The King’s Garden (Kongens Have), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s oldest royal garden, where Renaissance design, Rosenborg Castle and relaxed city life meet in one atmospheric green escape.
The King’s Garden, wrapped around fairy-tale Rosenborg Castle in central Copenhagen, is Denmark’s oldest royal park and one of its most characterful green spaces. Laid out in the early 1600s for King Christian IV, it blends Renaissance formality, Baroque avenues and broad lawns where locals picnic, sunbathe and play. Herbaceous borders, a rose garden, playgrounds and the Hercules Pavilion create a relaxed yet historic escape just minutes from Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
A brief summary to The King's Garden
- Øster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1307, DK
- +4533954200
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
- Thursday 7 am-5 pm
- Friday 7 am-5 pm
- Saturday 7 am-5 pm
- Sunday 7 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early on sunny weekends to claim a spot on the lawns with a blanket and picnic; by midday the most scenic areas around Rosenborg Castle can be very busy.
- Allow extra time in spring and early summer to walk the long herbaceous border and rose garden when they are at their most colorful.
- Combine a stroll through the garden with a timed-ticket visit to Rosenborg Castle to see the Crown Jewels and royal interiors without rushing.
- Families should seek out the playground areas, which offer shade, soft surfaces and nearby benches for supervising adults.
- Pack layers: even on warm days, breezes through the tree-lined avenues can feel cool, especially in the shoulder seasons.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from Nørreport
Take the M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro line to Nørreport Station, Copenhagen’s main central hub. From there, it is an easy 8–10 minute walk on level pavements to the King’s Garden, suitable for most wheelchairs and strollers. A single metro ticket within the city zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK, and trains run every few minutes throughout the day.
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City bus to Øster Voldgade area
Several local bus routes serve stops along Øster Voldgade and Gothersgade, a few minutes’ walk from the park’s entrances. Travel time from inner districts is usually 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets within central Copenhagen cost roughly 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps; buses are low-floor and generally accessible.
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Bicycle from central Copenhagen
From areas such as Nyhavn or the City Hall Square, cycling to the King’s Garden typically takes 5–10 minutes along well-marked bike lanes. Public bike-share schemes and rental shops offer city bikes from about 100–150 DKK per day. Cycle parking racks are available near the garden entrances, but bicycles are not allowed on the lawns and must be left outside the main paths.
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Taxi from inner-city locations
A taxi from central spots like Tivoli Gardens or the Central Station usually reaches the King’s Garden in 10–15 minutes, longer at peak traffic times. Fares in central Copenhagen for such a journey commonly range from 120–200 DKK depending on distance and time of day. Taxis can drop passengers near the park gates, which are close to level paths into the garden.
The King's Garden location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about The King's Garden
Royal green heart beside Rosenborg Castle
The King’s Garden (Kongens Have) stretches out around the red-brick turrets of Rosenborg Castle, right in the historic core of Copenhagen. Created in 1606 as a pleasure ground for King Christian IV’s new summer residence, it remains closely tied to the castle’s silhouette, which rises above tree canopies and clipped hedges. From almost anywhere in the park you catch glimpses of towers, spires and copper roofs, giving every stroll a distinctly regal backdrop. Originally laid out as a strictly ordered Renaissance garden, the grounds once showcased geometric beds and ornamental plantings designed to impress royal guests. Over the centuries the plan was softened, but the bones of that design are still visible in long straight paths, framed vistas and carefully composed views toward the castle.From private royal pleasure ground to public city park
For more than a century the garden served the monarch and court, supplying fruit and vegetables to the royal household alongside decorative borders and secluded walks. In the 17th and early 18th centuries, comparisons were drawn with the great formal gardens of continental Europe, underlining Copenhagen’s aspirations as a Renaissance capital. By the 1700s the royal family shifted much of its attention elsewhere, and in the later 18th century the grounds were opened to the public. Since then, the King’s Garden has evolved into a civic park woven into daily city life, used for everything from quiet reading sessions under the trees to cultural events on summer evenings, all while preserving its historic layout.Design details: avenues, borders and pavilions
Today the garden is a patchwork of distinct spaces. Broad lawns invite informal picnics and games, while tree-lined avenues such as the Knight’s Path and Lady’s Path create stately corridors of shade. A famously long herbaceous border, often described as one of the longest in Northern Europe, runs in a riot of color through the season, with carefully layered planting providing interest from early spring to late autumn. Closer to the castle you find more formal compositions, including a Renaissance-inspired rose garden with espaliers and a small pavilion echoing historical maze designs. Scattered statues add sculptural punctuation, and the Hercules Pavilion at the edge of the park, now used as a café and cultural space, recalls centuries of changing garden fashions.Seasonal moods and everyday atmosphere
