Christiansborg Palace
Where Denmark’s monarchy and democracy share a single address, Christiansborg Palace layers 800 years of power, architecture and ceremony in the heart of Copenhagen.
Rising over the tiny island of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, Christiansborg Palace is Denmark’s powerhouse of politics and pageantry. Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court and Prime Minister’s Office, it also houses the opulent Royal Reception Rooms, atmospheric ruins from a medieval fortress and working Royal Stables. Blending neo-Baroque, neoclassical and baroque remnants, it is the only building in the world where all three branches of government share space with a modern monarchy.
A brief summary to Christiansborg Palace
- Prins Jørgens Gård 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1218, DK
- +4533926492
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow time for multiple ticketed areas: the Royal Reception Rooms, ruins, Royal Stables and kitchens are separate sections that together can fill half a day.
- Arrive early or later in the afternoon for the tower to avoid the longest queues at this free panoramic viewpoint.
- Check in advance if any state events are scheduled, as parts of the palace may close at short notice for official functions.
- Bring a light layer: the underground ruins can feel noticeably cooler and more humid than the grand rooms above.
- Combine your visit with nearby Slotsholmen institutions such as museums and historic churches to make the most of this compact district.
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
-
Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv, take the M1 or M2 metro to Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv and continue on foot through the historic centre to Slotsholmen, which typically takes 10–20 minutes including walking. Single metro tickets within the central zones usually cost around 20–30 DKK, and trains run every few minutes during the day. Stations and approaches are step-free, though palace courtyards include cobblestones that can be uneven for wheels or high heels.
-
City bus to Slotsholmen area
Several inner-city bus routes stop on streets surrounding Christiansborg Palace, with journey times of about 10–25 minutes from most central neighbourhoods depending on traffic. Standard city bus fares are broadly in line with metro prices at roughly 20–30 DKK per ride, and services run frequently during daylight hours. Buses lower for wheelchair users, but note that drop-off points are on regular city streets and you will need to cross cobbled sections to reach the main entrances.
-
Bicycle from inner Copenhagen districts
Hiring a bicycle from central Copenhagen makes reaching Christiansborg straightforward in around 5–15 minutes from most downtown or waterfront districts. Expect to pay in the region of 80–150 DKK for a day’s standard bike rental from local shops. You will ride on marked cycle lanes almost the entire way, but should be comfortable mixing with busy city traffic at intersections. Bike stands are clustered around Slotsholmen, and cycling is not permitted inside the palace buildings themselves.
-
On foot within the historic centre
If you are already staying in the old town, Strøget area or near the main canals, Christiansborg Palace is easily reached on foot in roughly 10–25 minutes, depending on your starting point. Routes pass through mostly flat, paved streets and bridges, though some sections feature cobblestones and occasional steps that may challenge visitors with limited mobility. Walking offers the most atmospheric approach, letting you take in surrounding churches, canals and historic façades on the way to Slotsholmen.
Christiansborg Palace location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Christiansborg Palace
A seat of power on Copenhagen’s Castle Island
Christiansborg Palace dominates Slotsholmen, a small islet wrapped by canals in the historic heart of Copenhagen. From its high central tower, copper roofs and monumental façades, the complex makes clear that this has long been Denmark’s political stage. Today the palace uniquely houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s Office, while select wings remain in ceremonial use by the Royal Family for state banquets, audiences and official celebrations. Wandering into the main courtyard, you stand on ground that has been fortified since the 12th century. Beneath your feet lie centuries of castles, palaces and defensive walls, successively rebuilt after fires, wars and shifting royal tastes. The current palace, completed in the 1920s, is the third Christiansborg and layers modern statehood onto a medieval foundation.From Bishop Absalon’s fortress to royal residence
The story begins around 1167, when Bishop Absalon, the powerful churchman credited with founding Copenhagen, built a fortified castle here to guard the harbour and trade routes. That fortress stood for around two centuries before being destroyed in the late 1300s. Its successor, Copenhagen Castle, evolved into the principal residence of Danish kings and the centre of royal administration. In the 1700s King Christian VI swept away the old castle to erect the first Christiansborg Palace, a lavish baroque residence that was once the largest palace in northern Europe. That palace burned in 1794; a second, built in an elegant neoclassical idiom, followed in the early 1800s, only to be devastated by another fire in 1884. The present Christiansborg, constructed between 1907 and 1928, consciously weaves together echoes of its predecessors while embracing its new role as the home of constitutional power rather than a royal household.Architecture that tells three different stories
Architecture lovers will notice that Christiansborg does not belong to a single era. The main palace and tower are designed in a historicist neo-Baroque style, all heavy stonework, statues and ornamentation that convey authority and continuity. Tucked within the complex, the palace chapel reflects early 19th‑century neoclassicism, with a restrained, light-filled interior and harmonious proportions that contrast with the more muscular exterior of the later palace. Elsewhere, the baroque riding grounds and show buildings, dating to the 18th century, survive from the first Christiansborg. Together, these layers turn the site into a three-dimensional timeline of Danish architecture, from baroque pomp through neoclassical clarity to early 20th‑century revivalism, all arranged around courtyards designed for parades, pageantry and public life.Inside the Great Hall and royal state rooms
