highlights on the bronze; in overcast weather, the statue’s dark profile becomes more stark and solemn. Visitors often combine a look at the statue with time in the palace complex, but it also rewards a brief, contemplative stop. You can sit on the edge of the courtyard or linger by the railings, watching the occasional horse exercise session while the statue keeps its silent watch. It is an easily overlooked piece that, once noticed, adds depth to an understanding of how Denmark portrays its monarchs in public space.Connecting past ceremony with present-day life
Today, Christiansborg functions simultaneously as a workplace for politicians, a venue for royal events and a heritage site. The statue of Christian IX quietly ties these roles together. It recalls the days when royal power was more personal and ceremonial, yet it now stands beside institutions defined by constitutions and debate. As you leave the riding ground and glance back, the image of the mounted king against the palace walls serves as a compact visual summary of Danish statehood: tradition in bronze, framed by buildings devoted to contemporary decision-making. In a city rich with statues, this one stands out for the story behind its creation and for the subtle way it links art, monarchy and democratic life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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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.
The Danish Parliament
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Essential places to dine
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
