Rosenborg Castle
A fairytale Dutch Renaissance castle housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and 400 years of royal treasures.
A stunning Dutch Renaissance castle built by Christian IV in 1606, Rosenborg Castle sits in the heart of Copenhagen surrounded by the King's Garden. Once a royal residence, it now houses a museum displaying 400 years of Danish royal treasures, including the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia in its basement vaults. The castle's 24 rooms across three levels showcase lavishly decorated chambers, tapestries, and personal artifacts that reveal the intimate lives of Danish monarchs.
A brief summary to Rosenborg Castle
- Øster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen, København K, 1350, DK
- +4533153286
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during peak season (May–September). Timed entry tickets are issued upon arrival, and afternoon slots may require waiting several hours before your assigned entry time. Summer opening begins at 9 AM; winter opening is 10 AM.
- Pick up a self-guided tour leaflet at the entrance in your preferred language. The leaflet explains each room's history and significance, transforming your visit into a deeper exploration of royal life and Danish history.
- Don't miss the Treasury in the basement vaults—the Danish Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia are included with admission and represent the highlight for many visitors. Allow at least two hours total for a thorough visit.
- Time your visit to witness the daily changing-of-the-guard ceremony at noon, which begins at the castle and continues to Amalienborg Palace. Combine your castle visit with a walk through the King's Garden for a complete royal experience.
- Consider purchasing a Parkmuseerne ticket (245 DKK) for access to all six museums in the King's Garden district, including Rosenborg Castle. This offers better value if you plan to visit multiple sites.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Public Metro & Walking
From Copenhagen Central Station, take the Metro Line M1 or M2 toward Vanløse or Christianshavn. Exit at Nørreport Station (approximately 8 minutes). From Nørreport, walk northeast through the King's Garden for 5–8 minutes to reach Rosenborg Castle. The castle is clearly signposted within the garden. This is the most convenient and frequent option, with trains every 3–4 minutes during peak hours. Cost: approximately 24–36 DKK for a single ticket.
-
Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area around Rosenborg Castle. Bus lines 5A, 14, and 42 stop near Øster Voldgade, the street where the castle is located. Journey time from the city center is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Cost: approximately 24–36 DKK for a single ticket.
-
Bicycle
Copenhagen is highly bike-friendly with extensive cycle paths. Rent a bicycle from one of the city's many bike-sharing systems or rental shops. From the city center, the ride to Rosenborg Castle takes approximately 10–15 minutes via dedicated cycle routes. Bike parking is available near the castle entrance. Cost: approximately 30–80 DKK for hourly rental or 80–150 DKK for daily rental depending on the provider.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, local Danish services) are available throughout Copenhagen. Journey time from the city center is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. The castle address is Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 Copenhagen. Estimated cost: 80–150 DKK from central Copenhagen. Note that parking near the castle is limited; public transport or cycling is recommended.
Rosenborg Castle location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Rosenborg Castle
A Summer Palace Becomes a Royal Treasure House
Rosenborg Castle began as King Christian IV's dream—a modest summer retreat built between 1606 and 1634 in the heart of Copenhagen. What started as a small pleasure palace evolved through four stages of expansion, ultimately doubling in size and becoming the king's favorite residence. Christian IV loved the castle so deeply that on his deathbed in 1648, he commanded to be transported there to spend his final days within its walls. The castle remained a working royal residence until around 1710, when Frederik IV relocated the court to newer palaces. After that, Rosenborg served only as an emergency refuge—most notably after the Christiansborg Palace fire of 1794 and during the British attack on Copenhagen in 1801. In 1838, the castle opened to the public as a museum, beginning its second life as a keeper of Danish royal history.Dutch Renaissance Elegance in Brick and Stone
The castle's architectural style reflects Christian IV's travels across Europe and his ambition to position Denmark among the great courts of the continent. Built in the Dutch Renaissance tradition, Rosenborg features the distinctive sharply pitched gables, symmetrical facades, and ornamental sandstone details that became hallmarks of Danish architecture during this era. Architects Bertel Lange and Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger brought the king's vision to life, creating a structure that served as both a pleasure palace and a statement of royal power. The red brick walls, decorative turrets, and manicured gardens surrounding the castle evoke a fairytale atmosphere, yet every architectural element was carefully calculated to convey order, control, and Denmark's place among European powers.Rooms Frozen in Time
Inside, visitors encounter 24 rooms spread across three levels, each meticulously preserved to reflect the opulence of royal life. The Winter Room, where Christian IV's personal writing closet still stands, sets the tone for the journey through centuries of Danish monarchy. The Knights' Hall commands attention with its coronation thrones adorned with narwhal tusks and three life-size silver lions standing sentinel. Walls throughout the castle display tapestries commemorating battles between Denmark and Sweden, while elaborate stucco ceilings—particularly in the Marble Room—showcase cherubs and royal insignia. The Long Hall stretches the full length of the castle's top floor, a single magnificent space that once hosted royal gatherings. Personal touches abound: the king's bedchamber where Christian IV died, his private bathroom, and wax figures of former inhabitants create an intimate connection to the people who once lived here. Smaller rooms house unexpected collections of pottery, bronze figures, and glassware that reveal the diverse interests of the royal court.The Crown Jewels and Royal Treasury
Beneath the castle lies its most precious treasure: the Danish Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia, still worn by the reigning queen on state occasions. The Treasury vaults display magnificent royal crowns, ceremonial regalia, and artifacts spanning centuries of Danish monarchy. This secure repository has protected Denmark's most sacred symbols through wars, fires, and political upheaval. The basement also conceals a remarkable historical curiosity—a 17th-century "invisible music" system where court musicians once played in a hidden cellar chamber, their sound traveling through acoustic ducts to drift mysteriously into the rooms above, creating an ethereal musical experience without visible performers.The King's Garden: Copenhagen's Oldest Royal Park
