The Danish Parliament at Christiansborg Palace
Historic Christiansborg Palace on Slotsholmen, where the Danish Parliament works daily beneath copper spires in a single complex shared with courtrooms and royal state rooms.
Set on the tiny islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, the Danish Parliament occupies part of Christiansborg Palace, a vast neo-baroque complex that has been the heart of Danish power for centuries. Here, under the palace’s copper-clad tower, Denmark’s modern democracy operates side by side with the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister’s offices and the royal reception rooms. Visitors can explore selected areas on guided tours, delve into the building’s dramatic history of fires and rebuilds, and glimpse how a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary system intersect in a single monumental seat of power.
A brief summary to The Danish Parliament
- Christiansborg, Indre By, Indre By, 1218, DK
- +4533375500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- If you want to see the Parliament in action, plan your visit for a weekday when the Folketing is in session; check sitting days in advance and allow extra time for security.
- Join an official guided tour of the Folketing rather than exploring alone; it provides access to more areas and gives valuable context on Danish politics and the building’s history.
- Combine a visit to the Danish Parliament with the palace tower and the ruins beneath Christiansborg to understand the full vertical story of power on Slotsholmen, from foundations to skyline.
- Arrive with only essential belongings; airport-style security and bag checks can create queues, especially during busy times and for larger groups.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; some interior corridors and stone staircases within the palace can feel cool compared with the streets outside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen or M4 metro line to Gammel Strand or Rådhuspladsen; trains run every few minutes and the ride is about 3–6 minutes from Nørreport. A standard two-zone ticket costs roughly 20–30 DKK and is valid across buses, metro and S-trains. From either station, expect a short, level urban walk on paved surfaces that is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though weather can make conditions wet or windy near the canals.
-
Bus within the inner city
Several city bus routes serve the streets around Slotsholmen from hubs like Nørreport, Østerport and the central station, with journey times typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. A single two-zone bus fare is around 20–30 DKK, or you can use a travel card for better value if riding multiple times. Buses are low-floor with space for wheelchairs and prams, but peak hours can be crowded and standing may be required for part of the ride.
-
Bicycle from nearby districts
Copenhagen’s cycle lanes make reaching Christiansborg by bike straightforward from neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro in roughly 10–20 minutes. You can rent a city bike or standard bicycle from many local providers, typically from about 100–150 DKK for a day. Surfaces are mostly flat and well marked, but be prepared for heavy bicycle traffic at rush hour and obey local cycling etiquette at junctions and along the canals.
-
On foot from the historic centre
If you are staying around Strøget, Nyhavn or the Latin Quarter, you can walk to the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg in approximately 10–20 minutes along level, urban streets. Pavements are generally well maintained, though older cobblestones appear around the palace courtyards and can be uneven for wheeled mobility aids. This option is free and allows you to appreciate the transition from shopping streets and canals into the more formal government quarter on Slotsholmen.
The Danish Parliament location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Danish Parliament
Island of Power in the Heart of Copenhagen
Christiansborg Palace rises from the low-lying islet of Slotsholmen, a compact patch of land long known to Copenhageners as the Island of Power. For more than eight centuries this site has concentrated royal, judicial and political authority, evolving from fortified castle to contemporary seat of government. Today the Danish Parliament, or Folketinget, occupies much of the palace, sharing the complex with the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister’s offices and ceremonial rooms still used by the monarchy. From the outside, the parliament wing is part of a heavy, granite-clad ensemble crowned by a tall copper tower. The architecture projects solidity and continuity, a deliberate choice after centuries of upheaval and rebuilding. Stepping into the parliamentary areas, you move from the broad courtyards and cobbles of Slotsholmen into a working institution where Denmark’s laws are proposed, debated and passed.Layers of Ruins, Palaces and Political Change
The story of the Danish Parliament here begins long before democracy. In the late 12th century Bishop Absalon raised a fortress on this site, later replaced by Copenhagen Castle as royal power expanded. Over time that castle gave way to the first Christiansborg Palace, commissioned in the 18th century as a grand baroque residence for an absolute monarch. It was once the largest palace in northern Europe, its scale meant to advertise royal authority across the region. Two devastating fires, in 1794 and 1884, erased successive palaces but not the function of the island. Each reconstruction added new architectural layers while cementing Slotsholmen’s role as the nation’s political core. By the early 20th century, as Denmark entrenched constitutional rule and parliamentary government, the decision was made to rebuild Christiansborg explicitly as a democratic centre rather than a royal home.Neo-baroque Halls and Working Chambers
The current Christiansborg Palace, completed in 1928, combines historicist neo-baroque forms with classicist remnants from earlier buildings. Inside the parliamentary section, corridors lined with stone, wood panelling and subdued artwork lead to offices, committee rooms and the main chamber. The Folketing chamber itself is designed to be both formal and functional, with tiered seating, strong sightlines and a central rostrum where debates unfold. Public access is carefully structured around this working environment. Guided visits typically follow a set route, interpreting architectural details while explaining parliamentary procedure, party groupings and the legislative process. The juxtaposition of grand staircases and everyday office life underlines how Christiansborg serves simultaneously as a historical monument and a living workplace for Danish democracy.Shared Home of Monarch, Government and Courts
One of Christiansborg’s most distinctive features is its institutional coexistence. Under one roof, the Danish Parliament sits alongside the offices of the Prime Minister, the Supreme Court of Denmark and the royal reception suites. This arrangement reflects the country’s constitutional balance: a ceremonial monarchy, independent judiciary and elected legislature, each with its own function but physically interlinked around the same courtyards and corridors. For visitors, this concentration of roles becomes visible in subtle ways. Signage points toward courtrooms and ministries; security posts mark thresholds between public and restricted zones; portraits and state symbols trace the evolution from absolute rule to parliamentary governance. The building itself becomes a diagram of the Danish state, with the Folketing at its core.Experiencing the Seat of Danish Democracy
A visit to the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg is less about ornate display and more about understanding how a modern parliamentary system operates in a deeply historical setting. Depending on timing, you may glimpse activity in the chamber, see committee doors standing open, or encounter staff and politicians moving briskly between meetings. Guided tours often draw connections between the laws debated here and the wider social model that Denmark is known for. Beyond the formalities, there is a quieter fascination in simply pausing within the palace’s courtyards or under the tower and reflecting on the many regimes this small island has seen. From medieval fortifications to absolute monarchy and on to today’s constitutional order, the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg represents the latest chapter in a long narrative of power, compromise and renewal written in stone, brick and copper.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Danish Parliament
0.0 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
0.1 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
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
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
The Stable Boy's House
0.3 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.
Strøget
0.4 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.4 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.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.4 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Circle Bridge
0.4 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.
Knippelsbro
0.4 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
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.
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
Slotsholmen
0.1 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
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.
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
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
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.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.2 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
0.2 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.2 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
0.2 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.
Børsen
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Church of Holmen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
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.
Gammel Strand
0.3 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.
Bishop Absalon
0.3 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.
Essential places to dine
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Llama
0.5 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 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Hygge Original
0.4 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
0.4 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
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.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.4 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
& Other Stories
0.4 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Magnolias
0.4 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
0.5 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
0.3 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
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.
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.
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.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
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.
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.
Balderdash
0.5 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.
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.
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.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
- 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
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