The palace’s most theatrical interiors are the Royal Reception Rooms, used for state dinners, royal audiences and diplomatic ceremonies. Visitors who enter via the grand King’s Staircase emerge into a suite of salons lined with gilded stuccowork, crystal chandeliers and portraits of monarchs and statesmen. Among these spaces, the Oval Throne Room stands out, its twin thrones facing French doors that open onto the balcony where new Danish monarchs are formally proclaimed. At the heart of this enfilade lies the Great Hall, a long, high-ceilinged chamber renowned for a cycle of 17 vibrant tapestries designed by artist Bjørn Nørgaard. Woven between 1990 and 2000, they reimagine a thousand years of Danish history in dense, colourful scenes that mix Viking ships and medieval kings with modern politics, creating an unexpectedly contemporary focal point in a very traditional setting.Ruins, stables and the tower above the city
Beneath the palace courtyards, excavated ruins reveal the foundations of Bishop Absalon’s original fortress and the later Copenhagen Castle. Low-lit walkways lead past massive stone walls and remnants of moats, giving a tangible sense of how strategic this island once was. Above ground, the Royal Stables still house the royal horses during the colder months, along with historic coaches and gilded state carriages used for major ceremonies. Crowning it all is Christiansborg’s tower, the highest viewpoint in central Copenhagen. From its galleries you can look out across terracotta roofs, church spires and the harbour, tracing the geography that made this site so important. Between the subterranean ruins and the views from the tower, the palace spans the full vertical range of the city’s history in a single visit.Experiencing Christiansborg in modern Copenhagen
Despite its grandeur, Christiansborg is very much a working building. On weekdays, the courtyards and colonnades buzz with politicians, civil servants and journalists heading to the Folketing, Denmark’s parliament, which meets in chambers within the palace. At the same time, museum staff welcome visitors to ticketed areas including the Royal Reception Rooms, the ruins and the Royal Kitchen, where historic copper pots and recreated table settings evoke preparations for royal banquets. Located within easy walking distance of many other central sights, the palace often anchors a wider exploration of Copenhagen’s historic core. You can easily combine time in the ceremonial rooms with quieter moments in the chapel or a circuit of the surrounding canals. Whether you come for constitutional history, royal spectacle, architecture or simply the city views, Christiansborg Palace offers insight into how Denmark’s monarchy and democracy have learned to share a single, symbolically charged address.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frederik VII
0.1 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
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.
Holmens Bro
0.1 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
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.4 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 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.
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.
National Museum of Denmark
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.5 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Knippelsbro
0.5 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Circle Bridge
0.5 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.1 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 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.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Bishop Absalon
0.2 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Gammel Strand
0.2 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 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.
Church of Holmen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Højbro Plads
0.2 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Højbro Pl.
0.2 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Essential places to dine
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 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 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.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Tight
0.3 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
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 Kronborg
0.4 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.
Llama
0.4 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.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.5 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Wining and Dining
0.5 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
à terre
0.5 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.3 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
0.3 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.
Audrey Vintage
0.3 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Akimbo
0.3 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Magnolias
0.3 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
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Duck Haven
0.5 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
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ruby
0.2 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.
The Dubliner
0.3 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.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Balderdash
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.5 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
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.
1105
0.5 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
0.5 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.
The Jane
0.5 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