Surrounding the castle lies Kongens Have, the King's Garden, Denmark's oldest royal garden. Christian IV embellished these grounds in the Renaissance style shortly before constructing the main castle, creating a verdant retreat that has served Copenhageners for over four centuries. Today, the gardens attract an estimated 2.5 million visitors annually, offering peaceful walks among manicured lawns, flower beds, and tree-lined paths. The Royal Life Guards garrison remains stationed in nearby barracks, maintaining the castle's ceremonial significance. A changing-of-the-guard ceremony occurs daily at noon, continuing a tradition that connects modern Copenhagen to its royal past.A Living Museum of Danish Identity
Rosenborg Castle functions as more than a historical artifact—it is a living chronicle of Danish culture and royal identity. The museum's collections span from the late 16th century through the 19th century, encompassing artifacts once belonging to nobility and aristocracy alongside items used by the royal family. Visitors can trace the evolution of Danish taste, power, and artistic patronage through carefully curated rooms. The castle's role in Danish history extends beyond its walls: it witnessed the nation's transformation from a major European power to a smaller kingdom, survived fires and foreign attacks, and ultimately became a symbol of cultural continuity and national pride. Today's visitors walk the same corridors as Christian IV, experiencing the grandeur and intimacy of royal life across four centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fiolstræde 42
0.5 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
0.5 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Varehuset Messen
0.6 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
0.6 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.6 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Stork Fountain
0.8 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.
Amagertorv
0.8 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.
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.
Strøget
0.8 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Church of Our Lady
0.8 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Kongens Nytorv
0.8 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Frederik's Church
0.8 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
Bredgade 18
0.8 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Dronning Louises Bro
0.8 km
An elegant 1887 granite bridge uniting Copenhagen's city centre with vibrant Nørrebro, crowned by neon lights and historic charm.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
The King's Garden
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Museum of Natural History
0.2 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.
Botanical Garden
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.3 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.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.3 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
The David Collection
0.4 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Kultorvet
0.4 km
Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
Skaal
0.4 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Workers Museum
0.5 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.
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's labor history at The Workers Museum in Copenhagen's historic Workers' Assembly Hall.
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.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.5 km
Heritage 19th‑century walls meet modern apartment comfort in a buzzing, hyper‑central corner of Copenhagen’s historic inner city.
TorvehallerneKBH
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s glass-walled food halls where Nordic produce, global flavours and everyday city life come together in one vibrant urban marketplace.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Københavns Synagoge
0.6 km
A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.3 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Alouette
0.4 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.
Selma
0.5 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.
Kokkeriet
0.5 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
ARK
0.6 km
Michelin Green Star vegan fine dining in central Copenhagen, where seasonal Nordic produce, foraging and low-waste philosophy shape an intimate tasting-menu experience.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.6 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 Koefoed
0.6 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Det Lille Apotek
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.6 km
Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.7 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 Vita
0.7 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
0.7 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.
Wining and Dining
0.7 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
l’Alsace
0.7 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant Rebel
0.7 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.4 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.5 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.
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.
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.
Exotic Mix
0.5 km
Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Time's Up Vintage
0.5 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
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.
Storm - design art fashion
0.6 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.
Another nué
0.6 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Norse Store
0.6 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
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.
The Wilde Shop
0.7 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Magnolias
0.7 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
0.7 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
0.8 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Trykbar
0.4 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
0.5 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Bootleggers
0.5 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Bar'Vin
0.6 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
The Moose
0.6 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.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.6 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Charlie's Bar
0.6 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
No Stress Bar
0.6 km
Basement cocktail pub in Copenhagen’s historic center mixing dessert-inspired drinks, games, comedy and drag shows into one laid-back, late-night hangout.
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.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.6 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
0.6 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.
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.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
1105
0.7 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