The King’s Garden changes character with the calendar. In early spring, carpets of crocuses and other bulbs spread across the lawns in front of Rosenborg, while fresh green leaves transform the avenues into airy tunnels. Summer brings dense foliage, fragrant roses and long Nordic evenings when people linger late on the grass. Autumn paints the trees in warm tones that contrast beautifully with the castle’s brickwork. Despite its central location, the mood is relaxed and unhurried. Office workers eat lunch on benches, families pause at the playgrounds, and students stretch out with books on sunny days. The garden’s mix of open spaces and tucked-away corners makes it easy to choose between sociable lawns and quieter spots under mature trees.Planning your visit in the city center
The garden covers around 12 hectares, large enough for a leisurely wander yet compact enough to explore in a single visit. Paths are mostly level and well maintained, and many are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Benches are dotted throughout, and in good weather people often bring blankets for the grass. Simple information boards explain elements of the layout and history, while occasional events and installations lend extra energy in peak season. Best of all, entry to the King’s Garden itself is free, making it an easy addition to any day in Copenhagen’s historic core. Whether you pair it with a timed visit inside Rosenborg Castle or simply use it as a leafy pause between other sights, it offers a distinct blend of royal heritage and everyday urban life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Varehuset Messen
0.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
St. Paul's Church
0.5 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Fiolstræde 42
0.6 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.6 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.7 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Memorial Anchor
0.7 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Stork Fountain
0.7 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.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.7 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Amagertorv
0.7 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
0.8 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Højbro Pl.
0.8 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Højbro Plads
0.8 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Jorcks Passage
0.8 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.8 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rosenborg Castle
0.2 km
Discover Rosenborg Castle—Copenhagen’s Renaissance jewel—home to Denmark’s royal regalia, opulent halls, and centuries of captivating royal history in scenic gardens.
The David Collection
0.2 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Museum of Natural History
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.4 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Botanical Garden
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Kultorvet
0.5 km
Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Skaal
0.5 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
The Round Tower
0.5 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Nyboder
0.5 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Indre By
0.6 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Workers Museum
0.6 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
Balderdash
0.6 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.6 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Essential places to dine
Alouette
0.3 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Kokkeriet
0.4 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Den Lille Fede
0.5 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Frank
0.5 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Bistro Royal
0.5 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.6 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Marchal
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Selma
0.6 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.3 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.4 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Storm - design art fashion
0.4 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Norse Projects
0.5 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.5 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Fjällräven
0.5 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Norse Store
0.5 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Time's Up Vintage
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
0.6 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
0.6 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.6 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.6 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Trykbar
0.3 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Gejser Bar
0.4 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
The Moose
0.5 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.5 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Black Swan
0.5 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
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.
Bar Deco
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Bar'Vin
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
1105
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Strøm
0.6 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.6 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.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.7 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.5 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.
Lusso
0.6 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.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Hive
0.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Chateau Motel
0.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Rumors
0.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
0.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
0.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
1.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Dorsia
1.0 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Zefside
1.1 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Relaxing
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
