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Amalienborg Palace: The Living Heart of Denmark’s Monarchy

Amalienborg Palace is Copenhagen’s royal residence and a living symbol of Denmark’s monarchy, known for its rococo facades, historic museum, and daily Royal Guard ceremony.

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Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish Royal Family, set in central Copenhagen. This stately 18th-century complex, comprising four identical rococo mansions around a cobblestone square, reveals both royal grandeur and a living heritage. Visitors marvel at the daily changing of the Royal Guard and explore exhibits reflecting Denmark’s monarchical past and present.

A brief summary to Kunsthal Charlottenborg

  • Tuesday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive just before noon to witness the daily changing of the Royal Guard in the main square.
  • Museum admission is discounted with the Copenhagen Card; exterior and square are always free to visit.
  • Combine your visit with the nearby Frederik’s Church for exceptional photographs of the palace and dome.
  • Lockers are available at the museum entrance; large bags are not permitted inside the royal apartments.
  • Stroll toward the waterfront after your visit to enjoy views of the Opera House and city skyline.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the center of Roskilde, travelers can take a frequent mainline train to Copenhagen Central Station. From there, transfer to the city’s yellow buses or the Metro M3 line toward Kongens Nytorv, a well-known city square lined with historic buildings. The palace is a short walk from the metro exit, passing through vibrant city thoroughfares with clear signage. The full journey often takes about 60–75 minutes. A standard one-way ticket from Roskilde to Copenhagen covers both train and metro/bus segments and costs approx. 110–130 DKK per adult.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be found at Roskilde’s central train hub and travel directly to the Amalienborg area in Copenhagen. The trip, depending on traffic, generally takes 45–60 minutes and brings you through city landmarks and waterfront districts before reaching the palace square. Expect fares to start around 900–1200 DKK for the full journey.

  • Driving

    Arriving by car from Roskilde, you’ll travel along motorways toward central Copenhagen, entering the historic city core close to major royal and political landmarks. Parking is particularly limited and paid around Amalienborg; street meter rates in this district are typically 38–50 DKK per hour. Be prepared for congestion and one-way systems. No tolls apply within the city, but you may encounter controlled zones depending on time of day and events.

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Discover more about Kunsthal Charlottenborg

Amalienborg Palace stands as a remarkable emblem of royal tradition and Danish history, anchoring the Frederiksstaden quarter with its elegant eight-sided courtyard. Built in the 18th century, the palace consists of four virtually identical rococo buildings arranged around a formal plaza, at the center of which stands an imposing equestrian statue of King Frederick V, the founder of the palace. Though it exudes grand ceremonial presence with its stone façades and uniformed guards, Amalienborg is unique among European royal palaces in its intimacy: the Danish royal family continues to reside here, and on certain days, travelers may glimpse members crossing the square between engagements. The main museum, housed in Christian VIII's Palace, guides visitors through the personal histories and artifacts of Danish monarchs from the 19th century to the present, offering insight into the monarchy’s adaptation to times of war, neutrality, and social change. Rooms are preserved with authentic royal interiors, from ornate salons to intimate study spaces. Powerful historic moments—such as the occupation of Denmark during WWII—are vividly rendered through multimedia exhibits and royal memorabilia. Perhaps most iconic for visitors is the daily changing of the Royal Guard, a colorful ritual accompanied by a marching band on special occasions. The atmosphere in and around Amalienborg is both regal and open, with locals and tourists mingling freely across the square. Its location in Copenhagen’s heart offers striking views toward the waterfront and the grand Frederik’s Church, its copper dome visible above the rooftops. While the palace exterior can be admired for free year-round, museum access and guided tours invite deeper exploration of royal life past and present. Amalienborg’s blend of stately architecture, living tradition, and accessible history make it an essential destination for anyone curious about Denmark.

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